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The microfilm reading room

The microfilm reading room

SS Runic passenger in fancy dress, 1902. Cat ref: COPY 1/455

Disabled access

The National Archives welcomes you and we provide full access to public areas.

There is a lift to all floors, and the building is wheelchair-friendly. There are toilets for both holders and non-holders of RADAR keys.

Please give advance notice of your visit

Contact Paul SturmEmail link, with the time you expect to arrive, the route you are taking and any needs you have, so that we can give you the right help.

We have two wheel chairs; let us know in advance if you would like to use one of them.

Bring identification/your reader's ticket

Please remember to bring a formal document with your name and signature. We suggest a driving licence, bank card or passport. We can then issue you with a reader's ticket. If you do not have any of these items, contact us before visiting.

Where to park if you are a wheelchair user

If you are coming alone by car, you should park in one of the six spaces with the wheelchair logo at the back of the building. There is a ramp here and an entrance bell if you need any help.

Although you can use both the front and rear entrances, the rear door is closest to the disabled parking bays. If you need help getting into and out of your wheelchair please bring someone with you.

Other mobility difficulties

If you have mobility difficulties, such as arthritis or you are on crutches, you may want to bring a friend with you to help. This is a big building. The entrance is over 100 metres from the car park, and a 10 minute walk from Kew Gardens station. There is no bus from The National Archives to the station, but we will call a cab for you if you ask at reception.

Heavy documents

Some documents are very heavy and we want to prevent harm coming to them - and to you. If you need help carrying anything to your table members of staff will be glad to help.

How to get help during your visit

If you have any problems, tell a staff member - we will do our very best to sort them out quickly.

Access to the information

We are able to offer reading aids to those with impaired vision, but blind people will have to bring a helper. There are no Braille versions of the records.

  • Microfilm/fiche readers can magnify up to 40x and have focus controls. One of the readers is adapted for use by those with manual dexterity problems
  • Magnifying glasses can be borrowed in the reading rooms we also have 'sheet magnifiers' in our shop
  • Ultra-violet lamps may be used to read faint writing - ask staff for help
  • ZoomText software and electronic document magnifiers linked to CCTV and computer screens offer the latest solutions. Please ask staff in the library & resource centre about them
  • For those who are deaf we have members of staff who can sign and induction loops for those who use hearing aids
  • Large keyboards and mice for those with dexterity problems

The Family Records Centre

There is reserved parking for visitors with disabilities at the Family Records Centre, but spaces must be booked in advance. Please ring +44 (0) 20 7533 6436 before you visit. If this is already booked, many of the surrounding streets have single yellow line parking restrictions.

There is easy wheelchair access to all public areas of the Family Records Centre. The National Archives has recently set-up a Special Needs Group so that we can provide the best possible service to readers with special needs.