Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
The University of Sydney Library acknowledges that our buildings, collections, and practices exist on unceded Aboriginal lands. We recognise the diversity and knowledges of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across all the lands the University stands on, and respect the ongoing connection Aboriginal people have to these lands, their cultural practices, knowledge systems and histories. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, who have handed down custodianship to each generation for more than 60,000 years.
Money, J. (2021). Yilabara (Now). Filmed on Gadigal Country. Commissioned by the University of Sydney Library
The University of Sydney Library holds one of Australia’s largest rare books and special collections (RBSC), with over 300,000 items.
These collections are an invaluable resource for teaching and research.
Collection highlights include:
- Medieval manuscripts and early printed books
- Rare editions from influential authors
- Science Fiction books and comics
- East Asian Collections
- Pre-2013 University of Sydney higher degree theses
- Boxed collections of archival materials
We welcome academics, students and the public to view and study our collections.
Teach with RBSC
The Library's extensive Rare Books and Special Collections are available to support research and education, through activities including:
- Academic-led classes
- Library-led classes / Object Based Learning (OBL)
- using digitised content
More information on teaching options
Contact us
Please email enquiries to cultural.collections@usyd.libanswers.com
Accessing RBSC
In order to request and view RBSC items, you must have a membership.
- University staff and students have automatic membership (use your existing card/UniKey)
- A free RBSC Community ID is available for the public
Find out more about viewing items from special collections
Browse the collections
- RBSC items are searchable in the Library catalogue. Search results can be refined by selecting ‘Rare Books & Special Collections’ under the ‘Library’ category.
- Browse highlights from the collection
- Discover thousands of digitised RBSC books, manuscripts, illustrations, journals, photographs, and documents on the Library's Digital Collections
Request an item
To view a RBSC item, a request must be made via the Library website at least 2 business days in advance.
- Log in to the Library catalogue using your UniKey or RBSC Community ID
- Search for the item you want to view
- Select ‘more options’ in the item record and ‘send request’
- You will receive an email once your request has been approved and processed
Reading Room
Requested items must be viewed in the RBSC Reading Room, located on level 1 of Fisher Library. Opening hours below.
The RBSC Reading Room is closed during public holidays and University closedown periods.
Ngyini ngalawangun mari budjari Gadinurada
We meet together on the very beautiful Gadi Country.
Ngyini ngalawangun mari budjari Gadinurada
We meet together on the very beautiful Gadi Country.
Hours
Address
Eastern Avenue (F03)
Camperdown Campus
The University of Sydney NSW 2006 +61 2 9351 2992
What will you discover?
Browse more than 300,000 early printed books from around the world, limited edition releases and ancient treasures
Browse Rare Books & Special CollectionsWhat will you discover?
Browse more than 300,000 early printed books from around the world, limited edition releases and ancient treasures
Browse Rare Books & Special CollectionsWhat will you discover?
Browse more than 300,000 early printed books from around the world, limited edition releases and ancient treasures
Browse Rare Books & Special CollectionsWhat will you discover?
Browse more than 300,000 early printed books from around the world, limited edition releases and ancient treasures
Browse Rare Books & Special CollectionsRelated information
Related information
Contact
Talk to a staff member at the RBSC Reading Room on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 3pm or email us at cultural.collections@usyd.libanswers.com
Contact
Talk to a staff member at the RBSC Reading Room on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 3pm or email us at cultural.collections@usyd.libanswers.com