Scope of Service

Scope of service

We can answer enquiries about using the National Art Library (NAL), searching the catalogue, NAL collections and other libraries’ holdings. We will always endeavour to help with subject enquiries in the field of art and design, especially when other sources of information have been exhausted, but due to limited resources we may not be able to fully answer without suggesting a visit to the NAL in person, or by someone on your behalf. We can consider requests and recommendations for books to acquire, and offers of donations. 

NAL staff cannot perform extensive original research, with enquiries limited to 30 minutes research time and six within one year. We aim to provide a reply to all enquiries within 20 working days. The response time is likely to be more immediate for enquiries about procedure. If you have not received a response within this timeframe please check your spam folder or whitelist us, domain name: @vam.libanswers.com, and do get back in touch.

From 2 June all NAL material at V&A East Storehouse will be viewed by appointment only, using the form below (General enquiry > NAL Storehouse). Appointments must be made a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. Collections include children's books and Theatre and Performance library collections. South Kensington material is ordered directly through the NAL catalogue.

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Study Room Opening Hours

National Art Library,

South Kensington:

10.00 - 17.00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

 

V&A East Storehouse study room (from 2 June):

10.00 - 17.00 (appointment only) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

 

Website Links

We may provide links to other websites in response to your question. Provision of these links does not constitute endorsement of the material, the organisation providing the site, or the continued accuracy of the link. The user of the link is responsible for downloading any material and for any fees or charges incurred. Downloading of images and/or text without the permission of the copyright owner may breach international copyright laws.