Special Collections Reading Room

Our Reading Room is located in the Research Commons, Old Library, Prince of Wales Road. The entrance is next to the Mary Harris Memorial Chapel. The Reading Room is a dedicated secure and quiet space for twelve readers, with facilities for group work. Most items ordered from Special Collections and the Bill Douglas Centre are consulted in the Reading Room, but due to their fragility or size, some artefacts from the Bill Douglas Centre's collections are viewed in the Bill Douglas Centre Research Room.

All readers should be prepared to show proof of identity - eg University Library card - and to sign in the Reading Room diary. Please note that signing the Reading Room diary signifies full compliance with the Reading Room Regulations.

Users should note that bags and coats may not be taken to your desk - storage space is provided - and that readers must follow the handling guidelines displayed throughout the Reading Room. Users wishing to use their own laptops are welcome to do so.

Directions to the University of Exeter by road and rail and a map of the Streatham Campus are available on the How to find us page of the university website.

Special Collections Reading Room Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm

Bill Douglas Centre Museum

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm (free admission)

University Closure Periods

Special Collections is closed during bank holidays and University closure periods (Christmas/New Year). Please enquire in advance for precise closure dates if you plan to visit during these times of year.