The beautifully-illustrated books provide an important historical record to help us understand how and why bird populations have changed over time. This acquisition, a collaboration between two venues that are part of The University of 蝌蚪窝视频, reunites them with Dresser鈥檚 own bird specimens, already cared for by 蝌蚪窝视频 Museum.
This includes species such as the Slender-billed curlew, now believed to be extinct. A recent paper published by the Natural History Museum, Naturalis, the RSPB and BirdLife International confirms, through extensive surveys, verified historical sightings and museum specimen evidence, that the species has likely disappeared. The first known global bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa and West Asia.
Its presence in both Dresser鈥檚 beautifully annotated volumes and the ornithological collections of 蝌蚪窝视频 Museum highlights the vital role historical records play in tracking biodiversity loss over time and understanding the long-term impact of environmental change.
Dresser, a leading 19th-century ornithologist, played a crucial role in documenting and illustrating bird species from across Europe and beyond. His personal copy of A History of the Birds of Europe is richly annotated with personal notes and observations. These books are deemed to be of outstanding significance not only for scientific purposes but also for their aesthetic value, having been illustrated by some of the leading wildlife artists of the day.
The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, which is supported by the Arts Council, recognised the volumes as a national treasure and recommended to the Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), that a temporary export deferral should be placed on the object to allow time for UK buyers to express interest and raise the funds to buy them and keep them in the country.
The subsequent acquisition was led by 蝌蚪窝视频 Museum in partnership with The John Rylands Library, bringing together the Museum鈥檚 expertise in natural science with the Library鈥檚 world-class rare book holdings, alongside a shared commitment to research and public engagement.
The acquisition was made possible through the generous support of Art Fund, the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Friends of the Nations鈥� Libraries and The University of 蝌蚪窝视频. The collection will be officially unveiled at a private view on Friday 27 June 2025 before being displayed to the public for the first time in 蝌蚪窝视频 Museum鈥檚 Living Worlds gallery from Saturday 28 June 2025 until Sunday 25 January 2026. Following this, the books will be made accessible to researchers, students and the wider public at The John Rylands Library.
路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; The unique Saint Christopher woodcut, dated 1423 鈥� the oldest known dated example of European printing.
路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; The Gutenberg Bible of 1454/55 - the first major book printed in Europe and a masterpiece that revolutionised the book world.
路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; The Mainz Psalters of 1457 and 1459 - two of the most beautiful books ever printed, both with handwritten musical notation.
路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Fifteen very rare blockbooks - in which the images and text on each page were printed from a carved block of wood.
The release forms part of the ongoing Incunabula Cataloguing Project, which will eventually see all of the library's approximately 4000 15th century printed books fully catalogued, of which around 300 of the rarest and most important will be digitised and made available online. While of immense value to scholars of early print culture, the collection is also designed to engage curious members of the public with some of the most beautiful and significant books ever printed.
The Early European Print collection is part of a longstanding commitment by The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 and the John Rylands Library to share cultural heritage with the widest possible audience through 蝌蚪窝视频 Digital Collections.
]]>Full range of our training and support, please visit the Library website:
Need help or have a question? Chat with us directly via Library Chat:
Please be aware that the Library opening hours may vary over the summer, and some sites may be closed. For the most up-to-date information, please check:
AGLC including the caf茅 will be closed to all staff and students from Tuesday, 17 June until Friday, 27 June 2025. Estates and Facilities will be installing replacement entrance gates to improve accessibility (all gates will now be wider to comply with an accessible width) and modernise their designs.
The building and cafe will re-open on Saturday, 28 June 2025. Please note that from 28 June to Sunday, 14 September 2025, AGLC will be open until midnight. 24-hour opening will commence from 8am on Monday, 15 September 2025.
Refurbishments will be taking place in Main Library from Monday, 9 June 2025 to upgrade the toilets (see below).
Main Library will be closing over the summer beginning from Monday, 30 June 2025 until the beginning of the academic year 2025/26. During the closure, only Library staff are allowed into the building.
The changes will focus on:
During this time, the Muriel Stott redevelopment will also be taking place. The new space will focus on promoting wellbeing and will include 36 new study spaces and a redesigned outdoor courtyard to offer another workspace option for staff and students.
To find out more about how you can still access study spaces and alternative provisions of Main Library services, please see this page:
The conference on 29-30 May will bring together world experts in Dante studies, early print culture, and digital humanities. Attendees will explore groundbreaking interdisciplinary research, including the project鈥檚 pioneering use of artificial intelligence and computer vision to analyse page design and layout in early modern books - offering a new lens through which to view the evolution of print culture.
The JRRIL Dante Collection includes all but three of the known pre-1650 printed editions of the Divine Comedy, with highlights such as the very first Italian editions printed in 1472, richly illustrated editions from 1481 and 1487, and later translations in Spanish, French, English and Japanese. The collection also features 19th-century illustrations by Gustave Dor茅, and a giant hand-illuminated manuscript created in 1902.
The 蝌蚪窝视频 Digital Dante Library is hosted on 蝌蚪窝视频 Digital Collections, a state-of-the-art platform developed in partnership with Cambridge University Library and supported by the Research Lifecycle Project. It exemplifies a new model for digital scholarship, merging humanities research with advanced imaging techniques and setting a new standard for cultural heritage digitisation.
For more information on the conference, visit .
The John Rylands Library is proud to announce the donation of the personal archive of legendary journalist, editor, and author Sir Harold Evans (1928鈥�2020).
This remarkable collection, including both personal and professional records such as diaries, press cuttings, correspondence, photographs and extensive research notes offers an unprecedented glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential figures in investigative journalism.
Born in Eccles, Sir Harold Evans began his career working at the Ashton-under-Lyne Reporter, The 蝌蚪窝视频 Evening News and the Northern Echo. He later became editor of The Sunday Times, where he redefined the standards of investigative reporting. Under his leadership the newspaper exposed the shocking revelation that the British Intelligence Officer Kim Philby was a Soviet spy, championed the posthumous pardon of Timothy Evans, who was wrongly convicted and executed for murder, and spearheaded the groundbreaking thalidomide campaign, overcoming substantial legal barriers to achieve compensation and accountability.
Dr Janette Martin, Research and Learning Manager and Curator of the Modern History Archives at The John Rylands Library, provides a fascinating account of both Harold鈥檚 work and the archive in our recent Special Collections Post: .
To celebrate the arrival of this extraordinary collection, the Rylands is hosting an academic symposium on 12 June 2025 exploring the enduring impact of investigative journalism and 蝌蚪窝视频's pivotal role in uncovering and shaping the news. The event will conclude with an evening welcoming distinguished guests Peter Gillman, previous investigative journalist at The Sunday Times, and Emanuele Midolo, investigative journalist for The Times and The Sunday Times. They will focus on their recently published book . Their work delves into the mysterious murder of The Sunday Times foreign correspondent David Holden in 1977 during Sir Harold Evans' tenure as editor, an event that remained unsolved during his lifetime.
The Sir Harold Evans Papers joins a wealth of investigative journalism resources at the Rylands, including the , the papers of Guardian editors and journalists such as C.P. Scott, , and Bill Webb, in addition to the recently acquired papers of , former editor of World in Action. Moreover, the , established in partnership with the , includes collections of photojournalism and reporting on war and humanitarian crises in which Sir Harold Evans had a profound understanding, as evidenced by his editorial use of impactful visual communication and his published work in photojournalism.
This collection will provide valuable insights for academic researchers and students, especially those focused on the history of the press, investigative journalism, and twentieth-century America. Considerable time will be needed to assess and curate the collection. Any queries should be directed to uml.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk.
We would like to thank Tina Brown for her generous donation of this archive and Alan Rusbridger, former editor of The Guardian, for the initial introduction.
]]>The Library offers a variety of resources to help you boost your digital skills and knowledge.
: Join our workshop to explore and experiment with software that supports your learning. You will work with other learners to investigate key features of these tools, with time to practice and ask questions. By the end of this session, you will have tested a range of tools that can help you with each stage of your work, from note making to planning and presenting.
: This online guide will help you to identify areas where you may want to further 'Develop your digital capabilities', as well as supporting you with 'Getting started with Linked Learning' to take advantage of expert-led online courses around all your learning.
: The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 is providing students with the opportunity to study for and receive a Microsoft Certified Fundamentals Certification free-of-charge. This guide contains all the information you will need to prepare and take an exam. This initiative, as part of the Flexible Learning programme, aims to equip students with valuable skills in cloud computing, AI, data science, and more. Access is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Become a Curator: Use our online resource to understand the role of a curator. This will help you select and organize appropriate learning materials for your students and create engaging learning paths.
Join Our Pilot Program: Get involved in our pilot program to work with the Library to create a curated learning pathway for your students. Hear what some of our academic staff have to say about their experiences:
If you are interested in taking part, please contact your
]]>Since launching its in 2022, The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 has championed open and transparent research across the institution. Now in its second year, the conference will showcase the progress we鈥檝e made, alongside contributions from colleagues across the UK, bringing together researchers, PGRs and research support professionals to explore how Open Research practices are being embedded across the sector.
This year鈥檚 conference will feature the following themes:
For more information, contact the team at openresearch@manchester.ac.uk
]]>We are celebrating the completion of the John Rylands Next Chapter project, which began in February 2024. The project sought to enrich and transform the researcher and visitor experience with the refurbishment of exhibition and event spaces.
Two newly designed galleries will open on 15 May 2025, marking a significant milestone in the John Rylands Next Chapter project:
Visit the Rylands from Thursday, 15 May to see our new exhibitions.
Spaces created as part of Next Chapter include a new main entrance to the library, and changes to the shop and reception area. Other new additions include a multi-use event space, digital teaching and learning suites and the sector-leading Rylands Heritage Imaging Lab.
Join the celebrations and look out for related programming on our .
For more information on visiting The John Rylands Library, check out the .
Free entry.
]]>The new partnership will bring together inarguably the two finest collections of non-conformist religious social history in the world and situate them in 蝌蚪窝视频, itself a renowned city of dissent and innovation.
The new partnership draws upon the almost unlimited scholarly synergies between our existing collections, expertise in the management of special collections, powerful traditions of nonconformity, and a proven track record of impact and public engagement. Following a prolonged period of consideration and with the advice and input of many scholars and researchers, the Dr Williams鈥檚 Trust was unanimous in its decision to select The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 Library as the institution best placed to fulfil the Trust鈥檚 ambition for the future.
Echoing these sentiments the Chair of the Dr Williams鈥檚 Trust, Derek McAuley, emphasised how the Trust鈥檚 wish to have the legacy of British Protestant Dissent researched and celebrated would be well serviced in 蝌蚪窝视频
Religion and theology have been a strength of 蝌蚪窝视频鈥檚 special collections since the opening of The John Rylands Library in 1900. All the world鈥檚 major religions are well represented in the collections. The printed, manuscript and archival holdings relating to Christian theology and ecclesiastical history are exceptionally strong, spanning the entire history of Christianity from antiquity through to contemporary evangelicalism, and documenting its many strands, including the Armenian, Syriac and Ethiopic churches, as well Roman Catholicism and Protestant nonconformity.
Looking to the future the Dr Williams鈥檚 Trust will continue to financially support the development and management of its richly varied collections of books, manuscripts and art works. It will promote an awareness of the legacy and ongoing contribution of dissent to the wider public across the UK and beyond and will actively promote the use of the collections to scholars, researchers, students and the public.
The John Rylands Library is one of the world鈥檚 leading centres for the study of Protestant nonconformity, as befits an institution founded by the Congregationalist Enriqueta Rylands. The Library is home to the internationally renowned Methodist Archives and Research Centre and there are major holdings of printed and archival materials relating to the Unitarian, Baptist, Moravian, Brethren and Congregationalist denominations, which ideally complement the strengths of Dr Williams鈥檚 Library.
Bringing together the Dr Williams鈥檚 Library with the collections of The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 Library has now created the world鈥檚 most significant scholarly resource for the history of non-conformist traditions, comprising more than half a million printed volumes and manuscripts.
Further information can be found via the John Rylands Library website:
Muriel Stott Building in Main Library will be closed from 5pm on Friday, 30 May until the next academic year (2025/26).
Building works will be taking place for the redevelopment of the space. Please use alternative study spaces during this period.
A full list of our can be found on the Library website. Please check this page as some sites will be closed during the Summer period.
We will update you with details on the building鈥檚 re-opening. We apologise for any inconvenience.
]]>As result of a recent review exercise, the Library now offers online access to all available titles to this flagship reference series and has instituted a subscription for the addition of annual releases to ensure consistent and comprehensive access for the foreseeable future.
Encompassing some 400 volumes, titles nominally address ten subject areas: American History; Ancient History & Classical Studies; Asian History; British & European History; Global History; Literature; Middle East & African Studies; Music & Theatre; Philosophy & Political Thought and Religion.
The Cambridge Histories also complement other recent state-of-the art and regularly updated reference material recently added to the Library鈥檚 holdings 鈥� most notably and .
For more details see the 'Spotlight' feature on the purchase on the databases section of the Library鈥檚 subject guides for ; ; ; ; ; ; ; and .
]]>You can now request a range of reports through the , available in the Open Research Tracker.
We can work with you to:
For more information, please visit our webpage or contact The Office for Open Research with any questions: openresearch@manchester.ac.uk
The Open Research Tracker
You can use the to access publications data maintained by the Library, including REF OA compliance information. More information is available on our page.
]]>The Library has added to its existing holdings of Royal Society publications with the acquisition of the Royal Society Journals Archive, one of the most important collections of scientific publishing in the world, covering over 350 years of scientific progression.
The archive, purchased in perpetuity, has been fully re-digitised, and now offers colour scans of original peer-reviewed articles. New content has also been added including annotations, illustrations, and end matter material. Indexed sub-headers, enhanced metadata and the use of MathML ensure that over 740,000 pages on all areas of science are fully searchable.
As such, it is a valuable resource not only for students and researchers in the University鈥檚 , but also in Biosciences, and disciplines within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, including Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics & Astronomy
Find content via author, article or journal title in , or see Database Spotlights on our Library Subject Guides for , , , , and .
]]>The Library鈥檚 Teaching Collections Team are offering advance previews to showcase key improvements including:
Sign up for a preview session here!
Sessions will run from May - June 2025:
What is Reading Lists Online?
Reading Lists Online is the Library鈥檚 reading list system. It enables teaching staff to manage their lists and request new resources whilst simultaneously providing students with seamless access to their reading material.
To find out more about how the Library can help you, visit our exam and assessment support page:
Library opening hours will change over the Easter period, between Friday, 18 April and Monday, 21 April 2025.
Full information on opening hours is available on each of the Library sites on the Library鈥檚
Library Chat
will be available 24/7 during the Easter period. It will be staffed by third-party partner institutions.
The John Rylands Research Institute and Library
will be closed on Friday, 18 April 2025. The Library will be open to the public on Saturday, 19 April, and remain closed on Easter Sunday, 20 April until Tuesday, 22 April in line with regular opening hours. More information can be found on the page.
]]>The items in the showcase are drawn from the Library鈥檚 Special Collections; the Christian Brethren Archive comprises the world鈥檚 largest collection of manuscripts, printed books and periodicals and visual material relating to a group of independent Christian congregations often referred to as the Plymouth Brethren, Christian Brethren, or simply Brethren.
This display will share objects relating to significant figures from the movement鈥檚 history and explore key areas of study, including women鈥檚 histories, post-colonial studies and humanitarian work.
There will be Collections Encounters on Tuesday 8 April and Thursday, 17 April 2025, where you can view items from the collection with the curator, Tereza Ward.
The showcase runs from April to August 2025, at Blue Ground in Main Library. Entry is free.
This collection is of international significance, revealing previously unknown material such as statistical data, oral evidence, letters and business papers relating to Britain, and the many parts of the world that were under British influence. Examples include reports relating to the abolition of slavery, evidence presented about the working conditions of children employed in cotton mills and letters from the Governor-General of India describing the Indian rebellion of 1857.
This resource empowers researchers to explore the British perspective on events from the recent past through a vast and authoritative archive of official government documents including drafts of legislation, and reports from committees. One such source is the Treasury Committee report on 鈥淛obs, growth and productivity after coronavirus鈥� which includes documented oral testimony from Professor Bart van Ark, the Professor of Productivity Studies at the Alliance 蝌蚪窝视频 Business School.
Petitioning has been a popular form of political participation for centuries, and this collection will allow researchers to exploit new sources on the formative role of petitions to Parliament during the nineteenth century (1833 to 1918), an unparalleled period of political modernisation and democratisation in Britain. Users will be able to analyse the social, geographical, religious, and gender compositions of these issues of importance to the British public and allow for detailed textual and rhetorical analysis of the petitions.
This resource will support students, researchers and staff in the disciplines of Politics, History, Law and Criminology and will also be of interest to the University鈥檚 interdisciplinary research groups in the Humanities such as the and the .
Now in its second year, this award recognises individuals and teams who have made outstanding contributions to Open Research at 蝌蚪窝视频. The winner and highly commended nominees will be announced at the conference evening reception on Monday, 9 June.
Award winners and highly commended nominees will:
Who can be nominated? Academic, technical, and professional services staff, as well as PGRs, individuals, and teams. Self-nominations and team nominations are welcome.
Selection criteria, where applicable, include demonstrable engagement with Open Research through community and training initiatives, adherence to open and FAIR data principles, commitment to open access publishing, use of open software, and alignment with the .
To learn more about the conference and register, please visit the
For questions, please contact us at openresearch@manchester.ac.uk
]]>Located in the Red area (Red 2.5) close to the DVD and Music collections, the communal space, which will run as a pilot project and serve a maximum of four viewers, can be reserved through in the same manner as Group Study Rooms.
For further details, including how to book, visit the webpage (part of the section of the Library website). Please note that this dedicated space is reserved exclusively for the use of these new AV facilities.
Almost all AV material will continue to be available for loan, whilst details of the full range of the Library鈥檚 streaming services for and can be found through the database directory offered on the Library Subject Guides.
]]>Understanding copyright is not only essential for you, but also for supporting our students and colleagues in research, teaching and content creation.
This workshop will provide you with a clear understanding of copyright ownership, how to find and use licensed materials and how to navigate copyright exceptions and risks.
Through practical examples, you鈥檒l gain the confidence to use copyrighted materials effectively and guide others in doing the same.
Open to all university staff, researchers, and students - enhance your expertise and confidently support our students and colleagues.
]]>The page lists together interactive, podcast and printable versions to make it easier to find the format that best suits your needs. We have created fully accessible Word document versions of most resources, which are particularly beneficial for distance learners, those needing printed materials, and students with limited internet bandwidth. Additionally, some resources are available as podcasts or audio-only versions, and we are actively working to expand this range.
If you would like further information or have any questions, please get in touch uml.teachingandlearning@manchester.ac.uk.
]]>Access via or our .
]]>Please note that wood chipping work will still be taking place at the back of the Library, so there is likely to be some noise disruption in these areas.
]]>Work will be taking place as part of the building鈥檚 redevelopment plans.
Contractors will be on site from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm for essential tree removal work. We're working with the University's Environmental Sustainability team to protect existing trees as much as possible and to plant replacement trees elsewhere on campus where required in line with the Library Spaces and University Tree Planting Policy. Woodchips from the removed trees and shrubs will form mulch to be distributed across campus to suppress weeds and support development. The trellis fence separating the staff side from the student side will be removed permanently as part of this work.
We expect there to be noise disruption during this time and advice Library users to work in alternative spaces in Main Library and across . We apologise for any inconvenience.
We will update our social media channels for any updates about Muriel Stott re-opening.
]]>Launching The John Rylands Library鈥檚 redeveloped exhibitions gallery, The Secret Public: LGBTQ Pop 1955 鈥� 1985 examines the profound influence of LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly performers, artists and activists on mainstream pop culture. Co-curated with Professor of Popular Culture, Jon Savage and taking his book The Secret Public - How LGBTQ Performers Shaped Popular Culture 1955 - 1979 as a starting point, the exhibition has been extended through to 1985. It foregrounds the artists, figures, social issues and political discourse from within which a lasting creative legacy was produced, one that still resonates today.
This new exhibition presents key pieces from the extensive archive of research materials collected by Jon Savage over many years which is now as part of the Library鈥檚 British Pop Archive. It includes further materials from The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 Library鈥檚 Special Collections and key private loans including items never before on public display. Posters, magazines, books, promotional photographs and record sleeves trace the extraordinary contribution LGBTQ performers have made throughout those years, enhanced by audio and video providing an evocative soundtrack to this story.
The exhibition takes a thematic and chronological journey through the materials, foregrounding the pioneering artists, musicians, actors, managers and activists who pushed both the social and creative boundaries of their time and their chosen field to agitate, provoke, protest, engage, enlighten and delight.
Find out more about the exhibition and Rylands125 on the John Rylands Library website:
For further information on all our training and support, see details via the Library website
For further help and support or join our Library experts at our .
]]>This is a purchase that simultaneously enhances the University鈥檚 existing holdings of one of the world鈥檚 most influential fashion and lifestyle titles and also complements recent additions to our general interest magazine holdings, such as and .
Providing access to over 500,000 pages of content, the archive covers both the US (1867-present, with subsequent issues added on an ongoing basis), and UK (1930-2015) editions, both of which are seamlessly cross-searchable.
The resource is fully indexed, and content is discoverable to either article level or, in the case of advertisements, by brand or company name.
Harper鈥檚 offers a powerful lens into American, British, and international fashion as well as popular culture and society from the mid-nineteenth century.
Showcasing the work of acclaimed designers, photographers, stylists, writers and illustrators, this wide-ranging resource, presented in the original magazine format not only supports students, researchers, and staff in Fashion, Business and Technology, but also in a range of disciplines across the Humanities, including research groupings such as and the Institute for Cultural Practices.
View The Harper鈥檚 Bazaar Archive via or see our Library Subject Guides for , , , and .
]]>The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 Library has held the Carcanet Press since the 1970s, and this focuses on a pivotal moment in Carcanet鈥檚 history: the destruction of its offices and papers in the 1996 IRA bombing of the 蝌蚪窝视频 Exchange. It considers the gap created in Carcanet鈥檚 archive and records, the poetry it inspired, and the ripple effect on the city.
Featuring poetry and correspondence, the final showcase also includes by Gregory O鈥橞rien and Mary Griffiths, produced during the pandemic, and suggested by John McAuliffe, Professor of Poetry at the Centre for New Writing, and editor at Carcanet.
The additional material amassed through these alternative routes has made for a richer, more interesting picture of Carcanet in its 50th year, curated in an accessible and innovative form on The Library is pleased to share this anniversary celebration for Carcanet Press and its outstanding archive.
It was great to see that overall satisfaction with the Library was high with over 82% of respondents satisfied overall with the Library and 89% agreeing that the Library provides the resources needed. Over 70% reported the Library has a positive impact on wellbeing, which is really great to hear as we want to make the Library a welcoming and safe space for all our students.
It was interesting to hear your suggestions on how to improve the Library website to help your understanding of Library services. We will be taking these into account as we continually update and strive to improve our website. Library staff are always ready to answer your questions or assist you in how to access our services, just pop into any Library site and ask at the reception desk or ask any member of staff wearing purple branded clothing. You can also pose a question via our Library Chat service available on the right-hand side of every page on the Library website.
83% agreed that 鈥楾he study space provided by the Library meets my needs鈥� and although this is high we are constantly evaluating and looking to improve our study spaces and will be redeveloping the Muriel Stott building of Main Library this summer.
We are listening to your feedback around plug sockets, toilets and quiet spaces and will continue to factor these into our spaces development.
It has been brilliant to get feedback from our students and we will continue to do this with annual surveys and prize draws.
Your voice matters!
]]>New Collections Gallery will showcase over 40 rare and remarkable objects tracing the history and evolution of the library鈥檚 special collections, revealing the influence of visionary founder Enriqueta Rylands on the library鈥檚 collections.
Highlights in the new Collections Gallery will include an early fragment of the New Testament, a clay cylinder from King Nebuchadnezzar鈥檚 temple, and the Peterloo relief fund accounts. At the heart of the gallery is a case containing a 14th-century trilingual Qur鈥檃n manuscript, Shakespeare鈥檚 first folio and the Rylands Beatus, a beautiful 12th-century book. Alan Turing鈥檚 notes on programming the MARK I computer, and a notebook handwritten by Joy Division鈥檚 manager Rob Gretton, show 20th-century history in the making.
The exhibition reveals the breadth and importance of the collections and the innovative work behind the scenes to preserve and share them. For the care of the collections and to showcase a wide variety of material, objects on display will change after six months.
The new gallery is part of Rylands125, a special year-long events and exhibitions programme to celebrate the 125th anniversary of The John Rylands Library. This initiative by The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 Library delves into the library鈥檚 storied past to celebrate its vibrant present and look forward to the promising future of the institution.
Established by Enriqueta Rylands as a library for the people of 蝌蚪窝视频, the Rylands opened in January 1900. To create this remarkable library, Enriqueta Rylands spent about 拢1 million (over 拢100 million today). She wanted it to be a catalyst for the cultural, social and religious advancement of the city.
Enriqueta Rylands started buying books for the new library in November 1889 鈥� before the builders started work. Her early purchases included a wide variety of valuable printed books and handwritten manuscripts. Some are very beautiful, others rare or remarkable. She was very interested in Christian reform but also collected poetry, bird books and history.
Enriqueta Rylands laid the groundwork for a growing library, now home to an astonishing variety of books, manuscripts, archives, maps and visual materials. They include world-class holdings of ancient papyri, early European and Chinese printing, Islamic and medieval manuscripts, bibles and modern archives. The collections have come to the Rylands as gifts, purchases and loans; some as ready formed collections, others as individual items.
The Rylands has grown into a renowned cultural and academic destination that welcomes readers, researchers and visitors from around the world. The library continues to bring in and preserve collections, especially in the creative arts and British pop culture. Modern collecting brings a plethora of formats, with exciting opportunities and challenges in a digital age.
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The University is committed to an open and responsible research environment. The OOR is positioned as the focal point for Open Research activity at The University of 蝌蚪窝视频, enabling the University to continue to operate at the leading edge of this global agenda.
All Library Open Research support is now available in one location. Explore the new and improved website and discover comprehensive support for every stage of your research journey.
This two-day event will highlight the latest innovations and practices in Open Research, bringing together researchers, postgraduate researchers (PGRs), and research support professionals from various disciplines. Attendees will explore bold ideas and practical solutions to reshape how research is conducted and shared.
We invite submissions for presentations and posters from anyone interested in, researching, or working in Open Research. Contributions may include research projects, methodological innovations or case studies showcasing Open Research practices.
The conference is a collaborative initiative led by the Office for Open Research (supported by the Research Lifecycle Programme), the School of Engineering Open Research Lead, the UK Reproducibility Network, and the Cancer Research UK 蝌蚪窝视频 Institute.
To learn more about the conference and register, please visit the
For questions regarding the conference or abstract submissions, please contact us at openresearch@manchester.ac.uk
We look forward to seeing you in June 2025.
]]>
The 'Global Issues Library' offers extensive content on international concerns including border issues, protection of human rights, revolutions and environmental challenges.
Its individual collections, containing reports, essays, letters, streaming videos, photographs, and case studies, include:
This extensive multidisciplinary resource is of value for teaching and research across Geography, Global Development, Humanitarian and Conflict Response, Politics, Sociology, and Earth and Environmental Sciences.
It also aligns closely with the University's Social Responsibility and sustainable development goals.
Access via or see our Library Subject Guides for , , , , and .
If you're an unfunded monograph author who will soon publish a monograph, or who published one on or after 1 October 2023, enter for your chance to win funding to make your monograph OA.
To enter, authors need to fill out this by Friday, 31 January 2025.
The Library's Open Access team will contact successful applicants in early April 2025.
If you have a question about the competition, please email libraryresearch@manchester.ac.uk.
]]>A key resource for the study of forced migration and the history of refugees, this series collates a wealth of primary material such as legal briefs, refugee reports, government documents, manuscripts, pamphlets and letters, from a wide range of sources including the U.K. National Archives, the British Library, World Jewish Relief, and the US Department of State.
Refugees, Relief and Resettlement comprises two parts addressing refugee crises across different chronological periods; and .
It deals with a significant topic of global concern and is of value to students and researchers across a range of disciplines and research groups including , and .
This new addition enriches our collections of primary source materials in this challenging research area. These include both digital resources such as (part of the ) and , and physical materials housed within our pioneering at the Rylands. In addition, it aligns with the University's ongoing commitment as a University of Sanctuary.
This collection is available to access via or see our Library Subject Guides for , , , , and .
]]>The Muriel Stott Building in the Main Library will be undergoing renovations from June 2025 and is set to reopen in September in time for the beginning of Semester 1. This renovation is part of various improvements planned for Main Library in 2025.
The Library has been collaborating with colleagues from the to create designs that reflect what students really need. These designs are based on feedback and usage information collected in recent years, as well as input from Library staff and student representatives.
The new designs will focus on promoting wellbeing. Some of the updates will include:
The outdoor courtyard will also be redesigned to offer another workspace option for staff and students. It will have both formal study areas that can be used in any weather and more laid-back seating for relaxation.
Making sure the space is accessible and environmentally friendly is a big part of the design plans. An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is being carried out to meet all necessary guidelines according to our new Library Spaces Policy.
The project team is working with the University's Environmental Sustainability team to protect existing trees as much as possible and to plant replacement trees elsewhere on campus when needed.
They are also exploring additional eco-friendly options. Instead of building new structures, they will reuse elements of the existing building, including current IT equipment, adjusting lighting to save electricity, limiting outdoor lighting, and choosing sustainable materials for outdoor furniture. New windows will be added to improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions.
We will keep you updated as we get closer to Summer 2025.
]]>will be available 24/7 during the vacation period. It will be staffed by third-party partner institutions.
will be closed from Sunday, 22 December 2024 until Thursday, 2 January 2025.
]]>鈥淲e look forward to a year of events, exhibitions and celebration as we mark the Library鈥檚 birthday at the same time as we complete the latest investment by the University; John Rylands Next Chapter will provide new meeting spaces, digital imaging facilities and world-class exhibitions spaces for everyone to enjoy,鈥� Professor Pressler added. 鈥淚 look forward to welcoming everyone to our great Library in 2025.鈥�
Launching the Rylands鈥� new special exhibition gallery, The Secret Public examines the importance and influence of LGBTQ performers, artists and activists on mainstream popular culture. Inspired by the recently published book, The Secret Public: how LGBTQ performers shaped popular culture 1955 to 1979 by Jon Savage, the exhibition presents over 100 key pieces from his extensive collection of archive and research materials which form part of the British Pop Archive housed at the Rylands.
The Secret Public foregrounds the artists, public figures, social issues and political discourse from within which a lasting creative explosion happened and which is still felt today. The exhibition extends the date range of the book through to 1985.
Jon Savage, author and Professor of Popular Culture at The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 said: 鈥淭hese materials have been collected over a 40-year period and represent one of the largest private Queer archives in the country. I am very pleased to announce that they are now held within the British Pop Archive.鈥�
The latest additions bring the number of our productions from over a decade of 'NT Live' broadcasts now available to 70. These include popular recent successes like:
The streamed performances also feature productions with notable local connections, such as:
Explore all titles via Library Search, including additional productions offered through the Royal Shakespeare Company鈥檚 and .
More details can be found on the .
No expensive tickets, travel costs, or audience distractions鈥攅njoy the show.
]]>These magazines hold significant historical value, having shaped culture, lifestyle, and current events over the years.
Renowned for their high-quality photography, impeccable production, and trend-setting design and editorial styles, many became influential in their respective fields.
They also served as platforms for prominent writers, photographers, and artists, contributing to the formation of public opinion and capturing the societal shifts of their time.
Accessible on , their consolidation on EBSCO, through which researchers already have access to the archives, provides an even greater benefit, allowing users to trace the coverage of specific issues over time.
Researchers can now easily compare and contrast how different publications from the American popular press addressed the same social and political topics, offering a more nuanced view of historical narratives and public discourse.
The seven new collections comprise:
These collections are highlighted on relevant for American Studies, Fashion Business and Technology; History; Sociology; and English Literature and Creative Writing.
]]>Develop your digital communications skills and explore the online world with 'Digital Society', the UCIL course unit run by the Library.
Studying entirely online, you鈥檒l explore the relationship between digital technology, society, and you, from the connectedness of our lives and the machines around us, to how we communicate with each other.
'Digital Society' includes exciting topics like:
Digital Society runs in Semester 2 and is worth 10 credits. The course start date is 27 January 2025, and registration is open until 10 February 2025.
To find out more and sign up, visit the UCIL website:
You can also read more about the course topics and delivery on the .
]]>Unfunded monograph authors from any University faculty can enter the Library鈥檚 Open Access (OA) monograph competition 2024/25, as long as they will soon be publishing a monograph or published one on or after 1 October 2023.
Winners will receive funding from the Library to make their monographs OA. The Library will arrange this directly with the winners鈥� publishers.
How to enter
To enter, please provide a short response to the following questions:
Please submit your answers through this by Friday, 31 January 2025.
We would particularly welcome entries from authors publishing with fully open access book publishers.
After the closing date, entries will be judged by a representative panel led by Professor James Evans, Associate Dean for Research in Humanities. Go to for details of the winners from last year鈥檚 competition.
The Library鈥檚 Open Access Team will contact successful applicants in early April 2025.
If you have a question about the competition, please contact libraryresearch@manchester.ac.uk
]]>To find out more about how the Library can help you, visit our exam and assessment support page:
It鈥檚 a chance for you to have your say and tell us about your experience of using the Library. Your feedback is important as it helps us improve our facilities and services.
Take our short
In return for your feedback, you鈥檒l be in with a chance of winning one of three 拢100 Amazon vouchers. Prize draws will take place on Tuesday, 12 November, Tuesday, 19 November and Tuesday, 26 November. All completed surveys will be entered in each prize draw so the earlier you complete the survey, the more chance you have of winning.
The survey closes on 25 November.
]]>In this exhibition, you will find objects relating to some of the spaces and places that our students have inhabited over the past 200 years.
The items in the exhibition are drawn from across the Library鈥檚 Special Collections, in particular The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 Archives and the Map Collection. They provide insights into the development of our University campus, of different attitudes towards race and gender, and of new ways of student living. They contain stories of innovation, struggle, connection, protest and belonging expressed by our University community. Together, they form an important part of the story of 蝌蚪窝视频鈥檚 changing cultural and physical landscape.
You are Here! runs from 30 October to February 2025, at Blue Ground in Main Library. Free entry.
]]>This interactive guide will support students in understanding what is meant by Academic Integrity and how it interacts with their studies.
Students will find advice and resources on how to clearly present their own understanding of concepts, consider tools and strategies (including those involving Generative Artificial Intelligence) and examine how to avoid key forms of academic malpractice.
Commissioned by The University of 蝌蚪窝视频鈥檚 Teaching and Learning Strategy Group (TLSG), the creation of this guide ran as a cross-university project which involved the Library鈥檚 Teaching, Learning and Students Team consulting with staff from across the University to ensure it reflected the needs of students and staff at our institution.
Our science collections have been supplemented by the addition of the Royal Society Journals Archive, collection, further CABI Digital Library collections and health journal backfiles from Elsevier. These resources will significantly improve the consistency of access to high-quality research materials for our researchers.
New content has been added to our collections and ensuring these key arts resources remain current. We are also pleased to introduce new collections supporting the University鈥檚 commitment to social responsibility: the wide-ranging and the .
In our Special Collections, exciting new additions include the 20th century Alick E. Glennie Archive (Computing) and material to help re-unite a 13th century illuminated manuscript on vellum ('Three Historiated Initials from the Psalter of Joan of Navarre'). The contrast in age and physical format of these purchases further highlights the historical range and breadth of resources at the Rylands.
Further information will be available soon. In the meantime, you can explore our collections via and .
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