Special Collections through the Cadbury Research Library manages the University’s key collections of archives, rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and associated artefacts. Special Collections also administers the Modern Records Service which is a secure, managed storage facility for the University’s current and semi current paper based records.
The collections are used extensively in University teaching and research programs. We also have strong links with other regional, national and international institutions, engaging in outreach and collaborative projects which benefit both the University and the broader community.
Cadbury Research Library
The collections made accessible by the Cadbury Research Library have been built up over a period of 120 years and consist of over 200,000 rare printed books including significant incunabula, alongside over four million unique archive and manuscripts collections. The Cadbury Research Library also cares for the University’s own heritage collection which includes records of the founding and growth of the university dating back to 1826 and forward to the present day.
The Cadbury Research Library housed in the Muirhead Tower includes a 45-seat reading room open to staff, students and the public, with specialist staff on hand to aid researchers, an active teaching program, fully equipped conservation studio and reprographics service.
Key people
Director of Special Collections
Susan Worrall
Email - s.j.worrall@bham.ac.uk
Telephone - +44 (0)121 414 6066
Senior Librarian
Martin Killeen
Email - m.killeen@bham.ac.uk
Telephone - +44 (0)121 414 5960
Head of Conservation and Programming
Sarah Kilroy
Email - s.r.kilroy@bham.ac.uk
Telephone - +44 (0)121 414 5800
View profile
University Archivist (responsible for University heritage collections)
Helen Fisher
Email - h.fisher@bham.ac.uk
Telephone - +44 (0)121 414 5800
PA to Susan Worrall
Julie Swann
Email - j.swann@bham.ac.uk
Telephone - +44 (0)121 414 4740