Private archives are the non-current records of private individuals, families, churches, trade unions, companies, associations and any other non-government organisations. The State Library aims to collect and preserve these original non-government records which reflect the full range of human endeavour in the communities of Western Australia.
The Private Archives Collection includes architectural plans, baptismal, marriage and burial records, correspondence, diaries, maps and microforms, manuscripts, newspaper cuttings, station accounts, and unpublished reports.
The subjects of these collections are as varied as the individuals, businesses, professional community and voluntary organisations which contribute to the life and subsequent history of Western Australia. There are over 1,300 shelf metres of records in the collection. Most of the collections held have been donated and many items are microfilmed or photocopied in order to preserve the original.
Highlights of the Private Archives Collection
The Private Archives Collection contains many interesting records. Have a look at these highlights from the collection to give you a taste of the range of records that are available.
Access to the Collection
To gain access to the records held in the Private Archives Collection, consult the Manuscript Notes (MNs) located in the Battye Library. Manuscript Notes are finding aids which, for each collection, provide historical background, a detailed listing of items in the collection, and details of any restrictions on the use of material. A summary of the Manuscript Notes are also available on-line through the State Library Catalogue.
The Private Archives Collection also holds a great deal of material which is unaccessioned and unprocessed. References to this material can be found in the Checklist of Manuscripts Awaiting Processing (COMAP). Material in COMAP can be viewed, but there are no listings of items in collections, only a subject heading and quantity of material held.
Other items have been accessioned, but do not have a Manuscript Note and have not been entered into the State Library Catalogue. Access to these items can be gained through the Private Archives Card Catalogue.
To examine the collections (unless on microfilm), you must register as a user in the Battye Library or the State Records Office and be issued with a researcher's ticket. There are set times for retrieval of materials.