Research and special collections

Introduction

The University of York holds a number of significant Special Collections designed to enhance teaching, learning and research.

Particular strengths include

  • Over 2,500 medical books from the 16th to the 20th century
  • Over 1,500 items on Yorkshire history
  • A growing collection of 18th and 19th century engravings
  • a first edition of Newton's Principia owned by deaf and dumb astronomer John Goodricke
  • Bindings from the workshop of Edwards of Halifax with foredge decorations

Treasures from the Special Collections

Access

All our research and special collection items are on the Library Catalogue, and we are open to anyone wishing to consult our collections.

Much of the material is reference only and can be consulted in the Borthwick Search Room which is open Monday - Friday 09:15 to 16:45.

(Items in this category are shown on the Library Catalogue with Special Collection under the loan category)

To make an appointment

If you have any questions, or need more help in finding what you need you can contact the Borthwick Institute for Archives:

  • Telephone: +44 (0)1904 321166
  • Email: bihr500@york.ac.uk
  • Ask for help at the Borthwick Reception

Please give full details of author, title, date, collection and shelf location which you can find on the library catalogue

For information about the collections themselves contact the Special Collections Librarian:

University teaching staff: If you require a special collection item for use in a seminar, we require at least 24 hours notice. This is in order for us to be able to assess the condition of the item and check it's suitability for seminar conditions.

As many of the books are in a fragile condition and may be rare or valuable, you will be offered a surrogate in the first instance, for example Early English Books Online or The Eighteenth Century Collection Online, or a microfilm copy.

Please ask if there is a particular reason why you need to see the original. There are conditions attached to using the originals to ensure their condition is maintained, in particular you will only be able to use a pencil to write with.

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Resources