Research Visit Information
Applications to consult material in the Archive of the Griffith Institute must be made at least two weeks in advance. Archive access requests: griffith.institute@ames.ox.ac.uk The Griffith Institute Archive is open Monday to Friday, 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:00, subject to national holidays and availability of staff. The Archive is located on the premises of the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library, but the Griffith Institute is not part of the Bodleian Libraries.
1. A letter of recommendation may be required from first-time users.
2. The consultation room is wheelchair accessible. Further information can be provided on request.
3. Research visits are invigilated by Griffith Institute staff at all times.
4. The level of noise must be kept to a minimum. Mobile devices must be set to silent, and no phone calls should be taken or received unless absolutely necessary.
5. Material cannot be removed from the premises. It will be prepared in advance of visiting.
6. The Griffith Institute reserves the right to refuse photography requests. No scanning or photocopying of archive material is permitted. High quality digital images of archive material can be ordered: digital imaging charges.
7. Images of archive material are for study purposes only. The copyright belongs to the Griffith Institute. Permission to reproduce images must be obtained in advance of publication. Reproduction charges are applied to non-specialist publications. Applications to reproduce archive material to be submitted via email: griffith.institute@ames.ox.ac.uk.
8. Griffith Institute IT equipment is not available to visitors. Archive visitors are welcome to use their own laptops or notebooks. Temporary Oxford University WIFI licences can be arranged on request for research visitors working in the Griffith Institute Archive for an extended period. Eduroam is also available.
9. Visitors to the archive who require access to books in the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library during their visit will require a Bodleian Library card. These are arranged through the Bodleian admissions office. Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library enquiries should be directed to the Egyptology Subject Librarian [Griffith Librarian], Anthea Crane.
Rules for handling archive material
Archival material is unique. Once damaged, it cannot be replaced. Extra care must therefore be taken in handling material.
General documents
Ensure your hands are clean and dry.
Do not use hand lotion or sanitiser – these can leave stains on the document surface.
Do not wear coloured or clear nail varnish.
Use pencil rather than pen.
Do not touch text directly.
Material must not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Do not lick your fingers when turning pages.
Keep documents in the same order that you received them.
Make sure documents do not hang from the table edge when in use.
Only handling aids may be placed onto documents – do not put cameras, devices or other objects onto the document surface.
No food or drink allowed. Please arrange with a member of Griffith Institute staff if you wish to interrupt your session for any reason, including for coffee/tea/lunch breaks.
Photographs
Oils and salts in our skin can react with the image layer, resulting in discolouration. The damage is not always immediately obvious, but can become apparent in time.
Photographic prints and negatives (including glass negatives) should be handled by their edges only, while wearing nitrile or vinyl gloves. Please request these from a member of staff if they have not been provided.
Bound volumes
Volumes must never be placed open flat on a table surface – the joint where the cover and spine meet is vulnerable to damage through stress caused by incorrect handling.
Wedges or a cushion should be used to support the whole volume during use. They should be the same size or slightly larger than the volume itself.
Snake weights can be placed across the corners of pages to hold them in place. They should not be placed on areas of text or images. Bag and glass weights are not suitable for use with volumes as they may slide from the page or cause the page to sag under their weight, leading to damage.
Turn pages slowly, one at a time, being mindful or tears or folds that could be made worse. If the paper is fragile, use both hands to turn the pages.
(14 May 2025)