Special Collections

Overview

The Haddon Library is primarily a working library with materials for taught courses and research at Cambridge. However, we have some interesting special collections, both modern and historical, much of which can be searched for via iDiscover or through asking a member of our team to help.

Historic Book Collection

The Haddon Library is proud of its collection of older and rare books, some of which date back to the 16th century. Most of these have come to the library by donation. They are kept in secure, stable conditions, and questions about their treatment are referred to appropriate experts in other Cambridge University Libraries. Fragile items can be consulted with the use of appropriate support aids such as cushions to minimise any risk of damage. 

We also have a self-service photography policy that covers our Historic Book Collection as well as anything else in the Library's collections. 

Pamphlet Collection

We have an extensive pamphlet collection of small items relating to anthropology and archaeology topics, ranging from the 18th century through to the present. These items can be searched for via iDiscover and consulted in the Haddon Library only due to their rareity and fragility.

Gender Studies Collection

The Gender Studies Collection is a collection of 242 publications, mostly pamphlets, dating from the late 1960s to the 1980s. The material originated from various donations to the Cambridge SPS Library when the faculty was first established. Please see this PDF for a complete list of the collection.

The collection includes keystone publications on LGBTQ+ issues, the liberation of men and women, advice on motherhood, abortion, childcare, race and employment. The late 20th century was an influential period in the movement of rights, making this archive an important resource through a range of disciplines.

Most of the archive is unique to Cambridge, if not the UK. As most of the items in the collection are fragile, copying or scanning is not permitted. All the items are catalogued and are available for users to browse in the library.

To browse this collection, please make an appointment by emailing the Haddon Library. The library staff will be happy to show you some of the interesting works in the archive, suggest ways you can further your reading within gender studies and, hopefully, help to incorporate parts of this collection into your research.

Cambridge Antiquarian Society collections

The Haddon Library and the Cambridge Antiquarian Society (CAS) have a long and rich history, going right back to the Library's foundation. Part of this relationship means that we house some of the Cambridge Antiquarian Society's collections and can produce certain items upon request for consultation in the Library.

Much of the collection is searchable on iDiscover and specific enquiries should be sent to the Society directly. 

Speculative Fiction Collection

The Haddon Library has a borrowable collection of over 100 fiction books on anthropological and archaeological themes, including speculative fiction by authors of colour, eco fiction and works by indigenous authors.

You can find the collection in the main Reading Room of the Haddon Library.

Curious about the link between speculative fiction and writing in anthropology and archaeology (and the social sciences more broadly)? Please see our short bibliography on the topic and let us know of other good resources to add.

We welcome suggestions for new additions to the fiction collection, so please get in touch with ideas!

Teaching Collection

The teaching collection has 40+ books on topics of interest to library professionals and others who teach or would like to learn more about teaching. These books are borrowable by any university member. You'll find the collection behind the printer/copier machine in the main Reading Room of the Haddon Library.