Pre-order your Reading Room request

Why pre-order?

Make the most of your visit by pre-ordering your records in advance. Pre-ordering gives us time to process your requests and have the records ready before you arrive.

All original records are stored at the Western Sydney Records Centre, where they can be viewed. 

You do not need to pre-order copied material such as microfilm reels or microfiche as these items are on open access in the reading room.

Please note that records will be returned to storage at the end of the day, unless you have made alternative arrangements with us. Please contact us if you have pre-ordered records and need to cancel or reschedule your visit.

You will need a reader's ticket to view original records.

How to pre-order

Select item(s) from your search results

Collection Search lets you pre-order records straight from the catalogue search results. To the right of the search results are two orange icons: one is your Shopping Cart and the other is for your Reading Room Requests.

Adding items listed in the catalogue

If an original item is listed in the catalogue the black clipboard will be visible from the search result or the full details page.

Click the black clipboard to add the item to your request list. The orange request icon counter will increase with each request you add.

Once you have added all the items you wish to request, click the orange request icon to view and edit your Reading Room Requests.

See below on how to finalise your request.

Pre-ordering items not listed in the catalogue

If an item is not listed in the catalogue you can also enter the details manually using the +Add Item (not in catalogue) option.

Click on the orange clipboard to the right of the screen, then click on +Add Item (not in catalogue).

Enter the requested item details in each field. If you don't know all of the information, enter a dash (-), as fields cannot be left blank.

Finalise your request

Once you are ready to submit you request, click on Finalise Request List, then follow the prompts to complete your Reading Room Request.

You can include up to five (5) items on one request. You can submit more than one form per reading room visit.

Submit your form in time

We recommend that you submit your Reading Room request 2 working days* prior to your planned visit. We will confirm receipt of your Reading Room Request and when the records may be available in the reading room. If you are unable to place your order in advance, you may experience delays in receiving your records on the day.

*Working days are Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays.