Conditions of Access

Exeter College does allow access to the Archives. However, there is no absolute right of entry for members of the public. The first function of the Archive is to serve the needs of the College and its members, and this takes priority over all other uses, enquiries and access.

Please note that replies to any postal, e-mail or telephone enquiries will only be answered as time permits. Under no circumstances can the Archivist carry out detailed research on behalf of third parties.

Researchers may visit the Archives on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10.00-1.00 and 2.00-4.30. Advance booking is absolutely necessary. You are advised to write or e-mail in advance of your visit in order to arrange a time and date and to confirm that the College has the document in which you are interested. Please report to the Lodge; the College Librarian or Keeper of the Archives will be telephoned, and will escort you to the Library where the documents you have asked for will be brought to you.

Access to documents

Access to records will only be allowed after the searcher has signed the visitors' book, thereby agreeing to abide by the rules of the Archive Reading Room. New readers are expected to provide document(s) confirming their name, address and signature, such as a driving licence, on a first visit. Readers should always be ready to provide documents of identification when they visit.

Access to certain documents may be restricted for commercial or confidential reasons. This does not affect your rights to access to information under the Data Protection Act or the Freedom of Information Act.

Lists and indexes

Please note that the archives of the College are not yet listed in detail. While the College Librarian or Keeper of the Archives will offer assistance they cannot be held responsible for drawing visitors' attention to every available item, printed or documentary, on a specific subject.