FAQ Research Library & Study Room

You can reserve a workspace in the Research Library via this page. Don’t forget to reserve your books before your visit. Please note: the Research Library is intended exclusively for visitors using the library collection. If this isn't the case, your reservation will be cancelled.

You can create a library account via this page. Within a few minutes, you'll receive an email confirming your registration.

After confirmation, you can immediately request library materials.

First, log in via our library catalogue. Then search for the publication you want and click on ‘Place hold’. Next, select the date you wish to view the materials in the Research Library and click ‘Confirm hold’. If multiple books are displayed, select the desired publication.

The Research Library holds approximately 130,000 auction catalogues, dating from the 17th century to the present. Catalogues acquired after 1989 can be requested via the library catalogue. For catalogues before 1989, contact us using this contact form to check availability.

Library materials are delivered from the depots to the Research Library twice daily, Monday to Friday. Books requested before 8.00 am will be ready the same day by 11.30 am. Books requested before 12.00 pm will be ready the same day by 3.30 pm. No deliveries take place on Saturdays, but books requested on Friday before 12.00 pm will be available on Saturday. Books already shelved in the Research Library can also be consulted on Saturdays.

First, log in via our library catalogue. Then search for your desired publication and click on ‘Scan on request’. Fill out the request form with the required details. Often, specifying page numbers or a chapter is sufficient.

Unsure which chapter is relevant? First request the table of contents, then submit a second request.

Yes, a book scanner is available. Bring your own USB stick. Materials from the Special Collections cannot be scanned.

No, bringing personal books is not permitted.

Use this contact form to schedule an appointment in the Study Room Prints & Drawings. Indicate when you wish to visit (at least two working days in advance) and specify the works on paper you want to view.

Object numbers can be found in Collection Online. First, search for the object by title, artist or technique. Click on the object you'd like to see; the object number is listed under the image in the overview on the right.

Groups are welcome in the Study Room Prints & Drawings. Use this contact form to schedule your visit. Indicate when you wish to visit, the number of participants, and specify the works on paper you'd like to view.

You will receive your entry ticket for the Study Room Prints & Drawings via email a few days before your appointment.

With your Research Library entry ticket, you can enter via the main entrance of the Rijksmuseum. You may skip the queue at the main entrance and use the Friends’ cloakroom. Follow signs marked ‘Library’ to reach the Research Library entrance next to Room 1.12. Would you like to view the Cuypers Library without using the library collection? You can view it from the balcony in Room 2.16 during your museum visit.

Yes, your ID will be requested when visiting the Research Library, so please bring it with you.

Unable to attend? Please let us know using the contact form at the bottom of the page.

Coats and bags should be left in the Friends’ cloakroom or in a locker. Food and beverages, including bottled water, are not allowed in the Research Library. Writing is permitted only with pencil, not pen. You may bring your laptop and charger. Transparent plastic bags for personal belongings are available at the Friends’ cloakroom.