Cambridge University Library's Special Collections are one of the world's most important collections of global documentary cultural heritage. They include the oldest and most valuable materials in the Library, in manuscript, printed and artefact form, as well as modern maps and music.
Our reading rooms are open to all registered users of the Library who would like to consult Special Collections material. There is no need to book in advance but you are welcome to contact us by email before you visit to check that items are available or with any other enquiries.
The Manuscripts Reading Room is open for the consultation of archives, including the University Archives, and modern and medieval manuscripts. Manuscript and archival items from the Bible Society, Royal Commonwealth Society and many Music collections as well as Near and Middle Eastern, Genizah and South Asian, Tibetan and Southeast Asian manuscripts are also consulted in the Manuscripts Reading Room.
The Munby Rare Books Reading Room is open for the consultation of most of the Library's older printed collections as well as more recent publications that are unique, distinctive or require particular care. Printed items from the Bible Society, Royal Commonwealth Society and Official Publications collections as well as books from the Near and Middle Eastern and South Asian, Tibetan and Southeast Asian collections and notated music printed before 1900 are also consulted in the Rare Books reading room.
The Map Room is open for the consultation of all items held by the Map Department.
The Anderson Room is open for the consultation of modern music collections.
Opening times of reading rooms and details of all other available services can be found on the relevant departmental webpages.