Library

Visitor information

The library is open to all current members of the College, and welcomes researchers and interested visitors who may use it for reference only.

Opening hours

Term time
Monday - Thursday 9.00am - 7.00pm (last issues and returns 6.45pm)
Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm (last issues and returns 5.15pm)

Vacation
Opening hours may vary, but are normally:
Tuesday – Friday 10.00am – 1.00pm, 2.00pm – 4.30pm (last issues and returns 4.15pm)

The library is normally closed for 7-10 days at Christmas and may be closed for a short time at Easter.

Using the library

Borrowing
Only current members of the college may borrow from the library. Students may borrow up to 15 items, Junior Fellows up to 20 items. Loans will only be issued on production of a current RCM ID card bearing the borrower’s photograph. 

External Researchers
The Library welcomes external researchers during our normal opening hours. We do ask for proof of ID before consulting special collections. We suggest you contact us in advance to make sure the Reading Room is avaialable and we have suficient staff to help you.

Laptops
Laptops may be used in the library but only in the Donaldson Room.

Bags
No large bags or instruments may be taken into the library, these can be left in the available lockers and baggage racks. Any small bags which are brought into the library are subject to checks by staff.

Copying
The Library offers copies and scans of out of copyright material, both manuscripts and printed items.

All copies made or supplied are for private study or research only. Separate permission will need to be sought for any publication, performance or recording of the material concerned.

There is a charge for these services. A full list of charges is detailed here:Library charges for imaging services      

Please direct enquiries about this service to Michael Mullen (mmullen@rcm.ac.uk). 

Photocopying

There is a photocopier in the library which is coin operated for visitors' use.

All users of RCM photocopiers must adhere to Copying Music - a code of fair practice, copies of which are available in the library, or online at  the Music Publishers Association website.

Additionally we do not permit the copying of manuscripts or material published before 1900.

Photography

We do allow researchers to photograph some items. Those intending to do their own photography should first enquire of Peter Horton (phorton@rcm.ac.uk) or Michael Mullen (mmullen@rcm.ac.uk) as to the suitablility of the material concerned.

Interlibrary loans service

We lend/supply some material to external borrowers, subject to preservation and copyright restrictions. Click here for details of Material available via Interlibrary loans . For all interlending enquiries contact Monika Pietras (monika.pietras@rcm.ac.uk)