Researching social policy 

The collections focus heavily on how people in Britain have lived, worked, and managed money over the last few centuries. A major part of the records looks at economic life and industry, covering how businesses grew, how international trade worked, and how the government handled taxes and finance. There is a strong emphasis on the history of work, including the rise of factories, the development of labour unions, and the growth of major industries like coal, cotton, and engineering. This includes detailed records of the Rowntree confectionery company in York and its famous approach to improving staff welfare.

The other main area covered is "how society supports its citizens", particularly through the creation and growth of the welfare state. The collections highlight social policy, showing how Britain has tried to tackle poverty, improve housing, and provide health care and education. Many records document the actual living conditions of people in different communities, using social surveys to understand life in cities like London and York. This is closely connected to the work of the Rowntree Trusts, which were established to find long-term solutions to social problems and to create model housing projects like the village of New Earswick.

Notable collections/collectors

Charles Feinstein Collection

The library of Charles Hilliard Feinstein (18 March 1932 – 27 November 2004.)  Feinstein was a noted South African and British economic historian who made important contributions to growth accounting and the measurement of standards of living. The bulk of the collection spans between 1900 - 1950 with a focus on economics and economic history.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation Collection

The collection comprises of social research reports sponsored by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Rowntree Archives

The Borthwick Institute holds the largest collection of Rowntree archives in the world.  These include records relating to the Rowntree family, the confectionery company and its subsidiaries, the Rowntree Trusts, and the family’s social research.  The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust and Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust have all been heavily involved in research and innovation in the fields of social policy, with particular strengths in housing policy, social services and social care, unemployment, and community resources.

General Pamphlet Collection

This eclectic collection covers a wide range of topics from the early 20th-century and is a valuable primary source with pamphlets written by contemporary politicians, academics, historians and writers.    

Electronic collections

The Library subscribes to many specialist databases which provide primary and secondary sources for many subjects. Search our Subject Guides to explore the politics, economics, social policy and social history resources in more detail.

How to access the collections 

All the collections can be accessed via the Library's online catalogue. A valid University of York username and password is required to access content online. 

Many items held in the library can be borrowed using a suitable library card, some titles might be reference only and can only be read on site. 

Items held in the Borthwick can be consulted in the Borthwick Reading Room and copies can be made subject to copyright and condition. These materials cannot be loaned outside the University of York without the permission of the owners. Books in the Rare Books Collection and may also be consulted at the Borthwick Institute for Archives.