Special Collections

Since the foundation of the College in 1314, the students at Exeter have had a Library and the manuscripts and early printed books that began this collection have continued to grow by gift, bequest and purchase. Nowadays, the Library serves both the community of undergraduates, graduates and Fellows of Exeter College, and also the worldwide scholarly community who come to Exeter College to study our Special Collections.

The Exeter College Special Collections include 189 medieval manuscripts some of which are unique historic documents. The early printed book collections, in particular the 77 incunabula, form an important focus for research scholars. In the closed Stack there are 30,000 pre-1800 books of which around 1500 are catalogued on SOLO, the computer catalogue, but all these holdings are indexed on the card catalogue near the Library entrance. Work is continuing, as and when funding is available, to put the Special Collections on to the computer catalogue so that the world wide scholarly community can access information on our holdings.

The College Librarian is happy to arrange appointments for visiting researchers who wish to consult the Library. This can be arranged by email or phone (01865 279657).