The Fryer Library's collections of Queensland political organisations and student activists groups are supported by a growing collection of 'ephemera', which is library-speak for written or printed material that is usually created for a short-term purpose.

Political ephemera collected by Fryer ranges from how to vote cards, posters, buttons, bumper stickers, and t-shirts, to a newly acquired Kevin Rudd tote bag. These collections are still referred to as the 'Fryer Vertical Files' (FVFs), a reference to the filing cabinets they were once stored in.

New online journal The Fashion archives, which launched last week, focuses on Queensland fashion stories, past and present, by exploring heritage collections from public and private collections, large and small.

For those lucky enough to be in Melbourne for rare book week, (18 - 28 July, 2013) there are a host of free exhibitions, talks, and the ANZAAB rare book fair.

During September 1967, Archdeacon Edward Leo Hayes made the arrangements which saw his vast collection of books, manuscripts, documents, anthropological and geological specimens and assorted realia sent to the University of Queensland. The collection left an invaluable legacy to UQ's Fryer Library and anthropology museum.

Until recently, all collections belonging to Fryer Library have been stored in the same building as the library. Increasing space problems mean that some items have been moved out of the building, and now need to be requested in advance of a visit to Fryer Library.

During the week beginning 3 June, Fryer Library will be working with a moving company to relocate over 1500 boxes of manuscript material to a new store, located at the Gatton campus. We have taken this step due to space constraints, especially as our collections continue to grow.

During the move, there will be some delays in accessing materials, while the movers are working.

The Collection Development News website provides information on new resources.

The theme for this year's Harmony Day is Many Stories - One Australia.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship, who organises the celebrations of Harmony day each year on the 21st of March, describes the importance of sharing stories in celebrating Australia's diversity:

Let's go beyond the cover of the book and wander through the pages of each other's story. It's a way we can learn and understand.

On November 22nd, The Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature was given to Herb Wharton.