Reader services
Opening hours
The Library welcomes readers by appointment from Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm.
Reading rooms
The Library has a well-equipped invigilated reading room, to facilitate the study of manuscript materials and other primary sources. Secondary materials, including books, dissertations and music scores, can additionally be viewed in the main area of the Library.
OPAC and internet
The reading room houses a PC with full internet access, for the purposes of searching the Library’s web catalogues, online resources and for related study purposes. No charge is made for this facility.
Microfilm and microfiche
Microfilm and microfiche reading and printing facilities are available in the reading room. In order to preserve original manuscript materials, the Library has a policy of recording all such materials on microfilm. To cover costs, a small charge is made for printing from microfilms/microfiches (currently 20p per page)
Laptops
Laptops can normally be used in all areas of the Library, unless they are likely to cause disturbance to other readers.
Audio-visual facilities
Equipment for watching DVD and video items from the collections, and for listening to audio recordings, are available in the main Library area for use by readers.
Photocopying
Photocopying services are available at the Library for some types of material. To cover costs, a small charge is made for photocopying (currently 20p per page).
Enquiries
Enquiries about all aspects of Britten and Pears and the collections are always welcome and should be addressed in the first instance to the Librarian or the Curator for Reader Services by email, phone, fax, or letter. Staff are always available onsite to deal with visiting readers’ enquiries.
Loan of materials
Please note that the Britten-Pears Library is a research and reference library and that, with the exception of photographic images (see below), it is therefore not possible to borrow items from the collection.
Photographs and digital images
Subject to appropriate copyright and other permissions being obtained, photographic images from the collections can be provided either in hard copy (on loan) or in digitised formats. Applications should be made to the Curator for Reader Services, including full details of the use to which the images are to be put. Please note that it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that appropriate copyright clearance is obtained, although the Library will provide details of copyright holders when known.
Please note that the Library charges a fee for photographic services, and copyright fees may be payable in addition.
Services for users with disabilities
The open areas of the Library are in a single-storey building, with unstepped access and egress. Toilet facilities are available. All library guides and descriptive literature are available in large-print and/or on buff paper upon request. Staff are always on hand to help visitors with access, consistent with the proper observation of standard procedures relating to conservation and security.
For those unable to visit Aldeburgh, the website offers detailed information and searchable catalogues, together with online enquiries and feedback mechanisms. As the site develops, it will in time offer much of the functionality of the virtual library, with access to digital images (both of pictures and manuscript materials), sound files, and other materials. The website has also been developed to the highest possible standards for inclusivity accessibility as defined by the W3C AA standard on accessible web content. Other offsite services include photocopying (subject to conservation constraints and the provisions of the Copyright, Design and Patents Act (1988) and subsequent statutory instruments), and an in-depth enquiry service.
Accommodation
In some circumstances it may be possible to accommodate readers visiting the Library for extended research visits. Further details can be obtained from the Librarian. A list of nearby bed and breakfast accommodation is also available on request, and details of hotels in the area are available from the Suffolk Coastal District Council website.