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The Research Room

The Research Room is situated within the Staffordshire History Centre and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Friday 10:00 – 16:00
3rd Saturday of the month 10:00 – 14:00

Before You Arrive

As of early 2026 we are experiencing a higher than usual number of enquiries and unprecedented demand for both physical and digital access; we are working to respond as quickly as we can and thank you for your patience. Please let us know if your enquiry is very urgent or time sensitive.

To avoid disappointment please book your visit at least 7 days in advance as places in our reading room are limited.

You can do so by contacting us through our online enquiry form, via email at [email protected] or you can leave a message by calling 01785 278379. A booking confirmation will be sent out before your visit, please await this confirmation before visiting us. To avoid confusion and to help us respond to your enquiry please only use one method to contact us.

On the day production is subject to staff availability and location of requested documents.

Ordering Documents in Advance

To make best use of your time we advise ordering documents in advance of your visit. You can search our online catalogue Gateway to the Past to find documents, but please contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for. Let us know what you’re researching when you order documents, as we might be able to advise you further.

The Archives Card

To look at original records you’ll need to sign up to the Archives Card scheme. You can begin the sign-up process before you arrive and then complete your registration on your first visit, which requires you to bring along two forms of identity. A list of valid forms of ID, along with further information about the Archives Card, can be found on the Archives Card’s How to get a Card page.

During Your Visit

What You Can Bring into the Reading Room

For the security and safety of our collections we limit what you can bring into the reading room to the following items:

  • Pencils (but not pens)
  • Notepads
  • Laptops or tablets
  • Cameras

We provide lockers for all your other possessions and there are tables and chairs in the William Salt Library for breaks.

Photography

If you’d like to photograph documents during your visit you can purchase a day or an annual photography permit from us. You can pay on the day using cash or card, or online by card in advance of your visit – please ask about this when making your booking. We also provide a full reprographics service. Up-to-date charges for these services can be found on our Fees and Charges page.

Copyright restrictions will apply. Staff will advise if advance permission is required for particular items.