Manuscript Collections

Finding and using items in the manuscript collection for research purposes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors are kindly advised that this website includes images, sounds and names of people who have passed.

All users should be aware that some topics or historical content may be culturally sensitive, offensive or distressing, and that some images may contain nudity or are of people not yet identified. Certain words, terms or descriptions may reflect the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written, but are now considered inappropriate in today's context.

Key to library resources

Access anywhere with a library card In the Library (or anywhere with a Library card for NSW residents)
Available to access in the library Only in the Library
Publicly available online Publicly available

Getting started

Manuscripts are original documents

Manuscripts are original documents such as personal papers, letters, literary records, diaries and business records that document the lives and activities of people and organisations.   

This guide will help you to find and use our manuscript collections for your area of research. 

Whether you are an academic, a student, an author, a family historian or local historian, a professional researcher or simply interested in a particular topic, this guide should help you to get started on your research journey through the Library's vast and amazing manuscript collections.