Security
All visitors must bring photo ID and sign in with the security team. Visitors may be subject to bag searches and other security checks. Visitors will be issued with a visitor’s pass on an LBC Library lanyard to be worn at all times and returned to the security team at the end of their visit. Visitors do not have access to other parts of the Sternberg Centre or Manor House site outside the LBC Library Reading Room.
Accessibility
There are 9 steps to the public entrance of the Reading Room. Step free access is available at the side of the Manor House Building. Accessible toilets are available on the same floor as the Reading Room as well as next to the security gatehouse at the entrance to the site. If you require step free access or have other access needs, it’s helpful to be in touch ahead of your visit. Contact us here.
Visitor Services
Reference access to our print collections in the Reading Room
Research support
Access to digital resources including Bar Ilan Responsa Database and JSTOR
WiFi
Free scanning to USB, photocopying (minimum online payment £1). Some items may not be eligible for copying. All copying made must comply with UK Copyright Legislation.
We may not be able to offer study space to visitors (non-members) who are not consulting our collections.
Requesting Items
Around a quarter of our collections are available on the open shelves in the Reading Room. Items kept elsewhere can be requested and will be delivered to the reading room. We usually deliver in the morning and late afternoon. Please ask a member the library team to make a request during your visit.
Research visits
If you would like to see specific items, have a particular research interest, or would like some support during your visit we recommend getting in touch in advance to ensure a member of the library team is available to support your visit. We can arrange for you to request items in advance so material is ready when you arrive. Please contact us here.
Special Collections
Items from our Special Collections can be viewed under supervision. Visitor’s will be asked to store coats and bags . They should have clean, dry hands, use only pencils or devices to make notes (no pens), have no food or drink present and handle items with care. The library team will provide book cushions, snake weights and guidance on safe handling to help conserve rare and fragile material. If multiple items are requested, they will be viewed one at a time.
Library Rules
Behave considerately and respect others using the library
Have your phone and any other devices on silent, taking calls outside the library
Do no bring food or drink into the library except bottled water
Do not leave your belongings unattended
Observe copyright legislation in any scanning, photography or photocopying
Do not remove books or other items from the Reading Room
Follow guidance and directions from the librarian, library team, LBC staff and site security
Library sessions, College activities and external events
Occasionally the Lily Montagu Reading Room hosts private or invitational events which may limit individual study. Please click here for our current calendar and any restrictions.
Children
The library is professional research space where children must be supervised by their responsible adult at all times. The accompanying adult is responsible for the safeguarding and safety of children under their supervision.
Pets
We are unable to welcome pets or other animals to the Reading Room. If you have a guide dog please get in touch to see how we can facilitate your visit.