Our new-look catalogue: Browse and Related items

Our new-look catalogue: Browse and Related items

May 21, 2019

Tips and tricks:

Read about the new browsing feature of our redesigned online catalogue and learn how to discover related material in the collection.

The Spare Corner Club

The Spare Corner Club

May 17, 2019

People & professions, Social life & customs, Such was life:

It was a cool summer’s day in 1940 when around fifty members of the Spare Corner Club met in the Fitzroy Gardens for lunch…

Our new-look catalogue: Resource recommender

Our new-look catalogue: Resource recommender

May 14, 2019

Tips and tricks:

Our online catalogue has had a major redesign. Learn how to use the handy new feature: the Resource recommender.

Our new-look catalogue: An introduction

Our new-look catalogue: An introduction

May 7, 2019

Tips and tricks:

In August 2018, we launched a major redesign of our online catalogue. Learn how to make the most out of its improved, user-friendly design and enhanced functionality with this series of blog posts.

Liverpool to Melbourne: the newspaper

Liverpool to Melbourne: the newspaper

May 7, 2019

People & professions, Such was life:

During her 1854 voyage to Melbourne, the ‘Marco Polo’ published a weekly newspaper for passengers- which provides a vivid description to life on board.

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King Arthur through the ages

May 3, 2019

Arts & literature, Musicals, Such was life:

King Arthur has a rich artistic and cultural legacy. Explore the rise and rise of Arthur, a king for the ages. 

“Mentioned in dispatches”: ways to research your military ancestors

“Mentioned in dispatches”: ways to research your military ancestors

April 18, 2019

Family matters:

Anzac Day is often a time when people think about the wartime experiences of their ancestors, and may contemplate researching them.

A hidden treasure, no more: Conservation treatment of ‘View of the north shore’

A hidden treasure, no more: Conservation treatment of ‘View of the north shore’

April 18, 2019

Collection Care, Conservation, Our stories:

Conservation treatment has returned strength and aesthetic unity to this vibrant watercolour, allowing this important artwork to be appreciated by the public once more.

Robert Thomson delivers 2019 Keith Murdoch Oration

Robert Thomson delivers 2019 Keith Murdoch Oration

April 17, 2019

News, Talks:

The Chief Executive of News Corporation, Robert Thomson, delivered the 2019 Keith Murdoch Oration at State Library Victoria on Tuesday 16 April.

New listening in Arts : Autumn selections

New listening in Arts : Autumn selections

April 16, 2019

classical music, Film, Music, Musicals, Performing Arts, Popular music, Rare Books & Arts, Television:

New arrivals include this Autumn selection of popular, jazz, musical theatre, classical and film music on CD. Most are currently showcased on our wonderful listening posts in the Arts Reading… Read More ›

Such was life

Online Collection Spotlight: Trench journals and unit magazines of the First World War.

Online Collection Spotlight: Trench journals and unit magazines of the First World War.

April 20, 2026 0 comments

This Online Collection Spotlight examines WWI trench journals created by units from several combatant nation between 1914 and 1919. Produced in camps and battle zones, these handmade publications reveal humour, creativity, and resilience through poems, sketches, notes and stories.

Arts

Photographic portrait by Richard Beck of Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980), political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher.

Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art

March 23, 2026 9 comments

Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980) was a political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher. Throughout her art career she was a member of the Communist Party and associated with the Socialist Realist Group.