 The library is known as a closed access library which means that most material (apart from the reference books on open shelves) has to be requested via staff at the counter.The library's catalogue is available on the web so that material can be requested in advance of a visit.The main strength of the NAL lies in the range and depth of its documentary material on the fine and decorative arts but it also has significant holdings of material in a particular genre as well as important historic collections, deemed 'special' either because of their provenance or their rarity, including