The collection includes publications by and about the University and its predecessors, the Hartley Institution, Hartley University College and the University College of Southampton.
There are publications on the controversy surrounding the original Hartley Bequest, official publications such as calendars, annual reports, newsletters and exam papers, staff publications e.g. Viewpoint and some examples of early student publications e.g. Southampton University College Magazine 1914-1928.
Extent: Approximately 2,000 books, pamphlets, periodicals and ephemera.
Location
University Collection is part of Special Collections on level 4 of the Hartley Library.
The books and journals are shelved in the Special Collections open access area and can be used whenever the Library is open.
Access
Special Collections Open Access Area - members of the University and visitors over 18 are welcome to use the material in this area whenever the Hartley Library is open. Visitors will need to show photo ID 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.
Many University Collection books and all journals are listed on Library Search, having the call number prefix Univ. Coll. Books not yet re-catalogued are listed in the card catalogue shelved next to the collection.
Library Search enables you to search the Library's printed books, journals and electronic resources at the same time. 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 University Collection, enter your search terms followed by B8: University Collection
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, select the 'Show all' 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 University Collection, include 'B8: University Collection' as a keyword search.
See University Collection for a list of titles.
The photographs are listed in the printed Local Illustrations Index, which is shelved next to the Library Search in Special Collections open access area.
Second copies of books are available for Long Loan.
If you have a University ID/Library card you can borrow books at the Loans Desk or at the self-issue units on level 2.
For enquiries about University Collection contact: Jenny Ruthven email: archives@soton.ac.uk or tel. 023 80593335
Address: Special Collections, Hartley Library, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ
Photocopying
The nearest copier is behind the main staircase on level 4.
Self-service photocopying facilities are available for visitors. You can create a personal photocopying account and add credit to it by visiting our MyPrint page and following the instructions.
The University of Southampton has its origins in the Hartley Institution, founded in 1862 from the bequest of a local merchant, Henry Robinson Hartley. Originally accommodated in a building on Southampton's High Street, the Hartley University College (as it had become), moved to the current Highfield site in the years either side of the First World War.
In 1952 the University received its Royal Charter and became an independent University, having at that time around 1,000 students. Over the last sixty years this number has increased to over 24,000 students, there being more than 16,000 undergraduates over 7,000 postgraduate students. The University has expanded on to five campuses, which accommodate its eight Faculties.
Univ. Coll. per LF 789.9
Printed Collections
Archive Collections
See the Archives Guide
Collections include: