Munby Fellowship in Bibliography

The Munby Fellowship was founded in memory of the late Alan Noel Latimer Munby, a greatly respected scholar in the field of bibliography, especially in the history of the book trade and of book-collecting.

Munby was Librarian of King’s College (1947–74), a Syndic of Cambridge University Library, and generously gave his time and expertise to all who asked for his advice and help in pursuit of their research. Read more about the legacy of Munby here.

The object of the Munby Fellowship is to continue his work by sponsoring bibliographical research based in the first instance on the collections of the libraries of Cambridge, and likely to be of benefit also, in the broadest sense, to scholars using those collections in the future.

Duties

The Munby Fellow will be given a work space in the University Library and will enjoy access to the Library’s collections on the same terms as the members of its permanent staff. A modest amount of help with research expenses is available. The Fellow will be expected to submit a written report on the progress of the research project during the second half of the tenure of the Fellowship and this report may form the basis of an informal discussion between the Electors to the Fellowship and the Fellow. The Fellow will not be called upon to undertake any routine departmental or other staff duties or responsibilities within the Library.

It is expected that the Munby Fellow will be offered a non-stipendiary college fellowship at Darwin College co-terminous with their appointment. 

Who may apply?

The Munby Fellowship is open to graduates in any discipline, of any university or nationality. Preference will be given to scholars at post-doctoral or an equivalent level.

How to apply

The Munby fellowship for 2026-27, beginning in October 2026, will be advertised in November 2025.

Any informal queries about the role should be directed to Dr Suzanne Paul, Keeper of Rare Books and Early Manuscripts (sp510@cam.ac.uk).

Current Munby Fellow

Grace Exley

Women in the Margins: Unearthing the Hidden Female Contributors to Nineteenth-Century Scientific Publications in Cambridge’s Collections