When you come to the Bentley Library to do research, there are a number of procedures that we ask you to follow. This isn't because we want to intimidate you or make you feel unwelcome. Rather, these procedures help us to operate effectively and to protect both the security of our collections and the privacy of our researchers.
First, you'll go to the Sign-in desk. This is where our guest book is located. While having researchers sign this book is important for security, the book is even more useful as a record for the archivists; it's only by looking through this sign-in list at the end of the year that the Bentley really has an idea of how much work has been done during the year, and what materials are used the most frequently.
If you have a coat, or bookbag, or other belongings with you when you come to the Bentley, you can put them in our coatroom. This is a security measure, but it also serves to keep the reading room and tables from becoming too cluttered with personal belongings, so that researchers have more room to work.
Finally, you can go to the front desk. Here you'll find an archivist who can assist you with your research query. If you know what materials you need, they can get them for you. But if you haven't figured out exactly what you're looking for, they can help with that too . . .
Ask questions at the Reference Desk