Access the Shakespeare Collection

This collection is held in our storerooms so you will need to decide what you would like to see in advance by searching our catalogues.

When you have the details of the items you want to see, you will need to visit the Library of Birmingham to view them.

Due to the age, rarity and condition of much of the collection, some items need to be seen by appointment in the level 4 reading room, known as the Wolfson Centre for Archival Research.

To check if you need to make an appointment, email us at: archives.appointments@birmingham.gov.uk.

You can find more information about how to book an appointment on our How to use the Wolfson Centre webpage.

How to search the Catalogue

The online catalogue is split into two parts:

Archives and Collections Catalogue

In this catalogue you can find:

• books which came into the collection before 1974
• photos
• theatrical programmes and posters
• newscuttings and illustrations

Search the Archives and Collections Catalogue (calmview)

You can also navigate the collection using the collection browser.

Library Catalogue

In this general library catalogue you can find books which came into the Shakespeare Collection after 1974.

Search the general library catalogue (spydus)

Tips for using the catalogues

• To do a full search of the Shakespeare Collection check both catalogues
• You can do a general 'keyword search' in both catalogues, or you can use the ‘advanced search’ to look for more specific items by adding, for example:
  • a date range
  • author and publisher information

If you would prefer to look at a paper copy of the Shakespeare catalogue, you can visit level 4 of the Library of Birmingham, and our staff will be happy to help.

The Shakespeare Collection is large and complex, if you have any questions about what we hold for a specific subject or language, email us at: archives.heritage@birmingham.gov.uk

<

Page last updated: 19 October 2023