The University of Queensland

The Australian literature and history collection expanded significantly in 1967 with the acquisition of the extensive collection of books and journals, manuscripts, artefacts and a wide variety of other materials from the Venerable Archdeacon Edward Leo Hayes, PP, MA, FRGSA.

Over 100,000 items were received in this collection. They included books, journals, manuscripts, legal documents, press cuttings, bookplates, stamps, currency, and pictures. Although the subject matter of the material is varied, the collection is particularly strong in exploration and travel, Australian history and literature, Australian flora and fauna, and religion.

Thousands of Aboriginal weapons and other artefacts were deposited in the University’s Anthropology Museum and a collection of mineral specimens was located in the University’s Department of Geology collection.

Cecil Hadgraft from the English Department and Nancy Bonnin, the Fryer Librarian, helped to foster this close association. Father Hayes’ services to literature were recognised by the University by awarding him the Honorary Degree of Master of Arts in 1967.

Father Hayes amassed his collection during his lifetime with limited resources. As his collection grew, it became famous in literary circles, and many noted Australian writers presented him with inscribed copies of their books.

Hayes had established a friendly relationship with the University of Queensland, and often lent material to the Library to meet the needs of scholars.

 "One man’s Gift: The Father Leo Hayes Collection"
online exhibition

The Fryer Library, the Hayes Collection, the Woolcock Collection of English Literature and the Rare Book Collection were amalgamated as special collections. Parts of the collection were housed in the more spacious F.W. Robinson Room in the late 1960s. This was located in the northern end of the ground floor (cloisters level) of the Main Library. The collection continued to expand through both purchase and donations. The collecting of political and historical works expanded with donations such as the Paul Tripcony collection of historical and political books and pamphlets and electioneering material. The Library also acquired books from the old Trades Hall Library and the Workers’ Educational Association.

In the 1950s the Fryer Library commenced indexing the content of Australian literary journals. This index sourced the original creative work of Australian writers and also critical analysis of Australian literature in journals. The scope of the Index was broadened over the years to include coverage of Australian writers in English and American journals. The index contributed entries to the Index to Australian Book Reviews (1965-1981) and the Annual Bibliography of Studies in Australian Literature in the journal, Australian Literary Studies. The Index was discontinued in 1990 when the AUSTLIT database provided electronic access to Australian literature.

From 1958 Eunice Hanger, lecturer in drama in the University’s English Department, commenced the collection of Australian playscripts to support the teaching of Australian drama. The unpublished scripts were from a diverse range of established and new playwrights, and from play competitions. Following Eunice Hanger’s death in 1972, Alrene Skyes who also taught drama in the English Department, assisted with the continuation of the collecting program. Beside stage production scripts, Alrene Skyes encouraged the collecting of radio play scripts. The collecting of playscripts is an ongoing activity.