Queensland Local Studies Group Minutes

State Library of 20 February 2020 at 10:00am – 3:30pm

Present

Rutian Mi – Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame 2019 – Guest speaker Julanne Neal – Reference Archivist, Queensland State Archives Jane Harding – Heritage Librarian, Noosa Library Service Lara Clarke, Heritage Collection Supervisor, Mackay Regional Council Katrina Dunbar, Mackay Regional Council Kyla Stephan – Local Studies Librarian, Southport and Local Studies Library, Cheryl Aubrey, Southport and Local studies Library, City of Gold Coast Lisa Ryan – Librarian, Regional Council Rochelle Bull, Local History Officer, Gympie Regional Raylene Jensen – Local Studies Librarian, Regional Council Annabel Lloyd, City Council Archives Maggie Barron – Brisbane City Council Archives Cheryl Rickard - Local and Family History Officer, Regional Library Kelly Ashford – Local Studies, Region Melanie Rush – Digital Archivist, Jayne Royal – Local Studies, Regional Libraries Karen Harper – Heritage Library, Sunshine Coast Carol Hawley – Heritage Library, Sunshine Coast Hilda Maclean – Logan Heritage Specialist, Council Niles Elvery – Senior Archivist, Queensland State Archives Kate Harbison, Queensland University Technology, formerly of Brisbane City Counil, Wynnum branch Angela Puata – Gillian McNeill, Redland City Katy Roberts, State Library Queensland Stephanie Ryan, State Library Queensland Christina Ealing-Godbold, Senior Research Librarian, State Library of Queensland Olivia Robinson, State Library of Queensland Anne Scheu, State Library of Queensland

Apology

Sasha Mackay – Oral History Queensland

Welcome / Morning Tea – Gavin Bannerman, Director, Queensland Memory, State Library of Queensland

State Library of Queensland - Actions in 2020

• Queensland Memory Awards - Fellowships and encouraging communities to submit projects Chrissi Theodosiou, Coordinator Research Hub • Collections at State Library of Queensland - update on SLQ collecting priorities Robyn Hamilton, Lead, Collection Building | Queensland Memory • Digital stories, images in One Search – Rosetta and Digitool Serena Coates, Lead Preservation Services • Transcript functionality in Vimeo viewer - Latest initiative making content accessible Rachel Merrick, Coordinator, Digital Library Initiatives

Preserving Indigenous Languages – State Library experience and beyond Primary content State Library of Queensland - https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/discover/aboriginal-and-torres- strait-islander-cultures-and-stories/language

How did State Library of Queensland contribute to International Year of Indigenous Languages in 2019; Christina Canendo, Lead kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland Presentation 1

Indigenous Knowledge Centres – language and community Louise Hunter Lead, Indigenous Services – office, SLQ; Lesley Acres, Program Officer, State Library of Queensland Presentation 2

The United Nations decision to extend recognition for First Nation languages 2022 – 2032. Public Libraries can connect with elders in your regional community. Contact: Lesley Acres – [email protected]; Louise Hunter – [email protected]

More resources: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and toolkits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language Websites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language ideas for Public Libraries

Meet me at the Paragon exhibition Chrissi Theodosiou, Co-curator Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery, Level 4 https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/meet-me-paragon Blogs stories Queensland’s Greek Cafes - http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/jol/?s=greek+cafes

History of Chinese business in Queensland 1840 – 1940 – Research project Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame 2019 Fellow – Rutian Mi Presentation 3 – with Notes

Q- album - Queensland State Archives https://qalbum.archives.qld.gov.au/ Project Lead Julanne Neal, Reference Archivist, Access Services

Queensland Local Studies Group retrospective In 2001 the QLSG formally met at State Library of Queensland. In the 20 years since the group has conducted 4 meetings per year as a network. Looking forward in 2020, members were invited to discuss commitment for the future.

Local Studies Group – Looking forward – Discussion and feedback • Business as usual? Does the offer look the same? • Regional networks and relationships – level of responsibility? • Supporting wider Council programs – expectation v demand • Queensland wide initiatives eg. #widerlocalstudies; 1lib1ref; • Priorities – are they the same or do they look different going forward • Aspirations and achievements v budget and outcomes • Challenges for Local Studies? If so, what are they… • State Library of Queensland – advocacy, actions, standards review • MORE…

Feedback 20/02/2020

Valuing Queensland Local Studies Group (QLSG) • Is it vital that we still have a local studies group going forward? Yes – it is! • The number of people attending the meeting is evidence of its value • The group’s coordination by SLQ lends vital gravitas important to Local Government and advocacy for Local Studies • The group reserves the right to make the Queensland Local Studies Group what we need it to be • For some libraries, including those outside of , attendance at the Queensland Local Studies Group Meeting is identified as professional development and is acknowledged as being invaluable. • organise a visit to any of the other locations along with the people from our council who have the power to green light a new project, so that they can see the benefits for themselves … because however valuable we in LH think it is, it is very hard to up-sell. (additional note) • Add an hour before the formal meeting for networking (or after). (additional note)

Meetings • Use of tools/products encouraging more flexible online participation would be welcome • Including direct URLs in minutes is a helpful and straight forward low-tech approach to sharing information • More inclusive agendas (including things requested by participants like ‘Deed of Gift’). (Kyla’s additional note. Should items requested by participants have priority in agendas?) • The Queensland Local Studies Group doesn’t have the type of meetings where every detail can be reflected in minutes or captured in a recording • Attending in person for networking and exchanging of information is invaluable, not easily shared via email • Conversations occur outside of the e-list (Kyla’s additional note. The e-list is a great tool to share relevant information to the group, but it’s not necessarily where ongoing conversations take place. I know that I’ll respond directly to an individual rather than the list. The e-list is a little like an iceberg, it only shows part of the overall structure) • The thing that makes this group work is the informality and knowledge sharing. (Kyla’s additional note. Should the round table be at the beginning of the meeting? After we’ve already started chatting over cups of tea? Those that travel the furthest are usually those who need to leave early and we hear/see less of at other times) • How do we empower colleagues, and educate their councils, so that more local studies staff are able to attend? • Don’t wish meetings to be too prescriptive or rigid • Maintaining participation outside of the 200km radius of Brisbane may be eased by offering a two- day local studies workshop at SLQ once a year. Eg. ‘a meeting on steroids’ • Two meetings a year would probably be enough, with some information shared by email to compensate for the fewer meetings, and to keep the 2 meetings dynamic. (additional note)

General feedback • Staff in local studies libraries are always looking at engagement. It’s necessary. There are more players in the cultural sector, it’s more competitive and more complex • History is popular now, but how we all deliver that or meet that need is different • Historic images are very popular on social media and have the highest engagement • QM e-news is the most read newsletter at SLQ, outperforming all others. This reflects interest in history and heritage. It is also the only communication tool QM/SLQ uses • Local Studies needs points of difference from other providers of resources etc operating in the same space • A measured approach is needed

Challenges and aspirations

• Are there things of mutual benefit that can be done collectively? Sharing platforms? A platform containing resources of interest. Response: It was noted that this approach requires capacity to create and manage • Is it possible to distribute the SLQ collecting priorities to the group so we’re not duplicating effort and are informed of what SLQ needs which likely align with regional needs? • Are we repeating things serendipitously across the state? • Local Government always require an outcome/delivery • Is it possible to track outcomes or growth centrally? • There are different ways to measure growth and outcomes • Being ‘out there on your own is hard’ • There are limited resources in local studies • More needs to be done about advocacy, information sharing and joint projects • Consider undertaking joint group projects in the future • Many members of the group already contribute formally and informally to the SLQ projects and exhibitions

Round Table

Logan City Library

• Local Studies volunteers have been helping to retrospectively compile the Logan Registry District burial index which was established in 1872. The next stage will be to cross reference this index with the cemetery and church burial registers in the City of Logan and surrounding LGAs. Any unmatched registrations will be flagged as a potential ‘at risk’ burial until its location can be confirmed or the site declared lost. Newly discovered burial grounds will be incorporated into the Local Heritage Overlay in the city plan.

• Work continues on developing a methodology for creating retrospective lists using the CD- ROM version of the QLD BDM indexes up to 1914, which neatly coincides with when far fewer burials occurred in non-gazetted cemeteries. This work-around is necessary as Queensland does not put the registration district in the index entries beyond B for Brisbane registered entries and C for Country registrations. I have also found a number of places where copies of death certificates can be found for “free” to “confirm” place of burial. However, early death certificates are notorious for vague burial descriptions. For example, there are over twenty which describe the burial place as . As the Logan River is 184km long and it has two banks, there is a lot of places these burials could be.

Happy to demonstrate the above methodology and how to record the data at a future meeting.

Toowoomba Regional Council

• John Oxley Blog regarding the Carnival of Flowers call out for memorabilia was very useful. We received further information and assistance from its readers. Thankyou! • Commenced talks in conjunction with our Toowoomba Friends of the Library group. The next one will be held in March on caring for old photographs. • We are now utilising some space with the TRC records department for the cleaning of our donations.

City of Gold Coast Libraries • ALIA Gold Coast Library Network Group has formed. All people working in libraries in the region are welcome to participate. Details at https://www.alia.org.au/groups/alia-gold-coast- library-network

• Two new ST ViewScan microform readers/scanners have been installed • Focusing on improving catalogue records and storage of the Meter Maid, Courtesy Girl and Golden Girl collection which consists of multiple boxes and folders containing photos, itineraries, newspaper clippings etc • Interested in seeing SLQ collection priorities from JOL to see where alignment occurs with local collecting priorities

Redland City Libraries

• Willard’s Farm project: last year council acquired the land surrounding Willard’s farm (house built in the early 1860s). The land had been resumed by the Commonwealth during WWII, to erect a Radio Receiving station for the US Military. General MacArthur’s transmission that the war in the Pacific had ended, was received there. At this stage we are waiting for a council decision as to who will manage the project moving forward.

• This year marks 135 years since our council was first formed, the Cleveland Divisional Board. One of its first actions was to build a Board office, later known as the Shire Offices or Shire Hall. Council still operates from the same site, and the original building now sits in the Cascades Park at Victoria Point. We have events planned for 17 July 2020 to commemorate the first meeting 17 July 1885.

• Local History is working with the Tourism team to update our local heritage trails

Noosa Council

• Kabi Kabi films produced in 2019 are now available and ‘hard copy’ version distributed to schools: https://www.libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au/indigenous-history

• Cemeteries database: online searchable database for Noosa’s three cemeteries (Tewantin, Cooroy, Pomona) launched Feb 2020. https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/services- facilities/cemeteries

• Newspaper digitisation: two Noosa papers being digitised in partnership with SLQ and NLA – Noosa Advocate (1911-1934) and Noosa News (1968-1974) should be live on Trove by 30 June. Very exciting to have obtained News Corp’s support for the Noosa News.

• Historian-in-Residence: EOI process completed, looking forward to having two noted Queensland historians coming on board to explore some interesting aspects of Noosa’s history. Stay tuned for further announcements.

• Local Heritage Register review/update to citations: big project in conjunction with Strategic Planning team. Really interesting looking at our built heritage with fresh eyes and perspective of knowledgeable consultants.

• Business as usual: volume of queries from public and within Council continues to increase

Brisbane City Archives

• Kate Harbison has resigned from her position as Local Studies Librarian at Wynnum library after 25 years. Her work in building the collection and connecting with the local community is to be acknowledged - in particular her talks to local students and monthly local history talks at the Library which were appreciated and enjoyed. Kate also provided invaluable reference assistance at the City Archives.

• The Archives continues to actively digitise its photographic collection and other high use collections including the Council Minutes.

• The City Archives is currently delivering “Street Name history “talks across Council Libraries.

Mackay Regional Council

• Team working on ‘Draft’ Digitisation Plan.

• Disaster Planning documentation completed.

• Programs: - TROVE workshops (March); Local History Roadshow (May); ANZAC display (April).

• Continuing to process backlog of collections.

• Volunteers finalising accessioning projects from last year.

State Library of Queensland

• Indigenous language residency a major activity for the week beginning 17 February. The high level of interest was obvious as those attending moved through the library in search of interesting material.

• Increase in house history enquiries and further development of house history materials including house photographs and real estate maps. SLQ working closely with Brisbane City Council Archives. The Archives hold detail plans, building cards, historical maps. The Department of Natural Resources has a huge collection of maps online. Property titles and survey plans are also available at a cost and Kaye Nardella of the Museum of Lands, Mapping and Surveying provides specialist advice.

Indexing projects • NAA’s J715 Ships passenger lists - Brisbane - inwards - chronological series 1852-1964 State Library is still compiling an index of these ships together with the dates and pages of the online lists. Indexers are currently up to 1914.

• Colonial Secretary's letters received relating to Moreton Bay and Queensland 1822-1860 https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/research-collections/family-history/colonial-secretarys-letters- received-relating-moreton-bay-and The descriptive index of the main series is close to completion. Volunteers supporting this project. The films indexed are not digitised to date, accessed via State Library.

Events • Date Claimer: #widerlocalstudies video-conference – Wed 25 March 2020 - 3:00pm – 4:30pm AEDT. Register at - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wider-local-studies-online-meeting-25- march-2020-tickets-90545609355

168 members joined the wider local studies list in 2019. To join and receive updates and notifications, email your name and public library details to [email protected]

• Australian Libraries Copyright Committee (ALCC) Australian Libraries Copyright Committee copyright training for librarians and archivists at State Library of Queensland, Friday 28 February. Training begins 10:00am - 5pm. The day is split into two distinct half-day sessions. For more information and registration see Librarian, Karen Hind’s blog on PL Connect.

• Making Meaning: Collections as Data symposium - Friday 6 March, State Library of Queensland

If you understand the power of data and are seeking ways to better integrate it into your work, or just want to learn more, come along and join with other digital innovators. Details about the symposium sessions and speakers are available online.

• Call out to every library in Queensland to collect political ephemera as part of the March 28 Local Government elections in 2020. Blog article shared in Qm enewsletter March edition.

Meeting closed 3:30pm

Next Meeting: Queensland State Archives, 435 Compton Rd | Runcorn Qld | 21 May 2020