How to donate records                                                         

Nurse portrait 1900s A variety of historical nursing records are regularly given to the RCN Archives by individuals. These include personal papers, such as lecture notes and diaries, photographs, badges, certificates and recordings. Nursing organisations also donate records to the RCN Archives. These are all a welcome addition to our broad-ranging collections.

Archivists discuss donations with potential donors and select records that are appropriate for the collections. An agreement is made, which details the RCN Archives’ commitment to look after the records, how they may be accessed by researchers and what they may be used for (for example publication).

  1. Contact the RCN Archives team. Email: archives@rcn.org.uk or telephone: 0131 662 6122/6123 to talk about what you have
  2. Send in the records/items discussed to: RCN Archives, 42 South Oswald Road, Edinburgh, EH9 2HH

The RCN will acknowledge receipt, list the contents of the donation and send the donor a donation form to sign

  1. The donor signs and returns the donation form, with any notes on access conditions or any other questions they may have
  2. The RCN catalogues the records or items and sends the donor a copy of the catalogue and reference numbers
  3. The RCN's online catalogue will be updated showing a description of the historical records. Donor’s details are strictly confidential.

Please remember that the RCN Archives can only accept records donated as gifts to the RCN by the owner of the records, and does not enter into temporary deposit agreements or loans.

For detailed information see the terms of donation (Word 41.5KB)

For a description of our collecting remit and role see the RCN Archives collection policy (Word 55KB).