About

De Montfort University Special Collections is part of Library and Learning Services based in the Kimberlin Library. We hold varied material including archives, rare books, artwork and artefacts. 

The main archive collection relates to the history of DMU, tracing the development and activities of the institution from its founding in 1870 as the Leicester School of Art, its years as Leicester Polytechnic, and its current status as De Montfort University. 

Special Collections also seeks to accrue material which relates to specialist subjects taught at DMU, in order to enhance teaching, learning and research at the University. 

We are open Tuesday to Friday between 10.00 and 17.00, and on the first Saturday of every month between 10.00 and 14.00. 

Accessing DMU Special Collections is free and we are open to all – staff and students of DMU and other universities, private researchers and members of the public. 

For users from outside DMU there are charges for reprographics and research.

Photocopies

A4 and A3 black and white: £0.30 per side 

A4 and A3 colour: £0.60 per side 

Scanning

PDF: £0.50 per page 

JPEG at 300 dpi: £1.00 per scan (up to A3 size) 

JPEG at 300 dpi: £5.00 per scan (over A3 size) 

Camera Pass:

£2.50 a day to use personal cameraNB – camera use must still be within copyright guidelines and restrictions All photocopying and scanning will be done by staff on behalf of the researcher Please note that due to the fragile nature of the items held in Special Collections, it is not always possible to copy them 

Remote orders

As above + £2.50 fee for the staff time involved in locating and preparing the items to be reproduced + postage if relevant Enquiry Service The first 15 minutes of staff time working on an enquiry are free. If the research takes longer, £2.50 will be charged per 15 minutes of staff time.