Friends of Battye Library (Inc.)

Aims and Objectives

The Friends of Battye Library aims are to assist with the acquisition, preservation and use of archival and documentary material by:

	promoting the Battye Library and the State Records office in the wider community
	sharing research based on the collections through lectures and talks
	helping with identifying, acquiring and preserving historical records
	sponsoring voluntary assistance with indexing of materials in the collections
	raising funds for selected projects
	supporting the publication of guides to make collections more accessible

Background

Collecting of Western Australian historical archival records started in 1894. In 1956, the Battye Library became a separate entity and was named after the first librarian, James Sykes Battye. Both government and private material was collected dating from 17th century journey of exploration.

In 1988, the records of government were transferred to the State Archives, renamed the Public Records Office in 1995. It was separated from the State Library in 1999 and became the State Records Office (SRO). Under the State Records Act, SRO is responsible for Managing, preserving and providing access to the archives of state and local governments.

The Battye Library collects and makes available all forms of original documents and publications.

Included are:

	private archives (family and business)
	letters and diaries
	books
	newspapers and periodicals
	maps
	photographs
	ephemera
	oral histories
	electronic publications
	films, videotapes and DVD's

Fragile newspapers being washed before filming

Newspapers being filmed

Checking film