Articles by: Blair Gatehouse
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
Interested in exploring the music of the Baroque era but don’t know where to start? Looking for a curated playlist to listen to while you study or work? Hoping to understand more about a key piece of classical music? Naxos Music Library is a music streaming database that features much more than just audio.
Rarely a day goes by that State Library Victoria’s librarians don’t consult Trove – it is an indispensable resource for a wide range of research. We put a call out to State Library Victoria staff to share their favourite discoveries on Trove. From articles that revealed previously unknown details of their family history, to a bizarre ad for the film Frankenstein, their discoveries reveal what a rich resource for research Trove can be.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:
It wouldn’t be a summer holiday without a hastily sent postcard that arrives home a few days after you do. Explore some of Victoria’s favourite beach towns through images from our extensive postcard collection.
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
On 10 October 1909, 54 runners lined up at Frankston to compete in the first ever Victorian Marathon. Since that date marathon races have been a constant, and much loved, feature of the Victorian sporting calendar.
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
Moomba, the Royal Melbourne Show, New Years Eve…Victorians love to celebrate major events with fireworks. While we might have an idea of what a typical firework display looks like (such as the regular ones held each New Years Eve), the displays of the nineteenth century were completely unlike like what we see today.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
The women’s movement, the advent of television, rock and roll, the gay rights movement, the Vietnam War: explore photographs and documents bringing the turbulent 50s, 60s and 70s to life.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:
The 1970s and 80s saw a dramatic change in Melbourne’s restaurant scene. One of the most influential restaurants of this period was Stephanie Alexander’s restaurant, Stephanie’s. Through menus, photographs, recipes, notebooks and more, the Stephanie Alexander collection provides a taste of what it was like to eat at Stephanie’s in its heyday.
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
Wander down to Geelong’s Eastern Beach on a hot day over summer and you’ll be greeted by a huge crowd of sun seekers.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
The Mahlstedt Fire Insurance Plans show Melbourne’s CBD in precise detail. Learn how these incredible resources can be used to track changes to the city throughout the years.
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
Many Melburnians are surprised to learn that high above the bustle of Flinders Street Station sits a ballroom that has been largely unused since the early 1980s.
