Frequently Asked Questions
- What records are held in the archive at the Royal College of Surgeons of England?
- Who can use the archives?
- How do I make an appointment?
- What do I need to bring?
- Can I bring food and drink?
- Can I take photographs?
- Can I use an image from the archive in my book?
What records are held in the archive at the Royal College of Surgeons of England?
The majority of records in the archives have been catalogued and can been found on our SurgiCat. You can also read a summary of our holdings to get an idea of the type of records we keep.
Who can use the archives?
Anyone can come and consult the archives. All you need do is to check the catalogue first; email us to make an appointment; and you will need a History Card (this can be started in advance online, or all done in person at LMA) and requires two forms of ID.
How do I make an appointment?
Consult our catalogue to find the specific items you wish to see. Email us with an appointment request, specifying the references of the items you wish to see (please note we allow up to 10 items per appointment but this is dependent on size). Make sure you give us at least 5 working days' notice before you do so that any problems can be sorted out before your appointment.
What do I need to bring?
- Two valid forms of ID. Please see the links to the LMA History Card pages.
Can I bring food and drink?
Food and drink are not permitted in the Archive Study Area at LMA. However, should you wish to take a break or to have lunch, there is a Visitor Lounge (on the Mezzanine floor) or there are a wide variety of places to buy food and drink nearby.
Can I take photographs?
Photography is permitted of most collections (please check when making your appointment) and costs £5 per day. You will be required to complete a copyright declaration stating that the images are for personal use only.
Can I use an image from the archives in my book?
You will need to apply for permission to use any images from the archive in a publication of any kind, including books, academic articles and presentation slides.
If you can't find the answer to your question here, please check our factsheets and research guides or contact us for more information.