Ordering and collecting documents

In this section:

Documents are ordered at the terminals in the Open Reading Room. Current order status screens can be used to monitor your order. Your documents are picked up from the unlocked 'lockers' near the Document Reading Room. Ask any member of staff if you need assistance. Bulk orders are supplied to special seating areas in both reading rooms.

Document Reading Room Help Point

Information desk
Document Reading Room Help Point
The Document Reading Room
The Document Reading Room

The Help Point just outside the Document Reading Room is for any enquiries relating to ordered documents.

Should you experience any problems or difficulties once you have placed an order for your documents, for example, if the term ‘Frustrated’ has appeared on the order status screen or you have been waiting some time for your order to arrive, please refer any issues to the staff on this desk who will be happy to assist.

How we store documents (repositories)

Repository
Repository

Documents are stored in sixteen repositories where they are kept in a stable environment which is not too cold or damp. They also need to be protected from sunlight, pests, fire and water damage.

In the repositories there are a hundred miles of shelving, which is growing by a mile per year!

Current order status screens

The current order status screens in the reading rooms are also normal terminals
The current order status screens in the reading rooms are also normal terminals

You can check the progress of your ordered documents using the current order status screens. These screens are available in all public areas. With the exception of two dedicated machines in the restaurant area, all the current order status screens look like normal terminals and can do all the PC functions too.

For enquiries and help, please speak to staff at the Help Point near the Document Reading Room.

Document collection

Lockers
'Lockers' for document collection

We have 'lockers' or pigeonholes (that don't lock) where your ordered documents are delivered to, we also have a counter on the second floor for larger documents.

Once you have collected your document from your allocated locker, take your order to your reserved seat in the Document Reading Room.

Advanced orders are also collected at this counter.

Correct document handling is essential. Please see our page on how to handle documents.

Maps, plans, charts and oversized document collection

Document collection counter
Document collection counter

Maps, plans, charts and oversized documents are delivered to the document collection counter of the Map and Large Document Reading Room on the second floor.

Ground plan of the National Archives at Kew

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Interactive map