Our collections staff facilitate a wide range of remote and in-person research requests to consult collections, from researchers across the UK and around the world. Please contact the relevant collections section below for further information and to discuss your particular research needs.
Important information regarding access to research collections in 2024
Please note that our off-site stores (object collections only) will not be accessible from March – July 2024 due to a major store move. We will advise you as to whether this is likely to impact your planned research when you get in touch to discuss a visit. Please also be aware that these dates might change slightly depending on the progress of the move project.
Help reduce the carbon impact of research. Ask about our virtual research visits.
To discuss your research needs and how they might be met online or on site, please email the relevant collections department:
(Please note that we request all visits to consult photograph and manuscript collections be booked 2-3 weeks in advance, if possible.)
Collections online
Browse our online collections of photographs, manuscripts and objects. We are constantly adding material – our goal is to create a single unified database for all the Museum's collections.
The Balfour Library is one of the UK’s leading museum research and teaching libraries for the study of anthropology, archaeology and world music. It holds around 20,000 books, 12,000 pamphlets and 300 journal titles.
Find out more about our work with scholars to document and digitise photographs from fieldwork and travel.
Research room and documentation
Our dedicated space for visiting researchers (available by appointment), holds all of the Museum’s original accession records and other research documentation.
Research photography
Visiting researchers are welcome to take their own images of objects, photographs and manuscripts that they consult. Our research room is equipped with light boxes for viewing slides, tripods and a portable studio light tent for artefact photography.
If you are applying for grant funding to work with the Museum’s collections, please contact us in advance to check that this will be possible within your timeframe and to quote for any photographic costs.
Access for visitors with additional needs
Parking spaces can be provided for researchers with restricted mobility, if advance notice is given. Level access to the Museum is via the south entrance on Robinson Close, off South Parks Road.
Access to the research room on the first floor is either via lift or stairs. To ensure suitable arrangements are made to view material, please notify staff in advance if you have restricted mobility or other needs.
Find out more about collections at the Museum including highlight objects and our different departments
