An integral part of our development of the SF Hub as a research gateway for science fiction scholars is the provision of a number of supplementary services which aim to further support and promote research into science fiction.
Enquiries
For science fiction reference enquiries, matters related to studying science fiction at Liverpool University, media consultancy, items for sale, donations, the John Wyndham Estate, the Science Fiction Foundation and Foundation: the international review of science fiction, please contact Andy Sawyer.
For technical matters related to the SF Hub, SF Catalogue, database of archival finding aids, reprographics, data exchange, promotional materials and training, please contact Roy McCready.
Reading Room
Apart from a small number of fragile items, all material in the Science Fiction Collections may be consulted by bona fide researchers in the Special Collections and Archives Reading Room at The University of Liverpool, situated in the lower ground floor of the Sydney Jones Library (location 81 on the campus map). The Reading Room is open 9.30am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday. If you are considering visiting us, please refer to Using the collections and remember to book an appointment prior to your visit (see Contact details).
Please note that all material in the Collections is reference only and is kept in closed access storage. It is not possible to browse or borrow any of the items held in our stores. Material from the Collections must be identified using the search tools provided on our Home page and requested in advance for use in the Reading Room. Power points for laptop computers, printed finding aids to archival resources and a reference collection appropriate to the study of science fiction are also available in the Reading Room.
Reprographics
Subject to copyright regulations and our own conditions, we can photocopy or scan shorter items for you, such as journal articles and images of book or magazine covers. Additionally, we can help you find find the information or images you need amongst the wealth of resources in our Science Fiction Collections (N.B. a pro rata research fee applies to this service).
You will need to complete a Copy Request Form for any scans or photocopies you require. Please include the item's call number and any other relevant information. Details of the relevant conditions and charges are contained on the form. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the use of any material we supply to you complies with UK and EU copyright legislation.
Media consultancy
To promote a discriminating understanding of science fiction, we are happy to liaise with the media or suggest appropriate commentators amongst our contacts within the science fiction research community. Andy Sawyer (Science Fiction Librarian, Course Leader for the MA Science Fiction Studies and Reviews Editor of Foundation: the International Review of Science Fiction) has participated in numerous interviews, documentaries, panel discussions and presentations for radio, television, newspapers, conferences, awards ceremonies and cultural events.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any assistance with a science fiction-related feature or event.
Items for sale
We have a large amount of duplicate material in our stock, including fiction, critical works, magazines, fanzines and journals (especially back-issues of Foundation: the International Review of Science Fiction) available for sale or exchange. All proceeds fund the development of the collection. Please check our current For Sale List or contact us for details.
