National Library & Archives

General

For over a century manuscripts, plans, maps, photographs, films and printed works have been actively collected and preserved on behalf of the Manx Nation. Housed within the highest level of modern archival storage, these now form a rich central resource of information on all aspects of Manx heritage, history, landholding, law, folklore, government, international trade and relations, language and genealogy.

The public reading room is open ‘free-of-charge’ to Island residents and visitors, and every year many thousands of people make use of it for their research.

Visitor Notice - Photographic Collection

Please note that as part of the programme of digitisation of the Library and Archive collections the following small box files within our photograph collection will be unavailable for public access as indicated below:

Places From November 1st 2009 – January 31st 2010

People From January 1st - February 28th 2010

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause. Temporary withdrawal of these resources will enable improved public access to these important records of the island’s heritage. Please note that our other smaller collections such as the Frowde series, boxes on internment, transport, schools, industries & crafts plus our collection of prints are not being digitised at this time and will be available. Thank you for your understanding.

Bibliographies And Public Information Sheets

Bibliographies

Public Information Sheet

Manx National Heritage Library Bibliographies and Information sheets have been developed in response to frequently asked questions from visitors and researchers and will be expanded as new topics arise.

They are primarily intended as aids for personal visitors in accessing the collections. They are periodically updated as new information comes to light and new items are accessioned. Please check the end of each leaflet for date of last revision.

Some material particularly printed books and articles may also be available through your local library service, at national libraries such as The British Library or specialist institutions such as The Imperial War Museum

Copying and loans

Please note that we are a National reference library and do not lend through the Inter Library Loans system. However we will provide small quantities of photocopying (subject to condition of original material and copyright restrictions). For details on our current charges, please use this hyperlink.

Requests for photocopies from outside the Isle of Man should be accompanied by an A4 envelope and International Reply Coupons which are obtainable from your local post office (two for surface, four for bulky air mail). Please note UK stamps are not valid here. At present we do not e-mail copies so please include a return postal address.

Research

Due to the volume of enquiries received and limited staff and resources we are unable to offer a research service to enquirers. Off Island researchers will need to arrange for a local agent to work on their behalf.

The library can help by providing lists of genealogists and land record researchers who undertake work for a fee. Conditions and terms need to be obtained direct.

We also provide details on request for the Isle of Man Family History Society.

For other topics The Centre for Manx Studies may be able to suggest an appropriate local contact from its list of active researchers.