Growing our Collection

While the Library is renowned for its historic collections, new book acquisitions ensure the collection remains contemporary, relevant and responsive to the interests of today’s readers and researchers.

We add around 5,000 new books a year and maintain print and/or online subscriptions to 450 journals and society publications, extending our impressive range of eResources as they become available and can be used from anywhere, at any time. We offer academic eBooks available through our catalogue and have further fiction and non-fiction eBooks available through Overdrive/Libby. Our eResources  

Our subject-based team of Acquisitions Librarians select the content and members can contribute their suggestions for the collection - about 20% of our additions to stock each year come from members’ suggestions. We also welcome donations but due to the need to manage our physical space does so in line with our donations policy.

All of our collection is available to all types of membership including Remote Members with books being available through our postal loan service.

Learn more about our Collection Development Management Principles & Procedures.