Using the Collection

Manuscripts

Finding what you want

The Library holds more than 11 000 manuscripts collections, ranging in size from a single letter to many hundreds of boxes.  All collections are described in our online catalogue.  Most large collections are also described in more detail in our finding aids. 

Finding aids are tools created by librarians and archivists to provide information about the arrangement, content and context archival collections and to assist readers to efficiently locate material in large and diverse collections.

All finding aids provide an overview of the scope, content and size of the collection, how it was acquired, whether there are any restrictions on access and copying, and how best to cite material within the collection.  Finding aids may consist simply of an overview and a box list of contents, or may be arranged into series (e.g. Correspondence), sub-series (e.g. Family correspondence), folder and (rarely) item level description.  Most groupings reflect the order in which the creator of the records used them during their active life; some groupings have been imposed later by Library staff.  Some finding aids for heavily used collections also include a correspondence or subject index.

More than 800 of our 1500+ finding aids are searchable online.  Use our catalogue to simultaneously search our catalogue records and online finding aids.  Many finding aids or similar lists are not yet available online, but are noted in our catalogue records.  Please use our Ask a Librarian service to request copies of finding aids that are not online, or for us to search finding aids and other descriptive lists on your behalf. 

Accessing the collection

Registering online for a library card and using our Ask a Librarian service before your visit will help you to identify collections of interest and to become aware of any limitations on access to material you wish to see. 

Most collections are available for research without restriction, but some collections or parts of collections require written and signed permission from the donor or another rights holder.  Some collections include material that falls under the Australian Archives Act.  This material is closed until at least 30 years after its creation, and available for research thereafter only if it is cleared by an authorised representative of the National Archives of Australia.  A small percentage of non-government collections or parts of collections are not available for research until a specified date; access to these collections cannot be negotiated with the donor.

While Manuscripts collections are used in the Manuscripts reading room during its opening hours (Monday to Friday, 9-5), most collections can also be delivered to the Petherick reading room for extended hours access.   Collection delivery is requested via call slips in the reading room, or by using our Ask a Librarian service.   While most Manuscripts collections are delivered within the Library’s delivery standard times, some collections are stored offsite, and require up to 4 weeks notice by intending visitors.  Collections requiring this additional notice are clearly marked in our catalogue.

Our Manuscripts collections are irreplaceable, and need to be treated with care.  All new readers are required to read our information on care and handling of our collection material, and to comply with any requests made by Library staff.  

Copying and photography

You can order high resolution (photographic) or low resolution (photocopy) copies of our manuscripts collection through our online Copies Direct service.  Copies are supplied subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, preservation requirements, and a limit of 200 images per order. 

Visitors to the Manuscripts reading room are welcome to use their own or one of the Library’s digital cameras to copy material, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act, preservation requirements (flash may not be used) and after completing a declaration on intended use of the copies you make.

Publishing

If you wish to reproduce manuscripts material in a book, website, merchandise (e.g. calendar), film or in any other publication format you will need written permission from the Library to do so. Please contact Manuscripts staff to request an application form. 

If the work is still in copyright you will need to obtain written permission to reproduce it from the copyright holder and provide this permission to the Library. Manuscripts staff may be able to assist you by giving you the name and address of the copyright contact.

Borrowing from us

We do not lend manuscripts to individuals but copies of manuscripts and theses may be borrowed through the interlibrary loan system operating in your local library.  Some rare or fragile items may not be copied for preservation reasons, and a limit of 200 pages per reader applies. 

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