All researchers (including members of the University of Birmingham) need to register on their first visit so that we can issue you with a Special Collections card. For members of the University of Birmingham who have a valid staff identity card or for members of the Guild of Students with a valid student card we should be able to confirm your details automatically with out needing to see additional forms of identification. External users will need to produce certain forms of identification showing your name, printed address and signature e.g. a driving licence. If you do not have a driving licence please bring something with your name and signature on it (e.g. passport, cash card, credit card) as well as something with your address printed on it, such as a recent bank statement, utilities bill, medical card, council tax demand, or social security book.

If you do not have the correct ID with you then we cannot issue you with a Special Collections card. However, it may be possible to issue you with a temporary ticket which will be valid for one visit only.

List of acceptable proofs of ID

For both address and signature:

Driving Licence

For address only:

Medical Card (with address)

Bank statement

Household bills

Official letter

Pension Book

Building Society Passbook

Disabled Person’s Registration

Post Office Savings Book

Vehicle Registration Documents

Foreign Passports if they have address

Official ID cards (with indication as to how you may be contacted and address)

Correspondence with University of Birmingham Special Collections

For signature only:

Credit card

Debit card

Cheque guarantee card

National Insurance card

Passport

N.B. You need to bring proof of both address and signature.

Avon Papers

Please note that in addition to the usual ID, readers* requesting access to this collection need to supply in advance a brief statement of their research and a letter of introduction in order for permission to be obtained. The letter of introduction needs to be from someone who knows you well and is not a family member. It only needs to be brief, just a few lines explaining how they know you and confirming that they support your application to access archival material of the nature in which you are interested.
* University of Birmingham staff or University of Birmingham students do not need to submit this statement or letter of introduction.     

How do I use my Special Collections card?

Each time you visit Special Collections, you will need to produce your Special Collections card. When you order records out on the order slips in the research room, you will need to note your card number, and surrender your card. Once all records have been returned and checked, your card will be returned to you.

How long does the card last?

Special Collections cards are valid for 3 years.

How do I renew my Special Collections card?

To renew your card you will have to bring identification with you as is required for a new card (see above). If you change your address the same thing applies – please bring the required identification including your new address.

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen it is important to let us know without delay. If you wish to get a new card then you will need to bring your identification with you.

This card is specific to Special Collections and cannot be used to access the University Library or any other University facilities. It must be produced on each subsequent visit to Special Collections.

On your first visit please allow about 5 minutes to complete the process of registration with a member of our staff. You will be asked to complete a registration form and agree to abide by the regulations governing use of Special Collections material.

Please note that all previous users of the service will need to register to receive a Special Collections card for the new facility and will need to produce the relevant forms of identification (see above) on your first visit.

Library Services at the University of Birmingham

The Cadbury Research Library : Special Collections has a close relationship with Library Services at the University of Birmingham who provide 9 site libraries across our campuses including the Main Library. To access their services please visit the Library Services web pages. It is possible for non- University members to use the University Library Service, please check their web pages for details.