FAQs

Does the catalogue include all LJMU Special Collections & Archives material?

No, not all collections have been fully catalogued. Please contact us if you cannot find what you are looking for. In addition, Special Collections books are listed on the LJMU Library Discover.

Do I need to make an appointment to see this material?

Our Reading Room is open to all Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00, and our Special Collections books and published materials are browseable on a walk-in basis dependant on availability, although we advise making an appointment to avoid potential disappointment.

For all archive (i.e. non-published) material, you must make an appointment at least 5 working days in advance. Email archives@ljmu.ac.uk for all appointments and enquiries.

Do I need a letter of introduction to see this material?

No. Our collections are open to all users for study, research, and enjoyment.

Do I need to be a student or a member of staff at LJMU to see the collections?

No. LJMU Special Collections & Archives is open to all.

Is there a maximum number of items I can see at once?

Although we do not set a standard maximum number, we do ask users to provide us with as much information as possible prior to your visit and to be reasonable with requests for material. We will guide you on this when you contact us to make your appointment.

Can I take the books/items out?

No. Our collections are for reference only.

Are some items not available to see?

Access to some of our records may be closed or restricted because they contain personal data which identifies people who may be alive in accordance with data protection legislation, or for intellectual property and other sensitivity reasons. The Access Status and Access Conditions fields within each respective record will provide more details on any potential restrictions, and we will inform you in advance of your visit if you have requested something which is not open for public viewing.

We do, however, still encourage researchers to make enquiries related to all material and we will endeavour to help you in your research. Potential outcomes from an enquiry into Closed or Restricted records might include: a) we provide you with partial information extracted from a record or record(s); b) we provide you with partial access, i.e. a redacted copy of the record you wish to view with personal data removed; c) you are invited to fill in a research access request form to gain restricted access to records you wish to view, upon discussion and agreement to certain access conditions; or d) no access is granted. Decisions about access to restricted or closed items is made at the discretion of LJMU Archivists.

On rare occasions we may provide access to a researcher to Closed or Restricted items if they can validate their research as not involving the use of personal or copyrighted information.

Do your collections include the archives of LJMU as an institution?

Some, but not all. We hold some material related to some of the colleges that came together to create Liverpool Polytechnic in the 1970s, which later became Liverpool John Moores University in 1992, but these records vary depending on which college or school they originated from. For more specific information, you can browse the hierarchy for the LJMU History collection under reference LJMUH.

Can I bring a group to see or use the collections?

Yes, but please contact us for further details and arrange your visit in advance.

Can I take photographs of the material in the Collections?

We do allow photography of most items for personal study and research use only, subject to conservation and copyright conditions and the completion of a Copyright Disclaimer form. On some occasions we will be able to make high quality digital surrogates available to you. For digital copies of items for use in publication or any other use outside of personal research and study, please contact us to arrange approval with ourselves and the copyright holder.

Why can't I see images of all the documents in the catalogue?

The catalogue contains written descriptions of materials in the collections and is not designed to provide online access to digital images of documents. You may be able to find a small number of images along with some catalogue records, but most of the material we hold has not been digitised.

Are there any rules I need to follow when using the collections?

You will need to abide by the Reading Room Rules when visiting:

• Eating and drinking are not permitted within the Reading Room.
• Please place your bags and personal belongings that you do not require for your research in the lockers provided.
• Please use pencils only, and do not sharpen them over the documents.
• Please follow the guidance from LJMU staff with respect to handling and use of gloves.
• Please use the book rests and weights available when viewing volumes or plans.
• Please ask whether photography or photocopying is permitted for specific material, and sign a Copyright Disclaimer form where required. Please do not publish photographs of material without seeking prior permission first.
• Please keep bundles or folders of documents in order, and please do not unclip or unfasten documents without permission.
• If you find any damage to a document, please report this to a member of staff.
• You will also need to consider copyright law if you make copies of any material. While you may copy material for personal research use only, you must seek further permission if you wish to publish images in any way.

How do I donate to your collections?

We currently collect material relating to LJMU's history and alumni (1800s to present), cultural activities in Liverpool (late 1700s to present), pop and counterculture in the UK (late 1900s to present), and LJMU's research priorities. We also seek to acquire material that will increase the range of viewpoints and experiences relating to this collecting scope.

If you're interested in donating material to LJMU Special Collections and Archives please consult our Collection Development Policy available on our webpages and then email archives@ljmu.ac.uk for a proposed donation to be assessed by the team.

Do you accept volunteers?

We recruit volunteers to work on specific projects in limited numbers to adequately support volunteer development, usually beginning October of every year. All volunteer opportunities will be listed on our webpages. If none are listed, there are no opportunities currently available but please email archives@ljmu.ac.uk to be added to our volunteer mailing list.