Access to the Library

To use the Library, readers must apply for a reader's pass on their first visit, by completing the Reader's Pass Application Form and showing two forms of identification, one with a photograph, and one with proof of reader's address.

Readers must show their reader's pass on all subsequent visits to the Library, in order to gain admission.

The reader's pass is valid for one year; it must be renewed at the end of this period.

Visits to the Library are by appointment only.

Readers may be asked to leave the Library or denied admission to the Library if they do not observe the Library regulations. The Library reserves the right to deny admission.

Using the Reading Rooms

Readers may not bring bags into the reading rooms; lockers are provided for storing bags and personal items.

Pens, ink, correction fluid, scissors, knives, staplers, glue or any other potentially damaging items are not allowed in the reading rooms. Readers may use pencils or lap-tops only in the reading rooms.

No food or drink is allowed in the reading rooms.

Chawton House Library is a no smoking building.

Cameras and scanners or other copying equipment are not allowed in the reading rooms. Staff can provide a photocopying service to produce copies from some material (there is a charge for this service); however, due to the vulnerability of a lot of the material in the collection, sometimes this may not be possible. Any copies made will be subject to copyright law.

Readers should not behave in any way that may disturb other readers, and may be asked to leave if they do.

Mobile phones and personal stereos are not allowed in the reading rooms.

Using the Library Collection

Items from the Main Collection and the Knight Collection must be requested by filling in a call slip, and retrieved by a member of staff - readers may not retrieve items from these collections themselves, even those items which are on display on the reading room shelves.

Access to some items (such as fragile and vulnerable material) may be very restricted; retrieval of such items for use by readers is at the discretion of the Library staff.

Readers may not request more than five items at any one time.

Readers may not take items out of the reading room. Items must be returned to a member of staff when a reader leaves the reading room.

Hands should be clean before handling collection items. In some cases, readers may be asked to wear gloves for handling vulnerable material.

Collection items should be supported while being used; suitable supports are available for this purpose.

Readers should avoid touching the print of the text or image on the page.

Readers must not write, lean or rest on top of collection items - suitable weights are available if readers need to weigh down the pages while reading.

Readers must not stack books on desks more than three high, or stack heavy items on top of smaller items, or stack fragile items at all.

Readers must not place items on the floor.

Readers must not insert bookmarks or attach notes to books or documents.

Readers must not fold over corners of pages.

Readers should ask for help from staff to open tightly-bound volumes or volumes with uncut pages.