State Library Victoria Andrew McConville

Redmond Barry statue in front of the State Library Victoria

Happy birthday to us: Redmond Barry and the Library

February 11, 2025

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

On 11 February our Library celebrates our 169th birthday. While based on the world’s great libraries, our Library was also a radical departure. Ours was a library with unrestricted access to anyone over 14, with every book available to view. The primary driver of the Library was Redmond Barry. While generally remembered as the judge at the Ned Kelly trial, Redmond Barry’s pioneering contribution to Melbourne’s cultural and educational heritage is unsurpassed

Students in the big time: University, the VFL and ‘Doc Park’

September 24, 2024

Our stories, Victorian history:

The AFL is huge business these days, but in 1908 the ninth club to join the competition was a team of students from Melbourne University. The amateur students couldn’t match the growing professionalism of the other clubs, but they did produce stars such as Roy Park.

Online Collection Spotlight: The OECD iLibrary

September 23, 2024

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

This Online Collection Spotlight features the OECD iLibrary. The iLibrary includes a vast collection of high level research into all aspects of policy areas that effect our daily lives and our future.

Houdini visits Australia

July 12, 2024

Arts & literature, Such was life:

Houdini remains one of the world’s most famous entertainers. He toured Australia in 1910, performing his feats of escapology in Melbourne and Sydney, diving into the Yarra handcuffed and chained, completing the first powered flight in Australia, and becoming embroiled in a dispute with world champion boxer Tommy Burns about the proprietorship of the milk can escape.

Online Collection Spotlight: the Analysis & Policy Observatory (APO)

June 22, 2024

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

The Analysis & Policy Observatory draws together high level research reports across public policy ranging from science and technology, the natural and built environment, to health, education and social issues.

From the Travelling Library to the Internet: a Library beyond the building

February 1, 2024

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Since our opening we have looked at ways to connect with people who cannot come to our building. This includes a Travelling Library, a Country Member Postal Service and a Lending Library

VCE English, EAL & literature research guide

Getting help with VCE research

November 16, 2023

Ask a librarian, Research tips:

Our VCE research guides provide a wealth of resources and research tips for several VCE units, including the new English and EAL ‘Framework of ideas’.

Marcus Clarke: Literary Librarian

September 27, 2023

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Marcus Clarke, author of the great convict novel, ‘For the Term of His Natural Life’, witty and provocative journalist, bohemian, and Librarian at our Library fitted much into his eventful but short life.

Australian football: from rectangles to ovals

September 22, 2023

Ask a librarian, Sport:

As we enter AFL Grand Final week it is a good opportunity to look at a key moment in the game’s development. Beginnings Football began being played in Melbourne in… Read More ›

The first Royal Visit

June 11, 2023

Ask a librarian, Our stories:

In 1867 Australia hosted our first Royal visitor. Prince Alfred toured the country, and toured our Library! It was a tumultuous time. Sectarian murders, riots, tragedy and finally an attempted assassination punctuated the Prince’s journey. His resilience in the face of these events won him great respect across the Australian colonies.

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Articles by: Andrew McConville