Applying to Use the Library

A ticket will be issued on application to the Librarian on duty, subject to the reader showing proof of identity with signature and address, and signing the Visitor's Book. For persons wishing to use certain special collection items e.g. books printed before 1700, application should be made on an Application for a Reader's Ticket. The signature of a referee or a letter of introduction from a referee is required. All tickets are issued for three years and may be renewed. Readers are required to comply with the Library's Guidelines for Use.

A cloakroom with lockers is provided for outdoor coats and bags which may not be taken into the Reading Room.

How to Find What You Want

Books and Periodicals

Items acquired since September 2001 are listed in the Trust's online Catalogue of Printed Books  . The card catalogue in the Library contains details of the printed books and periodicals in our collections acquired before 2001. It is divided into the Author Catalogue in which authors and the titles of periodicals and plays are recorded alphabetically, the Classified Catalogue in which items are arranged by subject, and the Subject Index, arranged alphabetically by subject, which directs readers to the appropriate part of the classified catalogue.

RSC Archive Materials

Photographs, newscuttings, videos and other production records are partly listed in the Trust's online Catalogue of Archives  . The RSC's productions are indexed on the RSC Performance Database  available online. The database allows searching by play title, year or venue as well as name of actor, director, etc.

Separate descriptive lists are available in the Library for our Video Collection, for the Bram Stoker Collection, for CD-ROMS, and for costume designs, music, etc.

Bibliographies on many popular Shakespeare-related subjects are also available. See Research Materials.

How to Order What You Want

Apart from a limited reference collection all library materials are kept in closed access strong rooms. Only 4 items (e.g. books, bundles, envelopes) will be issued to a reader at a time.

A requisition form should be completed using a sharp pencil for each item requested, whether a book, set of photographs or video. For items in the catalogues the class number will be found on the top right-hand corner of the catalogue card, and should be noted in full, e.g. 25 at OS 93.02 England. If the item is in a periodical or part of a bound collection the details of the volume should also be stated.

Collections from the Library stacks take place every half hour on the quarter hour, i.e. first collection 10.15am, last collection 4.45pm. Delays will result if slips are not fully completed.

Reading Room Items

Items marked Reading Room do not require forms, as they are available on the open shelves in the Reading Room. A diagram showing the room layout is on display. Please ask the Librarian on duty for help if necessary. Items marked Records Office may be transferred for use in the Reading Room, although some delay may be unavoidable.

RSC Archive

All details should be entered on a Request Form. A separate form should be used for every item. Please check the online catalogue before ordering items as the reference numbers on this catalogue supersede any earlier numbers that might be found in lists.

When ordering RSC materials listed in the online archives catalogue please include the Reference Number, the title of the play, the date and the format of the item e.g. prompt book.

When ordering from the Photograph List (for any photographs 1987- ) please include the Reference Number of the envelope required, as well as details of the production. For other items ordered from printed lists please include a full description of the item including production title and date, and the format of the item.

For items not listed elsewhere, please order directly from the RSC Performance Database. Use a Request Form for each item, including the full press night date, the title of the play and a description of the item required, e.g. programme.

Microfiche/microfilm

Items on microfiche can be consulted in the Reading Room. Microfilms have to be consulted in the Records Office and an appointment may have to be made. Some Special Collections material, e.g. early printed books, theatre designs, the Bram Stoker Collection, will normally be consulted in microform.

CD-ROMS

A selection is available for use on one of the workstations in the Catalogue Room. A list is available. Please ask the Librarian on duty for the CD you require.

Videos

Readers may reserve items from the Video Collections for use in the Library's study rooms. At least three hours notice is required for videos.

The Library charges a modest facilities fee for viewing video material in its collections.

£3 (inc. VAT) for up to 2 persons for a half day session of 3.5 hours
£6 (inc. VAT) for 3 to 6 persons for a half day session of 3.5 hours

The charge covers an unlimited number of videos viewed in a session.
The charge may be waived for registered students required to study these materials as part of their course work, on production of a supporting letter from their teacher/supervisor/tutor.

Readers may reserve Library materials for future use on application to the Librarian on duty. Advance requests for the reservation of material may also be made by post, fax or .

Using the Library

No Library materials may be borrowed from the Shakespeare Centre.

Readers holding a Library ticket should always have it available when using the library.

Certain categories of material must be left with the Librarian on duty if the reader leaves the Library for any reason. This applied to all books etc. marked R or SR in the catalogue and any other items the Librarian may designate.

Readers are requested to return books etc. to the Librarian on duty after use. Until this is done they are held responsible for all items issued to them.

During the day personal property may be left in the Reading Room but at the owner's risk.