Protecting the health and safety of our staff and readers is our main priority. We therefore ask you to read these guidelines carefully before visiting.
Everyone will be expected to abide by these rules and failure to do so will result in you being asked to leave the premises.
All our services are available in the North Reading Room.
Readers with an Online Reader's Ticket will need to upgrade to a Full Reader's Ticket at Reception on their first visit.
Check the current Reading Room opening times before you visit.
You will be able to order items in the usual way using the Library Catalogue, but we would urge you to order materials at least a day in advance of your visit if possible.
You will be restricted to 10 items at a time.
There will be access to all collections in the Reading Room.
Terminals will be available for research or for accessing non-print legal deposit material.
We strongly urge you to bring your own laptops, if possible. There will be full access to the Library’s Wi-Fi.
There will be no self-service photocopying. For this period alone we will waive the fee for taking photos with your own phone or camera in the Reading Room. All copyright restrictions will still apply.
If you develop a high temperature or a persistent cough while at the Library, you should take the following steps:
You must follow the guidance on self-isolation and not return to work or the Library until the period of self-isolation has been completed.
It will be possible to communicate with staff in the Reading Room.
We ask you to continue to make use of the Online Enquiries Service.
Hand washing facilities with soap and hot water are provided in the rest rooms. All visitors will ensure stringent hand washing takes place for at least 20 seconds at a time.
Paper towels for drying of hands are provided. Hand sanitisers are also provided in various locations.
Anyone who either has a high temperature or a new persistent cough should not visit the Library, but must follow the guidance on self-isolation.
Anyone who is at increased risk of severe illness from Coronavirus (Covid-19) is strongly advised to stay at home and should be particularly stringent about following social distancing measures.
The measures necessary to minimise the risk of spread of infection rely on everyone taking responsibility for their actions and behaviours.
Please adopt an open and collaborative approach with our staff whilst at the Library and discuss any issues openly so they can be addressed in a positive and respectful manner.
You may also have comments on the measures that we've put in place or concerns that you'd like us to address.
We'd be grateful if you would let us know by completing our Digital Services Questionnaire. Please note in Question 6 that you're commenting on our Guidelines for Readers.
Your feedback will help us to improve our service to our readers.
To see how we deal with your personal data view our Privacy Statement.
