Two of Australia's largest rare and special collections libraries are now available to the community to view and research online. Digital access to items will be provided in one-on-one, real-time Virtual Reading Room appointments.
The University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne libraries are working together to increase the use of their unique special collections and archives by extending access to people who cannot attend campus by using practices established in recent years.
This project is linked to an international initiative to increase access to their rare and special collections when visits have not been possible. A Virtual Reading Room uses high-resolution cameras and video conferencing technology to bring collections directly from the reading rooms to your own room in a one-on-one online session.
The Fisher Library's Virtual Reading Room set up. Image Credit: University of Sydney
The University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne libraries are enthusiastic about making their special collections more accessible. The age, value or rarity of special collections items have previously limited access to in-person, supervised, reading room environments. The Virtual Reading Room will allow patrons to take a closer look at special collections from any location and is available to people who cannot attend campuses in-person.
The libraries anticipate the service will break down barriers for new audiences and extend their collections to people with accessibility requirements, people and community groups in remote and regional areas, and international researchers wanting to access unique holdings without the significant barrier of international travel.
The Virtual Reading Room service is particularly important for users of the University of Sydney Library, as its Rare Books library will be inaccessible for three months during building improvement works.
The Virtual Reading Room is accessible to all. Image Credit: University of Sydney.
Associate Director, Research Education Elizabeth Litting, from the University of Sydney Fisher Library, celebrates the initiative born from necessary pivots made during the height of the pandemic.
"There are some disruptions from the pandemic that have actually been huge opportunities in disguise, and this is one of them. The Virtual Reading Room now allows us to provide access to our rare and special materials to a greater range of researchers and educators, wherever they are in the world, unlocking the potential of our collections like never before. That's very exciting," said Associate Director Litting.
"Our Fisher Library's Rare Books collection is filled with golden nuggets like the University of Sydney's 15th century illuminated copy of The Book of Hours and John Bradfield's personal blueprints from the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which Virtual Reading Room patrons will be able to discover."
The Virtual Reading Room now allows us to provide access to our rare and special materials to a greater range of researchers and educators, wherever they are in the world.
Donna McRostie, Deputy Director, Research and Collection Stewardship, Student and Scholarly Services, University of Melbourne, said the Virtual Reading Room service directly responds to an increase in expectations from the global community for new modes of access to physical collections.
"The Virtual Reading Room represents one step in a journey of innovation, and we will continue to evolve our service models exploring digital opportunities to break down barriers to global access and engagement with the University's unique and distinctive scholarly collections," McRostie said.
"Sessions are facilitated by experienced librarians and reading room staff who can handle the item, turn the pages, magnify specific details, and respond to your questions and requests. All visitors are welcome to use the Virtual Reading Room, and bookings are open to everyone, from experienced researchers to curious casual readers.
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