The Library Archives is a collection of the records of business, industry, educational and religious institutions, unions, associations, organisations and societies relating to the north Queensland region. Records of some individuals and families are also collected. Personal papers, letters, diaries and reminiscences are included in records of individuals. More details can be obtained from the library's List of Archival Holdings.
Those wishing to consult material in the Archives Collection are advised to contact the Special Collections Librarian (phone: (07) 4781 5588 or e-mail: amhara.russell@jcu.edu.au) or InfoHelp (phone: (07) 4781 6869 or e-mail: infohelp@jcu.edu.au) in advance to ensure that the material they require will be available.
The Archives Collection came into existence in 1970 with the acquisition of the papers of Jean Devanny, an important Australian writer who spent much of her life in north Queensland and wrote extensively about the region. Following receipt of the Delamothe Bequest in 1977, a deliberate decision was made to actively acquire regional archives.
The Library Archives is particularly interested in acquiring:
- station records representative of particular areas or periods;
- records of churches or of unions which do not have a central archive;
- records of associations representative of social, political and cultural life which have made a significant regional impact;
- records of researchers or writers whose work reflects a particular north Queensland focus;
- records of people who have made a significant contribution to social, cultural or political life in north Queensland.
The Cairns Campus has a small collection of archives relating to environmental issues and environmental campaigns in far north Queensland.
Significant Archives Web Sites
- Register of Australian Archives & Manuscripts: This national register includes records for the most significant archives in the James Cook University Library.
- Directory of Archives in Australia: List of archival collections and how to access them
- Australian Archives: Information about the National Archive
- Queensland State Archives: Information about the role and services of Queensland State Archives
- Italian/Australian Records Project: Information about a national program, to which James Cook University is a contributor, to preserve the records of Italian Australians.
- National Archives (U.S.A.): One of the
major national archives in the world displays its services.
If this information is inadequate, incorrect, or can be improved in any way, please let us know