Enquiries and visiting

Email enquiries

To ask questions about our collections, email the Search Engine team at search.engine@nrm.org.uk.

We'll aim to answer research and collections enquiries within 20 working days, but occasionally responses may be delayed. Enquiries are logged so we can ensure good service, and are dealt with in the order we receive them (although we'll try to answer booking enquiries as quickly as possible). Staff can't undertake more than 30 minutes of research in response to email enquiries (see the Inreach section below if you have need more extensive research.)

Inreach: researchers working on your behalf

If you need extensive research done (more than 30 minutes), our 'Inreach' team of volunteers can conduct research in our library and archives for you. In return we ask for a donation (suggested £20 per day of research), which we'll use to fund improved access to our archive collections. The Inreach team can also copy documents for you, subject to the normal copying service terms and conditions.

Email inreach@nrm.org.uk with as much detail as possible, and please allow up to four weeks for an initial response (we'll aim to get back to you sooner).

Visiting in person

An appointment isn't necessary to visit the library and archive centre, but contacting us in advance of your visit will help us to provide a better service and save you time when you arrive. If you know the books you'd like to look at, let us know so we can have them ready for you. If you would like to access original materials, please contact us at least 24 hours before your visit, and read the section below.

To make a booking, email search.engine@nrm.org.uk. We recommend you contact us at least 24 hours in advance of your visit.

Accessing archives and original materials while you're here

You can access archive material in the invigilated research rooms in Search Engine, but you will need to bring one form of identification with you (e.g. passport, driving license) to register you as an archive user. If you haven't pre-booked, seating is available on a first-come first-served basis, and material will be brought to the research room by our staff at timed intervals. There might be restrictions on the number of materials that you can access in one day: contact us if you need more details.

House rules for the research rooms

  • Pencils only
  • You can bring notepads, loose leaf paper and laptops to make notes
  • No food or drink
  • No flash photography. Photo permission form required for other photography: ask staff
  • No coats or bags (lockers are available: £1 coin deposit)
  • Mobile phones can be used for text messaging or photography, but must be switched to silent

If you want to photocopy documents while you're here, check with staff: you might be able to use the self-service photocopier, but with some documents staff will need to do it for you, or you'll need to fill in copying service forms. Large photocopying requests (e.g. 20+ pages) will incur a £5 admin charge (which includes post and packaging).

You can order photocopies from home: see Copying Service

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