Portrait of John Oxley. Image number 1330
John Oxley Library
The State Library of Queensland's John Oxley Library opened in 1934 and is responsible for collecting, managing and providing access to material that documents Queensland's history, development and cultural life.
The Library is used by a diverse range of researchers including academics, the media, students, government departments, historians and interested members of the general public.
The John Oxley Library was 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.
Ipswich Railway Station, Queensland, ca. 1906. Image number 194879
The John Oxley Library collects widely and is assisted by the State Library's legal deposit role which requires publishers, authors and others to deposit a copy of their works with the library. The library also acquires the works of Queensland authors.
The collection falls into the following broad categories discoverable via the One Search catalogue :
- Original Materials include the library's extensive collection of manuscript and archival holdings relating to Queensland including artworks, photographs, station records, diaries, letters, films and digital stories.
- Picture Queensland's digitised images from the pictorial collection are now discoverable through the One Search catalogue (you can limit to images) as well as via the Picture Queensland link. 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 include books, serials and newspapers. Significant printed collections include Rare Books and Ephemera.
- Maps, with particular strengths in historic, land exploration, pastoral and commercial or real estate maps.
The following are manually ordered at the Information Desk on level 4 in the John Oxley Library Reading Room using subject headings folders kept there:
- Newspaper clippings
- Copy print photograph collection
What's happening at the John Oxley Library?
- The John Oxley Library John Oxley Library blog encourages discussion within the community about its collections and activities.
- The State Library's slqnews provides an overview of a wide range of current and forthcoming public programs, talks, tours and exhibitions, many of which highlight the John Oxley Library's collections and services.
- The State Library holds events relating to the John Oxley collection including talks, workshops and exhibitions.
More information
If you have a Queensland related enquiry or wish to learn more about the John Oxley Library's collections and services, contact us in the following ways:
Last updated: 5th January 2012
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