Ephemera, which are the minor transient documents of everyday life such as pamphlets, leaflets, brochures, etc. can be useful sources of information for research. Such items can add an extra dimension and help provide a more complete and detailed picture of a subject than would otherwise be possible.

The State Library houses an extensive collection of ephemeral material such as souvenir brochures, invitations, theatre programs, business pamphlets, art exhibition catalogues, electioneering material, tickets, tourist brochures, government agency pamphlets, menus, etc. The collection consists of over 65,000 items.

The ephemera collection is largely accessed through broad collection listings and from early 1998 there has been increasing access through the State Library Catalogue.

Donations of current and old ephemera items are always welcomed.

Highlights of the Ephemera Collection
The Ephemera Collection contains some fascinating materials. Have a look at these highlights from the collection.