Library of Motoring

THE REFERENCE LIBRARY
The Motoring Reference Library aims to provide a full research and information service to anyone who requires it.

Originally established in 1960, it has become one of the largest resources of its type anywhere in the world and provides an invaluable source of information.

The holdings include approximately 14,000 books, 16,000 workshop manuals and handbooks, together with around 50,000 manufacturers' sales catalogues - all ranging from the pioneering days of motoring to the present. Many are historic publications, no longer readily available elsewhere, and new reference material is constantly being added to the collection.

The Library holds some 5,000 bound and 20,000 unbound periodicals, many of which are complete runs. Our titles include:

Autocar
Autosport
Buses Illustrated
Car Illustrated
Classic Motorcycle
Commercial Motor
Light Car and Cyclecar
Motor

Motorcycle
Motorcycling
Motor Sport
Practical Classics
Road and Track
Old Glory
Thoroughbred and Classic Cars
Veteran and Vintage

The Library continues to receive over 450 motoring-related titles on a regular basis each year, including club magazines and newsletters.

The Motoring Enquiry Service was established by the Museum to provide information to professional and amateur researchers alike. The broad range of the collection means we are able to aid restoration projects, identify mascots and vehicles in photographs, and assist with genealogy and many other enquiries. Where the Library has only limited material on a subject, we will try to suggest an alternative source of information.

While we endeavour to answer enquiries promptly, our response time is governed by the amount and complexity of work in hand. A charge is applied to all enquiries, including personal callers, to help offset the high operational and maintenance costs involved. However, some answers to more frequently asked questions are provided for your enjoyment!

We will be happy to receive your enquiries by letter or fax or you may prefer to visit us to conduct your own research, especially if your enquiry is a complex one. Please telephone the Library first before making a journey to arrange an appointment which should be made 24 hrs in advance. We regret that we are unable to accept e-mail or telephone enquiries.

Library Visitors:
Visitors are welcome by appointment only. Please telephone the library to arrange an appointment which needs to be made at least 24hrs in advance.

Opening Times:

Tuesday to Friday, 10am-5pm (closed 1pm-2pm). Visitors welcome by appointment only. Appointments to be made 24hrs in advance.
Saturday to Monday, Closed.
Christmas to New Year, Closed.

Motoring Enquiry Service:
We offer a postal service for enquirers unable to visit the library. Please contact us by letter or fax in the first instance and we will advise if we can assist. Please note that we are unable to accept e-mail or telephone enquiries.

Charges
All prices quoted are in British Pounds and include VAT at the current rate.

Library Charges: £10.00 per morning / afternoon or £20.00 per whole day
Postal Enquiries: £20.00 (includes up to two hours work, further work charged at £24.00 per hour)
Photocopies: 20p per A4 page, 40p per A3 page
Scans: £5.00 (on photographic paper) £2.00 (on plain paper)
Faxes: £2.50 plus 25p per page

Concessions (on production of a valid card)
Students - 25%
Friends of the NMMT - 10%
Museum Association members - 10%

Payment
Payment for research maybe made in Pounds Sterling by cash, cheque or credit / debit card (minimum charge £5.00). Cheques must be drawn against a British bank and made payable to The National Motor Museum Trading Ltd.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE POSTAGE AND PACKING WHICH IS SUBJECT TO VAT AT THE PREVAILING RATE.