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Case 4: Collections Development

This case focuses on collections development, and displays the relevant official paperwork and examples of recent acquisitions.

View the objects held in Case 4


Adding to our Collections

Broadly, we seek to collect material relating to the University of Liverpool and affiliated institutions and material that enhances existing collections in Special Collections & Archives.

Particular collection strengths include:
• University of Liverpool archive (institutional history; papers of former staff & students)
• Cunard Archive
• Science Fiction collections (printed and archival)
• Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts
• Modern Literary manuscripts, especially those with a connection to Merseyside
• Incunables (books printed before 1501), and other early printed books
• Gypsy Lore Society collections
• Children’s literature and the history of education
• Social & political history, e.g. papers of Rathbone family, Josephine Butler and Lord Owen.
• 18th-19th century printed collections related to Liverpool.

New additions to Special Collections & Archives are often received as donations from members of the public.

However, SC&A may also seek to purchase material that has special significance to the institution or relevance to existing collections.

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Case 4: Collections Development


Collection Development and Management Policy

The SC&A Collection Development and Management Policy provides a framework for the development and management of the collections.

The document also acts as a guide for potential donors as to the content and format of material we are able to accept.

Read the Collections Development Policy [PDF]

Think: You may not have your very own Collections Development Policy, but have you ever considered why you keep some things and dispose of others? Many of us cherish documents and items that remind us of joyful times in our lives.  You could say that we curate our own personal “archive”. 

Terms and Conditions of Donation

Individuals who donate material to SC&A are required to sign a Terms and Conditions of Donation form which highlights how the material will be maintained, preserved and made accessible.

Read the Terms and Conditions of Donation form [PDF]


Recent Donation: The University of Liverpool Students’ Song Book [1913]

Belonged to Professor George R. Tristram FRSE, who graduated with a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Liverpool in 1936. Includes over 50 signatures of Tristram’s fellow students. The song book was originally published in 1913 but would have been owned and signed during Tristram’s time at the University.

The song book was donated by George Tristram’s son.

Front cover and The Graduate's Leaving Song from The University of Liverpool Students’ Song Book

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Images of front cover and The Graduate's Leaving Song from within The University of Liverpool Student's Song Book, published 1913.


Recent Purchase: The Blackburne Family Ephemera 

A collection of eighteenth and nineteenth century ephemera, including manuscript poetry, sketches, and drawings created by the Blackburne family of Lancashire. [1783-1872]

The below images show Emily Ireland Blackburne’s comical pen and ink drawing entitled ‘A Pleasure trip to Liverpool’, narrated in an accompanying poem.’

Poetry and Drawings by Emily Ireland Blackburne

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Images of Emily Ireland Blackburne's comical pen and ink drawing entitled ‘A Pleasure trip to Liverpool’, narrated in an accompanying poem.


Continue the story in Case 5: The Cunard Archive - Rescue and Growth...