Collections development strategy (Archives and Special Collections)

Introduction

The University Library’s Archives and Special Collections contains archives, manuscripts and rare books owned by or loaned to the University of Leicester. Stand-out archive collections include the Joe Orton Collection, Sue Townsend Archive, University of Leicester Archives and East Midlands Oral History Archive. Major holdings of rare books include the Thomas Hatton Topographical Library, Caleb Robjohns bequest, and the libraries of the Mathematical Association and Leicester Medical Society.

This document sets out how the Library aims to develop these collections to support the University’s strategic aims, while following professional good practice and making best use of available resources. The Archives and Special Collections Development Strategy complements the following documents:

• Library Collection Development Strategy 2022-2031
• Archives Collections Management Policy
• University Archives Selection Policy
• Archives and Special Collections Access Policy

Scope of document

This strategy is concerned with the acquisition of rare books and archives in all formats, as managed by the Archives and Special Collections section of the University Library. These include:

• Rare books: primarily those published before 1850, but including later rare and valuable works of bibliographic note or significant provenance.
• Archives: defined as the ‘Records created or received by a person, family, or organization, public or private, in the conduct of their affairs which have been selected for permanent preservation because of the enduring value of the information they contain or as evidence of the functions and responsibilities of their creator’. Archives exist in physical or digital formats, and may include letters, reports, minutes, accounts, photographs and audio-visual material.
• Oral histories: audio recordings of the personal experiences and opinions of individuals, captured for the purposes of research and enhancing the historical record.

The Strategy does not cover:

• The deposit of academic publications and datasets in the Leicester Research Archive.
• The management, preservation and provision of access to research data underpinning publications, such as may be deposited in a research data repository.
• The management of current or semi-current University records, required for the conduct of the University’s current business or retained for legal reasons. 
• The management of the British Institute for Libyan and Northern African Studies collection, which is held and managed by the School of Archaeology and Ancient History.

Collecting strategy, 2024-2029

Archives and Special Collections seeks to acquire new material which falls into one or more of the following categories:

• Collections which support the strategic aims of the University of Leicester to deliver research-inspired education, world-changing research and social impact
• Collections which enhance the institutional memory of the University of Leicester
• Collections which strengthen the relationship between the University of Leicester and its city and region

The University Library recognises and values its role as part of a network of institutions across the UK that collectively safeguard the nation’s cultural heritage. As responsible custodians of rare and unique library and archive collections we will consider:

• Whether there would be greater public benefit in materials offered to us being donated or loaned to an alternative institution
• The availability of suitable storage space
• The need for funding and staffing resource to process and provide public access to materials within a reasonable timescale

Priority collecting areas

Our collections development activity is focussed on key areas guided by the strategic aims of the University of Leicester. However, future collecting is not restricted to these areas. All offers of significant material which supports the University’s strategic priorities for Research-inspired Education, World-changing research and Our Citizens will be considered. Throughout these areas, we will prioritise and actively seek to acquire material documenting the experiences of under-represented groups, including (but not restricted to) those who identify as minority ethnic, LGBT+ or disabled. 

World-changing research of the University of Leicester

Archives documenting major contributions to human knowledge by University of Leicester researchers.

Institutional archives of the University of Leicester and Students’ Union

Priority areas include, but are not restricted to:

• central administrative archives
• archives of academic departments 
• archives documenting innovative pedagogy and teaching practice
• archives relating to the social life of the University, including student and staff political, cultural, sporting and charitable activities

Collections which enhance the understanding of the role of the University in the life of the local community since its foundation

Priority areas include:

• personal papers of individuals closely associated with the founding and subsequent development of the University
• archives relating to organisations with strong links to the University

Literary cultures of Leicester

• Private archives of internationally and nationally renowned modern and contemporary writers who are strongly associated with Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
• Publications of the Leicestershire Private Press movement
• Rare editions of works by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland authors

Museum Studies

• Archives of professional organisations representing the museums sector in the UK
• Business archives of companies at the forefront of 20th and 21st century museum and gallery design

East Midlands Oral History Archive

• Audio recordings of oral history interviews relating to the history of Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
• Audio recordings of oral history interviews relating to the history of other East Midlands counties and cities where one or both of the following apply:
  • There was University of Leicester involvement in the planning and development of an oral history project, and long-term archiving was agreed as part of a project plan
  • A collection of historical significance is at risk of permanent loss and cannot be held by another archive service within the region
• Collections of unique audio recordings other than oral histories that contribute to the audio heritage of the East Midlands, including but not limited to wildlife recordings, music, radio and other spoken word
• Subject to resource and necessary agreements, the University may work with other archives and collection holders to support the preservation and digitisation of sound heritage collections held by other collecting institutions

Rare books

We seek to enhance our rare book collection through the acquisition of books that meet the above definition of rarity and: 

• add to the existing strengths of our collections 
• support the teaching and research interests of the University
• strengthen the relationship between the University and the local community
• meet the criteria for acceptance of gifts defined in the University Library Collection Policy

Policy approved by Library Leadership Team, 19 June 2024
Next review date June 2027