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The Wolfson Library at the RAD

The collections on open shelves include books, journals, CDs, DVDs, conference proceedings, exhibition and auction catalogues and Benesh Movement Notation Scores. The Dance Collection is supplemented by the General Collection of resources on pedagogy, music, anatomy and physiology.

The archive holds information on our heritage and the development and history of British ballet. This includes rare books, theatre programmes, photographs, costume designs, scrapbooks, pictures and artefacts, as well as audio-visual materials and paper-based documents and correspondence.

Opening times

Please make an appointment to visit us so that we can ensure resources and staff are available for you.

Access to archive materials is available Mon-Thu 10:00 – 17:30 only and strictly by appointment.

  • Opening hours
  • Changes to opening hours

Monday

10am – 6pm

Tuesday

10am – 6pm

Wednesday

10am – 6pm

Thursday

10am – 6pm

Friday

10am – 5.30pm

Saturday

9am – 3.30pm

Sunday

Closed

Please check back for any updates and changes to our opening hours.

The library catalogue

The online library catalogue contains details of all materials in our collections

You can use the online library catalogue to find out what we have in stock and what is currently available or out on loan. You can also use it to check references or bibliographic details. Searches may be general (use the simple search form) or specific (use the advanced option) and if you are registered on a Faculty of Education programme you can also search by reading list (other searches/lists). Results can be modified and refined. Search results can also be exported, saved or printed for future reference and are available in summary and detailed form.

The online library catalogue webpage includes ‘search tips’ so you can make the most of our catalogue. Our ‘featured resources’ section highlights books and other library material included in our temporary exhibition library displays. The ‘new items’ section allows you to browse the latest library arrivals. You will also find instructions to download the Liberty Link Mobile App so you can search, reserve and renew library resources using a mobile device.

History of the Wolfson Library

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the Library and Archive?

The Library and Archive is free to visit for RAD members, Benesh Members, RAD students and staff. If you are interested in consulting specific material, please drop us an email with the details.

For other visitors, there is a fee to access the Library and Archive and its resources. Please contact us with the details of your research and make an appointment.

How do I borrow books?

All Royal Academy of Dance permanent members of staff and UK-based students enrolled on one of the Faculty of Education programmes are entitled to borrow Library material from the Library’s circulating stock.

For a Library Subscription Application Form, please contact us. You will need your Royal Academy of Dance or Benesh Membership number when applying.

Can I donate material to the Library and Archives?

Donations

If you wish to donate to the archives, please contact the Archives and Record Manager to discuss the suitability of the material you wish to donate.

What are your opening hours?

The Library and Archive of the Royal Academy of Dance is open to members, students, staff and visitors during these times. If you are a visitor, please contact us to make an appointment.

How can I see what’s in your collections?

The online Library catalogue contains details of the library’s general reference collections, including books, journals, articles, CDs, DVDs, Benesh Movement Notations scores and resource packs.

The Archive of the Royal Academy of Dance includes past copies of exam syllabi, minutes of committee meetings, prospectuses, course brochures and annual reports alongside various documents, papers and photographs. Our special collections include rare books, manuscripts and transcripts, notebooks and scrapbooks, music scores, programmes and souvenir brochures, photographs, costume designs, and artefacts and artworks.

Contact information

You can write to us at:

Library and Archive, Royal Academy of Dance, 188 York Road, Battersea, London, SW11 3JZ, United Kingdom

Library Staff

All library staff are happy to help with any enquiry but their particular areas of responsibility are as follows: