One of the major repositories of private papers of British individuals active in official and private capacities in the Middle East
Orientation
Coordinates
Address
Middle East Centre Archive, St. Antony’s College, Oxford OX2 6JF
Website
http://www.sant.ox.ac.uk/mec/meca.shtml
Telephone
44 (0)1865 284706
Fax
44 (0)1865 274529
debbie.usher@sant.ox.ac.uk
Schedule & hours
M-F 9:45-5:15. Closed at certain times out of term, details here.
Working language(s)
English
Layout
The reading room, in the basement of one of the College houses, contains the archivist's desk and several desks for researchers. Store rooms are on the same floor.
Directions
The archive is just to the south of the Middle East Centre on Woodstock Road.
Holdings
Description of holdings
"The Archive now contains the papers of over 400 individuals or organisations covering the period from 1800 to the present day. Its particular strength is in coverage of Palestine during the British Mandate." (from the archive website). The archive has a fine collection of photographs.
History of the archive
The archive was founded in 1961, and holds private papers collections donated to it, most of which were previously in private hands. Detailed history of the archive here.
Catalogues & finding aids
The archive is quite well catalogued. A detailed list of collections, each with its own handlist, is online here. This page also includes country and period guides.
Languages of materials
Mostly English, with various correspondence in other European and Middle Eastern languages.
Restrictions & difficulties
Classified material
Inaccessible material
Future of the archive
The archivist is working steadily to expand catalogues. Sizeable sponsorship has been given by Middle Eastern states in return for access to archival material. The collection continues to grow as further private paper collections are acquired; details here.
Research procedures
Access
An appointment is necessary for all research. An Oxford University card, or a letter of introduction and photo id is required on the first visit.
First visit
The archive experience is very personal. Discuss your interests with the archivist, who knows the collection well.
Permitted and prohibited items
- Permitted: pencils, laptop computers, cameras (policy here)
- Prohibited: pens, cameras, scanners
Document ordering
Order from the archivist.
Ordering classified material
Certain material cannot be viewed without permission of the donor or family of the donor.
Document delivery
The archive is very small, and service is very personal. Delivery is quick, and straight to your desk.
Photocopying, photography, microfilming
Photocopies cost 20-25p per page, depending on size. The archivist does the copying, and copies are not available immediately. Photographs can be reproduced, details here.
Key forms
(what are the main forms that the archive uses? if possible, provide links to copies or post copies directly)
Key individuals
Archive staff
Debbie Archer, archivist
Scholars
(scholars who are familiar with this archive)
Bibliography
(published works based on research at this archive)
Practicalities
Food
St. Antony's college dining hall is nearby, and the reading room closes at tea time, when tea can be had at the Middle East Centre.
Lockers
Available.
Washrooms
There is a washroom in the archive.
Transportation
Buses run along Woodstock road, and the archive is walking distance from the centre of town.
Internet access
None.
Funding
Bookstore
None.
See also
(links to relevant websites and resources)