Cambridge University Library

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Location	Cambridge, England , United Kingdom
Type	Academic library
Scope
Established	1416
Dissolved
Closed
Architect(s)
Legal mandate
Service area
Branch of

Cambridge University Library is the main research library of the University of Cambridge in England. It is one of the largest legal deposit libraries in the world, holding approximately 8 million items. The library serves the university's students, faculty, and researchers, as well as external scholars.

History

The origins of Cambridge University Library date back to 1416, when the first recorded donation of books was made by William Loring. The library has grown significantly over the centuries, with major expansions in the 17th, 18th, and 20th centuries. The current building, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, was completed in 1934.

Collections

Cambridge University Library's collections are vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of subjects and formats. The library holds significant collections in the fields of humanities, social sciences, science, and technology. Notable collections include:

• The Gutenberg Bible
• The Codex Bezae
• The Nash Papyrus
• The Taylor-Schechter Genizah Collection

Legal Deposit

As a legal deposit library, Cambridge University Library is entitled to receive a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This status has greatly contributed to the library's extensive and diverse collections.

Services

The library offers a range of services to support research and learning, including:

• Reference and research assistance
• Interlibrary loan
• Digital resources and databases
• Special collections and archives access

Architecture

The library's main building, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, is an example of 20th-century architecture. It features a distinctive tower, which is a prominent landmark in Cambridge. The building has been expanded and renovated several times to accommodate the growing collections and the needs of modern users.

Related Pages

• University of Cambridge
• Giles Gilbert Scott
• Legal deposit
• Gutenberg Bible
• Codex Bezae
• Nash Papyrus
• Taylor-Schechter Genizah Collection

See Also

• List of libraries in the United Kingdom
• Academic libraries in the United Kingdom
• Legal deposit libraries

External Links

• Official website

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