About our archives and special collections

We hold a rich and diverse range of archives and special collections to support the teaching and research activities of Kingston University, and to enable research and learning by researchers external to the University.

Our archives and special collections contain unique documents and rare books. These can be the records or library of an individual, family or organisation and can include a wide range of material including handwritten and typed documents, printed material, visual items such as photographs and posters, recordings and sometimes objects.

The archive holds those collections which through format, context or age cannot be placed on our general library shelving. Our collections encompass thousands of items on a wide variety of subjects.

Our work is supported by a number of policies: