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Collections

Find out about the extensive range of collections at UCL including how we manage, develop and make them available. This section includes information on both modern collections and Special Collections (manuscripts, archives, rare books and records) as well as digital materials. You will also find support and guidance for UCL staff on how to manage records relating to their work at UCL.
Two users looking at a rare book from UCL's Special Collections

Special Collections

UCL Library Special Collections is one of the foremost university collections of manuscripts, archives and rare books in the UK.

Caricature of Lankester from Vanity Fair, taken from UCL's Digital Collections

Digital Collections

UCL Digital Collections is home to the Library's digitised materials and research data. You can search the collections, or browse an overview of all our holdings.

Books on shelves in book cases

Modern collections

UCL’s modern collections complement the Special Collections, and largely comprise material published since 1850. They include some nationally or internationally important collections of more modern material alongside the very current material we provide to support ongoing teaching and research.

UCL colleague filing some folders on to shelves

Records management

The UCL Records Office provides help and advice to staff on information management issues, produces policy in line with legislation and promotes good governance.

Archive photo: suffragists holding banners. Taken from one of our past exhibitions.

Exhibitions

UCL Library Services produces regular themed exhibitions that incorporate materials from across our collections.

Steps in Main Library, decorated with book spines

Library Liberating the Collections

Across the LCCOS department we are taking action and encouraging conversations around inclusivity within our collections. The Library Liberating the Collections group oversees activities that will increase the visibility of print, digital and archive materials by and about under-represented voices relating to race, sexuality, gender and disability, to raise awareness and enhance access within UCL and external communities.