The HNR Library is a unique resource whose origins can be traced back to 1927. Nutrition research has been conducted in Cambridge for more than 80 years, and HNR’s library reflects the past, present and evolving multi-disciplinary and international nature of nutrition science.
The library’s primary role is to support the research activities of HNR scientists, but it also welcomes visitors who wish to refer to its specialised holdings. The topics covered include mainly nutrition and dietetics, but also medicine, physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, food science, body composition, maternal and child health, policy issues, analytical techniques, epidemiology, statistics and reference texts.
Library Resources
The library holds journals, books, reports and theses, as well as some personal collections. These are all available for reference by visitors. There is also a collection of HNR staff publications.
Journals
HNR Library contains current and back issues of all the key journals of interest and importance to those working in the field of nutrition. The library currently holds more than 120_Journals.
Books
The library has a collection of more than 1700 books and monographs. We have a unique collection of books on nutrition, with those on vitamins being of particular historical value.
Reports
There is a unique collection of more than 600 national and international reports in HNR’s library including:
- WHO and FAO reports e.g. those on protein and energy requirements, obesity, osteoporosis, carbohydrates, prevention of chronic diseases;
- Reports and surveys published by the Food Standards Agency, Department of Health, DEFRA and other national agencies e.g. National Diet and Nutrition Surveys (NDNS), Health Surveys for England, National Food Surveys, and recent reports on obesity, vitamins and minerals, and phytoestrogens;
- Food Composition Tables including McCance & Widdowson’s Composition of Foods and supplements;
- COMA and SACN reports on dietary reference values (DRVs), cardiovascular disease,cancer, bone health, folic acid, salt, welfare foods scheme, vitamin A, vitamin D;
- International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) and British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) publications;
- Medical Research Council (MRC) reports.
Theses and personal collections
The library holds a number of PhD and MD/MSc theses, resulting from nutrition research conducted in Cambridge from 1936 to the present day. HNR’s library is also enhanced by personal collections of papers and books donated by eminent scientists (including Dr Elsie Widdowson, Dr Roger Whitehead, Dr RFA “Rex” Dean) and departments e.g. Department of Experimental Medicine.
HNR Publications
The library maintains a database of publications by HNR scientists, and has a large collection of reprints that are available for research purposes.
Services
Opening hours
The library is open to visitors between 10.30-15.30 every day when the Librarian is present. Visits can be made by external researchers, with prior notification, to use the nutrition collection for reference. We are not in a position to allow borrowing of texts, but a photocopying service is available if required.
Obtaining papers
For papers in journals held at HNR, users can find the relevant title (link to HNR journals list), and arrange to have material photocopied.
Other services
A computer is available in the Library for users to conduct literature searches, and consult the library catalogues. There are also power sockets for personal laptops.
For any further information please contact the Librarian