The Special Collections Centre is a treasure house of historical sources that can support classroom teaching in schools as well as being a unique learning resource for the wider community.
With our fully equipped Learning Suite and two full-time Learning and Outreach Officers we offer an exciting range of workshops for schools and a regular programme of Family Fun events. We also welcome visits from community groups.
Our workshops for schools and Family Fun events and activities are posted on our blog.
Primary Schools
We offer a range of exciting workshops for primary schools based on the rare books and archive collections. All of our workshops are free and we run them on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You can find information about Special Collections and King's Museum workshops and Experience Days in our Primary Schools Programme.
If you would like to book one email scc.learning@abdn.ac.uk or phone 01224 273047 or 01224 273048. Teachers’ support notes and Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes are available on request.
Secondary Schools
We welcome visits from secondary schools. If you would like to bring your class to visit the library and learn about the Special Collections, get in touch with us. We may have resources that are relevant to your specialised teaching subject. Information about the collections can be found on the Catalogues and Collections pages.
Facilities
The Special Collections Learning Suite compromises a dedicated Learning Room with an interactive Smartboard and capacity for a full class as well as a seminar room for older students. All facilities are fully accessible.
We hold regular weekend and school holiday Family Fun events at The Sir Duncan Rice Library, free to children of all ages and their adults.
Coming up
Our next Family Fun is on Saturday 23rd February when we will be designing our own site specific sculptures. Afterwards follow our sculpture map around the campus and see how many sculptures you can spot! Drop in between 1pm and 4pm. You'll find us in the events area behind the gallery.
Useful information
Parking
Parking is available on Bedford Road and is free of charge at weekends.
Cafe
The Hard Back Cafe is open to all visitors. It is situated on the ground floor of the Library and serves hot drinks and snacks.
All of our events are free of charge.
You can see some of our past Family Fun events on our blog.
We welcome visits from community groups. To organise a visit to our current exhibition or to see the collections contact us.
To see previous talks and tours to groups such as local heritage societies see our News and Events pages.
Facilities
The Special Collections Learning Suite compromises a dedicated Learning Room with an interactive Smartboard and capacity for a full class as well as a seminar room for students and community groups. All facilities are fully accessible. There is also a multi-functional Events Area on the ground floor.
For enquiries regarding school and communty group visits and family events please contact the Learning and Outreach Officers.
Email: scc.learning@abdn.ac.uk
Telephone: 01224 273047 or 01224 273048
For higher education teaching and research enquiries please contact Siobhán Convery, Head of Special Collections.
Email: s.convery@abdn.ac.uk
Telephone: 01224 272929
