Welcome to the Map Room, the Map Department's Reading Room
The first time you come into the Map Room each day, a staff member will ask you to sign the daily register sheet. You only need to do this once each day; owing to staff shift changes, you may be asked if you have already signed in and we appreciate your understanding around this.
Many of our maps, atlases and books are unique, and all of them are precious. Please help us to protect and preserve them by following these guidelines:
- Please use only pencils and computers for taking notes. You can plug your laptop into the sockets under the tables and at the far end of the two large benches. Pens, highlighters and sticky notes are not permitted.
- Our collections are ordered on paper slips within the Reading Room or by email to maps@lib.cam.ac.uk. If you need assistance in the room, please ask a member of staff to help complete the slip.
- Please support your books while reading them. Bookstands and cushions can be found on the bookshelves, and book weights are available at the desk.
- Maps should always be laid flat on the table or bench with nothing underneath. Please do not fold maps or allow them to overhang the edge of the table or bench. Map weights can be found on top of the card catalogue.
- Please return your items to the Reading Room staff when you leave; they can be reserved if you would like to consult them again. Please see our guidelines for handling Special Collections material.
- No food or drink may be brought into the Room, including bottled water; you are welcome to use the courtyards and the Tea Room for refreshment breaks.
- For the security of our collections, we need to ensure that no collection items are removed from the the Map Room. Please have your books, papers and/or laptop ready for checking by staff at the exit gate when you leave. If you wish to reserve any books for use on another day, please let staff know when you return them.
- Photography of collection items books fetched to the Room is allowed, subject to the condition of the item and certain conditions. If you would like to photograph an item, please show it to a member of staff first.
If you have any other enquiries please ask any member of staff.