Opening Hours | How to Use Archives | Guides | Maps and Plans | Other Services

Using Archives

Planning your visit

There is no need to make an appointment to use the archives, everyone is welcome. However, if you have a complicated enquiry or intend to come from a long distance it is best to contact us in advance to confirm that we do have the material you will want to consult.

To get the most out of your visit it is best to have a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve. When you first arrive and talk to the Searchroom Supervisor try to be as clear as possible about what it is you are trying to research.We will then be able to suggest the best methods which will give you maximum information and explore other sources which might be of use to you.

Booking a Machine

If you intend to use a microfilm or microfiche reader it is advisable to contact us in advance to book a reader. We have one reader printer, 3 microfilm readers and 3 microfiche readers.

Signing In

Please sign the visitors book on arrival, you are asked for your name, postcode and area of research. We do not pass this information on to anyone and will not contact you from it, we only use it for statistical data.

Ticket System – Requirements

Everyone wanting access to original archival material requires a County Archive Research Network ticket (CARN). You can register here for a ticket, free of charge, with official proof of identification. You will need to bring official proof of your current printed address, name and signature, such as a driving licence.

Alternatively, you could provide one proof of your name and signature (passport, cash card or credit card) together with one proof of your current address (recent bank statement, utilities bill, medical card, council tax demand or social security book).

You will need to bring your ticket on each visit.

Bags, coats and phones

You will be asked to deposit your coat and bag in a key-operated locker; you will keep the key with you. We ask you to do this for your own security of belongings and also for the security of our documents. Mobile phones should be left in lockers and turned off, they are not allowed in the searchroom area.

Search Room Library

We have a comprehensive searchroom library of books relating to local history which is on the shelves in the search room and you are welcome to browse through these. Council Minute books post war are also available to look at in the searchroom.

We catalogue on to a computer database called CALM which will help you to locate what you are interested in, a public access terminal is available in the searchroom. We also still print out our catalogues and have an extensive amount of index cards which will help you find collections of interest.

The staff are here to assist you, please ask if you need any help.

Requesting documents

All other records have to be ordered by completing a request slip with your name, ticket number, date and document reference. These request slips are available in the public search room. When you have completed your slip hand it to the Searchroom Supervisor.

Off site storage

Until the new History Centre is open, our original records are being stored temporarily outside the central Coventry Archives building and advance notice is required if you wish to see them.

Most Council records (e.g. school records), building plans and Public records (e.g. Courts) will be collected three times per week. They should therefore be available within two days after they are ordered.

The Borough Archive, Superseded Local Authority records, including Poor Law, and all private collections are in storage outside the City. There will be a weekly collection service, so please contact us well ahead of your proposed visit to view these records.

Access to certain classes of record is restricted due to Data Protection legislation, and other archives are only available for consultation on microfilm such as the London Road Cemetery records.

Caring for documents

Our records are unique so only pencils can be used in the searchroom, we have a supply you can use.

top of page | back | ©The Herbert 2007 All rights reserved