Rare local treasures donated to Central Queensland University have a new home within the University Library's Capricornia collection that will ensure they are cared for and preserved for generations to come.

Some of the most valuable records of Central Queensland pastoral life dating back to 1857 are among scores of documents that will now be made electronically available to researchers and historians anywhere. Included in the collection are photographs, old books, personal diaries, manuscript letters and records from local bodies.

The collection will be included in an exhibition titled Treasures from the Capricornia CQ Collection, which will be open from Monday 3 June.

University librarian, Margaret Appleton said donations of large collections and monetary gifts from donors such as Alan and Jean Shannon made it possible. The Shannons provided a valuable record of early pastoral life and also enabled the purchase of a specialised scanner to digitise the collection. Appleton said the digitisation of the collection would reduce the need to handle the fragile original material.

Community donations have also helped with the refurbishment of the University library. CQU Press author and Rockhampton historian Lorna McDonald praised the renovation and said she looked forward to accessing the collection in its new form.

"The Capricornia collection, built up over many years, has always been a valuable place for the public and CQU researchers to access historical information," she said.