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Avoid disappointment!

We don't want you to turn up at the Record Office to find that we have no room for you, so it is always advisable to make an appointment before visiting. Bookings can be made by letter, fax, telephone or email. We will advise you whether to reserve a table or microfilm reader, depending on which records you wish to consult. If you would like to visit within the next day or two please telephone, as incoming emails are not dealt with until the next working day.

If you arrive without having made a booking we will of course make every effort to accommodate you, but we cannot always guarantee that we will have space for you.

Please bear in mind that some records are stored off-site and we may require 3 - 10 days' notice if you want to consult them.

Preparing yourself

If you have never visited before, why not just come in to browse our catalogues, indexes and books? Staff will be happy to help you find your way around, and you will be better prepared for your next visit

• Gather as much information as possible before a visit and bring copies of relevant documents to help staff advise you.
• Think about the questions you want to ask - this can save a lot of time when you visit.
• You should leave plenty of time for your visit, as identifying the records you need and searching for the required information usually takes longer than you think.
• Please do not bring large items of luggage with you (eg large briefcases, rucksacks, suitcases) as we do not have facilities to store them.
• Please bring proof of your identity if this is your first visit to register for a CARN readers ticket.  This needs to be proof of name and current address, so a driving licence, or a utility bill and bank card would be ideal