The Essex Society of Archaeology and History (ESAH) collection is held in the Special Collections Room at the University of Essex library on the Colchester campus.

Members of ESAH, are able to view items from this collection.

All visitors to our Special Collections must arrange an appointment in advance. To do this, please email libline@essex.ac.uk with details of the items you would like to consult. 

Our Special Collections Reading Room is open Tuesday to Friday with appointments from 9-12 or 1-4pm. The Reading Room closes 12-1pm for lunch.

Please see our Visiting Special Collections page for more information.

Borrowing Books

Some of the items in the ESAH collections are available to borrow if you are a member of the society.
Books marked with a red dot are not loanable due to age and/or condition of the item along with books in the ESAH rare collection.

If you would like to borrow from the collection, you will need to sign up for a library account. Please bring your ESAH card, a photo ID and a proof of your address to the library Helpdesk. We will ask you to complete a membership form and then create a library card for you.

Using this card you will be able to borrow up to 5 items from the ESAH collection or the Main collections at Colchester (excludes Student Collection on the 1st floor).

Online Resources

Unfortunately, ESAH members do not have access to online resources. However, you are able to use our Walk In Access services if there is something in particular you're looking for.