Charity delivers world's largest archive of street newspapers to Glasgow Caledonian

The world's largest collection of street newspapers - including landmark editions of The Big Issue - has been gifted to Glasgow Caledonian University. Around 8000 newspapers and magazines sold by people experiencing homelessness and poverty have been handed over to the university by the International Network of Street Papers (INSP). The Glasgow-based charity, founded in 1994, represents 92 street papers in 35 countries. Many of the newspapers contain stories written by the vendors themselves and revolve around personal experiences of homelessness and poverty around the world, providing a rich cultural and social history. Kirsty Menzies, Assistant Archivist at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: "We’re very excited as the collection contains 30 years of social history, not just in the UK but internationally. "These publications have given the homeless a voice, not just on poverty, but a range of social issues, which makes the collection a fantastic resource for our students, researchers and the public. "The Big Issue has always had a strong Glasgow connection but the archive will help raise awareness that street papers exist in other countries and shows what can be achieved through international cooperation and collaboration. "As the University for the Common Good, the collection fits so well with Glasgow Caledonian's themes of social justice and social innovation."

Mike Findlay-Agnew, Chief Executive of INSP, said: “It is great that our rich archive of street papers is going to a suitable home. "Glasgow Caledonian University is strongly committed to social justice and therefore seems the perfect fit for our archives of street papers. "I am hoping this will lead to more partnership working between INSP and Glasgow Caledonian in the future.” The Big Issue, founded by John Bird and Gordon Roddick in 1991, supports thousands of people across the UK to earn a legitimate income by selling the magazine. Sales generated a collective income of around £4million last year.