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Donating material to AIATSIS Collections

AIATSIS's Audiovisual Archive and Library welcome donations of materials relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. We accept photographs, sound recordings, film and video, ephemera, unpublished works (such as manuscripts, personal papers, diaries, field books and theses) which match our collection policies and enhance the research value of our collections.

Collections belonging to organisations and individuals, especially Indigenous people who have had national significance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, are particularly sought.

By lodging your material at AIATSIS, you will ensure its longevity and accessibility into the future.  We regularly receive materials from Indigenous organisations and families; researchers, including AIATSIS grantees; other cultural institutions; broadcasters; and the general public.

All materials are assessed for suitability before being accepted or declined.

To find out about how we care for materials in our custody, see Preservation. 

Standard procedure for donating or depositing material at AIATSIS

Audiovisual material

We strongly encourage potential donors to first refer to our Criteria for Audiovisual deposits before seeking to donate or deposit material.

• An Offer of Audiovisual Material form is completed by the donor.
• AIATSIS staff contact the donor for further information.
• Materials are sent to AIATSIS.  In exceptional circumstances, AIATSIS can collect material from the donor.
• Materials are assessed by AIATSIS staff against criteria in the Collections Policy. Material that is found to be unsuitable is returned to the donor.
• A contract is signed with the copyright owner which governs how the material can be accessed and used.  A Transfer of Ownership form is completed for donations.  A Deposit form is completed if the copyright owner wishes to maintain ownership of the material.
• A supplementary form is signed which gives AIATSIS permission to dispose of materials if those materials pose a risk to the rest of the collection or to staff.  Depositors may request that their material is returned to them instead.
• Offers of material may be declined and returned to the depositor if the conditions of access specified in the Deposit form are too restrictive, particularly if those restrictions do not relate to issues of cultural sensitivity or privacy.

Our Audiovisual Archive Code of Ethics demonstrates our commitment to professional conduct within the field of audiovisual archiving and the management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural materials.

Print materials

The Library seeks unpublished works, such as personal papers, diaries, field notes etc., of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and of non-indigenous people if they contain significant information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or issues. 

Should you wish to donate or deposit material, or for further information, please first speak to the Library Collection Managers by phoning 02 6246 1182 or email library@aiatsis.gov.au

The Collection Managers may ask you to complete an Offer of Manuscript Collection form.

Collections of personal/organisational papers of organisations and individuals, especially Indigenous people who have had national significance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, are particularly sought. A description or listing of the collection under consideration is helpful. This may include the quantity and condition of the item/s, and details such as the author, date etc.

All unpublished material considered for addition to the AIATSIS Library needs to be accompanied by either a completed Transfer of Ownership form or a Deposit Form outlining the conditions of access.