Reading Room
We are piloting a new online service. Read about our Virtual Reading Room (VRR).
The Reading Room welcomes all researchers wishing to access items from the University of Melbourne’s Archives and Special Collections (ASC). Materials from these collections cannot be borrowed by individuals but can be accessed in the specialised environment of the Baillieu Library Reading Room.
The Reading Room is open from 10am-4pm each day, but appointments and requests for material are required in advance. 3 hour appointments are available from 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm each weekday. You are welcome to book both sessions in a day and stay for the duration of opening hours. View Reading Room hours here.
Before your first visit to the Reading Room, please read our Visit page for advice about what to expect when you arrive, how to handle our fragile collections, and information about copying material.
Use the Reading Room in three easy steps:
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1. Search
Use our catalogues to search for items of interest.
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2. Request
Enter a request for the items you wish to view in the Reading Room through Aeon, our collection management system. Detailed information about requesting through Aeon can be found here.
Please be aware that items may be held offsite and can require up to 5 business days for retrieval. Access conditions for archival collections may vary, which can also delay retrieval. For more information on accessing sensitive or restricted material please view this page.
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3. Book an Appointment
In addition to your request to view collection material, appointments are required to use the Reading Room. Bookings are available each weekday between 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm. Without an appointment your visit may be refused.
Virtual Reading Room
We have recently launched a pilot service to provide increased virtual access to our collections in a one-on-one, online setting. Using high-resolution cameras and video conferencing software we can bring our collections to you regardless of your location. Read more about our Virtual Reading Room, and make a booking here.