Limited access to Reading Room Special Collections for Leiden University researchers
From Wednesday 6 May onwards, the Leiden University Library (UB) Reading Room Special Collections will provide limited access to Leiden University researchers. While adhering to corona-related measures, researchers will again be able to use the Leiden Collections. The Reading Room Special Collections will not be open to other users.
Applying for a visit
A temporary procedure applies for visitors wanting to access and use the facilities at the Reading Room Special Collections. A maximum of six workspaces is available in the reading room at the same time. For use of these workspaces, visitors can choose from several different time slots: from 09:00 to 11:00, from 11:30 to 13:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00. Users can choose to reserve consecutive time slots to extend their session.
To apply for a workspace, send an e-mail to specialcollections@library.leidenuniv.nl. Please indicate in your e-mail on which day and during which time slot you would like to visit the reading room, and which items you would like to view during your visit. Your request must be sent in no later than 12:00 on the workday prior to your intended visit. We will send you a message about whether a visit to the reading room is possible during your preferred timeslot. Approval of applications is handled in order of receipt.
Access to the reading room
When your application has been approved, you are welcome to visit the library during the timeslot allotted to you. When entering the University Library, you can use the lockers available at Café UBé. The lockers at the reading room are also again available. Then report to the reception desk near the main entrance of the UB. After checking your registration, you will be admitted to the library. We ask that you thoroughly wash your hands before entering the library. You can then follow the indicated route to the Reading Room Special Collections.
Once in the reading room, please report to the reading room desk. Staff will point you to your workspace and will provide you with your requested items. Walking paths are indicated on the floor of the reading room so that passing one another is kept to a minimum. After your visit, you can return your documents or objects at the reading room desk and leave the reading room accompanied by a staff member via the indicated route.
Workspaces at the Reading Room Special Collections are cleaned thoroughly between visits. Consulted items are kept in quarantine for two days after use.