Using items from the special collections

The Library holds large amounts of original and rare printed material, which it groups under the term 'special collections'.

This material includes:

• rare books
• manuscripts
• pictures
• oral histories
• maps
• objects.

Some of these items are unique, irreplaceable and fragile. For this reason, the Library restricts the way visitors can use them. If unsure, please check with Library staff in advance of your visit.

You must be over 18 to use special collections material.

Note: The term 'use' includes reading books and periodicals, examining manuscripts, pictures and maps, listening to audio, watching video, copying material and viewing items on microfiche readers and computers.

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• read and agree to the Special Collections Conditions of Use
• visit the Library and go to the Special Collections area in the Mitchell Library building
• bring two forms of identification that together show your:
  • home address
  • photo
  • signature.

To get a Special Collections card

1. Apply for a Library card if you don't have one.
2. Choose 'Collect in the library' to receive your card at your next visit to the library. 
   • When you visit, you will also need to show 2 forms of identification that together have your current address, photo and signature in order to get a Special Collections card. 

1. Log in to the Library catalogue
2. Search for the item in the Library catalogue
3. View the How to access this item section.
   • If you see Enquire with staff in the reading room or online, the item is either original material or rare printed material. 
   • This means it’s part of special collections.

If you're in the Library

1. Go to the Special Collections area
   • Items can be requested up to one hour before closing. See our opening hours for more information.
   • This area is closed on Sundays.
2. Complete a request slip and give it to a staff member.
   • They will tell you how soon the item will be ready.
3. Collect the item from the Special Collections area. 
   • You can only use the item in this area and you’ll need to follow the conditions of use.

If you're not in the Library

1. Contact us using the Ask a Librarian service at least a week before your visit to the Library.
   • Telephone
     • Available 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday
   • Online form
     • If you use the online form, we will get back to you within seven working days.
   • Chat
     • Available 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday

Staff in the Special Collections area will usually give you one item at a time. You may need to wait while they weigh it and record its weight.

When handling the material, you must:

• have clean, dry hands
• wear gloves if asked
• rest items on the table
• use pencils only
• keep items in the same order or folder.

You must not:

• mark documents
• take notes on top of the material
• use Post-It notes to mark pages.

Staff can provide resources to help with handling the material, including:

• weights
• book rests
• supports
• cushions
• gloves
• alcohol hand wipes
• acid-free paper markers.

Staff may ask you to move the material, use a specific table or change seats. 

They can also answer questions if you need help with handling material.

Speak to staff before copying or photographing special collections material. They'll need to check that the material is not in copyright, restricted or too fragile.

• You can use your own equipment – including a tripod – to photograph material. You'll need to complete a copyright declaration form first and turn off the flash on your camera.
• Scanners are not allowed in the Special Collections area. This includes hand-held and flat-bed scanners.
• Use your Special Collections card to photocopy or scan using the Library's self-service multi-function devices.

Return the items you've been using to staff at the desk in the Special Collections area. 

Staff may need to weigh the returned material.

Items must be returned 10 minutes before closing.

You can continue to use special collections items for up to seven days after you've requested them.

Ask staff in the Special Collections area to reserve them for you.

If you're working in the Special Collections area, you can collect and use general material there as well. This includes printed materials usually issued in the Marie Bashir Reading Room.

Ask staff in the Special Collections area how to do this.

Accessing material online

You can use digital versions of many special collections items online, from anywhere.

To do this, search for the item in the Library catalogue or digital collections.

Accessing material through other institutions

Some manuscripts and pictorial material are available in other formats from:

• other State and Territory libraries
• National Library of Australia
• NSW State Archives Collection.

Contact the relevant institution to find out how to access these types of material.