Virtual Reading Room
Our Virtual Reading Room (VRR) allows exploration of high-quality digital versions of books and documents by registered users, as well as providing galleries of images for all to explore.
The VRR includes thousands of images featured in The Museum of English Rural Life galleries, as well as content from selected rare books and archives in the Special Collections.
Register for the Virtual Reading Room
To start the registration process please fill in the form below. There are a series of FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Virtual Reading Room FAQs
What can I see?
You can access thousands of items from the University of Reading’s Special Collections, Art Collections and The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL).
Is this the same as your catalogue?
No. You can search our full catalogue here.
How do I register?
Registration is free and open to all. Please use the form above to start the registration process. Please note that this can take a few days.
I already use the in-person Reading Room. Can I access the VRR as well?
You will need to complete the form above in order to access the VRR. You can also register during any visit to the in-person Reading Room.
I am registered to use the VRR but I want to visit the in-person Reading Room. Is it the same process?
You will need to produce identification on your first visit to the in-person Reading Room. For details of how to plan a visit, see here.
How do I log in?
After you register you will receive an automatic email (from support@metadatis.com). This will enable you to set a password. Your username is the email address that you provide us with during registration.
Staff and students at the University of Reading will also receive an automatic email, but login will be via your University login and password. We will ask you to provide this at registration.
How can I use the content in the VRR?
Access to the gallery and theme pages is open to all without registration. Most of the images are protected by copyright and you must abide by all applicable copyright restrictions. If you wish to use or obtain or view a higher resolution version, please contact us.
Other content (i.e. accessible only by registered reading room users) may not reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, by any means, or for any purpose other than personal non-commercial research or private study.
If you wish to use content for any other purpose (e.g. teaching or publication) please fill in the enquiry form above.
How else can I gain access to collections online?
We make our collections accessible online in lots of ways. This guide explains how.
I am having trouble logging in
Please fill in the form above and we will get back to you as soon as we can.