Our services
Discover our collections in a quiet study environment and make the most of our content with support from our professional team.
Rare books
We hold rare books dating back to the 15th century. We provide foam supports and lead weights for use with the book collections. Our staff can explain how to use these reading aids, and provide general handling guidance.
Our online library catalogue can help you find items you may wish to view.
Archives
We hold large collections of archives (unique, unpublished material, such as letters and diaries). If you would like to consult these collections, please make an appointment in advance.
Please allow extra time for us to respond to enquiries concerning modern archives that may contain personal data regarding living individuals. They may be affected by data protection restrictions and require screening before access is permitted. The archives catalogue will indicate whether or not a collection may contain personal data.
Digital copies
You are welcome to take photographs using your own camera or mobile phone, subject to completion of a copyright declaration. Alternatively, a digital camera is available for loan in the reading room.
We may be able to supply digital copies if you are unable to visit us in person. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Thousands of items from our collections can be freely viewed online at Digital Special Collections.
Research and enquiry service
Our librarians and archivist can assist you when searching within both Special Collections and Archives and wider library and archive information sources. Please contact us to discuss your research needs.
Teaching support
Could our collections help support your modules? Our 20-seat seminar room, with audio-visual display facilities, is available for bookings. We will work with you to select a range of suitable sources for students to examine in an interactive seminar environment. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your requirements.
