Visiting Special Collections
Special Collections & Archives at The McClay Library is open to anyone who wishes to make use of our resources. If you do not hold a Queen's University Library Card or a staff/student card, you will need to complete a Visitor Registration Form on your first visit (this will be in addition to the registration requirements to access the building).
On your first visit you must show suitable forms of identification to a member of staff at Special Collections & Archives. Visitors should produce photographic ID and evidence of their address (if this is not incorporated in the photographic ID). Acceptable forms of photo ID include other University/College ID cards, travel cards, passports, UK driving licences. Acceptable forms of official ID with addresses include recent utility bills, bank statements and official correspondence from Universities/Colleges. First-time visitors will be asked to complete a Library Visitor Registration Form. Any visitor who arrives without a suitable form of ID will not be allowed access to Special Collections or the University Archive.
On subsequent visits you must bring a form of photo ID or an official document or letter with the name and address given on the registration form, completed on the first visit. Visitors who arrive without suitable ID will not be allowed access to Special Collections or the University Archive.
Visitors wishing to consult early printed books or manuscript material should contact Special Collections & Archives in advance of their visit.
A brief guide to Special Collections is available here, and guidance on handling our material and using the Reading Room is available here.
