Access collections by appointment
Fryer Library collections
Special collections are often rare, fragile or irreplaceable and must be used in the FW Robinson Reading Room.
Access Fryer Library collections
Access to special collections is by appointment.
First, book a time to visit then request items for viewing. Your booking confirmation email will include a link to our form to request Fryer Library materials. Complete the form using details from Library Search or Fryer Library Manuscripts.
Our Fryer Library team will retrieve items for you to use in the Reading Room at the time you've requested.
Visitors and community
If you do not have a UQ ID card, please register for a Fryer visitor membership before your visit. There is no cost to register. Your Fryer Library visitor card will be used to lend items to you for use in the Reading Room.
Restricted access items
Access to some special collection material may be restricted. Restrictions may be in place for an undefined or defined length of time. Reasons for restrictions include:
- material was acquired with access restrictions in place
- sensitive or confidential information
- items deemed culturally sensitive to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples; cultural access conditions may apply
- extremely fragile items or at-risk materials such as video, film or audio recordings
- items of high value or significance
- public records with Government access conditions.
Only the Fryer Librarian can waive restricted access conditions and only in certain circumstances, as indicated in the collection record in Fryer Library Manuscripts.
The University of Queensland Archives
Access to archival materials is by consultation. Visit University Archives for more information. If your request is approved, items can be viewed by appointment in the FW Robinson Reading Room.
Document delivery items
If an item you requested has Fryer Library as the pickup location, you must use it in the Reading Room. These items may not leave the Library.
Book an appointment to view your document delivery materials.
We do not offer inter-library loans for items from our special collections. For more information, see Document supply for libraries.