Special Collections

Read / Download Using Special Collections Guide (PDF)

Catalogues and Finding Aids

Much printed material in Special Collections is recorded in the Main Catalogue, to which items are constantly being added. If you do not find the item for which you are looking there, you should try the Online Card Catalogue. The locations are often different from the usual Library codes. Frequently the name of the collection is indicated as part of the code, either spelled-out or in an abbreviated form: e.g. Uzanne or [H.P.L.]. Sometimes a special location is indicated. Always make a note of the complete code to avoid delays in retrieving the book or journal. A member of staff will be happy to help if you have questions about particular location codes. In some cases additional finding aids are available upon application to Special Collections staff.

There is a separate archives and manuscripts catalogue. Archive researchers are advised to consult Special Collections staff at least 24 hours in advance of their visit.

Requesting Special Collections Items

Special Collections items may be requested by email, telephone, letter or in person. Library members can use the 'Book this item' facility to request rare and early printed books in the main catalogue in advance of their visit. This facility is not yet available on the new Encore catalogue search, but can be used by following the 'Classic Catalogue' link.

Fetch slips for all materials are available from the Special Collections reading room in the Goldsmiths' Library (Fourth Floor, Senate House).

Please note that Special Collections items are only fetched at certain times of the day. Archives, manuscripts and artefacts are available for consultation by prior appointment only, and at one full working day's notice.  The cut-off point for making archive appointments is 4pm.  Any messages after this time will be dealt with the following working day (and archives therefore produced for the day after that). 

Using Special Collections Items

Certain precautions are applied to protect unique and often fragile documents as they must be handled carefully to ensure their future preservation. All material is read under supervision in the Special Collections Reading Room where a security camera is also in operation. Readers are asked to leave bags in the lockers provided and to use pencils when taking notes. No eating, drinking or chewing gum is allowed.

Laptops may be used unless keyboard noise proves a distraction to others.

Full Regulations for the use of the Special Collections Reading Room.

Reproduction and Copyright

The Library offers a Reprographics Service, providing photocopies and digital copies of Special Collections material, subject to copyright and a conservation assessment. Some material may not be suitable for copying if it is deemed too fragile and there is the risk of it being damaged by the copying process. Order forms can be collected from the Reading Room, and orders are usually completed in three working days. Large or complex orders may take longer.

Further information on the service, including charges can be found here.

If you are unable to visit the Library, copies of works in copyright can be ordered through the Documents Direct Service, and copies of out-of-copyright works and archival and manuscript material can be order through the Senate House Library Reproductions Service.

shl.specialcollections@london.ac.uk 020 7862 8470