Research Visits
Whether you are working on your family history, a scholarly article or have another interest you wish to pursue, our reading room is available for you to access the collections of College Library and the College Archives.
Our reading room is open by appointment on Mondays to Fridays (except bank holidays). Hours are
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.30-1 and 2-4.30, and
- Tuesdays 10-1 and 2-4.30.
To make an appointment to access material from the archives, library, art or museum collections, please contact our Collections Administrator.
Before You Visit
To get the most out of your visit, our online catalogue will help you find relevant material so that we can have it ready for your arrival. We ask that you get in touch a week or two in advance so we can make sure the material is available and help identify additional items that may be useful to your research.
Please note that access to material may be restricted for conservation or data protection reasons. The college’s administrative records are generally closed for 40 years. If you wish to view material about an Eton pupil, please contact the Archivist for advice.
On the Day of Your Visit
If this is your first visit, we will ask you to complete a registration form which will register you as a researcher for one year. If you prefer, you may submit this form online ahead of your visit. Your data will be processed in accordance with the Eton College Privacy Policy, which can be found here.
Please bring with you photographic identification and proof of address. We ask that readers follow our readers’ room regulations.
Photography is permitted, provided it is for your own use and will not damage the material. We will ask you to complete a self-service photography form that sets out the terms and conditions. WiFi is available to all of our researchers.
research visits made last year
Remote Enquiries and Online Resources
If you are unable to visit us in person, there are still several ways in which we can help you with your research.
Online Resources
Much material is available through our online resources. If you cannot find what you need there, please contact us and we will be delighted to help. To assist us, please include as much background information as possible. We aim to answer all enquiries within 10 working days and will try to provide you with the information needed to take your research further.
Imaging Services
We also offer an imaging service, which provides digital photographs or scans of items in our collections.
Virtual Reading Room
Our virtual reading room connects researchers with our library and archive collections. In tandem with imaging services, this facility allows researchers who cannot travel to Eton to examine collection items remotely. Using a book visualiser, Collections staff share a live feed with the researcher via video chat, responding to instructions in real time. A recording of the session is then made available for a limited period of time.
