New book labels to categorise Indigenous-related resources

The Collections team is currently reviewing selected books using the AIATSIS 'Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources'.

The Library Collections contain a vast number of books, articles and other resources from both historical and modern authors. Some of these may contain offensive, degrading or upsetting content – but have been preserved for research and educational purposes.

Now these items will have stickers to guide students and researchers in their selection, using categories from The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources.

The five categories

By mob: Resources developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

With mob: Developed in respectful partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

For mob: Developed on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

About mob: No Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander input, support nor partnerships

Against mob: Resources portray deficit or racist views

How to read the label

Each square sticker features the five classifications from AIATSIS and the colours of the Aboriginal flag. The yellow shape with the larger font highlights the chosen designation for that particular book.

These classifications are not an endorsement or an indication from Library staff about whether the book should or should not be read. Instead, it supports students, educators and researchers to make informed choices about what information they are using. The classification system, developed by Mob, also helps to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.

The sticker design was inspired by the book spine labels created by Aboriginal teacher Eli Pietens and teacher librarian Robyn Ellis at Byron Bay High School.

How to raise questions or concerns

The Collections team has identified more than 3000 items in our collection that need to be evaluated with this system. While we have made great progress so far, it will take some time to thoughtfully review each book and place the stickered items back onto our shelves.

If you are looking for a specific resource, or if you have questions or concerns about this project, please get in touch with us at collection.support@rmit.edu.au. If your question is about a specific title, you can also select the 'report a problem with this item' button in Primo and submit your query there.

16 July 2026

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures