Special Collections
Special Collections holds a wealth of primary source materials in a variety of formats and media – ranging from medieval times to the modern age – and with exceptional strengths in literature and the arts, sociology, politics and economics.
The Special Collections Reading Room is open weekdays, Monday to Friday, 11:00 - 17:00.
Request Special Collections & Archives items via the catalogue. Find out more about the Special Collections Reading Room.

Special Collections
Special Collections holds a wealth of primary source materials in a variety of formats and media – ranging from medieval times to the modern age – and with exceptional strengths in literature and the arts, sociology, politics and economics.
The Special Collections Reading Room is open weekdays, Monday to Friday, 11:00 - 17:00.
Request Special Collections & Archives items via the catalogue. Find out more about the Special Collections Reading Room.
-
Shakespeare’s First Folios, 1623
-
Johann Gottlieb Georgi, Description de toutes les nations de l’empire de Russie, c.1776-1777
-
Hocus Pocus Junior, 1634
-
Manuscript of William Langland, Piers Plowman, early 15th century
-
Auserlesene Schnecken, Muschelen und andre Schaalthiere by Franz Michael Regenfuss, 1758
-
University of London Supplemental Charter, 1867
Free access to the archives and special collections
In addition to our regular memberships, we offer a free day ticket for researchers accessing archives, manuscripts or special collections. (This ticket is not valid for accessing other areas or resources within the Library.) Proof of address and photo ID is required.