Cope Collection, Special Collections, Hartley Library: Using the Collection

Most of the Cope Collection is for reference use only.

In the Special Collections open access area there are second copies of some titles which can usually be borrowed on Standard Loan.

If you have a University I.D. card, you can borrow books at the Loans Desk or at the self-issue units on level 2.

Cope Collection journals are shelved in the same sequence as the books.

Library Search will find articles in journals to which the Library subscribes. Freely available articles of local interest can also be found on websites e.g. 

Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society - articles from the Proceedings vols.15-73 (1941-2018) are freely available online, as are tables of contents for vols 74-76 (2019-2021)

Southampton Local History Centre articles from the Local History Forum Journal 1-23 (1991-2014)

The lllustrations Collection includes eighteenth- and nineteenth-century prints and drawings from the original Cope Collection, as well as photographs and postcards of the local area.

The Illustrations Index in the Special Collections open access area enables you to search by place, artist and subject, the illustrations being fetched for use in the Archives and Rare Books Search Room.

Microforms are kept in the Microform Area on level 1. they are arranged by copy number e.g. 40001765.

You can read, copy or scan microfilm and microfiche using the reader-printers.

A University login is required for scannning.

Location

The Cope Collection is part of Special Collections on level 4 of the Hartley Library on the Highfield Campus. 

• Modern books (call number Cope) are shelved in the Special Collections open access area 

• Older books (call number Rare Books Cope) and illustrations are fetched for use in the Archives, Manuscripts and Rare Books Search Room. 

Access

Special Collections Open Access Area - material in this area can be used by members of the University whenever the Hartley Library is open. Access for visitors is between 08.00-22.00 and photo ID is required when signing in at Library Reception. If you are under 18 please contact libenqs@soton.ac.uk with your enquiry. 

Our computer workstations are only available to University staff and students, but you can connect your own device to the free WiFi Guest service. 

Archives, Manuscripts and Rare Books Search Room - this is open Tuesday-Thursday 1000-1600. All visits are by prior appointment and all visitors will be required to book their visit and to order their material at least 1 working day in advance. 

Bookings are made by emailing Archives@soton.ac.uk providing details of name, University ID number (members of the University of Southampton only), permanent residential address and contact details, date of visit and list of items to be consulted.

If you do not have a University I.D. Card, you will need to show photographic I.D. and a form of I.D. which includes your permanent residential address when you enter the Hartley Library and also when you arrive at the Search Room.

Library Search enables you to search the Library's printed books, journals and electronic resources at the same time. The Library Search Help videos show the different searches available. Access to e-resources is limited to staff and students of the University.

Basic Search

Enter keywords / author surname / significant title words in the search box and then refine the Results List using the filters on the left e.g. by book / date  / subject. You can re-sort the Results List to your preferred order using the drop-down menu at the top of the list. 

To limit a search to the Cope Collection, enter your search terms followed by B8: Cope Collection.

To expand a search to other libraries which contribute to the WorldCat database, select the 'Libraries Worldwide' filter.

Library Search groups print copies, e-books and different editions of the same work under one record in the Results List. To see the separate records, turn off the 'Group Related Editions' filter.

Advanced Search

Using Advanced Search, you can undertake a more targeted search by selecting search indexes from drop-down lists and by presetting filters for format and date.

To limit a search to the Cope Collection, include 'B8: Cope Collection' as a keyword search.

The nearest copier is behind the main staircase on level 4.

Self-service photocopying facilities are available. You can create a personal photocopying account and add credit to it by visiting our MyPrint page and following the instructions.

Bound volumes in the rare books area cannot be photocopied, but you can order photographic copies, subject to the age and condition of the item.

See Reprographics Service for a list of the types of copy available and charges.

Books and journals are shelved in the Special Collections open access area as follows:

01-96    Books on the county as a whole, arranged by subject

97          New Forest

98          Isle of Wight

A-Z        Books on individual places in the county, in alphabetical order of place 

Larger books (quartos) are shelved in a separate sequence.