Collection spotlights

Postcards from the beach

Postcards from the beach

December 30, 2022

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.

Christmas and holiday traditions we love

Christmas and holiday traditions we love

December 19, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

Take a festive jaunt through our image archive as we explore some of our most beloved Christmas and holiday traditions.

The Press Fancy dress skirt and part of sash, 1866; H141541

Online Collection Spotlight: Berg fashion library

December 9, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Want to know what Monks in 1100 thought of men that wore pointed shoes? The history of headscarves and their persecution in Western fashion? Head to toe! The history of hats, hemlines, and heel heights are available at your fingertips through Berg Fashion Library.

Exterior view of milkbars in North Carlton, Victoria, 1983/1984. Photo by Christopher van der Craats. This work is in copyright; H2019.250/28

Your local milk bar

December 2, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

Take a walk down memory lane as we explore a newly digitised collection of photographs of milkbars from the 70s and 80s taken by Melbourne photographer, Christopher van der Craats.

Christie's auction house. [199-]. Photo by Rennie Ellis. This work is in copyright; H2011.150/2778

Online Collection Spotlight: Australian art auction records

November 11, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Are you curious about the value of an artwork or piece of furniture that you own? Or perhaps you are interested in what it might cost to buy a piece by Lisa Roet or Brett Whiteley? The Australian art auction record database can shed some light upon what works have sold and for how much.

Online Collection Spotlight: Disability in the modern world: History of a social movement

Online Collection Spotlight: Disability in the modern world: History of a social movement

October 9, 2022

Collection spotlights:

Are you interested in social justice or human rights? Are you keen to learn how people with disability stood up for their rights? If so, come on a journey into the online database Disability in the modern world: History of a social movement.

The family that grew up with the Melbourne Zoo

The family that grew up with the Melbourne Zoo

October 5, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

Learn how one family’s singular obsession with the natural world contributed to the Melbourne Zoo we know today.

Express yourself and be yourself.

Online Collection Spotlight: Archives of sexuality and gender 

September 23, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Attitudes to gender, sex, and sexuality have come a long way, and this database houses material that covers historical changes and related social movements. The oldest material dates back to the 16th century. Topics covered include LGBTQ studies, women studies, health and hygiene, sex education, and some forbidden books.

Fanny Anne Charsley: a legacy of flowers

Fanny Anne Charsley: a legacy of flowers

September 1, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Rare Books & Arts:

Explore the life and art of Fanny Anne Charsley, a botanical artist who lived in Melbourne during the mid 19th century and painted Victorian wild flowers.

Strange attractors: Australian science fiction at SLV 

Strange attractors: Australian science fiction at SLV 

August 18, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Science fiction often focuses on the outward exploration of space and new worlds. In contrast, Australian science fiction writing is dominated by dystopic settings, featuring characters alienated from society. This blog post highlights some of the best Australian SF in the Library’s collection.