Local studies revisited – come and join us!

Queensland Local Studies Group will meet on the 1st of March, kicking off a fresh year of dialogue and a renewed energy and focus on the topic that helps to reflect and evoke unique Queensland experiences.

The purpose of these meetings is to share experiences, expertise and new learnings; identify solutions to challenges; advocate for collaborative networks and partner opportunities; and acknowledge the diverse and creative ways the Queensland experience is celebrated and showcased at a local level.

L-R Library Coordinator Astrid Hancock and Cr. Mayor Joyce McCulloch view the digitised MIMAG collection, National Library of Australia, 2016. Photo by Mount Isa City Library

You can check out minutes of previous meetings on the Public Libraries Connect website, and they too showcase the various programs and activities being delivered in relevant regions and encourage library staff to explore similar projects and opportunities to network with local GLAM sector heritage partners.

Three topics on the agenda for the first meeting of the year include:

• a guided tour of Magnificent Makers – the SLQ exhibition showcasing collections of the John Oxley Library and the group of remarkable Queenslanders who made significant contributions to the state’s education, sport, leisure, clothing, photography, medicine and scientific research;
• a demonstration on managing valuable digital assets using Recollect, a New Zealand product that is helping cultural organisations to connect their content to their communities; and
• engaging with community through collections – it’s a winner every time!

Blackbutt and District Tourism Heritage Association (BDTHA) members Hazel Christie-Small, Iris Crumpton, Evelyn Feige and Noeleen Bird unveil the latest additions to the Roy Emerson Museum. Photograph Blackbutt and District Tourism Heritage Association, 2015

If your public library maintains a Local History collection that is unique to your area, however big or small, why not join the state-wide Local Studies discussion group? It is easy to subscribe to online and updates are forwarded regularly by list members.
If you would like to start a Local Studies collection in your public library or are interested in working with your local heritage groups we encourage you to sign-up. Every member will soon receive an invitation to attend the Local Studies meeting, and we look forward to everyone joining us on Level 4 at SLQ from 10-4pm, Thursday 1 March.
Alternatively you can send us your stories and we will share them on the John Oxley Library blog - contact the Queensland Memory team.

Anne Scheu is a Collections Engagement Officer at Queensland Memory, State Library of Queensland.