Tips for searching:

One way to browse the Special Collection is to search LibrarySearch via the names of the collections: 

• Emily McPherson Collection
• Peter Corrigan Collection
• RMIT Special Collections: Art
• RMIT Special Collections: Chiropractic and Osteopathy
• RMIT Special Collections: Fashion & Textiles
• RMIT Special Collections: Printing

'RMIT Special Collections: Architecture' cannot be viewed in one search. Please try searching topical keywords to find these items. You can also try searching by call number, e.g. “SPE ARC”.

If you are unable to find a record of the item you are after, please Ask the Library.

Request an appointment: Complete the Special Collection Appointment Form (opens in a new window).

• Duration and Notice: Appointments are usually 1 hour. In most cases, 24 hours notice is required.
• Unavailable Times: Weekends, after 4pm on weekdays, and public or University holidays. 
• On-Site Use Only: Requested items can be collected and viewed at the Swanston Library Concierge desk.

Copying and Photography Rules

• Artists’ Books: No copying or photos allowed. 
• Other Special Collection Items: Photos are allowed, but check the Copyright guide to Fair Dealing.

Item handling and care

• Gloves: Not required, but provided to protect hands from dust and dirt. 
• Books: Never handle items with the spine facing up; this can cause pages to separate. Lay books on their spine or flat if they are too large.