Historic Collections: Special Libraries & Archives
Aberdeen University’s Special Libraries and Archives provides a unique and internationally significant range of printed, archival and other documentary sources for the benefit of the higher education community and beyond.
The richness of these collections extends across all the disciplines of the medieval and early modern university curriculum and across the European world of learning.
King's College Conference Centre
King's College Centre is set in beautiful historic surroundings. The Conference Centre is housed in the former University Library, adjacent to King's College Chapel, in Old Aberdeen. The library building was constructed in 1870 on the site of the Great Hall and Common School. The Great Hall, which was taken down in 1865, dated back to the early 16th century, when it was the central point for all University activity.
The expansion of the University in the 1960s resulted in the need for a larger library, and when part of the library transferred to the purpose built Queen Mother Library, the quadrangle became little used. Although the King's College building continued to be used, it was on a much smaller scale, and when it eventually closed in the 1980s, what had effectively been the "heart" of the University was lost.
The Conference Centre opened its doors in 1991, and immediately breathed new life into the area.
Conference Facilities
In September 1991 the University of Aberdeen refurbished the King's Library, creating the King's College Conference Centre.
Many of the Library's distinctive features - notably the fine east window in the auditorium and the barrel vaulted ceiling - have been carefully preserved and are appreciated by visitors to the Centre.
There are a number of meeting/syndicate rooms available on the first floor of the Centre.
For further information on conference and event services, please call the Conference and Events Office on either +44 (0) 1224 272664 or conf.events@abdn.ac.uk.
