Access to Archives
Due to long term staff sickness, we will be running a significantly reduced Archives and Special Collections service for the autumn term. Special Collections on open shelves will continue to be available.
We will not be able to accommodate research visits, tours, or access to archives in secure storage during this time. We will continue to monitor the archives email. Please use this for any enquiries and we will get back to you within 7 working days.
We apologise for the inconvenience.
Visits to the Archives are supervised, and are available to University of Roehampton students, staff and external visitors by appointment only. Please email Archives@roehampton.ac.uk to make arrangements prior to your visit.
About & Contact Us
The Foyle Special Collections & Archives consist of rare books, original documents and artefacts which support various teaching and research areas of the University of Roehampton.
The collections relate to Friedrich Froebel and the kindergarten, Froebel College, Children's Literature and the children’s book author Richmal Crompton, Dance, and to a number of other areas including Religious Studies.
The Foyle Special Collections & Archives are located on the second floor of the University Library.
You can contact us at Archives@roehampton.ac.uk
Visit us
Access
Please take time to read the information outlined below.
Capacity
We have an approximate seating capacity of 8 - 10 in the Foyle Special Collections room.
For group bookings please get in touch with the archivists.
Appointment booking essential for all Supervised Access material
We ask you to book an appointment for consulting supervised access material at least one week before the intended visit. Appointments must be confirmed by the archivist. We may not be able to accommodate users who have not booked in advance.
Prior to your visit please contact us to discuss your research topic and to submit a material request list to archives@roehampton.ac.uk so that we can have these items ready for you. To do that, use our Archives and Library catalogues. We may not be able to produce additional records during the visit.
Open Access Special Collections
You do not need an appointment to use our Open Access Special Collections. Please check the Library catalogue if you are unsure if a book is available on open or supervised access. When you finish, please do not re-shelve the book, but place it on the trollies provided. If you have any questions, email us.
Arrival and consultation
- Upon arrival, we will ask you to wait outside the Foyle Special Collections room until the time of the appointment.
- Pencils only – bring your own if possible please!
- Your documents/books will be placed on a trolley or the table next to your seat. Everything should be returned to the trolley or table when finished.
- All material is reference only.
- Laptop computers, mobile phones and other portable devices may be used when muted, but we ask you not to take or make any calls and be considerate towards other users.
- No eating or drinking is allowed inside the Foyle Special Collections room.
Search Our Collections
Handling & Copyright
Handling
The greatest cause of damage of library and archive collections is incorrect handling. We believe that your care and awareness will contribute to continued preservation and access to the archival documents. Correct handling is largely common sense, but here are a few things to remember:
- Hands should be clean and free of creams and lotions as dirt and grease can penetrate the surface of documents and cause damage. Gloves are not usually required.
- Do not lean on a bound volume or document and do not write on top of any collection item. Use the equipment provided such as book supports and weights.
- Use pencils only for note taking or a laptop computer.
- Loose items should be kept in order - always return material in the same order in which you received it.
The Archivist is always at hand to answer any questions you may have in relation to handling or other queries. Just ask!
Reproduction of archival material
Archival material is subject to the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1988 and researchers must comply with regulations laid down in the Act. Copies of archival material are made available for private research only.
Copying can be carried out by archive staff only. Copying may not be allowed if there is a risk of damage to the item, or for any reason deemed appropriate by the Archivist. Photocopies are free of charge, and an hourly fee will apply for a digital scanning service.
Digital cameras and personal scanning devices may be used at the discretion of the Archivist.
When citing material in publications please ensure the source is referenced correctly.
Permission for public use
Researchers must seek written permission from the Archivist when an item is intended for public use, e.g. for book and electronic publications or broadcasting.
You must identify the source as the Archives and Special Collections and include the reference number of the item.