Services for Researchers
Finding Archival Material
The University of Melbourne Archives maintains an online catalogue with information about our collections. This catalogue is open to all and includes help screens for further information. The catalogue also contains finding aids for many of the listed collections. For more information about archival research and the University of Melbourne Archives, consult the Using Archives LibGuide.
After checking the online catalogue, contact the reference service if further help is required or to discuss a large research project.
Material Requests
Requests for material may be made by phone, email or in person. Contact the reference service to lodge a request. As material is held at an off-site repository it cannot be accessed immediately. Material will be available the following day if the request is lodged before 12pm. Material will be made available in the Cultural Collections Reading Room, located on the third floor of the Baillieu Library at the University's Parkville campus. Material cannot be removed from the reading room and photocopying will be completed by staff. Some collections are restricted or may be difficult to retrieve. Any delays in retrieval will be discussed at the time the request is lodged.
Access
The University of Melbourne Archives are open to all researchers, not just University staff and students. Access conditions covering specific collections vary, however. Some collections are restricted and require permission to be obtained to view, and a few collections are covered by specific embargo periods. Access conditions are listed on the catalogue, and researchers are advised to contact the Archives to discuss restrictions if they apply. Time constraints prevent Archives staff from being able to conduct research on behalf of enquirers. In certain instances we may charge a retrieval and access fee.