Welcome to Special Collections & Archives
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another year, now is a great time to discover what Newcastle University’s Special Collections & Archives can offer you.
21 September 2026
Welcome to Newcastle – and welcome back to all our returning students!
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another year, now is a great time to discover what Newcastle University’s Special Collections & Archives can offer you.
Looking for something that could make your next assignment, dissertation or research project stand out?
Our collections give you access to an extraordinary range of rare books, archives and unique primary sources. From historic letters, photographs and maps to literary archives, rare publications and digital collections, there is plenty to discover – whatever your subject or stage of study. We have over 200 collections to explore, take a look at our Collections Guides for more information and filter by keyword.
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Whether you’re an undergraduate exploring ideas for a dissertation or a postgraduate student developing original research, our collections can help you uncover new perspectives, find primary evidence and take your research in unexpected directions.
Explore material online, discover our digitised collections, or arrange to consult original items in the Special Collections Reading Room or online through our Virtual Reading Room Service. The Special Collections team is also here to help you navigate catalogues, develop search strategies and discover material relevant to your research.
You don’t need to be an archive expert to get started – just bring your curiosity.
Start exploring and see where the collections could take your research on our website.