Special Collections

The Preciosa collection holds the oldest heritage collection that is part of the Special Collections, though you can find more modern collections here too. The term ‘Preciosa’ is used synonymously with ‘precious or valuable works’ or ‘Special Collections’. It describes the heritage collections contained in the library that are valuable, vulnerable and/or unique. These qualities dictate a special treatment for these books: the collection is kept in a closed and controlled depository, and consultations are limited to supervised appointments in our separate reading room.

Collection

The Preciosa collection houses mostly older printed books with publication dates before 1830, but you'll also find manuscripts, illustrations, valuable modern preciosa and damaged preciosa here. You can read more about our collection profile and the subcollections here.

Outreach to the public

The Special Collections department heavily invests in disclosing its heritage collection to the public. We organise different activities and contribute to external projects. Read about them here.

Digitizing the collection

For years we have invested in providing digital access to the collection, and we will remain to do so. The amount of digital content we provide continues to increase so that the collection can be consulted all over the globe.Discover it here.

Academic research

Our department facilitates and stimulates all kinds of research to its heritage. We collaborate with professors and students and aim to open our doors to national and international researchers. Read more about it.

Recognised as a heritage library

The University Library of Antwerp, together with the Library of the Ruusbroecgenootschap, have carried the quality label of recognized heritage libraries awarded by the Flemish Government. Discover what that means.