This page will give you information on how to book a research slot and what to expect when you come to the library

Booking slots

• Timed slots must be booked in advance of the visit.
• Slots are limited to three separate visitors at any one time.
• The timings are 9.00 am to 12.00 pm and /or 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
• The reading room is closed for an hour from 12.00 till 1.00 and you will be asked to vacate the room during this time.
• Slots may be booked from Tuesday to Friday. Slots are not guaranteed and staff will email you to confirm your slot or suggest the next suitable time and date.

Materials

• Materials needed for research must be requested in advance and will be retrieved in advance by a member of Library staff.
• Photography of materials will be permitted (provided the materials are not copyright), but there will be no access to photocopying or scanning equipment.

At the library

• On arrival at the Library, patrons will be met by a member of the team.
• Patrons will be required to wash their hands thoroughly (for a minimum of 20 seconds) before handling Special Collections materials (facilities will be available on the ground floor of the library). We ask that you do not use alcohol-based sanitiser whilst handling Special Collections, as this can damage the items.
• No food or drink to be consumed in the Special Collections Reading Room.
• No notes or marks to be made on the materials.
• All written notes to be made using pencil (We may be able to provide a pencil).
• Materials are not be removed from the Special Collections Reading Room.

For more information, or to book a research slot. please email libline@essex.ac.uk