Social Sciences Library: Manchester Central Library

Title: Social Sciences Library: Manchester Central Library

Description: The Social Sciences Library contains books and information on a wide range of subjects including philosophy, psychology, religion, sociology, politics, economics, law, education, business studies, geography and history. Most material held by the Central Library on the Caribbean and the history of Black and Asian people in Britain is to be found in this department.
Other departments of the Central Library contain local studies material, science, art, music, languages, literature, European and commercial information; a limited amount of material on the CASBAH subject areas is to be found in the Arts, Music and Language and Literature Libraries. The entire range of the Dewey Decimal Classification is covered by the Central Library but there are no discrete Caribbean Studies and Black and Asian History collections. It is possible to identify some items quite readily through a keyword search of the Viewpoint computer catalogue, but the majority of items can only be identified through a search of the card catalogue. As a general rule resources on Caribbean history are shelved at classmark 972.8/9 (c. 30 volumes). Holdings on the history of Black and Asian people in Britain can be found at the following locations in the Social Sciences Library:

• 304.841 and 325.41 (Immigration) - c.35 volumes
• 305.8 and 305.896 (Race relations) - c.120 volumes
• 305.8915 (Asian people in Britain) - c.20 volumes
• 941.00496 (Black settlement in Britain) - 5 volumes

It is important to note that alterations to the classification system over the years have meant that material is scattered throughout the department, with sometimes only one or two items being found at any particular class number. It is, therefore, essential that potential users consult the alphabetical subject index in the card catalogue, using all likely keywords to establish the class numbers needed to most effectively browse the collections.

Strengths: Resources on race relations in the UK.

Size: c.30 volumes on Caribbean history; c.180 volumes pertinent to the history and cultural heritage of Black and Asian peoples in Britain.

Catalogue: Viewpoint Computer Catalogue; Card catalogue

Catalogue URL:

Main URL: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries

Access: The Central Library is open to all without formality. Most reference material is on closed access, but may be produced within a short time if the person who wishes to see it is able to provide satisfactory proof of name and address. It is important to bear in mind that staffing difficulties mean that retrieval of material from closed access sometimes has to be suspended, especially in the evenings. Material for loan may be borrowed without charge by anyone who lives, works or studies full-time in the City of Manchester; others pay an annual subscription, although this is under review at present.

Acquisition dates: c.1852 - present

Note: The general opening hours of the Central Library are Monday to Thursday 10am – 8pm, Friday and Saturday 10am – 5pm. The Social Sciences Library has the same opening hours, but times may vary for other departments. It is always wise to check before making a special journey.

Interest: Asian, Black, Caribbean

Complete: Complete

Subjects

Social sciences

Interethnic relations

Ethnic groups

Personal/Corporate names

Places

Manchester, United Kingdom