Accessing & Using The Collections
The University Library is the custodian of rare, unique, and valuable collections that are used for research, teaching, and learning. Our role is to preserve them for future generations.聽
Special collections Reading Room access
The Special collections Reading Room is open to University Staff, students and external researchers by appointment only. Appointments can be booked between Tuesdays and Fridays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
Appointments are preferably to be made two business days in advance聽within core reference hours.
For all research and reference enquiries relating to special collections materials:
The University Library's rare and unique聽collections are open to all researchers, including staff and students of the University of 黑料社区. Historians, researchers from other institutions, and members of the public are also welcome.聽
The items聽held within the collections are often valuable, rare, fragile, or all three. Access conditions for items聽also vary between the collections (and, on occasion, even聽within a collection).
In general:
- Collections are accessed in the Special Collections Reading Room, located on Level 1 of the Barr Smith Library. Items聽cannot be borrowed and cannot be removed from the room. Find out more about our .
- Access to some special collections material may be restricted. Reasons for restrictions include:
- material was acquired with access restrictions in place.
- sensitive or confidential information such as legal or University HR records.
- items deemed culturally sensitive to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples; cultural access conditions may apply.*
- fragile or at-risk materials such as rare books, film or audio recordings.
- items of high value or significance.
- public records with Government access conditions.
*Please note the University Library has placed a temporary pause on access to some collections that may contain Indigenous knowledges. This decision reflects the university鈥檚 evolving understanding of appropriate cultural protocols and best practice, and our responsibilities in managing such materials. While some items may have previously been accessible, we are now taking steps to ensure that access is guided by respectful and informed processes.
Requests to view content in restricted access collections will be considered by the Manager, Special Collections and Archives in consultation with the Coordinator, Indigenous Collections and Archives.
Search for rare and unique聽collection materials
You can search for聽collection items that might assist with your research in a number of ways. In particular, you may like to:聽
- Search for items in 聽(Tip! When searching, select 'Rare Books and Manuscripts' under the Library filter on the side panel).
- Browse the collections on this聽website.
- Search the .
Get in touch to make your requests before visiting
Once you've identified the items that you're interested in - or would like to talk about what else is available - please contact us to discuss the items you'd like to access.
While we do our best to accommodate requests with short turnaround times, collection items are held in multiple locations across all campuses. By contacting us in advance we can ensure that the items you'd like to view will be available when you visit.