Special collections

specialbook

The University of Dundee holds collections of specialist materials in various subjects. These are kept in secure conditions, separate from the rest of the stock, because of their rarity, age or delicate state.

Items in Special Collections are listed on the Library catalogue, with their locations and instructions and how to access to them. Most of the collections can also be searched individually using the Special Collections search. Access is usually arranged through the Main Library, unless otherwise stated.

The Brechin Diocesan Library

This collection of c10,000 books and manuscripts has been on permanent loan from the Episcopal Diocese of Brechin since 1961, and consists largely of theological books, some of great bibliographic interest. Manuscripts from this collection are held in Archive Services.

The Nicoll Collection

An art library forming part of the large art collection donated by James Nicoll, a former student. The collection includes art and art history books, including auction catalogues and is held in the Library Store.

The Leng Collection of Scottish Philosophy

Works of Scottish philosophers of the 18th and early 19th centuries, purchased with money donated by Dr Janet Leng. Held in the Library Store.

The Thoms Mineralogy Collection

A small collection of rare mineralogy books donated by Alexander Thoms. Held in the Library Store.

The Kinnear Local Collection

A substantial local collection of around 4600 items, most of which were donated by Catherine M. Kinnear. Held in Archive Services.

The Joan Auld Memorial Collection

A small collection of material on labour and related history. Donated in memory of Joan Auld, former University Archivist. Held in Archive Services.

The Allan Ramsay Collection

Catherine Kinnear also specialised in collecting the works of Allan Ramsay, the Scottish poet, and the Library now has one of the finest collections associated with him. A printed catalogue is available. If you wish to access the Allan Ramsay Collection, please email Main Library.

The Law Library Special Collections

Items from this small collection of older Law books can be made available for consultation in Archive Services. To make such an arrangement contact Ms Sharon Nangle, Assistant Librarian in the Law Library, on 01382 384101.

The H, S and U sequences

The University has three sequences of more general material which are of restricted access:

H is a special collection on the History of Medicine and is kept at Ninewells Library. For access to this collection you should contact Mr. Andy Jackson, Principal Assistant Librarian at Ninewells, on 01382 740159.

S is a general collection of books which are special or selected for reasons other than age, and are kept in store. If you wish to access this collection, please email Main Library.

U is a general collection of books published before 1831, and is held mainly in secure storage. If you wish to access this collection, please email Main Library.

The William Lyon Mackenzie Canadiana Collection

Over a period of twenty years the Canadian High Commission in London and the Provincial Government of Ontario donated money to several Scottish University Libraries to buy Canadian publications in the fields of literature, history, politics and geography. These items are shelved in the Solum Store (Remote Store 1) and most of them can be borrowed in the normal way. William Lyon Mackenzie (1795-1861) was a native of Dundee who emigrated to Canada in 1820 and became a major political figure, and the first mayor of Toronto, in pre-reform Canada.

Access and Conditions of Use

Due to the nature and fragile condition of much of the Special Collections material, it is generally only available for consultation in secure areas of the Main, Law or Ninewells Libraries, where there are suitable facilities for its handling and safe storage. For this reason, and because items are often held in stores, immediate access is not always possible, so please make requests in advance (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday).

To request an item from the Special Collections

Unless there are specific instructions for the Collection,

Please contact LLC Liaison, email Main Library, or contact Archive Services with the item details;
You will be notified when the item is available - usually next working day (occasionally there may be a delay e.g. if it is with the
Book & Paper Conservation Studio for repair).

Using materials from the Special Collections

If you wish to make notes, please bring a pencil, as ink is not permitted near special materials.
Material may not be photocopied without permission.
On collecting the item you will be advised on handling and use.

If you have any questions about Special Collections materials, please contact LLC Liaison or Archive Services.