Adelaide University Library Collection Cultural Advice

Adelaide University Library respectfully acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations Peoples and their Elders past and present, who are the First Nations' Traditional Owners of the lands that are home to our campuses located in Adelaide, Magill, Mawson Lakes, Waite, Roseworthy, Mount Gambier and Whyalla.

Cultural advice statement

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that the Adelaide Library Collection contains images, voices and names of deceased persons in physical and online resources.

The Library recognises the significance of the cultural knowledges contained within its Collection. The Library acknowledges some materials contain language that may not reflect current attitudes, were published without consent or recognition, or are offensive. These materials reflect the views of the authors and/or the period in which they were produced and do not represent the views of the Library.

Materials included in this catalogue may be subject to access conditions imposed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and/or depositors. Access to some materials may be subject to these terms and conditions which the Library is required to maintain.

Why am I seeing this notice?

In sharing information in library catalogues, it is important, and a condition of use, that we observe cultural protocols that are consistent with the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and appreciate sensitivities around certain content.

Bereavement practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples vary across different communities and regions. There is often sensitivity to seeing and hearing the name, image or voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who are deceased, as this may cause sadness or distress and in some cases, offend against strongly held cultural prohibitions.

Where footage, images or sound recordings of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are used, suitable warnings must be given at the beginning of the content. This will alert Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples that the catalogue material may contain images, voices or names of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who are deceased. This will allow the user to decide whether or not they access the material.

Report a resource

If you come across any resources that you believe violate copyright, legal standards, lore, or contain culturally sensitive content, you can flag them or request their removal by emailing library@adelaide.edu.au. We will promptly investigate and collaborate with you to address the issue.

Why would we retain offensive or harmful items?

Sometimes we retain offensive or harmful terms in collection descriptions for historical accuracy, or to document the issues and social context of a specific time, and the attitudes and opinions of the people who created the material. This is an important part of truth telling, and acknowledging the history of Australia.

Our cultural sensitivity warning alerts users who may be affected by this material that there may be words and descriptions which may be culturally sensitive, and which might not normally be used in certain public or community contexts. This allows users to be informed as they engage with the collection. The Library acknowledges that the terms and annotations which may be encountered by these users may be harmful or cause offence. If users discover unacceptable language or content, they are encouraged to report these items to asklibrary@adelaide.edu.au.

Support services

We recognise that some resources within Adelaide Library Collections may be outdated, offensive, or retraumatising for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. If you or someone you know is impacted by these materials, please consider reaching out to one or more of the following services for support:

Wirringka Services

External or UniSA Online students can contact a team member from any campus. For general enquiries, please email wirringka@unisa.edu.au or call 8302 9195.

13YARN Aboriginal support hotline

Going through a tough time? We're here to yarn. If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. No shame, no judgement, a safe place to yarn. We’re here for you.

Counselling and Narrative Therapy

Aboriginal peoples can access free and confidential counselling from this service at Marion and Elizabeth Downs.

The ACT Centre

This centre works closely with many Aboriginal primary health care sites within metropolitan, regional, and remote South Australia. Our psychologists have experience in working with Aboriginal children, adolescents, and adults in the area of mental health, trauma, and relationships. There can be up to 12 free sessions covered by Medicare.

Further resources

Yurirka: Proppa Engagement with Aboriginal Peoples

Adelaide University recognises the importance of terminology in decolonising the narrative 'about' Aboriginal Peoples, and how we might improve that process. This guide has been prepared to assist users to engage respectfully with Aboriginal Peoples, and to advance and improve the way we speak, write and think about the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Peoples.

Adelaide University Collections & Initiatives

The University Library has dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections, spaces, and place.

Ask us anything: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Our students and staff answer anonymously submitted questions to confront myths and stereotypes about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Call it Out

Call It Out is a simple and secure way for people to report incidents of racism and discrimination towards First Nations Peoples. These reports are collected, held securely and analysed by Jumbunna Research to inform annual reports to help raise awareness and drive systematic change.

BlackWords: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Writing and Storytelling

BlackWords provides access to a vast record of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and their publications.