Openness in Research: The Modernist Archives Publishing Project (MAPP)
Virtual Volunteering with Special Collections in the Archives of British Printing and Publishing . We are thrilled to announce that the Special Collections and The MERL team have won one of the University of Reading’s 2023 research awards, selected for the ‘Openness in Research’ category. In this blog, Project Archivist, Helena Clarkson describes the project […]
Cataloguing the Mills and Boon Book Collection
The Mills and Boon Book Collection at the University of Reading is a collection of over 4,000 books from the Mills and Boon back catalogue, published between 1909 and 2011. Now, as well as being able to browse digital images of the dust jackets on the Virtual Reading Room, researchers can search the full […]
100 Years of Ulysses
In light of our recent announcement regarding the acquisition of the Solange and Stephen James Joyce Collection, Graduate Trainee Library Assistant Hollie Piff explores the Ulyssean links already present in the University of Reading Special Collections. I came to the University of Reading Special Collections with a passion for modernist literature. During my English Literature […]
Joyce and Beckett reunited as University of Reading acquires major collection
A major new collection of books, documents and artefacts given to the University of Reading will provide unique new insights on the relationship between two giants of twentieth century literature: James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. The generous gift of the Solange and Stephen James Joyce Collection to the University of Reading will further illuminate the […]
Temporary reading room move – September 2021
Between 31 August and 24 September 2021, the reading room will be moving to the Conference Room to make way for essential maintenance work. The Conference Room is located above the current reading room and can be accessed via the staircase or lift from the locker room. Closure days During this period, however, we will […]
Wizard of Oz Collection: now fully catalogued
#StillSpecial: Virtual Reading Room launch
Come on in! We are delighted to announce the launch of our Virtual Reading Room. When COVID-19 put a temporary halt to on-site access to collections, we started putting in place new services to enable access remotely. The VRR allows exploration of high-quality digital versions of books and documents by registered users, as well as […]
#StillSpecial: Google Arts & Culture launch
Written by UMASCS Librarian, Claire Clough We have some exciting news to share with you – we have become the newest member of the Google Arts & Culture family! The University of Reading Special Collections are now on Google Arts & Culture. For the first time, you can explore treasures and stories from the University of Reading Special Collections on the Google Arts […]
Important new acquisition: the European Manuscripts Collection
Written by Fiona Melhuish (UMASCS Librarian) I am delighted to announce a very important recent acquisition, in fact, one of the most significant additions to our collections in recent years. The collection, which will be known as the European Manuscripts Collection, consists of 143 items, including some printed items, an exquisite seventeenth century Italian manuscript […]
Recent acquisition: a 1908 fine printed edition of ‘The Romaunt of the Rose’
Written by Fiona Melhuish (UMASCS Librarian) One of the most significant additions to our rare book collections in recent years has been a copy of a 1908 edition of The Romaunt of the Rose, which was purchased with assistance from Arts Council England/Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of the National […]