Visiting the Archive Centre
Please note that the Archive Centre is not open on Fridays.
Most of the Centre's catalogued collections are available by appointment for consultation by scholars, free of charge, Monday to Thursday, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm – 5.15 pm. Note that the Centre is closed for a few weeks each year (see below). Documents will normally be produced within ten minutes of being requested.
Among the personal papers restrictions are in force for a small quantity of personal letters of persons still living, which may only be read with the permission of the author, and for other sensitive material, closed temporarily as a condition of bequest or in deference to the interests of concerned third parties. In addition, periods of closure are imposed on sensitive recent College records.
Intending readers must make an appointment with the Archivist before visiting King's and should bring with them two forms of photographic identification and a letter of introduction. Contact details are here. Reading room tables are fitted with power points for laptop computers which readers are welcome to bring with them, provided their use does not disturb other readers. Pencils only may be used for writing by hand. A complete list of reading room regulations is available in the reading room.
Please read the information on copies and copyright.
Closure dates
| 2013 | 2014 | |
|---|---|---|
| Re-open after Christmas | 14 January | 13 January |
| Closed for Good Friday | 29 March | 18 April |
| Closed for Easter Monday | 01 April | 21 April |
| Closed for Bank Holiday | 06 May | 05 May |
| Closure begins (for student exams) | 07 May | 06 May |
| Re-open (after student exams) | 17 June | 16 June |
| Closed for Bank Holiday | 26 Aug | 25 Aug |
| Closed for Christmas | 16 December | 15 December (re-open 12/01/15) |
All dates and times of opening may be subject to revision without notice, though major change is unlikely.
Getting to the Archive Centre
For directions to King's College, see Getting to King's. For directions within the College, see the map below.
There is wheelchair access and a toilet for the disabled at King's College Library.
