Printed volumes of mainly pre-1851 origin, with some others of later date of special interest or value.

Apart from the general collection which includes, for example, a first printing of the first edition of Newton's 'Principia', and an edition of Galen which bears the signature of François Rabelais, areas of particular note, with approximate number of volumes, are:

The Pamphlet Book Collection: 16th to 19th centuries, which includes many Civil War and other 17th century tracts (393 vols. - 3000 items) The Periodicals Collection: mainly 18th and 19th century journals (2250) Parliamentary Papers: pre-1851 material (482) The Sheffield Newspaper Collection: late 18th to early 19th centuries (50 vols) (see separate listing: SNC) The Royal Infirmary Donation: a collection of medical works from the 16th to 19th centuries (500)

The collection also includes other notable material such as a late 17th century (Restoration) drama collection, and volumes of Rowlandson and Cruikshank caricatures.

All pre-nineteenth century titles are listed in the Library's StarPlus online catalogue, while a small number of nineteenth century titles are still represented only in the old card catalogue. These are gradually being retropectively catalogued onto StarPlus.