Reading Room
Reopening
Please make yourself familiar with the detailed processes and requirements below and regularly check this site or our Facebook Page as circumstances can change very quickly.
​
​
KEY THINGS TO NOTE
> Bookings are no longer required for the BRAC Reading Room but are appreciated
> All items must be ordered through the PROV catalogue
​
> While it is no longer mandatory, due to staff circumstances, it would be appreciated if patrons continue to wear properly fitted masks while in the Reading Room
> Cancel your booking if you feel unwell, even if at late notice
​
​​​​​​
PROV ORDERING
​
Items in the Bendigo repositories are now available through the new PROV catalogue. If you have an account, you will need to request a new password and verify your email address. If you don't have an account, directions are here.
* A step-by-step guide to ordering through the PROV catalogue can be found HERE
​
* Uncatalogued records cannot currently be ordered and accessed
* While you can order up to 24 items, only eight records can be initially supplied for your session; if you have ordered more than eight records, there may be a delay while your initial records are returned and further records retrieved.
​
* Any records that are held at the off-site Nolan Street repository must be ordered within 48 hours of your planned visit (to see where record sets are stored, view our catalogue table - any items labelled 'Nolan' are off-site).
​
​
READING ROOM ATTENDANCE
Please DO NOT attend if you feel unwell in any way
​
* Due to personal circumstances, staff would appreciate patrons continuing to wear properly fitted masks while in the Reading Room, and visitors should sanitise their hands regularly before handling records
​
* Patrons who do not wish to mask are still welcome in the Reading Room, however staff will be unable to provide one-on-one research or record support beyond issuing the records to you which have been ordered through the catalogue. we have many Guides to help with a range of research on our website.
​
* The general conditions of entry still apply for Reading Room visits - please review these HERE.
​
* Access to the Reading Room will be via the door at the FAR end of the room only, follow the signage if you are unsure.
​
* You will also need to sign into the Reading Room upon arrival. This is a separate non-COVID related record and is for administrative purposes under the Public Record Act, please be patient with this process.
* The library's Local History collection items can be accessed if required however patrons must not use the step ladder (ask staff for assistance) and items must not be reshelved - please place on the table provided.
* We ask patrons to be mindful of staff and other patrons within the Reading Room and practice social distancing and good hygiene.
* The public toilets upstairs are open and regularly cleaned.
We thank researchers and patrons for their patience at what is a challenging time. Please continue to check your inbox, and our website and Facebook Page for interim updates - our situation and advice may change at short notice.
​