Archives
We have around 140 collections of historical and literary papers and a small number of historical manuscripts as well as a large body of University archives and records. They may be consulted at Special Collections Services.
Two of our collections have been recognised as being pre-eminent collections of national and international significance - the Beckett Collection and the Archive of British Publishing and Printing - and have been awarded MLA Designated status by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
Our collections cover the following broad categories:
- Samuel Beckett
- Records of British publishing and printing
- Authors' papers
- Local records
- Political papers
- Printed ephemera collections
- Archives and records of the University of Reading
- Papers of University of Reading staff
Access
Most of our collections are available to all researchers for consultation in the Special Collections Service reading room. Any restrictions are explained in the description of the collection.
We recommend that you contact us in advance of your visit with details of the documents and items that you wish to see, as most material is on closed access.
Catalogues
Most of our collections are not yet fully catalogued. Some are partially catalogued on Enterprise, some have handlists, available online or in the Special Collections Services reading room. This information is available in the description of each collection.