Cambridge University Library

Cambridge University Library is the main research library of the University of Cambridge. It is the largest of over 100 libraries within the university, often called the UL by students and staff. The library serves both university members and outside researchers, offering a huge collection of books, maps, and music.

As one of six legal deposit libraries in the UK, it receives a copy of every book published in the country. It holds about 9 million items and gets around 100,000 new ones each year. Many of these books are available for anyone to see and some can even be borrowed.

The library moved to its current location in the 1930s, after outgrowing its old home near the Senate House. The building was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and still stands today between Robinson College and Clare College. Jessica Gardner, its current librarian, is only the second woman to hold that position.

History

The University of Cambridge owned a collection of books by the middle of the 14th century, kept in chests rather than a library building. The first clear mention of a university library appeared in 1416 when William Loring left books to it. Early records show the library grew slowly over the years.

A new, larger library building was constructed between 1931 and 1934, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott. The American philanthropist John D. Rockefeller helped fund this building and suggested adding its famous tower. The library has been expanded several times and now includes special collections and a large storage facility in Ely.

Legal deposit library

Cambridge University Library is one of six legal deposit libraries in the UK, along with the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, the National Library of Wales, the Bodleian Libraries, and the Library of Trinity College in Dublin. This means the library can get free copies of all books, journals, maps, and music published in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This has helped the library grow to hold over seven million books and many periodicals.

Since 2013, legal deposit also includes digital material like websites and online journals. The library continues to digitize many old books and manuscripts.

Access

The Cambridge University Library is open to all members of the University of Cambridge. Researchers and academics from other UK universities can use the library for reference, and members of the public may apply for access if their research needs the library’s materials.

The library allows some readers, like Cambridge students and academics, to borrow books, which is unusual for legal deposit libraries in the UK. It also has a Tea Room where visitors can enjoy meals and drinks. The library regularly holds free exhibitions for the public, showcasing items from its collections.

Janus

In 2002, the Cambridge University Library started a project called Janus, named after the Roman god. This project aimed to create a single online place where people could search for archives and special collections across many libraries in Cambridge. This helped students and researchers easily find information from over 100 different libraries and institutes.

In March 2021, Janus was replaced by ArchiveSearch. This new system provides a comprehensive index of archives for most libraries, universities, and museums in Cambridge, making it easier to find historical documents and research materials.

Historical Printing Room

The Cambridge University Library has a special room called the Historical Printing Room. It helps students learn about old ways of printing books. In the 1970s, a librarian named Philip Gaskell started classes there so students could try printing themselves.

The room has many old printing tools, like a press made by Philip Gaskell and equipment used by famous printers. These tools help people study how books were made long ago.

Digitisation project

In June 2010, Cambridge University received a £1.5 million donation to begin digitising some of its collections. This project aimed to make these collections freely accessible online through the Cambridge Digital Library website. The initial focus was on two important collections: "The Foundations of Faith" and "The Foundations of Science," which included writings by Isaac Newton and documents from Christian, Islamic, and Jewish archives.

Friends of the Cambridge University Library

The Friends of the Cambridge University Library is a group of people, organizations, and donors who help support the library. They raise money for new building projects, fixing old archives, and buying rare books and manuscripts. Anyone can join, including alumni and members of the public who care about preserving knowledge and literature. The group also holds special events and tours to thank its members for their support. Over the past five years, they have raised more than £150,000 through donations.

Staff

The position of Librarian of the university was officially created in 1577 when William James was appointed. Before this, the University Chaplain was in charge of the Library. Over the years, many scholars have served as librarians, including Augustus Theodore Bartholomew, who worked there for over 25 years, and A. F. Scholfield, who was Librarian from 1923 to 1949.

Today, the librarian is Jessica Gardner. She became the 36th University Librarian in April 2017.

Exhibitions

The main University Library features special displays in its Milstein Exhibition Centre. These displays change every six to eight months and welcome everyone. Recent shows have showcased important papers from the Cairo Genizah, explored the scenery and earth of the English Fenlands, and looked at the building history of the Cambridge University. These exhibitions are free for anyone to see.

Special collections

The Cambridge University Library holds many special collections with rare and important items. It includes a copy of the Gutenberg Bible from 1455, one of the earliest books printed with movable type. Visitors can also see the library of Lord Acton, filled with books from the 15th to 19th centuries about European and church history.

Other special collections feature the papers and books of famous people like Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton. There are also important collections about Ireland, navigation, and world cultures, along with many old maps and manuscripts.

Cultural references

The Cambridge University Library has appeared in several popular films and television shows, such as Theory of Everything, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Cloud Atlas, A Discovery of Witches, and The Man Who Knew Infinity. The library’s tower has also been shown in news programs and documentaries. In an unfinished novel by C. S. Lewis called The Dark Tower, a famous tower is modeled after this building.