Collection policies

AIATSIS aims to develop, maintain and preserve well-documented archives and collections and to maximise access to these, particularly by Indigenous peoples, in keeping with appropriate cultural and ethical practices.

Library collection

The Library collection aims to support research in the major areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, with particular strengths in anthropology, archaeology, family history, education theory and policy, languages and linguistics and art.

Selection of new items for the collection is conducted by the Collection Managers, Client Services Manager for Reference material and the Family History Unit for family history material. Suggestions from AIATSIS staff and Library clients are given consideration by the Collection Managers.

Read the full Library Collection Development Policy pdf (44Kb)

Audiovisual collection

The AIATSIS Audiovisual Archive will continue to develop an audiovisual, artwork and artefact collection documenting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and history, and will collect objects which it deems significant.

AIATSIS does not seek to replicate the collections of other archives, libraries, museums or galleries.  For this reason, AIATSIS primarily collects unpublished audiovisual materials and original works of art.  Published and duplicate materials are only collected when their acquisition would facilitate access by Australian Indigenous communities, or they are sufficiently rare to warrant preservation beyond that which is offered by the custodian of the original.

Read the full Audiovisual Collections Management Policy pdf (403Kb)