The State Library of Western Australia has put out a call for a more diverse range of materials as part of its new collections strategy where ‘everyone’s story is important’.
The call out includes more LGBTQIA+ materials and comes as the library celebrates and recognises the importance of PrideFEST.
The State Library has over 40 kilometres of shelves – storing and preserving an enormous collection of Western Australian materials and stories.
Despite this huge collection, a recent analysis of the collection and a community consultation exercise made it clear that there was a need to address historic gaps and omissions.
In response, the State Library has released a new collections strategy, which identifies general collection principles, and based on those principles and the gaps in the collection the State Library has developed four major collecting priorities:
- Aboriginal collections;
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities;
- Mining and energy; and
- LGBTQIA+.
The State Library is looking for more than paper and books. It collects photographs, diaries, digital materials, music, posters, letters, oral history, movies and more.
For information about the new collections strategy and how you can donate materials to the State Library visit the State Library website https://slwa.wa.gov.au/
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“The State Library is the memory of Western Australia. Its role is to collect, preserve and share our Western Australian stories.
“As the Minister for Culture and the Arts I am particularly proud that our cultural institutions – the Library, the Museum, the Art Gallery and our theatres amongst others have proactively worked to reflect the lives of all Western Australians in their exhibitions and performances.
“I am proud that they have proactively chosen to celebrate diversity.
“This year the theme of PrideFEST is ‘Shine’ – and I think it is entirely appropriate that our cultural institutions are now shining a light on the contributions and work of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
