10 October 2023
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The new archive will be located within the main library of University of Lancaster © Sheppard Robson, CCASA 4.0
Members of the public will soon be able to enjoy accessing a new archive research centre at the University of Lancaster, which will include thousands of records relating to the history of Lancaster.
Located in the space once inhabited by the University’s bindery, the new Archive Research Centre (ARC) will be the new home of the University’s Archives alongside the Library’s Special Collections.
The centre brings together dedicated storage for some of the University’s unique archive materials, with a new purpose-built working room for staff, students, and members of the public to use when working with the collections. University staff will also be able to use the ARC to hold teaching sessions related to the university's historic collections.
What material is included?
The collections housed in the ARC include the University’s own historical records, over 15,000 rare books, and thousands of original archival materials related to Lancaster University and the wider region.
Katie Waring, Special Collections and Archives Manager, said: “The collections held by the Special Collections and Archives at Lancaster have never been used to their full potential.
“I’m a great believer that archives are for everyone, and we will use the ARC to address the misconception that heritage collections can only be used for historical research. ARC will be open to individuals and groups to interact with our collections as well the wider community in the local area and beyond.
“ARC will help by greatly increasing our capacity and what we can offer to our communities. The new space will also help us to provide a wider range of activities which will appeal to users across the University.
Find out more about the archive centre and library here.
(report courtesy University of Lancaster)