Visiting the Heritage Collections Reading Room

Library visitors are responsible for ensuring any copying and re-use of Library collection materials meets the requirements of the Australian Copyright Act 1968. You can Ask a Librarian if you require advice.

Materials delivered to the Heritage Collections Reading Room are often rare, unique or culturally sensitive and as such special handling or copyright requirements may apply when seeking to make copies.

Should you wish to photograph material from the Australian Manuscripts Collection, staff will provide you with an Application for Self-Copying Manuscripts Material form.

Remember, please:

• speak to staff in the room before copying or photographing heritage collection materials.
• follow staff directions with regards to copying.
• do not use flash when photographing collection material.
• do not flatten or press on collection material. Staff can provide weights if safe to do so.
• do not remove items from plastic sleeves for the purposes of taking photographs, unless staff have expressly told you that this is possible.

We understand that the above conditions may mean that you are not able to take a picture that is suitable for publication. If you require images of items that are fit for publication, please talk to staff regarding our copy service.

State Library Victoria has a professional copy order service to support your research. Prices vary according to material type, output and quantity. You can find more information about ordering digital copies of collection material on our website.

Library staff can provide assistance in the Heritage Collections Reading Room with placing a digital copy order if required.

Books in the old office of the Principal Librarian, State Library of Victoria, 1985; H88.55/18

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