Unique Research Resources: University of Melbourne Archives

Photograph of a penguin from 1910-13 Antarctic expedition. University of Melbourne Archives
Emperor penguin standing on the ice. Image taken by Herbert Ponting during the British Antarctic Expedition 1910-13. Lantern Slide with Priestley’s handwriting. Raymond Priestley Lantern Slides, Department of Geology, University of Melbourne 1980.0030 LS/127 University of Melbourne Archives.

The University of Melbourne Archives (UMA) is one of Australia’s largest collecting archives, spanning 20km of records, and is home to some of Australia’s most important and unique research resources: from classical antiquities to rare books; from herbarium specimens to Victoria’s early business records. These collections are open to use by all University of Melbourne students and staff. The collections include not just the University’s archival records, but those of Victorian businesses, trade unions and various political, cultural and literary organisations. The scope of endeavor encompassed in the collections is truly astonishing and provides great research potential on a wide range of topics. Researchers have uncovered, for example, Robin Boyd’s unpublished manuscript for the second edition of Victorian Modern, slavery records from Jamaica and Suriname, numbers sheets from Bob Hawke’s pre-selection battle for the seat of Wills, and so much more. In this session, UMA staff will present an overview of the collections, a researcher will discuss the publication potential of the collections and there will be an opportunity to raise specific questions about your own research interests.

The session is open to all University students and staff and there will be an opportunity to view some of UMA’s treasures. Morning tea will be provided.

Wednesday, 9 April, 10:00-11:30am. Baillieu Library, Dulcie Hollyock Room. Book here.

For more information on the University of Melbourne Archives, visit their website.


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