Rare Book Collection
Access
Items in this collection are unique and extremely valuable. Access is only available to bona fide researchers with a specialist need to consult original texts. Many of the items in the Rare Book Collection are duplicated in other collections, as facsimile or reprint editions. Initial requests for consultation should be made to staff at the Information Desk (located on Level 2).
Scope and Content
Since 1991, development of the Rare Book Collection has been focused in the following areas:
- Hogarth Press publications
Books published by the Hogarth Press up to and including 1938, the year when Virginia Woolf's close association with the press ceased. Collection is concentrated on fiction; however, some non-fiction titles are included. Hogarth Press titles are actively sought and comprehensiveness is the collecting aim.
- Lachlan Macquarie
Material relating to Lachlan Macquarie and the period of his governorship 1810-1821 is actively sought. Collecting is as comprehensive as funds will allow. Non-rare material is also sought which is located in either a restricted or open access collection as appropriate.
- Australian Material
Rare Australian material which has an Australian interest particularly in the areas of exploration, history and natural history and also books written by Australians will be purchased as funds allow. Material in this category is of Australian or overseas origin and it parallels strengths in other areas of the collection.
- Voyages and Travels
Voyages and travels relating to Australia and the Pacific are included.
- English Language Dictionaries
Rare English language dictionaries are added as an extension of the Lawrence Collection which is integrated into the Rare Book Collection.
Criteria for Inclusion
- Australian imprints prior to 1900. Overseas imprints prior to 1800.
- Limited editions of 500 copies or less, regardless of imprint date. Editions of up to 1,000 copies are added if fine printing is evident or if they fall within areas targeted for acquisition for this collection. Books by Australian private presses are of particular interest.
- Books of aesthetic importance if their printing, binding or illustrations are particularly fine.
- First editions of Australian imprints where the book or its author are of particular significance and if one of the above criteria applies.
- Autographed items or personal copies which indicate a connection with a distinguished author or person are added in exceptional cases.
- Facsimile editions are added if they meet at least one of the criteria above and if they fall within the collection scope.
Exclusions from the Rare Book collection are:
- Manuscripts and archival material
- Rare or fine maps. These are located in the Map Collection.
- Prints, drawings, audiovisual materials and microforms.