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Visiting the Heritage Collections Reading Room

Terms and conditions of using the Heritage Collections Reading Room

The Heritage Collections Reading Room is accessible by appointment.

Use of the Heritage Collections Reading Room is governed by the Library's entry by-laws and terms and conditions of public entry. 

As a space for viewing rare and fragile collection materials, when visiting the Heritage Collections Reading Room we ask that you:

  • follow directions of staff at all times.
  • talk to staff upon entry, and before handling, copying or photographing material.
  • sit facing the front of the room.
  • talk quietly, and take phone calls outside the room.
  • do not bring any food or drink into the room.
  • only use pencils for taking notes.
  • place all personal belongings into lockers provided (see Items permitted in the Heritage Collections Reading Room).

Double glass doors with metal frame leading to room with windows, tables and chairs.

Heritage Collections Reading Room entry doors. Press doorbell to left of doors to enter. 

Items permitted in the Heritage Collections Reading Room

Items permitted in the Heritage Collections Reading Room:

The following items are permitted in the Heritage Collections Reading Room:

  • note-taking equipment (pencils only, no pens or highlighters)
  • laptops and mobile phones (silent mode. Please take calls outside the Reading Room, and leave laptop bags in the lockers provided)
  • camera stands up to 50cm in height.

Please place all other items (including bottled water) into the lockers provided.

Items NOT permitted in the Heritage Collections Reading Room:

The following items are NOT permitted in the Heritage Collections Reading Room, and must be placed upon entry into the lockers provided:

  • food and drinks (bottled water must be placed in provided locker)
  • pens, highlighters, ink, sharp objects (e.g. scissors)
  • bags, including laptop bags or cases, handbags, camera bags, document wallets, manila folders
  • tripods or camera stands over 50cm in height
  • portable lighting.

We ask that you do not bring non-heritage collection items (such as books on open access shelves or in stacks) into the Heritage Collections Reading Room. If you need to bring a non-heritage item into the space to make a direct comparison with a heritage item, please discuss this with the Librarian in the space.