Abstract
Most university libraries have special collections . Often these
contain prestigious items which enhance the library's and sometimes even the university's
reputation . Special collections are, however, also one of the divisions frequently affected
first when rationalisation and saving cuts are implemented .
The value of special collections for the University library, is firstly that they serve as the
repository for preserving the rare and valuable items owned by the library . Furthermore, these
collections usually contain primary sources which can support the teaching and research functions
of the library very well.
Special collections are frequently associated with rare books, but this is only one aspect
of special collections . Some universities go to great lengths to build up manuscript and
archival collections, whilst others own valuable author and subject collections .
In many cases these different collections are centralised in one division . From a
functional point of view, such centralisation hns advantages as this material frequently
requires different cataloguing, classification , storage and handling . Through
centralisation, more attention can also be paid to the preservation of this material.
The principle of centralisation at certain libraries sometimes even extends to the
establishment of branch or departmental libraries to house special collections...
M.Bibl.