Viewing Items by Appointment

Because many items in the Library's collections are old, rare, fragile or historically significant, they need to be carefully stored and handled. Held in the Library's heritage collections, which include maps, pictures, rare books and manuscripts these items can only be viewed under supervision.

If you have identified an item in one of our heritage collections that you would like to view, you will need to make an appointment.

How do I make an appointment?

If you are at the Library you can make an appointment to view items from specific collections at one of the following information desks:

• La Trobe Reading Room 
  for items in the Australian Manuscripts, Pictures and Rare Books collections
    
• Redmond Barry Reading Room
  for items in the Maps, Rare Books and Children's Literature collections

If you are unable to visit the Library, you can telephone the appropriate specialist reading room direct between 10am and 5pm, from Monday to Friday.

• Australian Manuscripts
  03 8664 7007
  
• Maps
  03 8664 7010
  
• Pictures
  03 8664 7012
  
• Rare Books
  03 8664 7013    

Where do I view these materials?

Most materials will be delivered to the Heritage Collections Reading Room, which is clearly identified on the Library floor plan. Some materials, like maps, are delivered directly to the appropriate specialist reading room.

Delivery times

During the week there are specific delivery times for pre-ordered heritage materials - at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. The following ordering cut-off times apply:

• 10am - order the previous day
• 1pm - order by 12.00pm
• 4pm - order by 3.00pm.

Weekend and public holiday deliveries

Orders for all weekend deliveries must be placed by 3.00pm Friday. Orders for public holidays must be placed by 3.00pm on the weekday prior to the holiday.

Research assistance appointments

You can also make an appointment to talk to one of our specialist librarians if you need assistance locating material that is not in the catalogue. Appointments can be made at the appropriate information desk or by phoning the relevant collection reading room - Maps, Pictures, Australian manuscripts, Rare Books or Children's Literature - on the numbers listed above.

If you are unable to book your appointment between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, staff at the information desks around the Library will lodge your request for an appointment and a staff member from the specialist collection you are interested in will ring you to confirm a time as soon as possible.