Pictures of porphyry: University of Canberra's geology collection – who gives a schist?

Collections and museums found in universities occupy a unique heritage space subject to the changing tides of the higher education operating environment. The collections and museums at the University of Canberra are no different. A project, supported by an ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Government Heritage Grant, looked into the significance and history of a unique and vulnerable university collection, the University of Canberra’s Economic Minerals & Geology Collection. The collection of over 5000 items included specimens of local, national and global significance including a global representation of minerals and ores. This irreplaceable collection represents not only natural, scientific and educational heritage but also has strong links to industry and social history. This case study will explore the significance of the collection to the university and beyond. It will also look into the rediscovery of the collection within the present climate of tertiary education in Australia and document how the collection has weathered the many changes to the higher education sector over the past 30 years. The study will also explore new ways of reimagining and reinventing the collection to keep up with changes in academic disciplinary methods and pedagogy to create new connections with students, academics and the community.