When is the Caird Library open?
The Caird Library and Archive is open from 10.00-16.45, Tuesday - Friday.
How do I book an appointment?
We strongly recommended pre-ordering items to reserve your study space in the Reading Room.
Follow these steps to reserve your seat:
- Register with Aeon, our online ordering system - or use your existing account
- Search our online catalogues and use the “order” / "request" button to schedule the date and time of the items you would like to see. You can order up to 10 items per visit.
- E-mail Library staff at library@rmg.co.uk if you have further questions about your order.
Archive Catalogue | Library Catalogue
When you order items using the Aeon ordering system, staff will be able to monitor what dates and items you have requested. If there are any issues with the orders, for example, if they are stored offsite or are unfit for production, we will contact you. You will also be able to see the status of your order in your Aeon account.
We regret that we cannot guarantee that we will have study space available for those who are not making use of our collections and we cannot provide a dedicated space for silent study.
NB: It is no longer necessary to book a timed admission ticket to enter the museum when you wish to visit the library.
What happens when I arrive?
If this is your first visit, you will be asked to present two pieces of identification, one with a signature and one with a photo and address. This will complete the registration process. Then you will be directed to your seat and your items will be ready for your research day. If you have any questions about your order, or need assistance on the day, please do not hesitate to approach a member of staff.
How often can I visit?
There are no restrictions on how frequently you can visit but if you plan to visit on more than one day, we recommend advising us in advance so we can reserve you a study space. We cannot always guarantee that you will be able to hold items from one day to the next if this has not been arranged in advance.
Documents for production at 10am must be ordered by 12.30pm the day before your visit.
Documents for production at 2pm must be ordered by 1pm.
How to register
To register and to request items to view you will need to use the Library's online request system, Aeon.
Preparing for your visit
We have prepared detailed guides to visiting the Caird Library which can be found via the pdfs in the links below.
Access Policy
For a full description of our services, how we operate and our conditions of use, please see the Caird Library and Archive Access Policy.
Please note that although we hold many collections, maritime history research can be time-consuming, so do allow plenty of time for your visit.
Caird Library and Archive
Learn more about the world's largest maritime library and archive collection