What is the archive catalogue?
The archive catalogue is a database containing descriptions of the archive collections held at the Centre. Its primary purpose is to make the material accessible: you can search it to look for things of interest. A small proportion of the material has been digitised and scans have been attached to the relevant catalogue record, but in most cases you will need to visit the Centre to see the material described in the catalogue.

How do I access the material I have found in the catalogue?
Material from the catalogue can be consulted in the Paul Mellon Centre’s Public Study Room. Information about how to access archive collections is available here: http://www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/collections/appointments

Access to the archive collections is by appointment and you should provide a list of up to 10 items you wish to consult at least 48 hours in advance of your visit. To make an appointment please contact collections@paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk

Does the catalogue include information about the Paul Mellon Centre’s library and photographic archive?
Archives and libraries are different types of collections that require different methods of description, and normally different types of cataloguing software. The Paul Mellon Centre’s Library and Photographic Archive can be accessed here: http://paulmelloncentre.cirqahosting.com/HeritageScripts/Hapi.dll/search1 . However, the collections at the Centre are closely linked and an effort has been made to highlight the most significant inter-relations. Clicking on the URLs provided within the archive catalogue will take you to a description of related published or photographic archive material in the library catalogue.

Why can’t I find what I’m looking for?
There are two reasons why you may not have found what you want:

1. Incorrect search term - searching will only find the exact term in the catalogue, so if you haven’t found what you want it is best to try related terms.
2. The material has not yet been catalogued – at present only about one fifth of the Centre’s Collected Archive holdings have been catalogued, so it may be that work has not yet begun on the Collection of interest. However, boxlists of uncatalogued collections are available to search here: http://www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/collections/archive-collections
   Please contact collections@paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk if you have any queries.

I have question not addressed here?
Please contact collections@paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk if you have a question about any aspect of the Centre’s archive service. We are keen to promote access to the Research Collections and will do our best to help.