Senate House Library's printed special collections comprise printed books, pamphlets, periodicals and maps within 50 named collections.
Page
Explore our collections
There is a wealth of printed material and online resources available for Library members. Explore our collections, find out how to access them, and where to go should you require support from our librarians.
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 Tuesday, 11:00 – 17:00, Wednesday, 11:00 to 19:00 and Thursday to Friday, 11:00 – 17:00.
Request Special Collections & Archives items via the catalogue. Find out more about the Special Collections Reading Room.
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.
Collection highlights
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
àËÅöÊÓƵ Supplemental Charter, 1867
Using special collections
Special Collections are open to all members of the Library.
