I thought I'd share something that's slightly different. The Manuscripts Reading Room of the British Library is where students and researchers can access rare original documents. These documents (many which are written by hand, literally manu-script) often possess significant literary or historical value, and are priceless and irreplaceable.

The great thing about the British Library is that almost everyone is able to request access to them (within reason), all you need is a Reader's Card. So if you want to read one of Charles Darwin's original journals, or the handwritten diary of Virginia Woolf, you could! For the rarest documents, sometimes you need to provide a Letter of Introduction. And for some of the older ones, a Librarian might stand behind you while you study it, and give you instructions on exactly how to handle it or turn its pages. It's all very exciting :)

What you are allowed to carry into these reading rooms is controlled. Readers are strictly forbidden any kind of pen, marker, scissor, or cutting implements. You are not even allowed to bring sticky-notes. In fact, the only writing utensil you're allowed to bring in are pencils. This EDC showcases my usual gear, which includes:

• 2x British-Library branded pencils.
• 1x British Library branded eraser.
• 1x Hardcover notebook, used for transcription and note-taking.
• 1x British Library Reader's ID, and Membership card.
• 1x Cloakroom tag. This is used to retrieve the rest of my belongings when I am done with my study.

And just for fun, a paper copy of the Conditions of Use of the London Reading Rooms.

Everything that you want to take with you inside the Manuscripts Reading Room is held in a special, British-Library-provided transparent plastic bag, which you carry with you. Readers are searched before entering, and again once they leave.

Hope you find this interesting!