Information for potential depositors

Terms of deposit

Archives can be deposited as an indefinite long term loan (deposit) in which case they remain the property of the owner. Alternatively they can be donated to us in which case they become property of Birmingham City Council.

Appraisal and advice

Not all records are of historical significance so our archivists can help you to identify records of archival importance before you deposit any material with us. Records which we decide not to keep may be returned to you, or disposed of with your permission.

Storage

Archives are stored in our state of the art storage facilities in the Library of Birmingham. These are built to meet BSI PD 5454, the British standard for the preservation of archival material. As such they offer fire protection, stable temperatures and levels of humidity to ensure the long-term preservation of archives.

Preservation

See our separate collections care and conservation policy.

Cataloguing

Records transferred to us will be allocated unique reference numbers and documented or catalogued in line with overall priorities. Where possible, a paper catalogue or list will be made available in our searchroom, and on our online catalogue, and copy sent to the depositor free of charge.

Access

Archives are made available to the public free of charge in the Wolfson Centre, our secure, supervised public searchroom. Researchers must have a reader’s ticket (CARN) to view original material and this can be obtained when they visit us, on production of suitable ID. Restrictions may be placed on access to the records for the general public in order to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act, and the wishes of the depositor.

Reproduction

Researchers in the searchroom are permitted to use their own cameras without the flash and within the restrictions of copyright legislation to photograph archival material upon purchase of a Photo Permit.