Using the Special Collections

This page provides guidance on how to find and use items in the Special collections.

Due to major building activity, some of our collections are temporarily unavailable. This means that some requests for deliveries of Library material to the Reading Rooms will not be fulfilled. Please check the catalogue carefully to find out if your selection is impacted.

Finding special collections

Our special collections hold a treasure trove of rare books, journals, photographs, maps, sheet music, oral history recordings, personal papers, ephemera and more. As many of these items are rare, fragile or unique, there are some important conditions for accessing them. These items are sometimes known as ‘special collections.’ You won’t find a dedicated search term for special collections in the catalogue. However, when you request an item, you may be notified that it’s part of a special collection and subject to specific access requirements.

Accessing special collections

Most special collections are available for research, but some require permission or advance notice. Special collections material often has special handling conditions. Items are generally viewed in person in the special collections reading room. Please comply with care and handling guidelines and follow instructions given by reading room staff. Before you visit, check the catalogue or Ask a Librarian.

Request material

Log in to the catalogue with your Library card.
Submit an online request.
When submitting a request, include as much detail as possible to help us find the item. This may include:
- box
- series or folder number
- issue or sheet number
- date range.

You can find this information in the item’s catalogue record or by using a guide or index in the Special Collections Reading Room.

Some items may need treatment, processing or special handling before use. Refer to the Access conditions and Collect from notes in the catalogue record. For assistance, Ask a Librarian.

Delivery times

Special collections materials are delivered at set times and held on reserve for you for one week. For more information, review our collection delivery service.

Order or copy items

The easiest way to obtain copies for research is to bring a camera to the reading room. Cameras can be used where access conditions allow and you agree to comply with the care and handling guidelines. For more information, review Copying in the reading rooms.

Rare or unique works are often fragile or valuable and can only be copied by Library staff on your behalf. You can order a copy through Copies Direct.

Order a copy

Find the item you would like a copy of in our catalogue.
Click on the 'Order a copy' button.
Follow the instructions provided by the Copies Direct service.

Copyright and publishing

The Library welcomes your use of the collection, however you are responsible for complying with the requirements of the Copyright Act 1968. You must notify us if you intend to publish material.