Library Policies

Loans, Reservations and Renewals

Fellows can borrow up to 5 items (books and/or DVDs) for 3 weeks at a time.

Up to five renewals can be made provided no one else has reserved the item/s.

Freepost Service for Library Items

Items can be posted out to UK Fellows using our Freepost Service. This is helpful for those Fellows who are unable to visit the library regularly in person. After reading the monthly update on the RSA Library Blog or browsing the catalogue online, you can now request the items you want at no extra cost.

Books and/or DVDs will be sent to you anywhere in the UK by first class post - when you want to return them, simply stick the supplied Freepost label back on the packaging you received the contents in, and post it back to the library.

Items can also be posted without a label using the address:
Freepost SW1246
RSA Library
8 John Adam Street
London
WC2N 6EZ

Food and Drink

Water is provided in the Fellows' Lounge - otherwise food and drink is not to be consumed in the library, due to risk of damage to archive materials being used in the space.

The Gerard Bar is open for a full refreshment service every weekday from 8:30am (last orders 9.30pm) to 6:30pm. To book a table please contact +44 (0)20 7451 6824.

The Restaurant in the Vaults is open for waiter-service lunch every weekday for Fellows. To book a table please contact +44 (0)20 7451 6934.

Copyright

A photocopier is available for use in the library. Photocopying cards can be purchased from the library desk and the main reception desk priced at £1.50 for 10 A4 copies. All copying is subject to copyright laws. If you would like further information on copyright laws, please click here.

Library Gift Policy

Donated items are gratefully recieved, and will show the name of the donator on the catalogue and in the book itself.

They are accepted on the following conditions:

  • The ownership of the book is transferred to the RSA, which has the absolute right to dispose of it, by sale or otherwise, at its discretion;
  • Books in the first category are normally kept for a period of at least five years before they are reviewed and a decision is taken about whether they should remain in the Library for a further period or be disposed of;
  • Books in the second category are normally kept for a period of one year before they are disposed of;
  • The Society's library operates a trust system, and while such instances are thankfully rare, it is not possible to guarantee the security of the book you have gifted to us. The Society is under no obligation to replace a book which is lost or stolen.

Overdue Policy

There are no overdue charges for library books. Fellows who do not return their books on time will be unable to check out other books until the overdue material is returned.

Lost and Damaged Book Policy

Fellows will be charged the replacement cost for any lost or damaged books. A refund will be given if the book is found and returned in reasonable condition.

Contact us

8 John Adam Street
London, WC2N 6EZ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7451 6945 (general enquiries)
Email the library