Special Collections

The Special Collections of Utrecht University Library contain extensive holdings of manuscripts, books printed before 1901, maps and rare and precious works of a later date. On this page about consulting, facilities and reproductions you will find all the information you need for a visit to the Special Collections. For in-depth information about the collection, please visit the website Special Collections.

Opening hours and contact

The Special Collections (reading room Special Collections, Map Room, Reference Library) is situated on the 6th floor of the University Library Utrecht Science Park, Heidelberglaan 3, 3584 CS Utrecht.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Telephone: (030) 253 6633
Contact by e-mail.

You must have a library card or a reading room card.

Study facilities

You may use one of the four computers in the reading room as well. In the map room the computers offer access to a rapidly growing collection of digital map files, which is managed by the Faculty of Geosciences. You can use two computers in the Map Room. The third one operates the scanner.
It is possible to study special material in groups in group study room 6.26; we advise you to reserve this room in advance by e-mail.

Reference Library

Near the desk of the Special Collections Reading Room, you can find the Special Collections Reference Libraries. Here you can find handbooks, reference works and journals on manuscripts, on early printed books and on maps. You will find this material on open shelves, but most of it is not for loan.