The IHR has had to dispose of its run of the Times for the following reasons:

  • The Times was in poor condition and continuing to deteriorate, both because of its poor accommodation and because the IHR could not afford to conserve it. The IHR is neither a newspaper Library, nor a Library of preservation, and conservation of the set could not be made a priority.
  • The Times is now available in a digital format which meets the needs of most users, and use of the paper copies has declined very significantly.
  • It will be impossible to house The Times within a redeveloped IHR Library without sacrificing space which could house other material more clearly within the Library’s collecting remit.

The matter was given careful consideration by the Library Committee.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please ask if you’d like any assistance with using Times Digital Archive.