Collection strengths
Special Collections
The Library has a number of special collections eg, Rare Books, Fine Bindings, etc. These include materials which for a variety of reasons are housed under conditions of restricted access:
- books printed before 1850
- limited editions, rare or unique volumes
African Collection
While the strength of the collection is post 1966 material published since the foundation of the Library, an effort has been made to acquire some antiquarian and out of print titles, through second hand book dealers.
European Documentation Centre
La Trobe University Library became a European Documentation Centre (EDC) in 1975 and has one of the oldest and largest print collections of this material in Australia.
Government Publications
This collection includes a substantial collection of Australian Federal & State government publications, a selection of Irish government publications from 1972 to 1992, and British and Indian government publications.
India and South Asia Collection
The collection is very strong in early Buddhism (including the entire Buddhist Canon in several Asian languages) and in Sanskrit literature pertaining to Hinduism and belle-lettres. In addition this is supplemented by extensive holdings of secondary sources in modern European languages.
Latin America Collection
In 1991, already noted as an Australian centre of excellence for Latin American materials, the Library signed an agreement with the National Library of Australia for a long term loan of 5 major collections of Latin American materials. In all, 14,000 volumes were transferred, and were added to the Library catalogue.
Microform Collection
This collection includes fiche collections in the following subject areas:
- Abolition & emancipation - slave trade
- Church Missionary Society records
- Colonial Secretary's papers 1788-1825 : Archives Office of New South Wales
- Confidential U.S. State Department central files: Mexico & El Salvador
- History of the cinema 1895-1940
- The history of nursing archival materials from Columbia University
Music Collection
La Trobe University Library has a diverse and significant collection of musical score sets including: 12th century to 15th Century sacred music (in particular 14th century Gregorian chant); Jazz; Opera; Orchestra; Chamber, Strings and Keyboard works of all major composers; and Instrument and instrumental ensembles.
Collection Strengths
Special Collections
Collections by Format
Electronic Collections
African Collection
More information is available in the African Collection LibGuide
Notes
The focus of this collection is:
- Sub-Saharan history & politics
- Works of literature by African writers
- Scholary works in the areas of archaeology, anthropology, religion, history, politics, development, international relations, economics, and sociology
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online. (access via Library catalogue).
Access
Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow from any campus library.
Format
Print: Dewey Decimal call numbers:
- 960s for African History
- Af820s for African literature
- 320s for African politics & government)
Quantity
25,000 to 30,000 print titles
Audio Visual Collection
This collection includes a wide range of material to support the research and study of the staff and students at the University. The collection includes:
- Computer software (software to accompany texts), tutorials, CD-Roms, DVD's and specialised computer programs
- Microforms of theses, books, manuscripts etc.
- Music recordings
- Music scores
- Online recorded lectures now provided by Lectopia Lectures Online
- Online streaming videos
- Videocassettes, DVD, laserdiscs, slides, charts, anatomical models assessment/test kits, multimedia packages, etc.
Notes
Audiovisual viewing facilities vary amongst campuses but include:
- Cassette decks
- Computer and associated software for students with sight or hearing impairments
- Group rooms for genuine use of resources held in the collection
- Multimedia workstations for accessing a range of formats. (PCs and Mac)
- Readers and printers for microform material
- Video, laserdisc and DVD viewing facilities
Location
All campus libraries (access via Library catalogue).
Access
Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow from any campus library.
Format
Videos, laserdiscs, slides, charts, anatomical models assessment/test kits, multimedia packages, CD-Roms, DVD's and specialised computer programs, music recordings and scores.
Quantity
Approximately 20,000 titles
Databases
LibSkills and LibGuides tell you how to search scholarly databases effectively. Some popular databases are included in a Quick Access list on the A-Z Databases/Journals tab, for example:
Notes
Contains collections of:
- Journal articles
- Book reviews
- Conference papers
- Statistical data
- Reports
- Dissertations and theses
Location
Access via Library Catalogue
Access
Access these materials online using your La Trobe username and password when prompted.
Finding aids
You can browse by title using the A-Z Databases/Journals tab tab on the Library homepage, or use the drop down menu to browse by subject areas. Subject LibGuides also list relevant databases on the Databases tab.
Quantity
Over 300 databases are currently available
Digital Images
Finding Images LibGuide tells you how to access image collections.
Notes
Collections and tools include:
- Anatomy TV
- Insight @ La Trobe database (mainly Archaeology, Anatomy & Art History)
- ArtStor digital collection
- Grove Art Online
Location
Access via Library Catalogue
Access
Access these materials online using your La Trobe username and password if prompted.
You can browse from the A-Z Databases/Journals tab tab. From the drop down menu, select Multidisciplinary > Images.
Quantity
Many thousands, and growing
Theses (print & digital)
Further description
At La Trobe University, all PhD, Masters by research, and professional doctorate students are required to lodge a copy of their thesis in the Library's collection as a condition of graduation.
Notes
Prior to 2010, digital theses by La Trobe students were only available when permission was given. Digital deposit is now mandatory. Theses are also added to the National Library of Australia's Trove service.
Location
Access digital & print theses via the Library Catalogue. Access digital theses only via La Trobe University's Research Online.
Access
Access online materials using your La Trobe username and password if prompted. Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow from any campus library.
Finding aids
You can search for digital theses via the Search Research Online search box. Tick the box to search digital theses only. You can also browse La Trobe Theses via the library catalogue. See Find La Trobe University Theses for more information.
Quantity
Over 7000 print theses with over 100 digital copies currently available use La Trobe Theses link.
eBooks
The Library is rapidly building its ebook collections with new titles added weekly.
The Library ebook collections cover many subject areas - everything from business, the humanities, health, to science and education. Ebooks are electronic versions of books and can be viewed online. You can browse ebooks for quick research, answers to reference questions, or read literature at your leisure.
eBook LibGuide tells you how to find ebooks.
To check the latest titles click here ebook titles and look for the Ebooks New Title link.
Notes
eBooks are:
- Accessible 24x7
- Accessible regardless of location
- Never incur any library fines
- Can be downloaded to your PC, tablet, or other device
Includes sets from major publishers such as Palgrave, Springer, and Cambridge University Press
Viewing most eBooks will require you to have a PDF reader.
Location
Access via Library Catalogue
Access
Access these materials online using your La Trobe username and password if prompted.
Finding aids
From the Library Catalogue, use the 'All Collections' drop box and scroll down to select 'E-books' and then conduct your Keyword/Title/Author/Subject search. You can also browse the A-Z Ebook list.
Quantity
Over 45,000
Education Curriculum Collection (ECC)
The main aim of the Education Curriculum Collection is to help users stay abreast of the latest curriculum developments and resources in both primary and secondary education. A big part of the collection is juvenile fiction and picture storybooks, with an emphasis on texts used in schools and award winning children's literature.
Notes
Also includes resources for:
- classroom activities
- curriculum design
- lesson preparation ideas
- teaching ideas and strategies
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora) (Access via Library Catalogue)
Access
Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow from any campus library.
Format
Print, DVDs, models, pictures, kits, CD's, CD-ROMs, and games.
Quantity
Approximately 2000 items
eJournals
Link to full text eJournals
Notes
Advantages of eJournals:
- Accessible 24/7
- Accessible regardless of location
- Never incur any library fines
- Ability to search within the text
Access
Access via Library Catalogue using your La Trobe username and password if prompted.
Finding aids
You can browse journal titles using the A-Z list from the A-Z Databases/Journals tab.
Quantity
Over 90,000 full text scholarly journal titles are currently available - many with archival full text back to volume 1 issue 1.
eNewspapers
The Library provides access to local national and international news online.
Factiva is a key source for:
- The Age
- The Australian
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Guardian
- South China Morning Post
See Finding Newspaper Articles - Factiva LibGuide for further information.
Notes
Other collections include:
- ANZ Newsstand via Proquest
- The Nation Archive (1865 onwards)
- The New York Times (1851-2003)
- Times Digital Archive
- Times Literary Supplement Centenary Archive
- The Washington Post (1877 - 1993)
Access
Access via Library Catalogue using your La Trobe username and password if prompted.
Finding aids
You can browse eNewspapers via various databases. From the A-Z Databases/Journals tab tab, select 'Multidisciplinary' from the dropdown menu and choose 'Newspapers & Newspaper archives'.
Quantity
Hundreds of titles from Australia and overseas, in English and other languages.
eReference
This collection includes:
- Australian Dictionary of Biography Online
- Gale Virtual Reference Library
- Macquarie Dictionary
- Oxford Reference Online
Notes
Full-text dictionaries, handbooks and encyclopaedias.
Access
Access via Library Catalogue using your La Trobe username and password if prompted.
Finding aids
You can browse eReference online from the Subject area drop down box on the A-Z Databases/Journals tab tab under Multidisciplinary> Dictionaries & Encyclopaedias.
Quantity
Several hundred titles
eReserve
Further description
Contains high-use material that is included at the request of teaching staff such as:
- Journal articles that fall within Copyright Regulations
- Book chapters and/or selected pages from requested books that fall within Copyright Regulations
- Lecture notes and course notes.
- Selected audio and video programs.
Notes
Your computer should meet the recommended computer requirements, in order to read, listen and watch these resources e. g. Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Access
Access via Library Catalogue using your La Trobe username and password if prompted.
Finding aids
To find materials on Electronic Reserve:
- Select catalogue tab and click the dropdown menu -'All Collections'
- Under 'Reserve' select either 'by Lecturer' or 'by Subject Code'
- You can also search for material by Title or Author of the article or chapter
Quantity
Varies, approximately 15,000
European Documentation Centre
The Library became a European Documentation Centre (EDC) in 1975 and has one of the oldest and largest print collections of this material in Australia. The Collection aims to:
- promote teaching and research in European integration
- provide access to EU information and awareness of EU policies
- organise EU information for researchers, students and the general public
- act as a reference point on the EU in the University.
Notes
Search the Library catalogue as follows:
- author (eg. European Commission, Statistical Office of the European Communities)
- title (eg. EDC collection)
- subject (eg. European Union countries - Statistics)
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora), Library Annexe, Online
Access
Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow these items via any campus library.
Format
Print, Online.
Quantity
Several thousand print titles plus electronic materials
General Collection
The General collection at all campuses contains books on a wide range of subjects that supports teaching and research in:
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Law & Management
- Science, Engineering & Technology
Notes
The material in this collection is arranged by subject according to the Dewey Decimal Classification system.
Nearly all the items are available for loan. More information about borrowing this material is available for students, staff and the community.
Location
All campus libraries.
Access
Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow from any campus library.
Finding aids
LibSkills provides information on using the library catalogue.
Quantity
Over 1.5 million items
Government Publications
See Government Publications LibGuide for further information
Notes
the collection has the following strengths:
- Australian Federal & State government publications
- British government publications
- Publications of intergovernmental organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations
- Selection of Irish government publications from 1972 to 1992
Location
Access via the Library Catalogue. Some older, less used, and rarer material is located in Storage or at the Library Annexe.
Format
Print, Online
Access
Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow from any campus library. Access online materials using your La Trobe username and password if prompted.
Quantity
A substantial and comprehensive print collection mainly from the 1960s to present.
India and South Asia Collection
See India & South Asia Collection LibGuide for more information
Notes
This collection is strong in the social sciences and humanities.
Items of interest include:
- Indian official and census statistics
- encyclopaedic gazetteers of India
- The Illustrated weekly of India (Bombay).
- Asiatic annual register: or, A view of the history of Hindustan, and of the politics, commerce and literature of Asia...
- The Asiatic journal and monthly register for British India and its dependencies
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online (access via Library Catalogue)
Access
Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow from any campus library.
Format
Print: Dewey Decimal call numbers:
- 294s for Buddhism
- 181s for Hindu philosophy
- 934s and 954s for Indian history.
Electronic
Eg Empire Online
Quantity
37,500
Physical Collection: Journals
Further description
LibSkills and LibGuides tell you how to find journal articles.
Journals, also known as Serials, Periodicals and Magazines, are published in parts on a continuing basis. Many titles are now available as eJournals.
Access
At Bundoora only recent volumes on open access. Older volumes in Storage or at the Annexe.
Finding aids
Use the Library catalogue or the A-Z Databases/Journals tab on the Library homepage to find Journals
Quantity
Over 630,000 volumes
Latin American Collection
See Latin America LibGuide for more information.
Notes
The focus of this collection is:
- Mexican, Brazilian, Cuban, and Caribbean studies.
- United States-Latin American relations
- Latino peoples living in the United States.
Format
Print: Dewey Decimal call numbers:
- 320s for Politics and Government
- Am860s for Latin American literature
- 972s for Mexican History
- 980s for Latin American History
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
Access
Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow this material via any campus library.
Quantity
28,000 to 30,000 print titles and growing electronic content
Microform Collection
See Microform for Research LibGuide for detailed information on content.
Notes
The Melbourne Campus Library has a significant collection of primary and secondary research materials and historical documents on microfiche and microfilm.
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora) (Level 2) cabinets on west wall
(access via the Library Catalogue) use the advanced search link and limit to format microfilm
Access
Microfilm readers and printers are on Level 2 near the AV collection
Quantity
4,000 titles comprising thousands of fiches and reels
Music Collection
See Music Collections LibGuide for further information.
Notes
Highlights of this collection include:
- 12th century to 15th century sacred music (especially 14th century Gregorian chant)
- Collected editions of scores
- Instrument and instrumental ensembles
- Jazz
- Keyboard music
- Opera
- Orchestra, chamber, strings and keyboard works of all major composers
- Vocal music
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora).
Access
Your valid student/staff card allows you to borrow from any campus library. Some older or more valuable items may be held in Special Storage or may not be available for loan.
Quantity
11,000 scores, recordings
Reference
Includes general and subject specific dictionaries, handbooks, atlases, encyclopaedias, bibliographies and more. See Type of Reference Tools for further information. Provides scholarly information often not freely available on the Web.
Location
All campus libraries, Library Annexe.
Access
Library use only.
Notes
The collection of online reference materials is growing rapidly.
Quantity
Over 30,000 items
Research Online
Provides open access to the research outputs of La Trobe's researchers. Includes:
- journal articles and other papers,
- images,
- video and audio files,
- datasets.
Notes
This repository is designed to:
- Increase the visibility of the University's publications
- Increase the impact and citation rates of the University's research publications
- Facilitate collaboration between researchers
- Preserve the University's research outputs for the future
Location
Access via Research Online
Finding aids
You can search for digital theses only or search Open Access items only via the Search Research Online search box. You can also browse by Title/Author/School/FOR code/Date/RM number/and Maths Class No.
Quantity
Approximately 25,000 records
Special Collections
See Special Collections LibGuide for further information.
Notes
These collections house rare, valuable, fragile and theses materials such as:
- Books printed before 1850
- Limited editions
- Volumes of works which feature decorative bindings
- Books that are liable to theft, mutilation or damage because of their content or condition
- Theses which have been placed on limited access by the graduate
Further description
The Library has a number of special collections:
- Fine bindings
- Rare books
- Special
- Vulnerable
Format
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora)
(access via Library catalogue) Click on Advanced search link and limit to Location Special Collection.
Access
Available for use in the Library only and must be read in the Special Collections reading area under "Special Collections Conditions of Use" rules. For access to these items, please ask at the Inquiry Desk on Level 1.
Quantity
Approximately 10,000 titles
