Rare and special collections
Items of historical and cultural significance.
Special collections
The University of Queensland Library is home to special collections that include rare or unique materials selected because of their enduring value, historical or cultural significance, importance to research and learning, and to the University or wider community. These collections provide rich, untapped research material such as letters, diaries, manuscripts, architectural plans and models, photographic materials and rare books.
Special collections are housed in the Fryer Memorial Library of Australian Literature (Fryer Library), The University of Queensland Archives (University Archives) and the Otto Hirschfeld Memorial Collections.
Access to Fryer Library collections and University Archives is by appointment or consultation.
The Fryer Memorial Library of Australian Literature
Founded in 1927 in memory of student John Denis Fryer, Fryer Library is one of the foremost collections of Australian literature and includes the manuscript papers of writers including David Malouf, Peter Carey, Thea Astley and Oodgeroo Noonuccal.
The University of Queensland Archives
The University of Queensland Archives is the repository of permanent records of the University from 1909 to today. Holdings include significant collections of minutes of meetings, administrative files and photographs.
Otto Hirschfeld Memorial Collection
A generous grant in 1958 by the Otto Hirschfeld family enabled the establishment of the collection comprising almost 1000 works on the history of medicine.