Welcome to the LJMU Special Collections and Archives Catalogue

LJMU Special Collections and Archives (SCA) manages the University’s collections of historical, rare, and unique archival and print materials, including photographs, manuscripts, books, video and audio resources. Our collections cover five main themes: Arts, Photography, and Fashion; Liverpool Theatre and Writing; Popular Music and Counter Culture; LJMU History; and Special Collections.

Please note that not all collections are fully catalogued. The online catalogue is updated on regular basis but if you cannot find what you are looking for please see our webpages for more information or contact us.

Books held in Special Collections are available via the LJMU Library Discover, under the designation 'Special Collections.'

Our Digital Exhibitions site is updated regularly with new exhibitions from our collections, and can be found at ljmuexhibitions.online.

All collections are available for reference use in our Reading Room which is open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm. To book an appointment, please e-mail archives@ljmu.ac.uk or call 0151 231 3241.

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Notification of temporary changes to service during 2026-2027

Special Collections and Archives will be expanding its presence in the Mount Pleasant Library and benefiting from much-needed upgrades to the storage and accessibility of items in our collection as part of a major refurbishment of the library. In preparation for this vital work, Special Collections and Archives will close to in-person services from 10 July 2026 to September 2027. 

During this period, we will offer an active online presence, and we will continue to respond to email enquiries relating to collections we hold.  You are advised that we will not be able to make the physical collections available to users from 10 July 2026 to September 2027.  The work on the Library will also mean that we won’t be able to run on-site student groups and tours during the closure. However, we can deliver in-person, in-curriculum sessions for LJMU students displaying our wonderful range of digitised materials.