University launches The John Rylands Research Institute

14 Oct 2014

Bringing together world class expertise to reveal the riches of the Rylands.

The John Rylands Research Institute officially launched last night, bringing together the world class expertise from the Faculty of Humanities and The University of Manchester Library.

Hosted in the neo-gothic splendour of The John Rylands Library's Historic Reading Room, the evening commenced with a drinks reception, followed by presentations from the President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nancy Rothwell, University Librarian and Director of The John Rylands Library, Jan Wilkinson and Founding Director of the Institute, Professor Peter E Pormann.

Professor Peter E Pormann, said: “The Institute will bring together library and academic staff from inside and outside the University to explore our breath-taking Special Collections. Experienced curators and conservators look after this national treasure of global importance, which has rich, untapped potential for research and discovery.”

Rachel Beckett, Head of Special Collections at The University of Manchester Library and Associate Director of the Institute said: “The close collaboration between Library staff and academic colleagues will help us to reveal the riches of the Rylands, which is home to many of the finest collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives in the world.”

The Institute was opened by the Professor Nancy Rothwell, on Monday, 13 October. Over 100 guests attended the event.