Special Collections
Supporting research and teaching with unique manuscripts, rare books, photographs, maps, posters, oral histories and audiovisual collections.
Special Collections, Canberra supports the research and teaching ambitions of the UNSW student and academic community across a diversity of subject areas.
Unique primary sources
Our collections are an exceptional historical resource ready for exploration. We offer physical and digital access to 400 personal and organisational archives, enriched by more than 15,000 rare books, photographs, maps, posters, technical drawings, audiovisual recordings and oral histories.
Nationally significant collections
Collections of excellence include Australian military history, Australian literature and performance arts, the Howard Library political collections, the National Archives of Australia John Howard Collection, and the Australians at War Film Archive.
Curatorial services
Research and teaching are at the heart of what we do, and our curatorial staff are available to help and guide you.
Visit to discover these unique holdings.