West Australian Department of Indigenous Affairs Research Library visit

In March the ALIA Local Studies WA Group enjoyed an informative visit to the Department of Indigenous Affairs Research Library which is located in the Perth CBD. Librarian Sue Beverley outlined the scope of the library and provided the following information regarding the collection and how it is used.

"The Department of Indigenous Affairs supports a research library which contains the most comprehensive collection of materials dealing with Aboriginal issues in this State.
The collection contains books, reports, journals, newsletters, videos, annual reports and Royal Commissions. The collection is organised using the AMLIB library system. With the event of Native Title the focus of the library has changed drastically and the collection is now used heavily by researchers undertaking native title litigation. The library is responsible for access to the 15 000 old Native Welfare files held at State Records Office and these have become an invaluable source of information for Aboriginal people trying to prove their connection to the land. DIA also run a Family History Tracing Program where Aboriginal people who are part of the 'stolen generation' can trace back their family connections.

DIA have recently launched the Sites Management system on the internet and this was demonstrated to the group. Access is available via the internet and by putting in geographical co-ordinates it is possible to search local areas to establish what Aboriginal sites or areas where people once lived are in your local area."

The Sites Management system referred to above can be accessed at: http://www.dia.gov.au

The library does not loan resources to the general public but welcomes visitors to the library to undertake research using the resources. Some resources are also available through InterLibrary Loans.

Contact details are below:
Sue Beverley, librarian
1st Floor, Governor Stirling Tower
197 St Georges Terrace
Perth 6000 WA

Pam Hartree

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