Accessibility statement

Update 05/08/2020: Phased Return to On-site Services

Posted on 5 August 2020

From 14th September the Borthwick will open to pre-booked researchers for access to archives and microfilm resources.

Welcoming back on-site researchers

From 14th September the Borthwick will open to pre-booked researchers only for access to archives and microfilm resources.

More information on how to book and the services on offer will come over the next few weeks.

In the meantime, a small number of staff continue to work on-site as part of our phased return to on-site services. During this period we are: 

  • Responding to remote research services requests.
  • Delivering digitised remote copying orders.
  • Facilitating requests for digital access to archives for use in academic teaching (please see details below).

Can you offer research advice?

The return to some on-site working will enable our staff to respond to enquiries requiring access to collections and to undertake remote research services on behalf of researchers.  Whilst we will endeavour to respond to enquiries promptly, please be aware that for safety reasons we will be operating with a limited number of on-site staff so it may take longer to answer your enquiry than usual. We will also be unable to complete transcription or translation requests at this time. 

During this period you can get in touch with us via:

Can I place orders for copies of archives?

We have recommenced our copying services. Please place orders either through our website or by contacting us directly.

Our priority is the completion of outstanding orders. If you have placed an order during our period of remote working, please bear in mind that due to a considerable backlog of existing orders, reduced on-site staffing, quarantine procedures, and the needs of document preservation, it may take us slightly longer to complete your request. We will continue to aim to complete all orders within twenty working days of receipt of payment but this may not always be possible.

Can I still use archives in teaching?

If you would like to use our archives in teaching, you can use our Digitised Archive Resources for Teaching service (DART). This provides high quality digital images of original archive material for use in teaching at the University of York.  The service aims to provide digital images within 20 working days of a request being submitted. Further information is available on the DART webpage.