Rijkmuseum Research Library
Monday to Saturday | 10.00 - 17.00 | Reservation required
Anyone wishing to conduct research using the Rijksmuseum collections is welcome at the Rijksmuseum Research Library. Since 1885, the Rijksmuseum has collected publications closely related to the museum’s collections. The Research Library is a reference library: materials can be consulted on site but cannot be taken home.
Visit the Rijksmuseum Research Library
Create a library account.
Before your visit, request materials from the library collection via the library catalogue.
How do you request library materials?
Log in to the library catalogue.
Find the publication you wish to consult, select ‘Place hold’, choose the date of your visit to the Research Library and confirm your request.
Is it a multi-volume work or a journal? Request each volume or issue separately.
You can request up to 10 publications at a time.
Requested materials will be held for you for 7 days. After that, your request will be cancelled.
You can extend the loan at the desk or via the contact form.
Delivery times for library materials
From Monday to Friday, requested library materials are delivered twice a day:
Requests submitted before 8.00 will be available by 11.30.
Requests submitted before 12.00 will be available by 15.30.
No library materials are delivered on Saturdays.
Materials requested before 12.00 on Friday will be available on Saturday. Materials kept in the Research Library rather than in storage can also be consulted on Saturdays.
Scanning library materials
Users with a library account can request free scans of materials from the library collection. A book scanner is also available (free of charge) if you would like to make your own scans of collection materials. Please bring a USB stick.
Directions
Please use the Rijksmuseum’s main entrance. Your ticket lets you skip the queue.
Please use the Friends’ cloakroom, where you will be given a transparent plastic bag for your laptop or other belongings.
The Research Library is on the first floor. Follow the signs to the Library via the Waterloo Room.
Access, guidelines and ID
Please leave coats, bags, food and drinks at the cloakroom.
Bring a valid ID. You will be asked to show your ID at the Research Library reception desk.
Please do not bring your own books.
Write in pencil only.
If you have requested materials from the Library Special Collections, please wash your hands, do not wear nail polish and read this research guide for instructions on how to handle them.
The Research Library is intended for visitors using the library collection. Reservations made for other purposes will be cancelled.
The Rijksmuseum’s general terms and conditions and the additional terms and conditions of the Rijksmuseum Research Library apply.
We reserve the right to cancel a reservation and will contact you as soon as possible if we need to do so.
Public holidays
The Rijksmuseum Research Library is closed on:
King’s Day
Liberation Day
Ascension Day
Whit Sunday and Whit Monday
Christmas Day and Boxing Day
New Year’s Day
Contact
See our frequently asked questions, use the contact form or call us on +31 (0)20 6747055.
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