How do I arrange to view material from the archives catalogue?
Material from the catalogue can be consulted in the archives reading room. Please take a note of the reference numbers of the items you wish to consult. Please contact us in advance of your visit to reserve a place in the reading room.

What are the opening hours of the archives reading room?
The archives reading room is open from 9.30am – 4.45pm Monday – Friday (and at other times by prior appointment).

Can I use a digital camera in the search room?
Yes, the use of digital cameras is permitted. A copyright declaration form must be signed prior to use and there is a daily charge of £10 for the use of a camera.

I am unable to visit in person – can I get copies of material?
Yes, copies of items can be provided in a number of formats. Please contact us for further information.

Why does the catalogue not include printed material and books?
Archives and libraries are different types of collections that require different methods of description, and normally different types of cataloguing software. Printed material from our special collections, such as rare books and pamphlets can be accessed through the main library catalogue at: http://libcat.stir.ac.uk/.

Why can’t I find what I’m looking for?
Searching will only find the exact words used in the catalogue, so if you haven’t found what you want it’s often best to try several related terms. See ‘How do I search the database’ section.

Why does the catalogue not include images of items from the collections?
A large proportion of our collections have not yet been digitised. The facility exists in the archive catalogue for images to be displayed with the search results and it is hoped that more images will be added as items are digitised. A variety of images from our collections are available on our flickr pages.

Do your collections relating to the filmmakers Lindsay Anderson, John Grierson and Norman McLaren include their films?
No. These collections primarily contain their personal and working papers. The films directed/produced by these filmmakers are held in film archives such as the Scottish Screen Archive and the BFI National Film Archive. Where possible VHS/DVD copies of their work have been purchased by the library and can be viewed in the archives reading room. The Lindsay Anderson Archive does include over 700 VHS tapes containing recordings of television programmes and films made by Anderson over a 20 year period. Please contact us for more information.