Special Collections

The Library's special collections play a vital role in research, teaching, learning, and community engagement. You can explore our unique and significant collections, in both digital and physical forms, of rare books, manuscripts, archives, as well as arts and heritage objects.

Adelaide Connect

This new online platform showcases digitised content from our special collections and is a powerful resource for researchers and the community.

Explore our history

Accessing & using the collections

The University Library's rare and unique collections are open to all researchers, including staff and students of the University of Adelaide and other institutions. Professional historians, researchers, and members of the public are also welcome.

Access the collections  

Exhibitions

Our rare and unique collections are showcased through online and physical exhibitions, often in collaboration with a range of partners across the University and wider community.

Exhibitions