Library
Archival material has been deposited with the Institute of Germanic Studies (w.e.f. 1 August 2004: the Institute of Germanic & Romance Studies) since its foundation in 1950. There are a number of discrete collections which in sum give a unique overview of the history and development of Germanic studies in the United Kingdom since the nineteenth century. Other collections are devoted to theatre history and to exile studies.
The collections emanate from a variety of different individuals and organisations. Most material has been deposited as an outright gift and is open to researchers from the University of London and elsewhere in the United Kingdom and abroad.
At the present time, a complete online catalogue of the Library's archive holdings is not available for interrogation by researchers. An electronic catalogue is being compiled and, to search the collections that have been entered into it so far, readers should click here. For all other collections, it is still necessary to consult older handlists and boxlists, and readers should send inquiries to the University Archivist well in advance of any planned visit. Researchers should apply to consult material at least forty-eight hours in advance by letter, facsimile, email or telephone, but the more notice that can be given, the better. The Library staff need a name and contact number, a concise and clear idea of the nature of the enquiry and a date and time for consultation.
Researchers are requested to handle the documents with care, not to take them out of any special housing such as transparent polythene sleeves, and to use a soft lead pencil for taking notes. Photocopies may be made, although this is at the discretion of the Librarian and is dependent on the nature and condition of the material; copies are charged for. Other reprographic methods may be called upon but special arrangements need to be made out-of-house and the researcher must bear the cost in full. An estimate will be supplied in advance. These precautions are required for the physical preservation of (often) fragile primary source material and your co-operation will be greatly appreciated.
Contact: Andrea Meyer Ludowisy (tel: 020 7862 8969)