Collections Access & Development

AIATSIS holds the world's largest collections of library and audiovisual materials by and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Researching native title claims is becoming increasingly important and many of these resources, which are unique to AIATSIS, can be a rich resource for preparing native title claims. These include field notes and diaries, oral histories, photographs and other items that document connection with the land and early contact with Europeans.

The NTRU Research and Access Officer (Ms Grace Koch) is the first point of contact for people doing research on native title claims. She provides information, advice and access to library and audiovisual archive materials held at AIATSIS, and can arrange visits for clients who wish to come to AIATSIS. Some material may have restrictions placed upon them, and she can assist clients to obtain clearances. External clients may request both listings and copies of relevant material in accordance with copyright and deposit conditions

The collections are being updated constantly. The Native Title Research and Access Officer provides a list of recently-catalogued items of interest to native title in the NTRU Newsletter.