The Wolfson Reading Room

In order to ensure the safety of our staff and readers, we have made some temporary changes to our Wolfson Reading Room Rules and Regulations, and the services available. Please make sure to read the following carefully to make the most of your visit. These regulations will be under constant review and might change at short notice. In visiting us you agree to abide by these rules.

Revised opening hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am – 5pm

Desk reservations

Visiting the Wolfson Reading Room is only possible for those who pre-book an appointment. To make a booking please email the Collections Team including your name, a contact number, and the date you would like to visit. You no longer need to tell us what items you would like to consult. Staff will retrieve your items from our stores upon your arrival.

Please make sure you submit your booking as soon as you can. 

There will be a limit of 4 readers per day. Please see our Collections Catalogue for our holdings. Your booking is only approved when you receive an email confirmation including the date you would like to visit.

Please make sure you only use the desk allocated to you on arrival in the Reading Room. 

A member of staff will be available at the Enquiry Desk for assistance. Please respect social distancing and wear your face covering at all times at your desk (unless you are exempt) and when talking to Library staff or moving around in the building. Should you need more detailed assistance or have questions related to your research please email the Collections Team

Please note that the lift is not available for public use at this time.

Reading Room Services

Available
  • Digital photography (normal fee)
  • Card payment
  • Microfilm readers
  • UNWCC, AJR Refugee Voices, Girls databases, ITS (self-use only)
Unavailable
  • Terminals for access to the Online Catalogue
  • Lockers
  • Printing outs
  • Scanning on to USB at the Digital Scanner
  • Cash payment

Cancellations

While we will try to do everything to accommodate your research visit, there might be times when we must cancel your booking on short notice. We recognise this might cause inconvenience to you and ask you to be understanding under these extraordinary circumstances. Should we need to cancel your booking, we will email you as soon as possible but no later than 10am on the day of your visit.

Hygiene and social distancing

The building is cleaned professionally daily. In order to ensure the safety of our staff and readers, we encourage the following additional hygiene measures:

  • Entry to the building is dependent on wearing a face covering (please bring your own).
  • You must wear a face-covering at all times in the Library, including at your desk, unless exempt.
  • Please use the hand sanitisers available when you enter the building, the Reading Room, or the basement toilets.
  • We disinfect all computer equipment, microfilm readers, table and chair after each use.
  • Please be aware that library materials might be quarantined for 72 hours after use.
  • To improve ventilation, windows will be opened by staff and should be left open if at all possible.
  • The lift will not be available for public use. Please do Contact Us in advance if you have any mobility issues. 
  • It is your responsibility to follow all hygiene rules in addition to the current government guidelines on social distancing as best you can. We encourage people to keep 2m apart wherever possible.