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Please download our Research Guide for a more detailed guide to using our collections, including information on how to research specific areas of interest.

An overview of the collections, with catalogue descriptions at the highest levels, is available via our pages at the .

If you find material that you would like to view, and meet our access criteria, you can get in touch to arrange a visit.

To be able to use the archive effectively you will often need considerable background knowledge of your research topic. If you plan to undertake a lengthy project you may like to book a preliminary visit well in advance of your main work in order to obtain some idea of the nature and range of material.

The arrangement of the records mainly follows the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s internal registry system, which was created in the early days of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ following the principles of registries used in government departments. Most files are held in their original groups (each identified by a letter), corresponding to the main areas of the Corporation which generated them. Within those broad areas, files are listed within series or classes, each of which has been given a number, e.g. Talks (R51), Documentaries (T4). ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ offices outside London used their own registries, so files from the Nations and Regions are stored together under separate letter codes.

Do you have an online catalogue?

Catalogue descriptions for the highest levels of our collections are available to view via the .

As our catalogue service is in development, it is currently not possible to search for individual files online before visiting. When arranging a visit, one of our team will respond to you, either with a list of specific files you can view or further details about what we hold and how to find what you are looking for.

Please use our  pages and our Research Guide as a starting point before contacting us.

Can you undertake research on my behalf?

We do not offer a paid research service for those unable to visit the Written Archives Centre but you are welcome to arrange for someone to visit on your behalf, provided that you let us know in advance.

We are not currently able to undertake any research on your behalf.

Can I take copies of documents, or have copies made for me?

Almost all of our material is still in copyright. In most cases, it will be possible to take copies for the purpose of non-commercial private research.

During your visit, subject to any copyright or other restrictions, you may take your own digital copies using your own device. There are no copying charges when using your own device. There is also a self-copying service available for microfilmed records. This costs 20p per page plus VAT for printed copies, or the scan and email service is free.

If you are unable to visit the Written Archives Centre or don't meet our access criteria then unfortunately we are currently unable to make copies documents on your behalf.

You won’t be able to publish or re-use any copies in any other way without obtaining permission in writing – see the Licensing and Copyright section for more details.

Are there any restrictions on what I can see?

Whilst we endeavour to make as much material as possible available for research, material less than seven years old, material that has not yet been deposited with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Archives, material held by ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Archives for legal or business reasons and material held in electronic formats is not in scope for general research. Some record types also have specific closure and/or release criteria. All files are reviewed in detail before release to ensure compliance with relevant legislation such as data protection, libel laws and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s Editorial Guidelines.

We are carrying out an extensive audit of our holdings in 2024 and we will only be able to offer access to materials that have already been cleared for external research. We will be unable to review any uncleared content whilst carrying out the audit and as a result this material will not be available for research.

Is any of the archive content available to view online?

• The listings sections of the Radio Times have been digitised as part of the .
• A digital version of  is available for subscriptions to academic institutions.
• The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s Handbooks and early Audience Research material are available at . Please note this is a subscription website with options available for both individuals and institutions.
• A selection of documents has been made available on the History of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ website.