The J S Battye Library of West Australian History (Battye Library) identifies, collects, organises, preserves and provides access to Western Australia's published documentary heritage as well as collections of original Western Australian historical records. Services based on information about Western Australia are provided to a wide range of clients regardless of location. The Battye Library has specific responsibilities for the preservation of, and access to, these collections as part of the nation's heritage.

Find out how to order an image from our Pictorial Collection.

Another important service is collecting and providing information about government and community organisations. This is done through the Infolink Government and Community Information Database which the State Library maintains. Entries for the Infolink Calendar of Special Dates are also included in this database.

The Battye Library's Collection Development Policy, which includes the Infolink Database Policy, guides the acquisition of Western Australian documentary heritage materials and provides details not only on what material is collected, but also access to it, and its preservation. Specific guidelines for the collection of electronic publications are covered by the Guidelines for the Selection of Electronic Publications for the PANDORA Archive.

The Friends of Battye Library is a society to assist and promote the interests of the J.S. Battye Library of West Australian History and the State Records Office, with particular concern for the acquisition, preservation and use of archival and documentary materials. They hold regular meetings and publish a newsletter.

Historical Records Rescue Consortium (HRRC)
A Lotterywest Grant has been awarded to rescue and make accessible the most at-risk and in-demand historic newspapers, photographs and films in the J S Battye Library of West Australian History (Battye Library). HRRC will manage the $3 million Lotterywest grant for the benefit of the entire community, and acknowledges that without Lotterywest's vital support the people of Western Australia would lose unique and priceless historical records. Also a further $1.085 million was pledged by the Department of Culture and the Arts and the State Library for the project.

James Sykes Battye Memorial Fellowship
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battye Library, the Library Board of Western Australia has established the James Sykes Battye Memorial Fellowship.  The Fellowship, up to the value of $20,000, has been established through the Leah Jane Cohen Library Bequest.  Leah Jane Cohen was a keen supporter of the Library and her enduring generosity will enable others to use the Battye collections to further our understanding of Western Australia. Find out more information.