CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" dir="ltr" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" xmlns:foaf="http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/" xmlns:og="http://ogp.me/ns#" xmlns:rdfs="http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#" xmlns:sioc="http://rdfs.org/sioc/ns#" xmlns:sioct="http://rdfs.org/sioc/types#" xmlns:skos="http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#" class="no-js"> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge" /> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/themes/cambridge/themes/cambridge_theme/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/themes/cambridge/themes/cambridge_theme/apple-touch-icon.png" type="image/png" /> <meta name="description" content="Cambridge University Library's Special Collections are one of the world's most important collections of global documentary cultural heritage. They include the oldest and most valuable materials in the Library, in manuscript, printed and artefact form, as well as modern maps and music. The oldest inscribed item in the collection is a Sumerian clay tablet with lines of text in" /> <meta name="generator" content="Drupal 7 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/special-collections" /> <link rel="shortlink" href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/node/6252" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta name="twitter:url" content="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/special-collections" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Special Collections" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Cambridge University Library's Special Collections are one of the world's most important collections of global documentary cultural heritage. They include the oldest and most valuable materials in" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/pr-fh-00910-00083-00098-000-00011.jpg" /> <meta name="dcterms.title" content="Special Collections" /> <meta name="dcterms.creator" content="Lihua Zhu" /> <meta name="dcterms.description" content="Cambridge University Library's Special Collections are one of the world's most important collections of global documentary cultural heritage. They include the oldest and most valuable materials in the Library, in manuscript, printed and artefact form, as well as modern maps and music. The oldest inscribed item in the collection is a Sumerian clay tablet with lines of text in cuneiform script, dated to ca 2200 BCE." /> <meta name="dcterms.date" content="2015-09-07T09:49+01:00" /> <meta name="dcterms.type" content="Text" /> <meta name="dcterms.format" content="text/html" /> <meta name="dcterms.identifier" content="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/special-collections" /> <title>Special Collections | Cambridge University Library</title> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"/> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/css/css_xE-rWrJf-fncB6ztZfd2huxqgxu4WO-qwma6Xer30m4.css" media="all" /> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/css/css_t9TxGMkWzgEAX0mwLkBQ6-Blo8qtVrvKyNisDOeh7lg.css" media="all" /> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/css/css_8U3At9xeFQrF9W8jNz-TV_MVE5tzl4n1eSK57wXBRkA.css" media="all" /> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/css/css_WZPr7y0W0XjR5xcoGW1eT1ieli2-5YVkH_CKl2eKbEY.css" media="all" /> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/css/css_IPTS8V5DmBduq8Meb74i2cp6Aq117Vq_9n9PiR7OVnY.css" media="all" /> <script type="text/javascript" src="//use.typekit.com/hyb5bko.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript">try { Typekit.load(); } catch (e) { }</script> <script type="text/javascript">document.documentElement.className += " js";</script> </head> <body class="html not-front not-logged-in no-sidebars page-node page-node- page-node-6252 node-type-page campl-theme-1" >    <a href="#page-content" class="campl-skipTo">skip to content</a> <div class="campl-row campl-global-header"> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix"> <div class="campl-header-container campl-column8" id="global-header-controls"> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk" class="campl-main-logo"> <img alt="University of Cambridge" src="/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/themes/cambridge/themes/cambridge_theme/images/interface/main-logo-small.png"/> </a> <ul class="campl-unstyled-list campl-horizontal-navigation campl-global-navigation clearfix"> <li> <a href="#study-with-us">Study at Cambridge</a> </li> <li> <a href="#about-the-university">About the University</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research?ucam-ref=global-header" class="campl-no-drawer">Research at Cambridge</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="campl-column2"> <div class="campl-quicklinks"> </div> </div> <div class="campl-column2"> <div class="campl-site-search" id="site-search-btn"> <label for="header-search" class="hidden">Search site</label> <div class="campl-search-input"> <form action="https://search.cam.ac.uk/web" method="get"> <input id="header-search" type="text" title="Search" name="query" value="" placeholder="Search"/> <input type="hidden" name="inst" value="CUL"/> <input type="image" alt="Search" class="campl-search-submit" src="/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/themes/cambridge/themes/cambridge_theme/images/interface/btn-search-header.png"/> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-row campl-global-header campl-search-drawer"> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix"> <form class="campl-site-search-form" id="site-search-container" action="https://search.cam.ac.uk/web" method="get"> <div class="campl-search-form-wrapper clearfix"> <input type="text" class="text" title="Search" name="query" value="" placeholder="Search"/> <input type="hidden" name="inst" value="CUL"/> <input type="image" alt="Search" class="campl-search-submit" src="/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/themes/cambridge/themes/cambridge_theme/images/interface/btn-search.png"/> </div> </form> </div> </div> <div class="campl-row campl-global-navigation-drawer"> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix"> <div class="campl-column12 campl-home-link-container"> <a href="">Home</a> </div> </div> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix"> <div class="campl-column12 campl-global-navigation-mobile-list campl-global-navigation-list"> <div class="campl-global-navigation-outer clearfix" id="study-with-us"> <ul class="campl-unstyled-list campl-global-navigation-header-container "> <li><a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/study-at-cambridge?ucam-ref=global-header">Study at Cambridge</a></li> </ul> <div class="campl-column4"> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-container campl-unstyled-list campl-global-navigation-secondary-with-children"> <li> <a href="https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-header">Undergraduate</a> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-tertiary campl-unstyled-list"> <li> <a href="https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses?ucam-ref=global-header">Undergraduate courses</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying?ucam-ref=global-header">Applying</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events?ucam-ref=global-header">Events and open days</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance?ucam-ref=global-header">Fees and finance</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="campl-column4"> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-container campl-unstyled-list campl-global-navigation-secondary-with-children"> <li> <a href="https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-header">Postgraduate</a> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-tertiary campl-unstyled-list"> <li> <a href="https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses?ucam-ref=global-header">Postgraduate courses</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/how-do-i-apply?ucam-ref=global-header">How to apply</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events?ucam-ref=global-header">Postgraduate events</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/funding?ucam-ref=global-header">Fees and funding</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="campl-column4"> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-container campl-unstyled-list last"> <li> <a href="https://www.internationalstudents.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-header">International students</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-header">Continuing education</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.epe.admin.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-header">Executive and professional education</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-header">Courses in education</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="campl-global-navigation-outer clearfix" id="about-the-university"> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-header-container campl-unstyled-list"> <li><a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university?ucam-ref=global-header">About the University</a></li> </ul> <div class="campl-column4"> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-container campl-unstyled-list"> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/how-the-university-and-colleges-work?ucam-ref=global-header">How the University and Colleges work</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/term-dates-and-calendars?ucam-ref=global-header">Term dates and calendars</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/history?ucam-ref=global-header">History</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://map.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-header">Map</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/visiting-the-university?ucam-ref=global-header">Visiting the University</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="campl-column4"> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-container campl-unstyled-list"> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/annual-reports?ucam-ref=global-header">Annual reports</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.equality.admin.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-header">Equality and diversity</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/news?ucam-ref=global-header">News</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/a-global-university?ucam-ref=global-header">A global university</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="campl-column4"> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-container campl-unstyled-list"> <li> <a href="https://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/whatson/?ucam-ref=global-header">Events</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/public-engagement?ucam-ref=global-header">Public engagement</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/">Jobs</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.philanthropy.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-header">Give to Cambridge</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="campl-global-navigation-outer clearfix" id="our-research"> <ul class="campl-global-navigation-header-container campl-unstyled-list"> <li><a href="">Research at Cambridge</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <ul class="campl-unstyled-list campl-quicklinks-list campl-global-navigation-container "> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/for-staff?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">For staff</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">For Cambridge students</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">For alumni</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.research-operations.admin.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">For our researchers</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/business-and-enterprise?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">Business and enterprise</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/colleges-and-departments?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">Colleges & departments</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/email-and-phone-search?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">Email & phone search</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.philanthropy.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">Give to Cambridge</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.libraries.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">Libraries</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-quick-links">Museums & collections</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="campl-row campl-page-header campl-section-page"> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix"> <div class="campl-column12"> <div class="campl-content-container "> <div class="campl-breadcrumb" id="breadcrumb"><ul class="campl-unstyled-list campl-horizontal-navigation clearfix"><li class="first-child"><a href="/" class="campl-home ir">Home</a></li><li><a href="/collections">Collections</a></li></ul></div> <p class="campl-page-title"> Cambridge University Library </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-row campl-page-header"> <div class="campl-wrap"> <div class="region region-horizontal-navigation"> <div id="block-menu-block-1" class="block block-menu-block"> <div> <div class="menu-block-wrapper menu-block-1 menu-name-main-menu parent-mlid-0 menu-level-1"> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix campl-local-navigation"><div class="campl-local-navigation-container"><ul class="campl-unstyled-list"><li class="first leaf menu-mlid-2917"><a href="/home">Home</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-2890"><a href="/using-library">Using the Library</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first collapsed menu-mlid-2890"><a href="/using-library">Using the Library overview</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-3054"><a href="/register">Your library membership</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-3054"><a href="/register">Your library membership overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-46112"><a href="/using-library/online-resources-and-services">Online resources and services</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-50152"><a href="/using-library/person-services">Visit the University Library</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-50152"><a href="/using-library/person-services">Visit the University Library overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-53761"><a href="/using-library/library-service-updates" title="">Library Service Updates</a></li> <li class="last expanded menu-mlid-3163"><a href="/accessibility" title="Information about using the University Library for disabled users">Accessibility and disabled library users</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-3163"><a href="/accessibility" title="Information about using the University Library for disabled users">Accessibility and disabled library users overview</a></li> </ul></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-3374"><a href="/research">Research</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first collapsed menu-mlid-3374"><a href="/research">Research overview</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-60141"><a href="/research-institute" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">University Library Research Institute</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-60141"><a href="/research-institute" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">University Library Research Institute overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-32272"><a href="/research/digital-preservation" title="Digital Preservation">Digital Preservation</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-32272"><a href="/research/digital-preservation" title="Digital Preservation">Digital Preservation overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-22032"><a href="/research/digital-humanities" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Digital Humanities</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-22032"><a href="/research/digital-humanities" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Digital Humanities overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-15892"><a href="/research/office-scholarly-communication" title="">Office of Scholarly Communication</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-15902"><a href="/research/research-data-management" title="">Research Data Management</a></li> <li class="last expanded menu-mlid-19532"><a href="/futurelib" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Futurelib Innovation Programme</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-19532"><a href="/futurelib" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Futurelib Innovation Programme overview</a></li> </ul></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-48572"><a href="/teaching-and-learning" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Teaching and Learning</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first collapsed menu-mlid-48572"><a href="/teaching-and-learning" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Teaching and Learning overview</a></li> <li class="last leaf menu-mlid-57111"><a href="/teaching-learning/information-literacy-teaching-cambridge" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Information Literacy Teaching at Cambridge</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-24572"><a href="/whats-on" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">What's On</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first collapsed menu-mlid-24572"><a href="/whats-on" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">What's On overview</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-55131"><a href="/exhibitions" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Exhibitions</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-55131"><a href="/exhibitions" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Exhibitions overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-53281"><a href="/whats/events" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Events</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-53281"><a href="/whats/events" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Events overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-58491"><a href="/bookclub" title="">The Really Popular Book Club</a></li> <li class="last leaf menu-mlid-53301"><a href="/whats-on/google-arts-and-culture" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Google Arts and Culture</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-2979"><a href="/search-and-find">Search and Find</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first collapsed menu-mlid-2979"><a href="/search-and-find">Search and Find overview</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-57391"><a href="/search-and-find/libguides" title="">LibGuides - Subject guides</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-3377"><a href="https://idiscover.cam.ac.uk" title="">iDiscover</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-3152"><a href="/archivesearch">ArchiveSearch</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-2928"><a href="/search-and-find/reference-management-tools" class="menu-node-unpublished" title="">Reference Management</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-2928"><a href="/search-and-find/reference-management-tools" class="menu-node-unpublished" title="">Reference Management overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-3149"><a href="/search-and-find/physical-catalogues">Physical catalogues</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-3149"><a href="/search-and-find/physical-catalogues">Physical catalogues overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="last leaf menu-mlid-58081"><a href="/search-and-find/collaborative-catalogues">Collaborative catalogues</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded active-trail menu-mlid-2978"><a href="/collections" class="active-trail campl-selected">Collections</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first collapsed active-trail menu-mlid-2978"><a href="/collections" class="active-trail">Collections overview</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-57411"><a href="/collections/onsite-collections">Physical Collections</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-57421"><a href="/collections/online-collections">Online Collections</a></li> <li class="expanded active-trail active menu-mlid-18012"><a href="/collections/special-collections" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished active-trail active">Special Collections</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed active-trail active menu-mlid-18012 campl-current-page"><a href="/collections/special-collections" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished active-trail active">Special Collections overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-2905"><a href="/collections/departments">All collections & departments</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-2905"><a href="/collections/departments">All collections & departments overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-32232"><a href="/collections/journasl-co-ordination-scheme" title="">Journals Co-ordination Scheme</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-32232"><a href="/collections/journasl-co-ordination-scheme" title="">Journals Co-ordination Scheme overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-3130"><a href="/collections/recommend-item-our-collection">Recommend an item for our collection</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-3130"><a href="/collections/recommend-item-our-collection">Recommend an item for our collection overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="last expanded menu-mlid-19512"><a href="/collections/exhibitions" title="">Exhibitions</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-19512"><a href="/collections/exhibitions" title="">Exhibitions overview</a></li> </ul></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-2976"><a href="/about-library">About</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first collapsed menu-mlid-2976"><a href="/about-library">About overview</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-2902"><a href="/about-library/library-management">Governance</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-2902"><a href="/about-library/library-management">Governance overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-4112"><a href="/about-library/history-cambridge-university-library">History of the Library</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-4112"><a href="/about-library/history-cambridge-university-library">History of the Library overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-87201"><a href="/about-library/statement-collecting-policy">Statement of Collecting Policy</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-3404"><a href="/about-library/prizes-and-fellowships">Prizes and Fellowships</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first last collapsed menu-mlid-3404"><a href="/about-library/prizes-and-fellowships">Prizes and Fellowships overview</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-30052"><a href="/about-library/librarystoragefacility" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Library Storage Facility</a></li> <li class="last leaf menu-mlid-36622"><a href="/media">Press and media</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-19152"><a href="/support" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Support</a><ul class="campl-unstyled-list local-dropdown-menu"><li class="first collapsed menu-mlid-19152"><a href="/support" class="menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished menu-node-unpublished">Support overview</a></li> <li class="last leaf menu-mlid-19182"><a href="/support/ways-support-us">Ways to support us</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="last leaf menu-mlid-3203"><a href="/contact">Contact</a></li> </ul></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-row campl-page-header"> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix campl-page-sub-title campl-recessed-sub-title"> <div class="campl-column3 campl-spacing-column">   </div> <div class="campl-column9"> <div class="campl-content-container clearfix contextual-links-region"> <h1 class="campl-sub-title">Special Collections </h1> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-row campl-content campl-recessed-content"> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix"> <div class="campl-column3"> <div class="campl-tertiary-navigation"> <div class="region region-left-navigation"> <div id="block-menu-block-2" class="block block-menu-block"> <div> <div class="menu-block-wrapper menu-block-2 menu-name-main-menu parent-mlid-0 menu-level-1"> <div class="campl-tertiary-navigation-structure"><ul class="campl-unstyled-list campl-vertical-breadcrumb"><li class="leaf menu-mlid-2917"><a href="/home">Cambridge University Library<span class="campl-vertical-breadcrumb-indicator"></span></a></li><li class="first expanded active-trail menu-mlid-2978"><a href="/collections" class="active-trail">Collections<span class="campl-vertical-breadcrumb-indicator"></span></a></li></ul><ul class="campl-unstyled-list campl-vertical-breadcrumb-navigation"><li class="first expanded active-trail active menu-mlid-18012 campl-selected">Special Collections<ul class="campl-unstyled-list campl-vertical-breadcrumb-children"><li class="first leaf menu-mlid-36512"><a href="/collections/special-collections/catalogues">Catalogues</a></li> <li class="collapsed menu-mlid-18182"><a href="/collections/special-collections/collections">Collections</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-18022"><a href="/collections/special-collections/projects">Projects</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-18192"><a href="/collections/special-collections/services">Services</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-31192"><a href="/collections/handling-guidelines">Reading Rooms handling guidelines</a></li> <li class="last leaf menu-mlid-18032"><a href="/collections/special-collections/contact-us">Contact us</a></li> </ul></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-57411"><a href="/collections/onsite-collections">Physical Collections</a></li> <li class="leaf menu-mlid-57421"><a href="/collections/online-collections">Online Collections</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-2905"><a href="/collections/departments">All collections & departments</a></li> <li class="collapsed menu-mlid-32232"><a href="/collections/journasl-co-ordination-scheme" title="">Journals Co-ordination Scheme</a></li> <li class="expanded menu-mlid-3130"><a href="/collections/recommend-item-our-collection">Recommend an item for our collection</a></li> <li class="last expanded menu-mlid-19512"><a href="/collections/exhibitions" title="">Exhibitions</a></li> </ul></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-column6 campl-main-content" id="page-content"> <div class=""> <div class="region region-content"> <div id="block-system-main" class="block block-system"> <div> <div id="node-6252" class="node node-page clearfix" about="/collections/special-collections" typeof="foaf:Document"> <span property="dc:title" content="Special Collections" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span><span property="sioc:num_replies" content="0" datatype="xsd:integer" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span> <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" class="campl-scale-with-grid" src="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/styles/leading/public/pr-fh-00910-00083-00098-000-00011.jpg?itok=Apysj79O" alt="" /></div></div></div> <div class="content campl-content-container"> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Cambridge University Library's Special Collections are one of the world's most important collections of global documentary cultural heritage. They include the oldest and most valuable materials in the Library, in manuscript, printed and artefact form, as well as modern maps and music. The oldest inscribed item in the collection is a <a href="https://exhibitions.lib.cam.ac.uk/curiousobjects/artifacts/sumerian-clay-tablet/">Sumerian clay tablet</a> with lines of text in cuneiform script, dated to ca 2200 BCE.</p> <p>We are committed to using Special Collections to support research and teaching, and to developing digital services in partnership with <a href="https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/">Cambridge Digital Library</a>, <a href="https://www.cdh.cam.ac.uk/">Cambridge Digital Humanities</a> and others to make the collections openly accessible to the widest possible audience in new and innovative ways. At the same time, we recognise the enduring importance of the physical collections. Our <a href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/departments/conservation-and-collection-care">Conservation and Collection Care Department</a> plays a vital role in preserving this unique cultural heritage, ensuring its continued care and accessibility for future generations.</p> <p>Exhibitions, talks and activities are held year-round as part of our programme of public events: for more information see the Library’s <a href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/using-library/whats">What’s On</a> guide, and the webpages of the <a href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/friends">Friends of Cambridge University Library</a> and the <a href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/cambridge-bibliographical-society">Cambridge Bibliographical Society</a>. Many of our exhibitions are also <a href="https://exhibitions.lib.cam.ac.uk/">available online</a> and items from the collections are showcased as part of <a href="https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/">Cambridge Digital Library</a>.</p> <p>You can keep up with the latest news and events on our <a href="https://specialcollections-blog.lib.cam.ac.uk/">Special Collections blog</a> or by following us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/theulspeccoll?lang=en-gb">@ULSpecColl</a>.</p> <p>In 2020 the Special Collections were awarded Designated status by the Arts Council England. The Designation scheme identifies the pre-eminent collections of national importance held in England’s non-national museums, libraries and archives, based on their quality and significance.</p> <p><img src="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/designation_logo_colour_png.png" style="width: 200px; float: left;" /></p> <p> </p> <p class="rteright">Image credit: Crested white bird on snow-laden camellia branch. F<span id="about-header">rom <a href="https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/PR-FH-00910-00083-00098/1"><em>Shi zhu zhai shu hua pu</em></a></span> (FH.910.83–98, p. 11), <span id="about-abstract">the earliest Chinese book printed by the technique of polychrome xylography known as <em>douban</em></span>.</p> </div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-column3 campl-secondary-content "> <div class="region region-sidebar"> <div id="block-block-642" class="block block-block"> <div class="campl-content-container campl-no-bottom-padding"> <div class="campl-heading-container"> <h2>Related links</h2> </div> </div> <div class="campl-content-container"> <ul> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/theulspeccoll?lang=en-gb">@ULSpecColl on Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="https://specialcollections-blog.lib.cam.ac.uk/">Special Collections blog</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/exhibitions">Cambridge University Library virtual exhibitions</a></li> <li><a href="http://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/">Cambridge Digital Library</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-row campl-local-footer"> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix"> <div class="campl-column3 campl-footer-navigation"> <div class="region region-footer-1"> <div id="block-block-5" class="block block-block campl-content-container campl-navigation-list"> <h3>Contact us</h3> <div class="content"> <p><a href="#">Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR, UK</a></p> <p><a href="#">Email: </a><a href="mailto:library@lib.cam.ac.uk">library@lib.cam.ac.uk</a></p> <p><a href="tel:01223333000">Tel: +44 (0) 1223 333000</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-column3 campl-footer-navigation"> <div class="region region-footer-2"> <div id="block-block-8" class="block block-block campl-content-container campl-navigation-list"> <h3>Privacy Policy</h3> <div class="content"> <p><a href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-column3 campl-footer-navigation"> <div class="region region-footer-3"> <div id="block-block-7" class="block block-block campl-content-container campl-navigation-list"> <h3>Social Media</h3> <div class="content"> <p><a href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/blogs">Library blogs</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cambridgeuniversitylibrary/?hl=en">Instagram</a></p> <p><a href="http://twitter.com/theul">Twitter</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cambridge-University-Library/105359512896274">Facebook</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CamUniLib">YouTube</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-column3 campl-footer-navigation last"> <div class="region region-footer-4"> <div id="block-block-29" class="block block-block campl-content-container campl-navigation-list"> <h3>Join us</h3> <div class="content"> <p><a href="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/job">Job opportunities</a></p> <script async="" src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-R4EGV9MZK8"></script><script> <![CDATA[// ><!]]> </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-row campl-global-footer"> <div class="campl-wrap clearfix"> <div class="campl-column3 campl-footer-navigation"> <div class="campl-content-container campl-footer-logo"> <img alt="University of Cambridge" src="/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/themes/cambridge/themes/cambridge_theme/images/interface/main-logo-small.png" class="campl-scale-with-grid"/> <p>© 2024 University of Cambridge</p> <ul class="campl-unstyled-list campl-global-footer-links"> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/contact-the-university?ucam-ref=global-footer">Contact the University</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-this-site/accessibility?ucam-ref=global-footer">Accessibility</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.information-compliance.admin.cam.ac.uk/foi?ucam-ref=global-footer">Freedom of information</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-this-site/privacy-policy?ucam-ref=global-footer">Privacy policy and cookies</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.registrarysoffice.admin.cam.ac.uk/governance-and-strategy/anti-slavery-and-anti-trafficking?ucam-ref=global-footer">Statement on Modern Slavery</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-this-site/terms-and-conditions?ucam-ref=global-footer">Terms and conditions</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/university-a-z?ucam-ref=global-footer">University A-Z</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="campl-column3 campl-footer-navigation"> <div class="campl-content-container campl-navigation-list"> <div class="link-list"> <h3><a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/study-at-cambridge?ucam-ref=global-footer">Study at Cambridge</a></h3> <ul class="campl-unstyled-list"> <li> <a href="https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-footer">Undergraduate</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk?ucam-ref=global-footer">Postgraduate</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-footer">Continuing education</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.epe.admin.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-footer">Executive and professional education</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-footer">Courses in education</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="campl-column3 campl-footer-navigation"> <div class="campl-content-container campl-navigation-list"> <h3><a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university?ucam-ref=global-footer">About the University</a></h3> <ul class="campl-unstyled-list campl-page-children"> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/how-the-university-and-colleges-work?ucam-ref=global-footer">How the University and Colleges work</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.philanthropy.cam.ac.uk/give-now?ucam-ref=global-footer">Give to Cambridge</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk">Jobs</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://map.cam.ac.uk/?ucam-ref=global-footer">Map</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/visiting-the-university?ucam-ref=global-footer">Visiting the University</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="campl-column3 campl-footer-navigation last"> <div class="campl-content-container campl-navigation-list"> <h3><a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research?ucam-ref=global-footer">Research at Cambridge</a></h3> <ul class="campl-unstyled-list"> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news?ucam-ref=global-footer">Research news</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/research-at-cambridge?ucam-ref=global-footer">About research at Cambridge</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/public-engagement?ucam-ref=global-footer">Public engagement</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/spotlight-on?ucam-ref=global-footer">Spotlight on...</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/js/js_Pt6OpwTd6jcHLRIjrE-eSPLWMxWDkcyYrPTIrXDSON0.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/js/js_otIGU3p2tmUTVRsTJhZYG_EzOT3aYBC_7sXF343boSc.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/js/js_2SkIdarmFFkgj4m-dVHheNcRcIueZsTBIbYRks41eCM.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-10976633-1"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> <![CDATA[//><!]]> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/js/js_FBc_l9o-Q7KwTjfyfw2NwPN-RiaAqmEf-YE0NJGFUnc.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> <![CDATA[//><!]]> </script>  </body> </html>