This is the library’s old website, which has been replaced by ub.gu.se.
The website is used solely as reference material for the web and communications team and will be archived in the autumn of 2026.
The Humanities Library's special reading room
The Humanities Library has a special reading room intended for studies of the University Library's most fragile and valuable materials. In here you may read manuscripts, rarities and other items from the special collections.
Currently, there is sometimes extensive disturbances from Västlänken's construction work. We apologize for the disruption.
Opening hours
The special reading room has other opening hours than the Humanities Library.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:30 – 16:30 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 – 20:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 – 16:30 |
| Thursday | 08:30 – 20:00 |
| Friday | 08:30 – 16:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Summer opening hours
Summer opening hours run from 8 June–23 August.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 12:00–16:00 |
| Saturday–Sunday | Closed |
The library is closed 19 June.
Request materials to the special reading room
Fill out the contact form to request materials to the special reading room.
Request materials via the contact form
How to use the special reading room
When you order manuscripts and rarities, they are delivered to the special reading room. The special reading room is located on the Humanities Library's entrance floor next to the quiet reading room. You access the special reading room via the reading room desk.
To get access to the reading room, you must provide valid identification, as well as a GU card or library card and note your visit in a ledger. You also need to read and approve the rules for using the special reading room. Please avoid wearing strong fragrances during your visit.
Rules for the Gothenburg University Library special reading room
The reading room is camera-monitored
The special reading room is camera-monitored for security reasons. The recordings are automatically deleted after 30 days.
Monitoring takes place in accordance with the Camera Surveillance Act (2018:1200), the General Data Protection Regulation, and according to the University's routines for processing personal data.
If you have comments on camera monitoring, please contact the Swedish Data Protection Authority. For questions about the legislation and the personal data processing, contact the University's data protection representative via e-mail: dataskydd@gu.se.
Contact us
Contact us if you have any questions about using the special reading room.