No, but admission is allowed to external researchers at the Library's discretion. You will need to be registered as a user in the Reading Room and bring proof of identity. You will then be issued with a Reader's Ticket which you should bring on any subsequent visit. The special collections consist primarily of published materials, again often held within named collections, e.g. The Briggs Collection of Educational Literature. Published works sometimes lie within the manuscript collections, and the same subjects can be found in both categories.
Staff can advise readers on the appropriate categories to search.
No, it will take many years to complete the conversion of all finding aids for manuscripts, and catalogue records for older printed books. For manuscripts, collection level records are currently being created which will supply details about catalogues. In the meantime, see the A-Z list for brief references to all major holdings which are accessible for use. See full details of opening hours and term dates . Yes, the Reading Room is open to readers from 9.00 to 12.30 all year, except August, for consultation of the East Midland Collection and reference material on open access.