Research Guides: Rare Books and Special Collections: Getting started

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All users should be aware that some topics or historical content may be culturally sensitive, offensive or distressing, and that some images may contain nudity or are of people not yet identified.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

	In the Library (or anywhere with a Library card for NSW residents)
	Only in the Library
	Publicly available

Getting started

Use this guide to explore the Library's extensive, diverse and unique Rare Books collection.

You will learn about significant items, how to find and use material from the collection as well as how to get copies.

We've also included some resources to help you to continue learning about rare books.

Sign up for a library card online
You will need a Special Collections card to use material from the Rare Books collection. You can sign up online or in the Library.

Rare books at the Library

Visit the Special Collections area in the Mitchell Library Reading Room to use material that you've requested from the Rare Books collection.

Find the Special Collections area at the southern end of the Mitchell Library Reading Room. The Special Collections area is closed on Sundays.

Special collections conditions of use
The Special Collections area is a dedicated space to use original material and rare printed material. You will need to follow the conditions of use when in this space. These guidelines help to protect and preserve the Library’s collections for future generations.

Requesting Rare Books

Ask a librarian
Fill in this form to request to see a particular rare book in advance of your visit. You can also place a request with the librarian on duty at the Special Collections desk in the Mitchell Library. See more information on the Using the Rare Books collection page in this guide.

Digitised image of a plate from The Zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle

Tanangra Darwini (Blue-and-yellow Tanger).

The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle : under the Command of Captain Fitzroy, R.N., during the Years 1832 to 1836... / Edited and Superintended by Charles Darwin. Smith, Elder, 1840.

State Library of NSW: SAFE/Q591.9/ D SET