1. Admittance to the Reading Room
1.1 Researchers wishing to consult material in the Archive should write to the Archivist with details of their research proposal and should offer two references. All visits to the Archive are by prior appointment with the Archivist.
1.2 The Rothschild Archive Reading Room is normally open to Researchers from Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 16.15. Normal Public Holidays are observed. It may occasionally be necessary to close or restrict access to the Reading Room at short notice. Researchers intending to visit from long distances are strongly advised to contact The Rothschild Archive BEFORE entering into any travel commitments.
2. Access to collections
2.1 Archive material dated after 1945 is not generally available to Researchers. Applications to consult post 1945 documents must be made through the Archivist in the first instance. At the discretion of the Archivist, certain other documents may not be available.
2.2 Up to FIVE documents may be produced for Researchers at one time. Researchers may receive further documents upon surrender of items no longer required. (For production purposes, a document may be one file, one box or one volume).
2.3 Appropriate preservation aids for consulting original documents, such as book rests and weights will be provided. Cotton gloves for Researchers are available upon request; magnifying glasses and a light box are also available.
3. Conditions of use of the Reading Room
3.1 On arrival, Researchers will be asked to sign a copy of the Rothschild Archive Research Agreement, a copy of which will be retained by the Archive.
3.2 Bags and coats will be stored by Archive staff outside the search room. Items are left at the owner’s risk.
3.3 Researchers MUST USE PENCILS ONLY and take notes on the paper provided.
3.4 Researchers may bring their own laptops/tablets to assist with making their research notes. Devices with cameras may be used to take images of documents, subject to certain conditions - please refer to the current Copying Policy for further information. All devices must be silent. Power sockets are available to charge/run devices. All devices are used at Researchers' own risk. It is not permitted to make or receive phone calls in the Reading Room.
3.5 SMOKING, EATING AND DRINKING in the Reading Room ARE PROHIBITED.
3.6 In the event of an alarm being sounded, Researchers MUST follow the directions of the staff member on duty.
3.7 The Reading Room is a shared space; Researchers found in violation of these rules, or causing a disturbance to other users will be asked to leave The Rothschild Archive, and may have any privileges extended to them withdrawn.
