Ephemera collection

ephemera

A selection of items from the Ephemera collection.
Photo: Kate Travis, AIATSIS.

The AIATSIS Library’s ephemera collection consists of a variety of print and non-print materials which are often associated with a particular event, such as an exhibition, performance, dinner, course or seminar, public gathering. Most categories are subject based but some are based on the format of the item regardless of any subject content, for example textiles.

The print items in the collection are listed in the index under broad subject categories with individual items listed alphabetically in most cases by organization and sometimes by title. Non-print items are listed by format.

Occasionally multiple copies of an item may be found under more than one category, for example bookmarks produced by AIATSIS. A separate subject category has been reserved for Torres Strait islands material.

History of the AIATSIS Library Ephemera Collection

The emphasis of the AIATSIS Ephemera collection was historically on paper-based ephemera. The collection began in the 1970s when information flyers and brochures being sent to the (then) Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies (AIAS), were forwarded to the Library by AIAS staff. Additionally AIAS researchers donated items they had collected on research field trips.

Over time various non-paper items such as T-shirts, tea towels, caps and badges have been donated to the collection. The badge collection is a very interesting aspect and, along with the T-shirts, are two non-paper areas in which the collection is growing.

In 2002 the AIATSIS Library actively sought the donation of invitations to openings of Indigenous art exhibitions from art galleries around the country. Indigenous performing arts groups were also approached for promotional material for performances. The invitation to art exhibitions section of the Ephemera Collection now makes up the majority. A few of the earlier rare print ephemera are catalogued individually on the Library catalogue Mura as rare pamphlets.

Donations to the collection are always welcomed. Items particularly sought are leaflets, badges or T-shirts expressing political or social commentary, invitations to art exhibitions, performance or cultural festival fliers, brochures, badges or T-shirts documenting the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Accessing the Ephemera collection

All items in the collection are housed in the Closed Access Stacks. To view a particular item submit a request at the reference desk.

Click here to download Ephemera Index (pdf 1.08MB)