News

From May 2026 the Modern Records Centre (MRC) is introducing a new online form that updates analogue forms already in use by researchers. The new form gives researchers more time in the searchroom as they can complete and submit in advance of their visit.

Much of the booking process for those who wish to consult archival and/or special collection items is online already, with researchers ordering the items they’d like to see directly through the MRC’s online catalogue. Up until now, the MRC asked everyone to sign two paper forms at the start of their visit. The first confirmed registration and the second was a commitment to lawful data protection and copyright practices.

In a review of procedures the MRC assessed how other archives and special collections handle enquiries and bookings, and almost all other organisations have shifted to online formats. After a short trial period, the online booking form is now live and anyone viewing archive or special collection items at the MRC will be asked to complete one.

Online forms are more accessible and more secure. They can be completed at home using whatever tech is most comfortable, and they give researchers time to think about their answers. Anyone completing the form can also cut and paste their answers into a Word document for re-use elsewhere – very handy for researchers who often visit multiple repositories! The MRC team can also email researchers a copy of their declaration for their own records.

During the trial period, user feedback was positive, but the MRC team welcomes feedback ahead of a more extensive review phase in September and October 2026.