In response to the current Covid-19 status, physical access to the collections is restricted to Liverpool Hope staff and students and by appointment only.
For help with planning sessions using archives and special collections please refer to the tabbed content Learning and Teaching.
Access to the collections is restricted but we are open online. Email specialcollections@hope.ac.uk with your research queries and our Special Collections Librarian will endeavour to fulfil your research needs virtually, and where possible, provide digital scans. We will work for up to one hour on requests.
For students and staff wishing to use the collections for their personal research, email specialcollections@hope.ac.uk to make an appointment.
Postal address:
Archives & Special Collections
The Sheppard-Worlock Library
Liverpool Hope University
Hope Park
Liverpool
L16 9JD
You can also contact us via social media:
Twitter @Hope_Library
Instagram hopespecialcollections
Wordpress blog www.liverpoolhopelibraryblog.wordpress.com
If you wish to use the Reading Room, whether to consult the special collections or just to use as a quiet study space you will be required to sign-in and follow the Reading Room Regulations. They are important in safeguarding the collections and in preserving them for future generations.
Self-service photocopying is permitted on material that may be borrowed as long as UK copyright law is adhered to. Photocopying of other reference-only material in the closed access vault is permitted at the discretion of the Special Collections Librarian. Please be aware that the physical condition or size of an item may prohibit any photocopying.
Early printed books and manuscripts are not permitted to be photocopied; however, they may be photographed (without the use of flash) when used for personal research and study only. This is at the discretion of the Special Collections Librarian so please ask in advance. We allow students and visitors to bring their own digital cameras or smartphones but you will be required to record details of what you photograph and how many you take. This is to monitor use of the collections and to gather statistical evidence for potential future digitisation projects. You will also be required to sign a declaration form stating that you have understood the following restrictions that apply:
There is no charge for personal digital photography.
To reproduce an image for publication, either for personal or commercial purposes, requires written consent from the rights holder. You will be required to complete a Reproduction & Licensing Request form with details of the requested image and publication details. There may be a charge imposed. For further information please email specialcollections@hope.ac.uk
If you wish to use the Reading Room, whether to consult the special collections or just to use as a quiet study space you will be required to sign-in and follow the Reading Room Regulations. They are important in safeguarding the collections and in preserving them for future generations. For more information on the preservation of our collections please refer to the Preservation Policy.
The main cause of damage to library special collections is sustained through poor handling. Damage is often cumulative and not immediately apparent. A culture of good handling will ensure continued access to collections and help to preserve them. All users have a responsibility for the care of the collections.
Archives & Special Collections offer training on handling the collections and using book supports and snake weights. This will ensure good handling practises and the prevention of unnecessary deterioration of the books and also enable users to feel confident in using the collections. There will always be a member of staff on-hand to assist you, so please ask if there’s something you’re not sure about.
Guidance is available to assist you in using the collections:
The following policy documentation supports the Library Development Plan and Collections Management Policy and provides an overview of the basic principles and procedures governing the management of Special Collections within Liverpool Hope University.
Special Collections is embedded in the Library and Information Literacy Strategy which aims to enable our students to develop lifelong information skills by using a range of innovative practices to enhance sessions. Sessions are designed in consultation with course tutors and can offer a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, hands-on workshops, and comparative studies with online resources. There are a number of different ways to utilise the collections to offer a unique experience.
| Type of session: | Aim is to: | Students will: |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Introduce students to Special Collections | Receive an introductory talk and tour of the special collections and reading room In partnership with the academic tutors learn about the collections, including content and/or historical significance |
| Combination of lecture and designed workshops for hands-on activities | Introduce students to Special collections Demonstrate handling techniques Ensure students feel comfortable both within the area and with using the materials Compare original documents to digitised versions/editions (if relevant) |
Receive an introductory talk and tour of the special collections and reading room Receive training in handling techniques In partnership with the academic tutors will learn about the collections, including content and/or historical significance Be comparing primary sources with digitised editions (if relevant) |
All students receive an introduction to Special Collections to learn about what we have, how best to access the collections and to understand the regulations to be adhered to in the Reading Room. For interactive workshops students must receive a compulsory 20-minute training session in handling rare books to inform students of the importance of collection care and to familiarise them with using book supports and snake weights. Sessions are designed in consultation with course tutors to meet the needs of particular cohorts.
To book a session in Special Collections or to make enquiries please email Special Collections Librarian, Karen Backhouse, or specialcollections@hope.ac.uk.
Examples of student engagement with Archives & Special Collections:
| Some comments from our students: |
|---|
| I liked how we were taught how to handle the books. It made me more confident when handling them |
| Helped with wider understanding |
| Absolutely loved the illuminated manuscripts in person |
| Informed introduction on how to treat the books correctly |
| Showmanship was excellent |
| [...] being able to look closely in detail at the books (using magnifying glass). Also looking how delicate and special they are |
| It was fascinating being able to look at the books up close and be able to actually touch them |
| This is mind blowing – learning and history unified in one room |
| Seeing these manuscripts has helped give a real idea of the significance of them, which will help when writing about manuscripts in Art & Design History |
| [...] being able to truly appreciate the detail and feeling how fragile they are |
| It will help a lot in understanding the processes and skill |
| Seeing and interacting with original manuscripts. Allows us to see the image/colours properly |
| [...] to remember that photographs/prints don’t fully represent the actual artefact |
The Special Collections Librarian is happy to discuss the collections held at Liverpool Hope, and how they may benefit your postgraduate study. Email specialcollections@hope.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.
For postgraduates thinking about using archives and special collections at other institutions, Special Collections can offer assistance in planning the steps required prior to a visit and help anticipate what you may expect to find when you get there.
Some points to consider:
Special Collections also offers training in handling rare books and archival material to help overcome ‘the fear’ of handling such unique, delicate and irreplaceable heritage of national and international importance.
| Some comments from our users: |
|---|
| An impressive, diverse collection of music manuscripts (esp. liturgical). The students are very fortunate to have access to such a collection. Excellent tools for research and teaching |
| I am astonished at the quality of the holdings. This is an amazing resource which deserves to be exploited |
| Impressive collection of rare resources that shed light on dark areas of Christianity in the non-Western context. Thank you for making this a place worth coming to |
| Very impressive collection. It is an excellent resource for mission and evangelism in our time |
| I love to be here and I love to come back. I’m fulfilled |
| Thank you for my journey into medieval and recusant history |
Not sure where to find a book in Special Collections? Check on the Map of special collections in the library.