When are we open?

The Modern Records Centre is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (9am-5pm) and Fridays (9am-4pm). It is helpful, but not essential, to give us advance notice of your visit, at least a minimum of one full working day (i.e. more than 24 hours) if possible.

How can I order documents?

Archives may be ordered by email or telephone at least one full working day in advance of a visit.

Please list the individual document reference numbers for each file or item that you would like to see. The reference numbers can be found through our online catalogue (guidance on using the catalogue is available elsewhere on our website). Please list your documents in order of preference in case we are unable to produce all items on the list.

Registration

On your first visit to use archives you will be required to complete a research application form and to prove your identity. Acceptable forms of proof include university card, passport, driving licence and Archives CardLink opens in a new window. You will then be given a copy of the research application form as your proof of registration.

The Centre keeps a copy of the form to compile statistics relating to the use of the Centre, to remain aware of current research interests, and to maintain current contact details for its researchers. The forms are destroyed when they are three years old. You will be required to complete a new research application form every academic year (August-July).

Under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018 we are also required to seek your permission to hold the information contained on the registration forms. There is therefore a separate GDPR permissions form to sign when you register.

Standard searchroom rules

Our searchroom rules help ensure that the material which we hold is preserved for present and future researchers, and to maintain our searchroom as a place for quiet study. The rules require that you:

Do

• Enter your details in our visitors’ book each day you visit
• Leave your bag and/or coat in the lockers provided
• Use pencil, a laptop or a tablet to make notes when consulting archives
• Handle all material carefully
• Support the spines of volumes with a book rest or cushion
• Keep items within files or bundles in the order in which you found them
• Ask the searchroom supervisor for permission if you wish to take photographs of documents
• Ask us in advance if you wish to use a stand-mounted camera or other capture device
• Show consideration for other users by keeping conversation and other sound to a minimum
• Wear gloves when handling photographs, negatives and slides (available from the searchroom)

Do not

• Have any food, liquid or smoking material with you whilst in the searchroom
• Use pens and ink when consulting archives
• Lean on documents, or rest papers or notepads on them whilst making notes
• Mark documents in any way
• Use a mobile phone to make or receive calls
• Use a tape recorder (except by special arrangement)
• Have more than 3 archival files or other items at your desk at a time (except with the permission of the searchroom supervisor)
• Take archive boxes to your desk (except with the permission of the searchroom supervisor)

Can you research a subject for me?

Although we can do a small amount of research in response to enquiries we are unable to undertake extensive research. If you are unable to visit, you may like to commission a private researcher to work on your behalf. Information about local researchers is maintained by Warwickshire County Record Office and the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA). The Archives and Records Association also maintains a list of freelance consultants, some of whom are able to do paid archival research.

Will I be able to access wi-fi at the MRC?

Visitors can use either eduroam or the Warwick Guest wireless network whilst at the Modern Records Centre. You can register for the Warwick Guest wi-fi service through IT Services.