## Reading room closure

On Friday 11 December 2026 our Reading Rooms will close at 14:00. Last orders
for documents will be at 12:30.

Dismiss notification

# Handling documents

Everyone visiting The National Archives has a responsibility to follow good
document handling practice and help preserve the documents in our care.

The National Archives’ collections are publicly accessible, so the most
significant risk to their ongoing condition comes from use. To ensure that
documents remain accessible to everyone, both at present and in the future, this
guidance underlines the fundamentals of good document handling.

This guide also covers how to handle specific types of documents and materials
at The National Archives.

* youtube.com

  ## [Video: Collections handling tips](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlJ1OKfXWOg&list=PLddhSH7bW0pVBzNFsPIaUVs9mMFsA0utJ)

  ![Four visitors sit at tables in a large, open room. Each is looking at a document.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/reading-room-in-use.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

  Before viewing a document in our reading rooms, you must watch this video on how
  to safely handle our collections.
* ## [Regulations and handling aids for handling documents](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/researching-here/handling-documents/regulations-and-handling-aids/)

  ![Black foam support aids placed on table](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/Support-aids-resized-for-we.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

  We have rules you must follow and a range of equipment available to assist with
  the safe handling of documents.
* ## [Handling paper documents](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/researching-here/handling-documents/handling-paper-documents/)

  ![bundles of white paper](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/HCA-30-275-paper-bu.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

  Most records hold by The National Archives are made from paper. Learn how to
  handle them safely and prioritise their conservation.
* ## [Handling parchment documents](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/researching-here/handling-documents/handling-parchment-documents/)

  ![A mass of densely folded and creased parchment](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/Parchment-in-The-Nat_1VGBOhM.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

  Many of the records hold by The National Archives are made from parchment. Learn
  how to handle them safely and prioritise their conservation.
* ## [Handling photographic materials](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/researching-here/handling-documents/handling-photographic-materials/)

  ![A book is open to a A3 page with six black and white images of metal dishes](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/Photographs-resized-for-we.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

  Explore how to handle our Photographic materials include prints, blueprints,
  x-rays, negatives and microfilm.
* ## [Handling seals](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/researching-here/handling-documents/handling-seals/)

  ![A circle shaped disk of wax which has browned in colour. A faded portrait of Queen Elizabeth I can be seen on the disk.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/Seal-resized-for-we.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

  Seals can vary in size and condition. They can be found both within, and
  attached to, documents throughout The National Archives’ collections.
* ## [Hazardous materials](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/researching-here/handling-documents/hazardous-materials/)

  ![A label indicating an insecticide solution has been applied to the binding of a book.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/Notebook-Label-insec_35vAnzI.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

  Within The National Archives’ collection, materials that may present a risk to
  those who access them are occasionally found.

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