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 Long 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.

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.

Access to some collections is restricted to members of the University.

The Cope Collection is part of Special Collections on level 4 of the Hartley Library. It is open to all to use.

• Modern books (call number Cope) are shelved in the Special Collections open access area and can be used whenever the Hartley Library is open.

• Older books (call number Rare Books Cope) and illustrations are fetched for use in the Archives Search Room, which is open Monday to Friday 09.30-17.00. Appointments are not required, but it can save you time if you order items in advance. Contact archives@soton.ac.uk or phone 023 80592721 to order material. 

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.

• WebCat includes records for all Cope books and journals. On the Advanced Searches screen you can limit searches by date and collection.

• DelphiS enables you to search across WebCat and the Library's electronic databases and is especially useful for subject searches. You will need a University login for access.

• Illustrations Index - this is shelved in the Special Collections open access area, next to the WebCat.

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.

Rare Books Cope cq NET 26

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.

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

If you are not a member of the University, you will need to set up a guest account online, see Hartley Library: Visitors

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

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