Terms of access to stored collections

General terms

The National Army Museum encourages access to its stored collections through the viewing room at its storage facility in Stevenage. Access is free and by prior appointment only.

Access is currently available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10.00am to 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Requests must be made at least ten working days in advance and can be accommodated subject to availability.

Researchers can only view up to eight items in each session. Exceptions may be made for groups of medals, badges, and prints and drawings at our discretion. Extra items cannot be requested during the research visit. All requests for material must be made in advance of the booked viewing appointment.

Please include the collections inventory description and provide object numbers when making a request.

If you have any special needs, please include your access requirements at the point of request, so we can ensure your needs are met.

These terms and conditions govern your access to and any use you wish to make of objects.

Viewing room

By using the viewing room, you agree to comply with these terms of access:

• To ensure the safety and security of our collections, all coats, bags and laptop bags must be left in the lockers provided outside the viewing room. A transparent bag may be used for laptops, pencils and notebooks.
• Researchers may only use pencils and laptops for study in the viewing room.
• No food or drink (including bottled water) is allowed in the viewing room.
• Researchers must not bring in material considered historical militaria like those held in the National Army Museum collection. Historical books may be brought in, but must be declared to staff upon arrival.
• Mobile phones are permitted, but must be left on silent. Headphones may be used, but at a volume inaudible to others.
• Readers should treat the viewing room, staff and fellow readers with respect always.

Collections Care

• The care and conservation of National Army Museum collections items override the right to public access. Materials requested by the public will only be provided for study if National Army Museum staff and/or management believe the object is safe to be handled.
• All researchers are expected to handle objects with due care and diligence in line with the provided handling guidelines. Researchers must take every care to avoid removal, damage or marking any collections items.
• Damage or theft of material is an offence and those responsible will be prosecuted.

Photography and IPR

• It is the responsibility of the researcher to comply with the relevant legislation on copyright and data protection.
• Photographs taken by the researchers’ own devices in the viewing room must not use flash.
• Photography with the researchers' own devices is only permitted for personal study use. Any photography intended for commercial use must be discussed with the Picture Library.

Security and behaviour

• All visitors to National Army Museum sites must act in accordance with the security policies and procedures and visitors code of conduct.
• Security staff reserve the right to inspect your personal possessions upon request.