The Research Collection of Children's Literature is an important resource of historical and contemporary childrens' literature. The main focus of the collection is on Australian literature, excluding information books, written for children and young adults, from the earliest through to the most recent publications. The collection, consisting of over 10,000 titles, was established for use by researchers, tertiary students, and the general public. It serves these client groups' interest in children's and adolescent literature, literary and illustrative techniques, and publishing trends, as well as the study of childhood, which reflects the changes in society.
Australian Collection
The main Australian collection consists of published imprints, historical children's magazines and annuals, and award-winning books of the Children's Book Council of Australia and the West Australian Young Reader's Book Awards. Original archival materials which reflect the creative process of writers, illustrators and editors are an important component.
A reference collection consisting of reference serials and books pertaining to children's literature, including bibliographies, abstracts and indexes, subject guides, and biographical source materials supports the main collection.
Non-Australian English Language Children's Literature
Two minor collections of non-Australian English language children's literature include:
Doorways to Alice
The exhibition featured treasures from the State Library's Research Collection of Children's Literature, including a unique collection of Lewis Carroll's Alice books donated to the collection by the late Dr Pat Cook. Through the Looking Glass and Wonderland activity sheets are available for those interested. The exhibition also features a wonderful tea party scene from the Museum of Childhood collection and 3 Charles Blackman limited edition etchings from his Alice series. You can find more information about this exhibition.
Write, Rite, Right: an Historical Perspective of West Australian Children's Literature
More than one hundred and fifty years of Western Australia's literary history was celebrated in this exhibition which was held in March - May 2002. You can see the creative process reflected in the original materials of authors and illustrators who have generously donated their personal papers to the Research Collection of Children's Literature and the Battye Library. You can find more information about this exhibition.
There are many rare items in the collection. First editions as well as variant editions and representative formats are collected. They include first editions of:
Popular books such as John Mystery's The adventures of Pearl and Plain printed on poor quality paper in the World War II period in the early 1940s, are also represented.
The annuals collection consists of historical English and Australian children's magazines, papers, annuals and comics. They reflect the reading habits of the time. The Australian boys' annual deals with stories of adventure, travel, and sport. Other titles, such as The Empire annual for girls include school life and historical stories, as well as more feminine practicalities.
An important new addition to the collection is the Pre-1890 Australian children's books microfiche package produced by the State Library of South Australia.
Access to the Collection
This collection is intended primarily for the purpose of research and registration is restricted to researchers aged 18 years and over. Researchers requiring access to the collection for more extensive use will need to make a prior appointment with RCCL staff. Please direct enquiries about the collection to the Arts and Literature reference desk.
This is an impressively visual collection and items from the collection are displayed in the frequent exhibitions in the Centre for the Book.
Donations
We welcome donations of original materials relating to the publication process, such as manuscripts, illustrations, editorial correspondence, as well as books not already in the collection.