About the Archives

We preserve and provide access to unique primary resource materials to cultivate teaching, learning and research at the University. Archives are records that we collect for permanent preservation due to their evidentiary or historic value, and the valuable information they can provide. As well as supporting academic research with our extensive knowledge of the collections and advice on other sources of relevant archives, we can also provide more structured assistance with teaching and learning.

Supporting research

Our collections offer immense scope for academic research across disciplines and at various levels. All researchers are encouraged to contact us and find out more about what we have to offer. If you are interested in using archives in your studies, start by exploring the collection descriptions on our website. We also provide workshops and one-to-one advice to encourage and inspire research.

Supporting teaching and learning

We can help academic staff at the University to embed archives in their teaching and learning, particularly if an area of study has an historic dimension. We offer tailor-made group sessions, introducing students to our collections, encouraging them to think about archives and consider utilising them. These include the opportunity to handle archive documents. We can provide one to one sessions with students to help with their dissertations and research projects. These tend to work best as follow-ups to the group sessions where students have been encouraged to discover more. We offer a workshop explaining how to locate archival material using the Internet, which can be tailored to specific subject areas.

Collections acquisition

We are keen to acquire new collections which will further support teaching, learning and research at the University. The Leon Locker endowment is available to facilitate the purchase of such material. Staff interested in developing projects which include the acquisition of archive collections are encouraged to contact the Archivist.

University history

We are the guardians of the University’s corporate memory, back to our foundation in 1896. If you require any information about the history of the University, please don’t hesitate to ask. We can also help with marketing and fundraising activities, for example, by providing historic images of the University.

One-to-one advice

Please let us know about your particular interests. It may be that we have relevant material which isn't highlighted on the website or know of collections elsewhere which may be of assistance.