We have a new Special Collections Website
Our new website was launched in 2010, and allows searching across all our collections and view records for all our items. You can access the site at the following address: .
These pages are available for reference and are no longer being updated. They may contain out of date information.
When you arrive
On arrival at Special Collections, you will be asked to leave all your belongings in one of the lockers.You will be given a key to your locker.
You may bring a pencil and notebook into the Reading Rooms. Pens and biros are not permitted in case of accidental damage to the collections. Pencils are available for purchase from the duty supervisor.
Lap-top computers can be used - please inform staff when booking your appointment if you intend to bring a lap-top with you and we will do our best to seat you close to a power socket.
Requesting material
Material is fetched from store at certain times throughout the day (usually 10.00, 11.00, 12.00 & 14.00, 15.00, 16.00). In order to make the most of your time here please ensure that you submit any requests for material tothe duty supervisor before these times so that the material will be readily available for you to consult.
You may also wish to submit a list of items before your visit so that we can have them ready and waiting for you to use on arrival. You can do this by email, telephone or by post.
A material request form is available to download here. Simply complete the form and return it to us an an email attachment, or print it out and post it to us.
Full catalogues to all the collections are available via this website in order to help you decide what you would like to request.
Do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries about requesting material - we are always happy to help and advise.