There are 40 work stations available in the Reading Room to view the collections. The desks are equipped with power points and there is Wi-Fi. There are two PCs that provide access to the catalogue and two PCs for UvA students and staff. There is also a microfiche and film reader with a printer and two ScanTents.
The temperature inside the Reading Room is quite cool, so we recommend you bring a jumper or a cardigan.
Access policy
You can only use the Reading Room to consult heritage materials and books from the various reference libraries. For access and consultation, you must have a valid UvA/AUAS student or staff card or a valid external library card. You will find all information about the reader card on the ‘Library Card. Requesting and Renewal’ web page.
Service & Collection
The Reading Room is the place for:
- Consulting heritage materials from the various storage facilities
- Consulting books from the various reference libraries
- Borrowing and returning books from the IWO storage facility
- Support, questions and information concerning heritage materials and other materials
- Photo assignments
- Using and borrowing the ScanTent
- Using the microfiche and film reader
- Accessing the catalogue and digital collections using dedicated PCs
- Printing and copying, excluding heritage materials, and always in consultation with desk staff
- Delivery of requested works
Requested works located in the in-house storage facility at Oude Turfmarkt will be delivered at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. Material from the IWO storage facility is delivered at 12:00. For some materials, such as very special materials and archival documents, delivery may take longer. You will always be notified when requested material is ready for you.
Potential hazardous substances in old books
The Allard Pierson manages an extensive collection of historical materials and heritage materials, including books, maps and objects from before 1960.
Recent research by the National Library of the Netherlands (KB) has shown that some historical collections may contain hazardous materials, such as arsenic.
We are currently considering how best to handle these materials, both for our staff and our visitors.
For more info see: Potential hazardous substances in old books - Library UvA - University of Amsterdam or contact the Reading Room.
Photography
You are allowed to take photographs of the requested materials. The use of flash, personal scanning equipment or tripods is not permitted. Always consult the desk staff before taking photographs.
It is also possible to have works digitized, provided the material allows it and no rights are violated. You can submit your request directly to the desk staff through the contact form. For material before 1900, use the request digitization button. Costs are €15 per scan up to a maximum of €150 for a complete work.
Opening hours
The Reading Room is open all year round from Monday to Friday from 9:30-17:00 except on Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day and the following Friday, King's Day, Liberation Day, Whit Monday and from 25 December to 1 January. See also Reading Room Opening Hours for the most up-to-date information.
House rules
Material from the Allard Pierson heritage collections is often rare and valuable. That is why we have drawn up a set of house rules: read the house rules here.
Other facilities
- A cloakroom with lockers
- Espresso bar in the museum (closed on Mondays)
Accessibility
The Reading Room is accessible to wheelchair users by lift.
Contact
Questions, complaints or suggestions? Please contact us using the form below.