FAQs
How do I sort the records in the 'search results' hitlist?
You can sort the list of results according to the field of your choice by clicking on the column heading. By default, records are presented in Ref No order. However, you can also sort records by Title or Date.
How can I find out more information about an entry displayed in the 'search results' hitlist?
To view a full record description, click on any part of the record. If you then want to browse the record in its hierarchical context (i.e. how it relates to other records in the collection), click on Ref No. Use the back button on your browser to return to the search results overview.
Why can’t I see images of the documents in the catalogue?
The catalogue contains written descriptions of the documents in our archive. A few collections have digitised images attached to descriptions. The ‘Image Gallery’ page lists some samples images from our collections.
Exhibitions on a range of subjects relating to our collections are available in Image Galleries on the Archives website.
Why can’t I find what I'm looking for?
If you want to search for an exact phrase (so the words appear adjacent to each other in the text), e.g. John Smith, enter the text with double quotation marks, thus "John Smith".
Searching the database will only find the exact words used in the catalogue, so if you haven't found what you wanted it's often best to try other related terms.
To search for records relating to a particular subject, select the catalogue search option and type a subject term into the Terms field.
People's names and place names may also vary in spelling and so you may need to try searching for alternative spellings in order to find all relevant records. When making a personal name search, you are advised to search only on surname.
You can also search for part of a word followed, or preceded, by a 'wildcard' asterisk to broaden your search: For example if you are unsure if a surname you are looking for would be spelt Smyth or Smith you could type in Sm*th and all entries that have a word that begins with 'Sm' and ends with 'th' will be brought up.
Useful tips on carrying out searches are available on ‘How do I search the database’.
I have found what I am looking for, how can I view the collection/item? What is the procedure?
You can view the collection/item by visiting the Archives Reading Room, located in the Mile End Library, E1 4NS. See the Arranging Your Visit page.
Also, see the Directions to the Mile End Campus.
Can I get copies of the document[s] I am interested in?
The Archives provides a paid record copying service, including scans and photocopies. To order photocopies or scans for your own private research purposes or to obtain permission to reproduce anything from the archives collections, email archives@qmul.ac.uk .
Full details of our record copying services, procedures for obtaining permission to publish and citation and quotation are listed on the site.
I have found a collection I am interested in looking at, but the catalogue says there is restricted access to parts of the collection what does this mean and how can I proceed?
Certain collections are subject to exemptions due to the Freedom of Information legislation and Data Protection. Please contact the Archives archives@qmul.ac.uk for further information about closure decisions and details of alternative sources.
Can I use the images from your collections for my study or research?
To obtain permission to reproduce anything from the archives collections in your studies or research, email archives@qmul.ac.uk .
Full details of our record copying services, procedures for obtaining permission to publish and citation and quotation are listed on the site.
The text in my internet browser is too small, how can I increase the size?
Hold down Ctrl and + to increase the size of the text in the browser. To decrease the size hold down Ctrl and -