Putting the present in perspective

Josh Reid, first year Single Honours Education student, discusses his inspiring trip to the Archives and Special Collections at Liverpool Hope, which provides insights into local as well as global history.

Archives at Liverpool Hope, and beyond, offer opportunities for knowledge creation, and new views on the future of education. (Photo by

At Liverpool Hope University we are fortunate in the fact that we have an outstanding library on campus at Hope Park. Within this library we have Archives and Special Collections with its 75,000 manuscripts, rare books, archives, ephemera and artefacts that can be looked upon by students and staff. Third year students can use this space to seek information regarding their dissertations, obtaining important historical perspectives on their topic of choice, and primary evidence to back-up their arguments.

Before the Christmas break, my class were given an opportunity to visit the archives and take part in an activity relevant to our learning of Radical Liverpool in the 1980’s. The chance to see newspapers in the flesh dated to 1982 and still not looking a day older, was fascinating. The care and craftsmanship to preserve this part of history enabled us to see how far the city has come in the last 43 years. The collection put the present in perspective, showing how life has changed, and how local politics has become less polarised in Liverpool. We as individuals can learn from our past to make a better future.

We were given a tour of this unique place situated within the SheppardWorlock building. Two floors of ancient history you might say - from books made of vellum and parchment dated to the 15th century, to artefacts of nonwestern Christian art, to tape recordings of Andrew F. Wall giving sermons of faith on his religious endeavours in Africa and Asia. Having the experience of what felt like walking through my own museum on campus, was something special. Having this knowledge practically on my doorstep has opened my eyes to the fact that we rely on our past to be enablers in a prospering future. Learning from those before us to succeed in our lives today.

I would recommend all students and staff to visit the Archives and Special Collections, as you may discover the next chapter in your own academic work.