University Collection, Special Collections, Hartley Library: Home

University Collection

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 and Access

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.

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.

Catalogue

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.

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

By 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.

See University Collection for a list of titles.

Borrowing Books

Second copies of books are available for Standard 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.

Enquiries

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

Collection History

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 25,000 students, there being more than 16,000 undergraduates over 9,000 postgraduate students.