Over 32,000 items, including rare books, pamphlets, maps, and ephemera, covering topics such as Oceania, transport, and literature. Compiled by Sir John Alexander Ferguson, it is a key resource for Australian history and bibliography.

Over 10,000 books, pamphlets and issues of periodicals, published between the late 16th and mid-20th century. The main strength is English literature, particularly of the 18th century.

1534 children's books written by Australians, with significant Australian content, or with an Australian as one of the main characters, published between 1813 and 1981. They include novels, short stories, picture books, plays, poetry and non-fiction books.

667 books and periodical issues in English relating to Japan published between 1856 and 1942. The subject range is broad, including history, biography, religions, politics, literature, folklore, fine arts, gardening sports and more.

3099 books & pamphlets, plus modern facsimile editions of medieval manuscripts with a strength in English philology, including English dialects, as well as European poetry, novels, literature, and religion.

About 200 American books and a smaller number on the French Revolution and Napoleon, plus 15 letters by 18th- and 19th-century scientists and physicians.