University History Collection

The University of Reading will celebrate its centenary in 2026, but records relating to it stretch back further. The first University Extension lectures in Reading were given in 1885 to bring University of Oxford education to people who may not have otherwise been able to access it, and to build on the work of local Schools of Art and Science. Since then, university education in Reading has developed, from the establishment of University College Reading in 1892, to the opening University of Reading as its own institution in 1926. Education has taken place on a number of sites across Reading and beyond, from lecture rooms on Valpy Street to farms at Shinfield.

To celebrate the university’s centenary, a collection of records relating to this fascinating history will be made available online. They tell the story of the university, illustrate how the town of Reading has changed over time, and provide a valuable insight into the lives of students, staff and Reading townspeople across a period of over a century. The University History Collection will be accessible to staff, students and the public. The collection will make the university’s past transparent and create opportunities for further study and identifying narratives.

The University History Collection consists of large quantities of published and unpublished records, many of which will be made publicly accessible for the first time. The collection includes papers relating to the corporate development of the university, such as financial papers and governance minutes. These can tell us about how the university developed as an organisation. The collection can also be used to learn about the buildings, farms and sports facilities which make up the university. The University History Collection provides information about a range of aspects of student life, such as accommodation, teaching and learning, sport and social activities. Visual materials including posters, photographs and plans, enable us to see the people, places and events which make up our shared history.

Library Collections

A selection of the most relevant publications relating to the University’s history is available on open access in the Reading Room. They include:

• Official serial publications issued by the University and University College.
• Works about the history of the University and its buildings.
• Selected works by members of the University.
• Publications related to major events, exhibitions, lectures and conferences.
• Periodicals, for students and staff, including some Students’ Union magazines.
• Prospectuses, Calendars, Guides to the Library, Museums and Halls of residence.

A more comprehensive collection, including all publications issued by the University, its departments and centres, the Students’ Union and other students organisations, is held in the R.U. Reserve collection and items can be requested from our external store. Some of the resources have been digitised and are available via the VRR.

For more information see Claudia Ricci’s blogs  A Century in Print: Exploring Student Life Through University of Reading’s Magazines (Part 1) – Special Collections – University of Reading

A Century in Print: Exploring Student Life Through University of Reading’s Magazines (Part 2) | Special Collections

Archive Collections

We are currently cataloguing the papers of the University History Collection which will be available in our centenary year.

There are small deposits of personal papers of students that are accessible. Follow this link for more information: University of Reading student papers

More information

• Visit our Online Exhibitions page to explore the history of the University’s campuses, halls and key buildings.
• Existing resources relating to the university’s history are the Timeline and University College Reading World War One Remembrance Book 
• For further information on the University of Reading’s centenary and related projects, please see the Centenary 2026 page.
• Tales from the Archives: Snapshots of Early Academic Life at Reading a blog inspired by the archives of the university, written by Brian Richards, Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Reading.