Treasure Maps? Hidden gems in the State Library databases
Overview of large map collections that can be found in State Library databases. More than 2000 maps are like hidden treasure, buried in our online collections.
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Online Collection Spotlight – Decolonization: Politics and Independence in Former Colonial and Commonwealth Territories
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
Through primary sources, the ‘Decolonization: Politics and independence in former colonial and Commonwealth territories’ database, provides an insight into the development of Commonwealth nations and former British colonies in the post-World War II era, as they moved toward self-determination and the development of their own identities.
Collection Discovery: Children’s browsing collection
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
State Library Victoria has a collection of more than 4000 children’s books in our browsing collection, all of which are available in the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter. The collection spans from durable board books for the youngest learners to engaging graphic novels and detailed non-fiction for older children. With so many books to view we have created a collection discovery page to help families find the right book for them.
How our ‘genies’ saved the census
Ask a librarian, Family matters, Our stories, Victorian history:
Researchers visiting the Library are often dismayed when they discover that prior to 2001, there are no surviving census returns for individuals in the Colony of Victoria. What were the reasons behind the destruction of our census records? And how did our ‘genies’ save the day?
Wycheproof: heart of Victoria’s wheat belt
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
Wycheproof is a tiny Wimmera town set amid wheat fields and flat plains. It’s famous for the railway line running down the middle of the main street. Mount Wycheproof, the lowest mountain in the world, rises above the town. Wycheproof is no stranger to flood and drought. Join us to learn more.
Online collection spotlight: Batten and Percy Auction Plans
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
As Melbourne began to be subdividen in the late nineteenth century, real estate agents produced maps and advertisements to advertise these land sales. In this blog post we take a closer look at these digitised plans and the sort of information they can reveal.
Pro Feminis a Feminis: Dr Constance Stone and her hospital ‘for women, run by women’
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
On the 125th anniversary of its opening, we take a look at the story of the Queen Victoria Hospital for Women and its founder, Constance Stone – the first woman to be registered as a doctor in Australia.
Trapped in the snow: Alpine huts and the story of Cleve Cole
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
From as early as 1860, cattlemen built huts on Victoria’s high plain to protect themselves from the elements. In 1937 the Cleve Cole memorial hut was built to honour a lost Victorian skiing pioneer. Read on to discover this piece of Victoria’s alpine history.
Online Collection Spotlight: the Analysis & Policy Observatory (APO)
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.
Our favourite State Library spaces
Our librarians share what they love about their favourite spaces at State Library Victoria.
