University of Jammu Rare Books Collection
Content Description
The rare books collection is a multidisciplinary set of titles in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), acquired by Jammu University’s central and departmental libraries over several decades. The books cover foundational and advanced knowledge in subjects such as botany, zoology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics, and engineering. Many titles date back to the mid-20th century or earlier and include standard reference works, early textbooks, field survey reports, and scientific terminologies published in English, Hindi, and Urdu. A significant feature of this collection is its relevance to the academic and regional history of STEM in Jammu and Kashmir. The books document early teaching resources used by faculty and students, highlight scientific surveys and studies conducted in the region, and reflect the efforts made to make STEM knowledge accessible in Indian languages. These materials offer valuable insight into how scientific disciplines were taught, developed, and localized in the context of the University. Today, the collection is an important record of academic heritage, capturing not only the content of scientific knowledge of its time but also the institutional and regional priorities of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dates
- Creation: 1920s to 1960s
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for access unless mentioned in specific folders of the finding aid.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives, National Centre for Biological Sciences. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.
Biographical / Historical
The rare books collection at Jammu University consists of titles acquired by the University’s central and departmental libraries over many decades, dating from the early 20th century through the 1970s and later. These books were originally procured to support teaching and research needs in disciplines such as botany, chemistry, physics, geology, and engineering. Over time, many of these titles became uncommon or difficult to find, and they remained stored within departmental library almirahs and central stacks. This collection reflects the academic history of Jammu University and the types of reference materials that shaped higher education in the region. While these books were part of the active library collections in earlier decades, they are now recognized as rare and valuable for documenting the evolution of subject knowledge at the University.
Full Extent
100 Volumes
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in three series: Series 1- Books (3 items) Series 2- Reports (2 items) Series 3- Glossary (1 item, an engineering Shabdabali) Within each series, items are organised chronologically.
Physical Location
University of Jammu
Condition Description
The books were in fair condition, not very weak but showing some signs of wear with a few torn pages.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Archives at NCBS Repository
National Centre for Biological Sciences - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Bangalore Karnataka 560065 India
+9180 6717 6010
+9180 6717 6011
archives@ncbs.res.in
