The National Meteorological Library and Archive is open to everyone.
The library can offer a range of services to help you get the most from the wealth of meteorological information we hold, from wherever you are.
Visit the archive for access to historic meteorological records. Advance notice is essential to help us make the most of your visit.
Using the library (Exeter)
The library will:
- answer your enquiries on the weather and meteorology, e.g. the weather on a specific date, data for a specific location, or answers to general questions such as "What is the jet stream?", "How do clouds form?" or "What role did the Met Office play during the Second World War?";
- maintain a comprehensive collection of meteorological books, journals and other materials to use in the library;
- provide members with books to borrow and use at home;
- offer an online catalogue for you to search at home or in the library;
- maintain a collection of photographs and slides depicting all aspects of meteorology. Many of the images are available via our online catalogue. If you would like to submit one of your images for possible inclusion in the collection, please email us: metlib@metoffice.gov.uk. Include a copy of the image, your name and the date and location the picture was taken;
- offer internet access and access to online journals on-site;
- provide photocopying facilities on site — charges will apply;
- provide copies of journal articles or book chapters as requested (see copyright note below).
If you want to borrow library material you will need to become a member. Complete the Borrower Form (PDF, 52 kB) and send it to us, or bring it in when you visit, together with proof of identity and address (a photocopy is sufficient if you send the form to us).
We ask that:
- as a member you adhere to the borrowing rules on the borrower form;
- when visiting the library you take care not to damage materials when handling and copying;
- you refrain from eating and drinking in the library, and switch off your mobile phone.
Using the archive (Exeter and Edinburgh)
The archive will:
- answer your enquiries of a more historical nature;
- offer an online catalogue for you to search at home or in the library;
- retrieve relevant material for you to consult in the search room;
- allow you to photograph documents using your own digital camera;
- allow you to collect data from our documents directly onto your laptop computer;
- scan or photograph documents, which can be emailed or posted to you — charges will apply;
- preserve and conserve meteorological records on behalf of the nation.
We ask that:
- you let us know in advance if you plan to visit the archive and bring ID and proof of address;
- you only use pencil for any note-taking when working with archive material;
- you take great care when consulting any documents to help us preserve them for future use (e.g. refrain from leaning on the material, piling documents on top of each other or folding/creasing items);
- you do not take food and drink anywhere near the archive material;
- you switch off your mobile phones so that other visitors are not disturbed.
Charges and Copyright
- We are obliged to cover our costs when copying or printing information for research or private study. We have considered the appropriate amount to charge carefully and we believe that these charges represent good value for money.
- Copying of published material must be restricted to one article or chapter from any journal issue or book title.
- If it is for research or private study for non-commercial purposes you will be asked to sign a copyright declaration form. If it is for research or private study for commercial purposes you will need to pay a copyright fee for each item you copy.
- A licence may be needed for commercial reuse or copying of information.
- Many of our images are sent in by individuals, who retain copyright of their pictures and agree to allow the Met Office to make them available for others to see. Images can only be used with the copyright holder’s permission.
To view PDF documents you will need Adobe Reader.
