Access information
Special Collections are available to view by appointment. We are currently open to researchers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 10:30am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:30pm. On Wednesdays we are open from 2:00pm - 5:30pm.
To access Special Collections (i.e. the ‘named’ and ephemera collections) it is necessary to be a BFI National Library annual member.
Press books and most scripts can be accessed via the Reading Room and do not require annual membership.
Please be aware that most materials are kept in controlled conditions outside London and must be ordered in advance (allow up to one week).
Our holdings can be searched via paper catalogues and a computer database in the library Reading Room. To request materials note down the collection name, box and item number (where applicable).
Access operates on an appointment system. Please contact us to arrange an appointment. As we have a limited number of places for researchers we usually ask that you give us as much notice as possible, ideally 2-3 weeks.
On the day of your visit, register at the Reading Room counter upon arrival and state that you are using Special Collections.
Special Collections material may, in most instances, be consulted in the Library Reading Room at the table designated. There is room for up to four researchers at a time.
Please note that an appointment system operates, i.e. researchers must keep to their allotted times and days, access will not be open-ended. Failure to keep appointments, without letting Special Collections staff know beforehand, may result in loss of future access.
Researchers may continue to consult collections after 5.30pm, on days when the Reading Room remains open until 8.00pm, and throughout the lunch-hour, although Special Collections staff will not be available. Please return all material to counter staff on these occasions, and make it clear if the items are finished with or need to be retained. During office hours, please return the material to Special Collections staff.
User guidelines
Researchers are required to have clean, dry hands when handling Special Collections materials.
The copying or typing of complete documents directly into notebooks or onto laptops is illegal in the UK, so please restrict your use of the collections to simple note-taking.
Researchers are not allowed to make photocopies of any Special Collections materials. We may be able to make copies for you in certain circumstances (e.g. if the condition of the original document allows, if copyright is cleared). Please see our Services page for more information.
