Q. Can I send old files, documents and books to the University Archives?

Archives and Special Collections aim to support the learning, teaching and research of the University, and we are always pleased to hear from anyone with items or collections that they would like to offer us. A member of our team will be able to discuss your collection with you, and will assess whether it fits our collecting policy. In some cases, we may recommend that you contact another institution where your material may be more likely to reach an audience of researchers. Please be aware that we do not routinely accept objects or fabric/costumes.

Get in touch

If you have archives or books that may be of historic interest but are unsure whether they should be retained, our Archives and Special Collections team will be happy to help. Email us or phone 0116 252 2056 for more information. Please do not send items to the Library before your donation has been formally accepted by a member of the Archives and Special Collections team. 

If you hold information relating to Leicester, the county or the local area we suggest contacting the Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland, as this may be a more suitable repository. 

Members of staff

University staff and departments should consult the University Records Retention Schedules and Archives Selection Policy to identify which records should be transferred to the University Archives for permanent preservation. A member of our team will be happy to visit your department to make an assessment of any physical or digital records and advise you.

Current students

We are always keen to hear from current students who have records of their time at the University that may be of historical interest in the future. We are especially interested in material from clubs and societies that can help enrich our collective memory for future generations. We have student publications, photographs and records going back to our foundation in 1921. Please get in touch if you can help us to make sure that your society's activities are recognised and remembered in the future. 

University alumni

Our archives include photographs, letters, scrapbooks and memorabilia created or compiled by students whilst studying at the University. These personal items enhance the collective memory of the institution and enrich the formal records contained within our institutional archives. Please contact us if you would consider donating items to the archive.