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The first-floor reading room of the National Archives in Kew, Surrey, offers a unique environment for researchers. After passing through a security checkpoint, users retrieve their requested materials from personalized red plastic lockers. Each researcher is assigned a locker that corresponds to their seating. This organized system ensures that materials remain in order, although loose items must be managed carefully to preserve their condition. The facility accommodates digital devices while enforcing security protocols, making it an efficient space for archival research.
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The first floor reading room after security check point. Researchers retrieve their materials from the red plastic lockers that can be seen through the glass (top right). All researchers have a locker with the same number and letter as their assigned seating.
A section of the locker storage area for retrieved materials. Lockers for personal possessions are downstairs. These lockers hold the materials researchers have requested to see.
My locker, 26E, with a box of letters from 1812, captains of naval ships reporting to the Admiralty. My seating assignment was also 26E. Security makes sure you are in your assigned place.
A container of letters taken from my locker. The yellow identification slip shows I have the material out. Opening the container at my table. Loose items are stored unfoldered but in order in boxes. For return, containers must be retied and handed in with the yellow slip.
Although boxing materials without using folders is practical, it can be hard on materials that have fragile edges or other problems with condition.
Another section of the letters from Admiralty. Researchers can bring laptops, digital cameras, and paper with pencil (no erasers) into the research rooms; but all materials must be in a clear plastic bag (top of photo) that is inspected at the security check points.
The same stack of letters untied. The note requests that researchers keep the material in order.
Example of bound materials, a package of ships logs from 1812.
All bound materials have to be supported during use. There is a table of hard foam modules that researchers can borrow to build their support.
Large format material, like maps, can be viewed on the second floor, which has its own retrieval area. Ledgers, parchments, and other large rolled or bound materials are also viewed in this room.
