The Learning Zone is the first thing you see when you walk into the Open Reading Room on the first floor. The Learning Zone is specifically designed for people who are new to The National Archives. Ask any member of staff here about basic information and advice on:
The Open Reading Room, on the first floor, is the central enquiry point. As well as the Learning Zone, it contains:
The National Archives specialist Medieval and Early Modern Records Information Service (MEMRIS), offers expert advice on topics before 1688.
A member of MEMRIS is normally on duty in the Map and Large Document Reading Room on the second floor between 11:00 and 15:00 each day.
Printed copies of the research guides are located on the first floor.
The research guides index board lists all guides:
We have self-service microfilm and microfiche reader facilities in the Open Reading Room on the first floor. We also have special copiers to allow you to make and take away copies.
Ask a member of staff to help you identify which documents are on microfilm and which are on microfiche and their location within the Open Reading Room. When you have a microfilm or microfiche you pick up either a blue box or a red card to indicate the reader you are using - a red card corresponds to a microfiche reader and a blue box to a microfilm reader. When temporarily not using your reader, you leave your indicator to show it's taken.
The library in the Open Reading Room, on the first floor, provides an information service to all researchers at The National Archives to aid interpretation and use of the archives.
The library contains a collection of 65,000 books, pamphlets, directories, yearbooks and periodicals covering a wide range of subjects, including family, local and military history, British and colonial history, law, parliament and government administration. There are also published materials relating to the documents in the archive itself as well as information on the professional and business activities of The National Archives.
There are quiet study areas within the library, and they have sockets for laptop computers. Other facilities are online catalogues, a range of current periodicals, self-service books and a text magnifier. Self-service photocopying is nearby. The online library catalogue is available in all reading rooms.
Ask any member of staff in the Open Reading Room if you need any assistance.
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