When you arrive at the Royal Berkshire Archives, we will check your booking. Please aim to arrive for the time you have booked as we may not be able to accommodate you earlier or later than expected. If you have not booked in advance, we may not be able to accommodate you and have to turn you away

We will ask you to sign our visitors’ book. By doing this, you agree to abide by the searchroom guidelines below to help us preserve our collections.

For those looking at original documents, we will need to see your Archives Card or complete registration for a Day Pass. Your Archives Card or Day Pass will be kept on the shelf at issue desk for the duration of your visit, so please remember to take it into the searchroom with you.

For those looking at library material, microfilm/microfiche, or the computers, you will not need an Archives Card.

We will ask you to place your personal belongings in the free to use lockers provided. You cannot take any bags, food, drinks, pens, or bladed tools into the searchroom.

• All visitors should sign in the visitors’ book when they visit, in acceptance of the Royal Berkshire Archives rules. Infringement of any of the rules may lead to exclusion from the Archives. The Archives’ exclusion policy will operate in accordance with that of Reading Borough Council.
• Visitors wish to view original documents are asked to register for an archives card or complete a Day Pass. Visitors without the necessary identification will not be refused access to the searchroom but may be refused access to some original sources.
• Visitors will not normally be allowed to take bags and coats into the searchroom. Lockers and a coat rail are provided for visitors in the reception area.
• Visitors can take electronic devices, notebook(s), paper, and pencils into the searchroom. Pens are not permitted.
• Visitors are requested not to eat or drink in the searchroom or take food or drink in. Refreshments can be consumed in the reception area.
• If you have something to eat or drink before you come into the searchroom, please remember to wash your hands before you touch the documents.
• Scissors, knives or other bladed tools are not allowed in the searchroom.
• Please turn any mobile devices to silent and respect the quiet working atmosphere in the searchroom. Some level of talking is to be expected from staff and visitors alike.
• Personal audio equipment is permitted if you listen through headphones at a low level so as not to disturb others.
• Visitors who are violent or abusive, or act in a threatening or intimidating manner either towards other visitors or towards staff, will be asked to leave.
• Copies are supplied to visitors within the regulations under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 and for the purposes of non-commercial private study or research only. Visitors requiring copies for other reasons should state the purpose when applying for a copy to be made.
• Visitors should follow the directions of staff in relation to document handling:
  • Original documents must only be consulted at the recognised manuscript space in the searchroom. They must not be removed to other areas of the room or be taken out of the searchroom.
  • Visitors are requested not to lean or rest anything on documents – document weights can be provided if required.
  • Use the protective polyester sheets provided if you want to follow the text of an item with your finger, or to make a tracing
  • Place volumes on the supporting cushions provided
  • Use gloves for items when requested