Special Collections

The Special Collections Department within the University of Malta Library is made up of the Melitensia Collection and the Archives and Rare Books Collection.

The Melitensia Collection comprises material pertaining to the Maltese Islands published by Maltese or foreign authors, works published by Maltese authors on any subject and publications pertaining to the Order of St John.

The Archives and Rare Books Collection houses a vast collection of Cabinet and Rare Books, together with a range of collections donated or bequeathed to the Library that cover topics from language and literature to anthropology and music.

Archives and Rare Books Collection are a unique resource of rare books, manuscripts, photographs and also the University of Malta Heritage Archive Collection (UMHAC), which is the University’s own archival and administrative records. 

Some of the donations have been generously donated or bequeathed to the UM Library, and have been named to honour the donors who have put these collections together in the course of their lifetime. Some of the collection represent the total of the namesake life’s work.

Among these collections one finds:

The mission of Special Collections is to manage, develop, preserve, and enhance visibility and access to these prestigious collections acquired by the Library.

Researchers can book appointments to access material in the Special Collections Reading Room, at the Main Library by calling on +356 2340 3057 or sending an email to archives.lib@um.edu.mt

Staff within Special Collections are always willing to support you. We want your visit to be as enjoyable and productive as possible.


https://www.um.edu.mt/library/specialcollections/