Archives and Special Collections

The Library has extensive collections of rare books, manuscripts, historical photographs, engraved portrait prints and personal archives; as well as the University Archives, relating to the history of the University of Leicester. These can be consulted by appointment in our Kirby and West Special Collections Reading Room.

Access our collections

Students, staff and external researchers can access our rare books, manuscripts and archives.

More about accessing our collections

Explore our collections

Our Archives and Special Collections span over 900 years of history and include archives, rare books and manuscripts.

See our collections

Enhance our collections

Please get in touch if you have material that you would like to offer us.

Discover how to share your material

Visit our exhibitions

Come and see our exhibitions. Find out what's on now.

Visit our exhibitions

Our history

A series of projects, events and activities to mark the centenary of the University.

Discover the history of the University

Sounds for the Future

A project to preserve and provide access to as much as possible of the nation's rare and unique sound recordings.

Find out about the project

Featured collections

English Local History

Rare books and archives for the study of English Local History.

Historical directories

Trade and local directories for England and Wales from the 1760s to the 1910s.

History of Medicine

Our scientific collections chart the development of scientific thought and debate from the 16th century onwards.

Leicester Mercury Archive

Photographs and cuttings files from the archives of the Leicester Mercury.

Literary archives

Literary archives including the Joe Orton and Sue Townsend collections.

Mathematical Association Library

Collection of books and periodicals belonging to the Mathematical Association.

University Archives

Historic records of the University of Leicester since 1921.
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