Special Collections, UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

Special Collections, UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

• Formerly Special Collections, Academy Library, UNSW@ADFA
• Special Collections, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

• University

The Rare Book collection was established with the opening of the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1985. The manuscript collecting program, initiated jointly by the English Department and the Library, began in 1986.

In 2013, a partnership was established between the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra and the National Archives of Australia, resulting in an agreement to transfer custody of the John Howard Collection to UNSW Canberra. The John Howard Reading Room was subsequently opened in 2014 for the use of all Special Collections readers.

Australian literary manuscripts; Australian military history manuscripts.

The Special Collections are located within the Academy Library, UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and house rare books and manuscript collections. The collection currently includes some 13 500 rare books, and more than 370 manuscript collections.

The Rare Book collection is particularly rich in the areas of Australian military history and Australian literature, however the Special Collections also has significant holdings in Australian exploration literature, English literature, and general Australian history.

The manuscript collection contains manuscript material of national significance in the disciplines of Australian military history and Australian literature. The collection of former Prime Minister John Howard is highly relevant to the Defence Studies discipline.

Collection level descriptions of the manuscript collections are available via the Library's catalogue. A full alphabetical list of the archival collections and detailed online finding aids are available at https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/library/special-collections

The Academy Library's Special Collections Reading Room is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am–4.30pm throughout the year, except on public and university holidays. Readers planning to visit during ACT school holidays should confirm opening times with Special Collections staff.

Special Collections are available to view (by appointment only) by students and staff of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and visitors and researchers from outside the University, as outlined in the Special Collections Access and Use Policy.

Special Collections items may only be consulted in the John Howard Reading Room. Requests for items must be made via the Special Collections Enquiry form available on the website.

A location map is located on the Academy website.

Special Collections items may only be viewed in the John Howard Reading Room (JHRR). The room is located on the ground floor of the Academy Library. It is equipped with electronic surveillance, can seat 10 clients, and has power points for devices. There is secure access to the room but clients can self-exit for breaks etc.

Special Collections staff will make copies on behalf of a client provided that all the following conditions are met:

• it complies with any specific terms of deposit for manuscript collections at UNSW, eg restrictions in copying and
• copying of the item has been approved by the Academy Library (condition/fragility of item) and
• it complies with the terms of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) and
• the client has made online pre-payment.

Revised 12 April 2018

• Arts and Culture (Thematic area)
• Defence (Thematic area)
• Politics and Government (Thematic area)