John Oxley Library
The State Library of Queensland's John Oxley Library, opened in 1934 and now in its 75th year, is responsible for collecting, managing and providing access to material which documents Queensland's history, development and cultural life.
The John Oxley Library is named in honour of John Oxley (1783-1828), naval officer, surveyor and explorer; the first European to extensively explore the Brisbane River. John Oxley was also interested in the public and cultural life of the early colony and assisted in the formation of a circulating library. His link with the promotion and development of library services combined with his prominent place in Queensland history underpin the use of his name for this world class library of Queenslandiana.
The John Oxley Library collects widely, assisted by the State Library’s legal deposit role whereby publishers and others are required to deposit a copy of their works with the library. It also acquires the works of Queensland authors.
The collection falls into the following broad categories and access points:
- Manuscripts Queensland, providing online access to the library’s extensive collection of manuscript and archival material as well as works of art relating to Queensland.
- Picture Queensland, providing access to those images from the pictorial collection that have been digitised for on line access. In addition to these online pictorial resources the remainder of the library’s pictorial resources are available on site at the John Oxley Library.
- Published materials, accessible through the State Library’s One Search. This collection includes books, serials and newspapers. Significant printed collections include Rare Books and Ephemera.
- Maps collection, with particular strengths in historic, land exploration, pastoral and commercial or real estate maps.
What’s happening at the John Oxley Library?
- The White Gloves Tour is the first ever travelling tour of original, historic treasures from the John Oxley Library Collection. Items will be introduced by John Oxley Library staff who will lend their expertise, offer insight into the past and explain how we ensure future generations can share today's memories tomorrow.
- The John Oxley Library publishes a blog to encourage discussion within the community about its collections and activities.
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John Oxley Library 75th Anniversary celebrations - on 5 April 2009 the reading room on level 4 of the South Bank building hosted an Open Day with a range of events, tours and talks about the John Oxley Library, its history, services and collections.
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The State Library of Queensland Magazine provides an overview of a wide range of public programs, talks, tours and exhibitions, many of which highlight the John Oxley Library’s collections and services.
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Images of the week present a range of significant and interesting images from the John Oxley Library’s pictorial collection.
More information
If you have a Queensland related enquiry or wish to learn more about the John Oxley Library's 75th Anniversary celebrations, contact us in the following ways:
For general enquiries:
- Ask at your local Queensland public library
- Other libraries [new window]
Last updated: 29th October 2009
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