Before you visit Hackney Archives

1. From the home page of our online catalogue, click on the register button in the top right of the page under the username and password
2. A pop up will appear asking you to add your username, name and a password, as well as confirm that you are not a robot
3. You will then be prompted to complete the ‘I am not a robot’ check
4. You will receive an email confirming your registration
5. You are now a registered user

If you have any problems with this process, please email archives@hackney.gov.uk.

Go to our online catalogue and select the items you wish to view by ticking the square on the left hand side of the record.

When you’ve selected the items you wish to view (max. 10) select the ‘Request to view’ option from the drop down menu at the top left hand side of the screen, which will take you to the request screen.

On the request screen, select a date to visit and indicate whether you would like to visit in the morning or afternoon.

To ensure requested items can be retrieved in time for your visit, reserve your items and book your appointment no less than 48 hours in advance. You will receive an email confirming your request and appointment.

We will send you an email confirming your appointment time.

If you try to request an item and the system does not allow you to do so, this could be because the record you have requested consists of a whole series of documents or because the item is a photograph.

In the first case, try selecting an item lower down the record tree. In the second case, there are thumbnail copies of all the images on the system.

If you’d like to purchase a higher resolution digital copy of the image, email archives@hackney.gov.uk.

We require all users who wish to access material from our archive stores to provide their contact details including address for security details.

Please bring along a photo ID and proof of address (utilities bill, driving license or Hackney library card) as identification. All personal data will be securely managed in line with our privacy policy.

We have the following features to help keep you and our staff safe:

• screens – we have screens around our information desk
• masks – we provide masks if you’d like to wear one throughout your time in the building
• hand sanitiser – there are hand sanitizer stations throughout the building – please make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling any items
• cleaning materials – we have provided cleaning materials by work stations and the lockers if you wish to use them
• equipment – unfortunately, we are unable to offer photocopying services. We can lend some equipment such as pencils provided you sanitise your hands before and after use.
• allocated desks – you will be given a number indicating your allocated desk

• pencils and paper, laptops and electronic devices (power sockets are available on most tables)
• ID and proof of address for registration when requesting unique archives from our stores – this is only required on the first visit
• camera – a day camera license can be purchased for £9; please fill in our camera license form before your visit

• food and drink, except for bottled water – food and liquids could potentially damage the documents and other material we look after at the archives
• pens and highlighters – again, there is a chance they could damage the unique and sometimes fragile collections in our care
• if you wish to look at material in our archives research area, we ask that bags and coats are stored in the free on site lockers provided – this is to make sure that our research area is kept clear and hazard free

We’re right next to Dalston Junction Overground station or a short walk from Dalston Kingsland Overground station and are well served by local buses. Visit TfL to plan your route.

If you have a disabled badge you may park at the rear of the library on Beechwood Road, where there are also a number of pay and display parking spaces. You can park bicycles on Dalston Square, in front of the main entrance to the library.

We’re located on the second floor of Dalston CLR James Library, served by two public lifts. Adjustable tables are available in the archives search room for wheelchair users.