The University Archive holds historical materials of the Open University and unique research collections.
The collections include materials relating to the history of the University and research collections relevant to many fields of research, in particular: modern political history, distance education, history of management, history of mathematics and systems behaviour.
The Collections
Click on the title of a collection for more information and access to online catalogues.
Study Materials Collection
A comprehensive archive of print, audio-visual and associated materials created by the University for students since 1971
Historical materials of the Open University
The historical archives of the University, including photographs, oral histories and other collections
Jennie Lee Collection
One of the founders of the Open University, first Minister of the Arts and wife of Aneurin Bevan
Walter Perry Collection
The first Vice Chancellor of the Open University
Betty Boothroyd Collection
MP, Speaker of the House of Commons and Chancellor of the Open University (1994-2006)
Geoffrey Vickers Collection
Researcher in the subject of social systems analysis
Edward Brech Collection
Researcher in the subject of British management history
British Institute of Management Collection
Published materials of the Institute from 1947 to 1992
Graham Briscoe Productivity Collection
Literature on the history of management services
John Fauvel Collection
Mathematical library gathered by John Fauvel (1947-2001), Senior Lecturer at the Open University
Police History Collections
Materials relating to the history of policing
Maureen Oswin Collection
A researcher on the care of children with severe learning difficulties
Accessing Archive Materials
You will need to make an appointment with the University Archive team to view the collections.
Post
University Archive
Library Services
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA
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