Please select a date for an appointment in the Wolfson Centre, Library of Birmingham and read the information below before making a booking.

Booking an appointment in the Wolfson Centre for Archival Research

Each appointment lasts for a full day’s opening hours (11am-4pm) and is for one person. On the booking form you can list up to 10 document reference numbers that you would like to view during your visit. Reference numbers need to be full file or item level document reference numbers where these are available on the catalogue so we can locate the items ready for your visit.

Once you open the booking form, you have 60 minutes to complete your booking so we recommend you have all of the document reference numbers you wish to request prior to opening up the booking form.

Archives Card

You will need to bring a valid Archives Card when you visit as archival material cannot be seen without this. If you don't have an Archives Card, please register for one on the Archives Card website (https://archivescard.com/) before visiting. You can collect your card on the day of your visit once you have shown us 2 forms of ID (proof of home address and proof of signature).

Identifying material to view

You can search our online catalogue (http://calmview.birmingham.gov.uk/CalmView/) or our records on the National Archives’ Discovery (https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/), or check out our blog the Iron Room (https://theironroom.wordpress.com/) to find out more about the collections and identify material you'd like to see. There is guidance on using the catalogue (https://theironroom.wordpress.com/2020/04/06/using-our-online-catalogue/) on our blog and in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTskzv7EeBU).

If any of the material you wish to request is marked 'closed (content)' or 'closed until assessed' on the catalogue, please contact us before proceeding with the booking process.

Please note that we are unable to make available fragile material (marked 'closed (condition)' on the catalogue) or material which we discover to be fragile when we go to retrieve it.

Wolfson Centre Terms & Conditions of use

At your first visit each year, you will be asked to sign our Wolfson Centre Terms and Conditions of Use. You can read these ahead of your visit on our website (https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/download/4303/archives_and_collections_procedures). Please allow time for this at the start of your visit.

Self-service copying

We operate self-service copying so if you want to make copies of material you view you will need to bring a camera device to take photographs (without flash) during your visit. There is a daily charge of £5.00. Payment will be taken when you visit.

Description supplied by the event organiser.