Using Archives
What to do when you arrive
Reader's tickets
Computers at Nottinghamshire Archives
Looking at microfiche
Looking at original archives
Archive ordering times
On arrival at Nottinghamshire Archives
- You do not need to make an appointment to use microfiche and original records; however, it is necessary to book a computer
- Our duty team will be able to advise you on your arrival
- All visitors need to sign the visitors' book at Reception
- All bags and coats must be placed into a locker
- A Visitors' Introductory Pack is available for all visitors at Reception
- Visitors will need to observe our Code of Conduct [PDF 50KB]
Reader's tickets
- To look at original archives and use our CDs, you will need a Reader's Ticket
- Nottinghamshire Archives is part of the County Archive Research Network (CARN). If you already have a CARN Ticket issued at another office, you may use it here
- You can get a CARN Ticket on arrival at Archives. You will need to present identification showing a printed name and address, and a signature
- CARN Tickets are valid for four years
- They can be used at other archives which are part of the County Archives Research Network
- You can renew your CARN Ticket at any office. You will need full ID to renew your ticket, even if you still have your existing one.
Computers at Nottinghamshire Archives
- There are seven public PCs available at Nottinghamshire Archives
- A range of resources is available, including free access to Ancestry and Nottinghamshire Archives online catalogue. We also currently have free access to the 1911 census, for a limited time only
Five of the computers at Nottinghamshire Archives now need to be booked using the online NetLoan system:
- You can book up to two hours per day
- The first slot available each day is at 9.00am
- A booking can be made up to three weeks ahead of your visit
- You can book a PC online. You will need your library card number and your PIN code. Enter your library card number with no spaces, the first eight numbers only. Then enter your PIN code. Go to Reservations, select Archives and then select Public PCs. Follow the on-screen instructions
- You can also a book a session yourself when you are using a public PC at Archives
- If you do not have a library card, we can book a PC for you. Call us on 0115 958 1634, with your name and telephone number and the day and time you would like. If the slot is not available we will try and offer an alternative as close as possible. You will need to bring one form of ID, such as a bank card, a CARN Reader's Ticket, or a driving licence
- Please note: we cannot issue library cards but if you live, work or study in Nottinghamshire you can join the library service online and receive a card through the post. Visit our Joining and Using the Library page for further information. Nottingham City library cards can also be used to make bookings on the Archives PCs.
The other two computers are drop-in PCs which cannot be booked in advance. You can use these PCs twice daily for up to 30 minutes at a time. You will need a library card with a PIN number to log on. If you do not have a library card, please ask a member of staff at Reception to log you on.
Further information on NetLoan is available on our Library PC page.
Archives on microfiche
- You do not need to book a microfiche reader
- Microfiche can be consulted at any time
- There are accompanying lists and indexes to help you find a particular fiche
- A microfiche reader printer is available for making copies - find out more on our microfiche copies page
- You do not need a Reader's Ticket to look at microfiche
- Our duty team can advise you on accessing microfiche and using the microfiche readers and printer
Original archives
- You do not need to book a table or space in our archive research area
- Archives are kept in their original groups - find out more on our summary guide pages
- There are catalogues available to identify documents
- There are also indexes of persons, places and subjects to guide you to the appropriate catalogue
- When you have found a description of your document in the list, you can request to see it by writing its reference number on a Document Request Slip
- The slips are collected at the times specified below, so you will need to allow time to find the references beforehand
- Our duty team can advise you on using the indexes and catalogues, and how to request documents
- For more information, download our information sheets How to Find the Documents You Want [PDF 65KB] and How to Order Archives [PDF 95KB]
- Most records are available for general access but a few are restricted in whole or in part because information in them is exempt information under the Freedom of Information Act or the Environmental Information Regulations. Restrictions are usually indicated in our catalogue and will be reviewed on request. There is no charge for this review, but searches in restricted access records are subject to a charge. Contact us for more information and advice. For more information regarding Restricted Access records, please download our information sheet Restricted Access Records [PDF 35KB]
- Due to a long term conservation project some tithe maps and awards may be unavailable for a certain number of weeks. Please contact us for further information.
Archives ordering times
Microfiche and printed books can be consulted at any time, but original archives are produced at regular intervals. Document Request Slips are collected at the following times, and the documents produced within 15 to 30 minutes later.
| Day | Collection times |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9.15 9.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 1.15 2.15 2.45 3.15 3.45 |
| Tuesday | 9.15 9.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 1.15 2.15 2.45 3.15 3.45 4.15 5.15 6.15 |
| Wednesday | 9.15 9.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 1.15 2.15 2.45 3.15 3.45 |
| Thursday | 9.15 9.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 1.15 2.15 2.45 3.15 3.45 |
| Friday | 9.15 9.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 1.15 2.15 2.45 3.15 3.45 |
| Saturday | 9.15 10.15 11.15 11.45 |
Download our information sheet How to Order Archives [PDF 95KB] for more details
