Using Special Collections
Special Collections are open to all members of the Library.
Researchers using the Archive and Manuscripts, who would normally pay to join the Library, can access the collections free of charge with an archive readers day ticket. This must be arranged with at least one day’s notice by supplying the following information: Name, UK address, email and archive or manuscript items to be consulted.
The majority of the Palaeography and Manuscript studies and Book Studies collections are available on the shelves in the Reading Room.
Back issues of Palaeography periodicals and journals are stored in the Main Library Stack and can be ordered through the Fetch Service.
Request items via the Library Catalogue
Printed special collections material can be ordered via the Library Catalogue, and consulted in the Special Collections Reading Room.
Contact us
Please contact the Special Collections Reading Room team by phone, or email shl.specialcollections@london.ac.uk to request an archive readers day ticket. Please note that these tickets are available by prior arrangement only.
Virtual Reading Room
The Library offers a Virtual Reading Room service to enable researchers to make online appointments to consult our Special Collections and Archives remotely, no matter where they are based.