State Library of NSW hits it millionth eRecord!

The State Library of NSW has chalked up one million newly created eRecords, taking the Library a giant step closer to making its entire heritage collection searchable online.

“The NSW Government committed $23 million over five years to help the State Library create electronic resources for its early catalogues which comprise over one million hand-written or typescript cards ...... These catalogues document some of the most historically significant items held by the State Library, including the original charts by Matthew Flinders and First Fleeter William Bradley and the works of famous literary figures like Henry Lawson, Banjo Patterson and Patrick White,” Minister Souris said.

Library staff have uncovered some other intriguing finds in the course of their work, including:

• a copy of the Gallipoli evacuation order from 16 December, 1915 (one of only five copies made);
• a rare hand drawn map of Brisbane, 1839 by George Barney;
• a collection of lantern slides of Antarctic exploration (1907-1930), presented by Captain Morton Moyes, a member of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition;
• a beautiful collection of botanical sketches and drawings (1893-1897) by Edward William Minchen; and
• a series of interviews by Rod Shaw with poets and artists about the question 'what makes a work of art,’ including an interview with Lloyd Rees. The series also includes poetry readings by Nancy Keesing, Geoffrey Dutton and Dorothy Hewitt.

“By July 2013 people will enjoy complete online access to the Library’s entire heritage collection, making it a truly global resource,” says NSW State Librarian and Chief Executive, Alex Byrne.

The library will always be one of our favourite places in this world but when you can't visit, then go onto their eResources for your reading and research. Find out more on the library's eRecords blog.