Find out how you can explore the collections for free online or in person. The Caird Library & Archive is located on Level 1A of the National Maritime Museum, accessible by stairs or a lift.
Plan your visit
Caird Library location and access information
The Caird Library & Archive is found on Level 1A of the National Maritime Museum.
The Caird Library stairs
These stairs are located next to the Voyagers gallery in the Sammy Ofer Wing. They have closed steps and are 18cm high and 20cm deep. There are 23 steps in total.
The Caird lift
You can use the Caird lift, in the corridor between the Sammy Ofer Wing and the Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition to reach the Caird Library.
The Caird lift door opening is 1m 22cm wide. The interior dimensions are 2m 65cm long, 1m 60cm wide. There is no mirror to aid reversing in a wheelchair. The buttons are tactile.
Search the Library & Archive Catalogues
Research Guides - learn how to navigate the most popular collections
Please find the item you want to order on the Archive or Library catalogue, click 'Request this Item' or 'Order', log in or register and pick a date and time to visit.
NB: This procedure does not apply to items in the Collections (Objects) Catalogue. This includes ships' plans.
Also: Individual Crew Lists and Masters Certificates do not appear on the catalogue.
How to register and order items
To register and to request items to view using the Library's online request system, Aeon.
Our remote copying service - order a scan
The Library offers a document copying service to supply scans of items in our collection.
For professional photography, including for publication online or in print, please contact the Image Sales team.
Prepare for your visit
We have prepared a detailed guide to help you prepare for your visit to the Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum.
Register to visit the Caird Library
Contact us
If you have any questions about specific items in our collection, group visits or other research needs, please do contact us:
Email: library@rmg.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8312 6516 during Library opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4:45pm
Tickets and Opening
Free entry
Tuesday – Friday
10am – 4.45pm
- Greenwich Station
- Cutty Sark DLR
- Maze Hill Station
- Greenwich Pier
Using our collections for research
Find out how our archives and catalogues can support your research
Research guides
Advice on beginning your research at Royal Museums Greenwich
Accessing our collections for research
We offer a world-class resource for studying maritime history, astronomy and time
Electronic resources in the Caird Library and Archive
The Caird Library subscribes to a range of electronic resources to assist you in your research
Family history research
Find out about your family history at sea using resources available in the National Maritime Museum's Library and Archive
Independent researchers
If you are unable to visit the Museum, please see our list of independent researchers who can carry out the research for you
HMS NHS: the Nautical Health Service transcription project
Thanks to our fantastic volunteers, we are well on our way to reviving an important piece of Greenwich’s maritime history.
Read the Caird Library blog
From major collections to personal diaries, learn more about the stories discovered in our collections
About the Caird Library and Archive
The Library collection includes over 100,000 books, 20,000 pamphlets, 20,000 bound periodicals including 200 current titles, and over 12,000 rare books spanning every aspect of maritime history, including: emigration, navigation, piracy, astronomy, shipping companies, shipwrecks, biographies, the two World Wars, horology, Merchant and Royal Navy.
Also included are many original documents, manuscripts, atlases, maps, sea charts and periodicals. There are 6,000 books and printed resources available to study on open access shelves.
The collections are available to everyone and can be accessed for free online or in person. All that is required is to register for a Reader's Ticket.
A team of professional librarians and archivists are available to help and advise readers at all times.
If you are not able to visit the Caird Library and Archive, staff are happy to answer enquiries by telephone, email and letter about items in our collection and can offer up to 15 minutes of free research time.
Explore our collections online
Search our updated digital database to find out more about our objects and archives