Using the Collection

Ephemera

Finding what you want

The Catalogue is a good place to start to find ephemera. However, as cataloguing of the ephemera collection is still in process, you may need to use a number of methods to find material.

Print ephemera

The print ephemera collection is arranged in four sequences arranged by headings based on a thesaurus: General, Programmes and Invitations, Trade Catalogues and Geographic. Copies of the thesaurus are accessible in the Petherick Reading Room.

Entries for general subjects are gradually being added to the catalogue. To find these add the keywords 'Ephemera General' to any keyword search in the Catalogue or browse a full list of subjects catalogued so far.

Performing arts

Performing arts ephemera is held separately in the Australian Performing Arts (PROMPT) Collection. Entries for Prompt Collection material is being gradually added to the Catalogue. So far over 1,500 catalogue entries for companies and individuals are available. To find these add the keyword 'Prompt' to any keyword search or browse a full list of material catalogued so far.

Online holding lists and finding aids are available for some of the uncatalogued material. There is also a shelf list of the PROMPT collection available for browsing through the Petherick Reading Room.

Websites

Online ephemera is stored and made accessible through PANDORA: Australia's Web Archive as well as through the Catalogue.

Using our reading rooms

Access to print ephemera, including the Prompt Collection is available through the Petherick Reading Room. You will need to register as a reader to get material from the closed stacks. You can then request material to be delivered to the reading room at any time, either in the Library or offsite, using the Item Request option in the Catalogue.

To request uncatalogued material from the PROMPT Collection:

  • Go to the collection level record for the PROMPT Collection in the catalogue.
  • Select Item Request and include your area of interest in the serial record information field.

Copying material from the collection

Material from the ephemera collection can be copied subject to copyright and permissions restrictions, and preservation risks. Copies can also be requested through the Copies Direct Service.

Borrowing material from the collection

Material from the ephemera collection is not available for loan.

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