Special Collections & Archives

The Foyle Special Collections & Archives consist of rare books, original documents and artefacts which support various teaching and research areas of the University of Roehampton.

The collections relate to Friedrich Froebel and the kindergarten, Froebel College, Children's Literature and the children’s book author Richmal Crompton, Dance, and to a number of other areas including Religious Studies.

The Foyle Special Collections & Archives are open for use to all students, staff and external visitors. Please contact us if you would like to use our collections.

Coronavirus update

Supervised appointments to the Foyle Special Collections and Archives will resume shortly. Consultation of our open access collections are currently possible during the library opening times. You can contact the Archivist Tuesdays to Thursdays at archives@roehampton.ac.uk.

All visitors are advised to follow the Library Covid-19 response guide.

We keep monitoring the situation and advise you to check this page regularly for updates. 

Email: archives@roehampton.ac.uk
Tel.: 020 8392 3323

Foyle Special Collections & Archives
Library and Learning Services
University of Roehampton
Roehampton Lane
London SW15 5SZ

Location

The Foyle Special Collections & Archives are located on the second floor of the University Library.

Access

The Foyle Special Collections & Archives are located on the second floor of the University Library.

Users are advised to contact the Archivist in advance of their visit to establish the nature of their interest and material available and to make an appointment.

Search Our Collections

• Archives catalogue - for archives and special collections materials
• Library catalogue - for books

In preparation for your visit please note the following:

• All material is reference only.
• Archives, manuscripts and artefacts are available for consultation by appointment only; due to building works we currently require one week's notice.
• Books in the supervised section can be viewed by appointment in the Foyle Special Collections room; book on open access can be viewed any time during the Library opening hours.
• Laptop computers, mobile phones and other portable devices may be used when muted but we ask you not to take or make any calls inside the reading room as it may distract other users.
• No eating and drinking is allowed in the reading room.
• Readers are asked to use the facilities provided for their bags and coats.

Han​dling 

The greatest cause of damage of library and archive collections is incorrect handling. We believe that your care and awareness will contribute to continued preservation and access to the archival documents. Correct handling is largely common sense, but here are a few things to remember:

• Hands should be clean and free of creams and lotions as dirt and grease can penetrate the surface of documents and cause damage. Gloves are not usually required.
• Do not lean on a bound volume or document and do not write on top of any collection item. Use the equipment provided such as book supports and weights.
• Use pencils only for note taking or a laptop computer.
• Loose items should be kept in order - always return material in the same order in which you received it.

The Archivist is always at hand to answer any questions you may have in relation to handling or other queries. Just ask!

Reproduction of archival material

Archival material is subject to the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1988 and researchers must comply with regulations laid down in the Act. Copies of archival material are made available for private research only.

Copying can be carried out by archive staff only. Copying may not be allowed if there is a risk of damage to the item, or for any reason deemed appropriate by the Archivist. Photocopies are free of charge, and an hourly fee will apply for a digital scanning service.

Digital cameras and personal scanning devices may be used at the discretion of the Archivist.

When citing material in publications please ensure the source is referenced correctly.

Permission for public use

Researchers must seek written permission from the Archivist when an item is intended for public use, e.g. for book and electronic publications or broadcasting.

You must identify the source as the Archives and Special Collections and include the reference number of the item.​​