Newcastle University

About Special Collections and Archives

Special Collections and Archives, on level 1 of the Robinson Library, is where you will discover manuscripts, personal papers, antiquarian maps, illustrations, and miscellaneous items which are valuable and often unique primary source materials. You will also find rare books and other important secondary resources to support your research.

Materials are kept in closed access stores. Many of the collections have been catalogued online and can be located in the Library's Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). It is possible to limit your search to Special Collections materials. Printed or card catalogues, and hand lists exist for the archives.

You need to request items in advance of your intended visit by submitting either an electronic form or a printed form (available from the level 2 issue desk). There are two collection periods per weekday.

Special Collections items must be consulted within the Library, and items from some collections are confined to the Reading Room. Items are issued to you on a daily basis. Please only use pencil (or laptops) when working with Special Collections materials. You cannot photocopy from these materials yourself but staff can accept requests for photocopies and scans, subject to copyright legislation and the approval of the Special Collections and Archives Librarian.

Reading Room open: Monday - Friday, 9.30 a.m. - 4.45 p.m.
Summer Vacation open: Monday - Friday, 10.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. 2.15 p.m. - 4.45 p.m