A major collection of around 6000 titles in Chinese and Western languages, with strengths in Chinese history, biography, literature and philosophy, especially the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and 20th century.

2457 plays published in France between 1701 and 1840. They include tragedies, comedies, historical dramas, vaudevilles, comic operas and operas.

There is important information you need to know when accessing our special collections.

Country house library collection of 1648 books and 54 serials with strength in English and French publications of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries

Records for much of the Rare Books Collection are in our catalogue, but if you do not find the item you are looking for, please ask for help: the item may not yet be catalogued, or an alternative version may be available

The Crome Collection includes papers, photographs, ephemera, aero-philatelic material, objects, books and pamphlets relating to Australian aviation collected by Ernest Alfred Crome.

The Deakin Collection includes personal papers, photographs and memorabilia documenting Alfred Deakin’s political career and legacy as a key architect of Federation.

Around 6500 books, 160 serial titles and 918 reprints of individual articles in the subject areas of patristic studies, liturgy, canon law, Biblical studies, church history, biography, cathedrals and other religions.

The Deane Collection features 70 original caricatures and cartoons of federal politicians from 1915 to 1925, assembled by public servant and arts patron Percy Deane.

About 6200 books about European literature, history and culture, mostly published in the period 1880-1960.