LibAnswers: Archives and Special Collections

We strive to make the Archives Reading Room accessible to all users and any feedback about the accessibility of our services is always welcomed. If you have any specific concern not covered below then do get in touch archives@qmul.ac.uk.

Selecting items to view

Some of our collections, and as a result the descriptions of these collections, contain potentially upsetting content. This can be for a variety of reasons such as older collections using historical language now recognised as offensive, people reclaiming offensive language as part of artistic expression or collections that contain potentially triggering content around mental health.

Where we have identified this already a content warning is included at the collection level description. This is a more recent addition to our catalogues so if you identify content that is upsetting and for which we don't have a content warning in place yet in our descriptions or while consulting items then let us know so we can create one. You can always email us if you want to find out more information about what you might encounter before deciding to view a collection. We can also do up to half an hour of research on your behalf if you want to access information held in a collection without encountering upsetting content directly.

Getting here

If you need to drive to your appointment the nearest car park is on the right-hand side of the Queens' Building where there are blue badge bays; there is level access from here to the library. Let us know during your appointment booking if you need to park and we will get you clearance from our security team.

More general information about entering and moving around Mile End Library can be found on the Library Web page Accessing Library Buildings. We meet all external visitors at the Library Welcome Desk (just inside the entrance) so we will be able to direct you to lifts if they are needed when you arrive. If you are an internal visitor and would like this on your first visit as well just mention this in your appointment booking.

The Archives Reading Room

The Archives Reading Room is on the second floor of Mile End Library; there are two lifts to this floor. In the unlikely event both lifts are not working we will make arrangements where possible for you to view items on the ground floor if needed.

In the Archives Reading Room we have a height adjustable desk available, plugs are desk height and there is sufficient clearance for wheelchair users to move around the room.

We try and make clear to all our users how the Archives Reading Room works and what to expect during an appointment during email communications before your visit. But if anything is still uncertain and you want to know more detail then please do ask and we'd be happy to provide more detail to make you feel prepared for your visit.

Facilities

For those with a radar key the nearest toilet to the Archives Reading Room is on the Second floor near to lift. For those without a radar key the nearest toilets are either up to floor 3 (lift accessible) where you will find male and female toilets or down to floor 1 (lift accessible) where you will find gender neutral toilets off the main stairwell.