Important changes for users of the reading rooms at Kew

Important changes for users of the reading rooms at Kew

04 May 2006

Following the discovery of forged papers in the archives last year we have revised the rules on notebooks and loose sheets that can be taken into the reading rooms as follows

Only notebooks or pads that are bound by spiral wire, staples or stitching will be permitted

Notebooks or pads that have a glue binding, or have 'easy tear' micro-perforations will not be permitted.

Loose sheets, or pads with unacceptable bindings, must be stapled before arrival, or can be stapled at the security desk before being taken into the reading rooms.

These changes have been introduced following consultation with regular users, and are intended to help us to continue to protect the security and integrity of the records in our care.

In addition to this change, we are currently running a three month trial which permits a wider range of personal technology devices into the reading rooms. These changes are as follows:

Any personal device (such as a laptop, palm computer, camera, mobile phone or mp3 player) may be taken into and used in the reading rooms as long as the following conditions are met:

Use of the device does not disturb other users, or the general quiet nature of the reading rooms (for example: devices must operate in 'silent' mode)

Use of the device does not pose a threat to the safety of the records, or other people

Devices that are to be used as cameras in the reading rooms must be registered with Record Copying before use in the reading rooms.  Follow the link to view to the Reading Room photo policy.

The outcome of this trial will be judged on feedback from staff and users. Please give us feedback on this trial by completing a Your Views Matter To Us form.