For more than 50 years, AIATSIS has developed and been the custodian of a unique collection that has contributed to building understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture and heritage.

The Collection includes academic research materials and works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge keepers, artists, filmmakers, storytellers and writers.

It also includes important work by non-Indigenous people documenting the cultures, lives and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Reading Room is open to the public, Monday to Friday between 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Appointments can also be made for visits between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). AIATSIS require one weeks’ notice to make an appointment and can take two appointments per day.

AIATSIS can have collection materials such as sound, film, video, manuscripts and rare print material ready for appointments. Some materials require permissions clearance before your visit. To make an appointment please complete their online request.

Request Collection Access: https://aiatsis.gov.au/form/request-collection-access

To help protect the collections, AIATSIS ask visitors to familiarise themselves with the following policies before visiting:

Access and Use Policy: https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-09/aiatsis-access-and-use-policy-20180.pdf

Digital Camera Policy: https://aiatsis.gov.au/digital-camera-policy

Postal address:
GPO Box 553, Canberra 2601