Collections

Barr Smith Library reading room

The Adelaide University Library's extensive online and print collections are tailored to meet the research and study needs of Adelaide University’s community.

The Adelaide University Library's collections are grounded in the principles of responsiveness and flexibility and include material and data in a variety of formats. Our e-preferred policy ensures rapid delivery of relevant resources at the point of need, backed up by an extensive print collection that includes unique and heritage materials.

Our collections respond to the changing needs of the Adelaide University community and are managed in accordance with University Policy.

Online and physical collections for teaching, learning and research are discoverable through library search, or you can browse our collection.

The Adelaide University Library's Special Collections and Archives play a vital role in research, teaching, learning, and community engagement and contain rare, fragile, vulnerable, archival and culturally sensitive material. Explore our unique and significant collections, in both digital and physical forms, of rare books and thematic collections, manuscripts and personal archives, University archives, as well as art and heritage objects. 

Find out more about our special collections:

Accessing and Using Special Collections

Special Collections and Archives collections are open to all researchers, including staff and students of Adelaide University and members of the public.  

Access to collections is by appointment only. Access to some special collections and archives material may be restricted.

Reasons for restrictions can include:

  • material was acquired with access restrictions in place
  • sensitive or confidential information
  • items deemed culturally sensitive to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples; cultural access conditions may apply.*
  • fragile or at-risk materials
  • items of high value or significance
  • public records with Government access conditions

The Library will consider requests to view content in restricted access material on a case by case basis.

*Please note the University Library has placed a temporary pause on access to some collections that may contain Indigenous knowledges. This decision reflects our evolving understanding of appropriate cultural protocols and responsibilities in managing such materials. While some items may have previously been accessible, we are now taking steps to ensure that access is guided by respectful and informed processes. 

Browse Special Collections via this page, or the A-Z Listing, or by searching Special Collections in the library catalogue.

To discuss accessing our collections or to make an appointment contact the library.

Browse digitised content from Special Collections and Archives.

Yaitya Ngutupira comes from the Kaurna language, meaning about Aboriginal knowledge. Yaitya Ngutupira is a collection of physical and digital items from across the library, brought together on the themes of linguistics, music, art, native title, health, social justice, politics, and biographical and cultural knowledge. The collection also highlights and presents books written by Indigenous authors and scholars.

Yaitya Ngutupira's dedicated study and reading areas for students, academics, and staff create ways to meet, engage, and share knowledge. Yaitya Ngutupira spaces are located on level one of the Barr Smith, Waite and Roseworthy Campus Libraries. 

Please note: Members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are advised that this collection may contain names and images of deceased people. All users should also be aware that certain words, terms or descriptions may be culturally sensitive and may be considered inappropriate today but may have reflected the author’s/creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written.  

Discover Yaitya Ngutupira

Main Collection

The Main Collection reflects the broad offerings of the University and covers the largest range of course-related subjects and areas of general interest. 

Highlights of the Collection include materials covering:  

  • Australian history, politics and literature
  • business
  • education 
  • engineering 
  • English literature 
  • food studies
  • health sciences 
  • mathematics
  • medicine
  • psychology  
  • women and gender studies
  • world wars, socialism and fascism.

The Main Collection is transitioning from physical to electronic and digital, offering users wider access to library materials away from campus. This includes not only online books and journals but also digitised primary source materials from rare and specialised collections worldwide, especially developed digitised resources, and streamed music and visual materials.

The Main Collection is constantly growing to meet the diverse teaching and research needs of our University community. You will find the Main Collection spread across all our libraries.  

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Pedagogies in Practice Collection

The Pedagogies in Practice Collection aims to support pre-service teachers, containing the latest physical and digital resources that can be used to plan for field placements within schools. The Collection’s materials include teaching guides, classroom activities, books, children’s literature, multimedia, kits, games, toys, and practical resources that reflect contemporary pedagogical practices and align with curriculum standards.

The Collection is held at Mawson Lakes Campus and Magill Campus Libraries, organised by the Australian curriculum learning areas.

Explore the Pedagogies in Practice Collection

High Use Collection

The High Use Collection contains items that are in high demand such as textbooks and required reading. They have a short loan period to ensure all students can access course-related books when needed. The High Use Collection is located on level three of the Barr Smith Library and items can be borrowed for three hours, three days or seven days. Please refer to the spine sticker on the book for loan duration.

Three-hour loan items borrowed after 4:00pm from Monday to Thursday will become an overnight loan and must be returned by 9:00am the following day. Contact the Library for more information.

Contact the Library

Recreational Reading Collection 

Reading for pleasure has been linked to significantly reduced stress levels, increased focus and concentration, a wider vocabulary, and higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence. 

Located in the level two atrium at the Barr Smith Library just outside the Reading Room, the Recreation Readings Collection is housed within a relaxed environment – complete with comfortable wing-back chairs and lounges – where our community members can take time out of their day and relax. 

Browse the Recreational Reading Collection

Pride Collection

The Pride Collection is a curated collection comprising a diverse mix of fiction, non-fiction, and self-help resources to cover all areas of gender and sexuality. This new collection contributes to the Library’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. 

Located in the level two atrium at the Barr Smith Library just outside the Reading Room, this collection can be found opposite the Recreational Reading Collection. 

Browse the Pride Collection

East Asian Collection

The East Asian Collection brings together the Adelaide University Library’s existing collections of Chinese and Japanese language material to support research and teaching, particularly in the areas of social sciences, literature and history. 

It’s made up of over 10,000 volumes of print materials acquired by the Library, as well as those generously donated over the years. Highlights include impressive sets of Japanese literature and specialist material covering the period of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966–1970). 

The East Asian Collection can be found on level one south of the Barr Smith Library. 

Map Collection

The Map Collection comprises a range of (mostly) historical print maps in areas such as geography, geology, planning, social, and census. It includes a large number of sheet maps, wall maps and atlases donated by the University’s colleges and schools.   

The Map Collection is located on level one of the Barr Smith Library, although maps are also held in storage and in Rare Books and Special collections. Contact the Library for assistance.

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Contact

Have a question? Browse FAQs or contact the Library.