Accessing Special Collections

Who can access our special collections?

The Whipple Library's special collections are maintained for the benefit of all with a genuine research interest in the material. Therefore, all students and staff from all University of Cambridge departments and faculties are able to consult items from our special collections. We may also be able to accommodate requests from alumni with a current University Library card, staff and students of other universities, and independent researchers. If you have any questions about consulting an item, please email the Library or speak with a member of staff.

How to access our special collections

Searching special collections

All of our rare book and special collection material is catalogued via iDiscover, and is designated by the classmark prefix STORE. 

To search only items in our special collections, use the Advanced Search feature on iDiscover and refine the search to the 'Whipple Library' and the Holding Call Number to those that contain 'STORE'.

There are two iDiscover terminals in the Library that can be used to search our special collections in person. You are also welcome to speak with a member of Library staff for guidance on what special collection material may be of use to your research or if you would like inspiration for a project.

Contacting the Library with your request

If you wish to consult items from our special collections—especially if you have not used the Library before—you are strongly encouraged to contact us in advance with details of your request. It is helpful to include the specific classmark or iDiscover permalink of the of the title you wish to consult, as this helps us ensure that we fetch the correct item.

Appointments are not essential, but scheduling a date can confirm that we are able to prepare your request for your visit. Our special collections are kept separately from the main Library, and can normally be fetched on request; however, fetching time may vary depending on staff availability.

Viewing special collections

On your first visit, please bring a form of photo ID or a valid University Library/CAM Card. You will also be asked to fill in a Special Collections Order Form for the item(s) you would like to consult when you arrive. 

Please note that you will not be able to remove any special collections material from the Library; all items with the classmark prefix STORE are non-borrowable. 

You will be provided with guidance on rare book handling when you arrive. For further information on handling rare printed books and special collections material, please consult our Handling Guide

Special collection material is only available to consult between 9.15am and 5.00pm, Monday–Friday, even during Full Term when the Library is open until 7.00pm.