How do researchers book a visit?
Research visitors may be admitted to the collections only by prior appointment.
Booking a visit
To book a visit, please follow the guidance below:
- Contact the appropriate collections team. If you wish to visit the Library and Archives, please read the guidance on using their services first.
- Agree on a mutually convenient time to access the collections or facilities.
- You may be required to provide a statement of intent and confirmation of institutional affiliation before your visit is authorised.
- Visitors are asked to observe the rules and regulations for accessing the collections PDF (145 KB) when organising a visit.
Your appointment
Appointments are provided on an individual basis. Due to high demand, there may be a waiting list to access the collections for research purposes.
Appointments are granted with the understanding that visitors will attend on the dates they are booked.
Please inform us promptly if you no longer require your booking (or part of it) so we can offer it to others.
Contact details
Please get in touch with the appropriate team to arrange a visit.
Contact details can be found in the staff directory or on the pages for each section:
FAQs
How long will it take before I can visit?
In some areas, demand for access is extremely high, and research scientists and students who wish to work in the collections often need to apply at least two months before any anticipated visit.
This enables us to:
- take into account the allocation of space and resources by the department
- allow enough time to process forms for identification credentials
- enable the arrangement of Library and Archives access, stipends and email
- ensure appropriate scientific staff will be available during the visit
- ensure adequate laboratory space and equipment are available
- allow us to advise you of any charges relating to facility fees
- coordinate with other departments
What if I can no longer attend my appointment?
Appointments are granted with the understanding that visitors will attend on the dates they are booked.
Please inform us promptly if you no longer require your booking (or part of it) so we can make it available to others.
When will I get a response to my request?
You should receive an acknowledgement (this may be automated) within five working days and a reply within three weeks.
We receive a large number of requests to use the collections and aim to respond to each as quickly as possible, but please bear with us.
When should I book travel arrangements?
Do not make travel arrangements until we have confirmed:
- the dates of your visit
- the items you wish to view, or the equipment you wish to use, are available.
- if there are any facility fees associated with your visit
Do I need to bring identification?
To access certain collections, you may be required to provide personal identification.
Please see our required documents page for more information, including which forms of identification we accept.
Can I visit multiple collections?
Yes!
You can view more than one collection on your visit, but you will need to make appropriate prior arrangements with each section.
Ensure your hosts are aware you plan to do this so your visit can be coordinated to make efficient use of your time.
Can I visit multiple departments?
Yes!
If you wish to visit other departments, such as the Library and Archives, make prior arrangements and ensure that your hosts are aware of your plan. This way, your visit can be coordinated to make efficient use of your time.
If you require access to our laboratories and/or equipment, please contact them to check availability and pricing.
Are there any fees?
We may charge visitor hosting fees that reflect the space required, staff time, and other factors associated with your visit.
We also charge for some use of the collections, including commercial use. Your host will be able to advise if there are charges applicable to your visit.
Access to specialist laboratories and the use of equipment are normally chargeable and can be booked in advance. Please contact [email protected] to check availability and pricing.
Can I bring someone with me?
Visitors may not admit family members, partners, friends, colleagues or other guests into the back-of-house areas during their visit without prior consultation with their host.
Visitors may not bring children, which includes anyone under the age of 18, into the collections or laboratories.
What can I bring with me?
Please visit our dedicated page for more information about what you can bring into the collections.
Do you provide anything for visitors?
Please see our dedicated page to find out how we can support your visit.
Where do I go to access the collection?
Please see our dedicated page to find out where to go when you visit.
What are my responsibilities as a visitor?
Our visitors contribute greatly to the enhancement of the collections, both scientifically and educationally.
The collections in our care are of worldwide significance and contain irreplaceable historical material.
To help us ensure we can preserve them as a scientific resource for future generations, we ask visitors to observe our rules and regulations when:
- organising a visit to the collections
- visiting our collections and laboratories
- corresponding with staff after the visit.
Please see our visitor responsibilities page for our rules and regulations regarding access to the collections.