Libraries have existed for thousands of years, with their primary role being the preservation of knowledge for future generations. However, they also serve as custodians of unique cultural, social , and scientific stories. “Unusual collections” are defined by their cultural significance, rarity, uniqueness, and sometimes fragility. Australian libraries are not exception; some house treasure troves of unexpected and fascinating items, such as rare books once considered dangerous or forbidden, convict records, punk rock memorabilia, and more. Whether through supernatural archives, books of conjuring tricks, or other uncommon collections, each one offers a glimpse into different aspects of Australia’s rich and multifaceted identity.
- An introduction to libraries and their collections including what rare books and special collections are, as well the positives and negatives of unusual collections
- Unusual Library Collections around the world: Discuss some examples of the most unexpected and unusual collections globally, such as rare books, seed libraries, and more.
- Unusual Library Collections in Australia: Explore some of the country’s most fascinating collections, including the Sydney Library of Things, the Robbins Magic Collection at the State Library of New South Whales, rare books collections, and others.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Gain a general understanding of library collections around the world, with a focus on those considered unique and rare
- Explore and identify some of the most fascinating and unusual collections both around the world and in Australia
