SOAS Library

Welcome to Special Collections, SOAS Library

Here you can consult archives, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audio-visual material, rare books and SOAS PhD theses relating to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Broadly speaking, our collections reflect the British interaction with Africa and Asia over the last 250 years, and include archives of missionary societies, NGOs and campaign groups, and business organisations, as well as papers of individuals, including diplomats, campaigners, and academics.

Listen to our Introduction to Special Collections podcast (mp3 audio file)

Search the SOAS Archive Catalogue

Search for archives, manuscripts, and other primary source material held by SOAS Library

Contact Details

Telephone: +44(0)20 7898 4180
Email: special.collections@soas.ac.uk

Special Collections Social Media

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Access to Special Collections

Service update - 12 April 2021: The Special Collections Reading Room is now open on Library Level D for SOAS students, SOAS staff, and existing Library members. We have made some changes to our Special Collections Reading Room procedures in light of COVID-19, so even if you’ve visited us before, please read our guidance explaining what you can expect from your visit. We are keeping our reading room service under review and plan to extend access to all external users when it is possible to do so. Please visit this page for updates.

Using Special Collections

Our Collections

Specialist Guides

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