Special Collections (Printed)

The Special Collections Division is on level 4 of the Hartley Library on the Highfield Campus. The printed collections include early and rare books from the general collections of the Hartley Library and a number of named collections, presented or deposited by individuals and organisations. The collections range in size from a few hundred titles to several thousand and subjects include Jewish history, local history and agricultural history. The collections are open to all to use.

Much of the modern material is available in the Special Collections open access area and can be used whenever the Hartley Library is open. If you are not a member of the University, you will need to show a form of ID on arrival at the Library.

Rare Books are held on closed access and are fetched for use in the Archives and Rare Books Search Room, which is open Monday to Friday, 09.30-17.00. Appointments are not normally required, but you will need to show a form of ID on arrival at the Library and on entering the Search Room. Material cannot be produced, without prior arrangement between 12.00 and 13.00.

You can request material:

  • By phoning the Search Room on 023 8059 2721 or ext. 22721
  • By emailing archives@soton.ac.uk
  • By visiting the Search Room and completing a request slip
Open Access Collections Rare Book Collections

Cope Collection* On Hampshire and Isle of Wight

 Hartley Collection 

Hampshire Field Club Library 

 Moir Collection (Spanish Drama)

Hampshire Gardens Trust Library 

Oates Collection (Slavery and Africa)

Hampshire Ornithological Society Library

 Perkins Agricultural Library 

Parkes Library* On Jewish/Non-Jewish relations

 Rare Books 

Salisbury Collection* (British Regional Floras)

 Rosicrucian Collection 

University Collection

 Wellington Pamphlets 

*also contains material shelved with the Rare Book Collections

Enquiries

The Enquiry Office is at the entrance to the open access Special Collections area. Enquiries about printed books can also be made by e-mail (J.C.Ruthven@soton.ac.uk) or by phoning ext. 23335. The external number is (023) 8059 3335.

For information on the Archives and Manuscript collections see Special Collections (Archives).