Battye Library
The J S Battye Library (more properly known as the J. S. Battye Library of West Australian History) is an arm of the State Library of Western Australia. It stores much of the state's historical records and original publications including books, newspapers, periodicals, maps, and ephemera, as well as oral history tapes, photographs and artworks, films and video, and non-government records which are kept in the library's Private Archives collection. The library provides a range of services, including reference, copying, and genealogical services, as well as consultancy and reader education.
It is named after Dr. James Sykes Battye, the first State Librarian, who began the collection in the early 1900s. It was established in December 1956.
Mollie Lukis and Margaret Medcalf were successors to Battye as Battye librarians, and their long service to the library was an important part of the libraries development.
It is housed on the upper floor of the Alexander Library Building, and public access to the collection is made at that level. There is a reading room for special materials, as well as a microfilm reading room.
The separate State Records Office of Western Australia houses the State and local government archives.
The current administrative structure of the State Library has removed mention of the name of the library from the library catalogue and now refers to it as 3rd Floor of the Alexander building, however it still has a web page.
The Friends of Battye Library has been a significant support to the library during an era where staffing and funding have been reduced by government restrictions on funding. The organisation has been instrumental in attracting external funding for a range of projects including publishing.
At different stages in the library history, publications have been an important indicator of the library collection and its holdings.
Coordinates: 31°56′56″S 115°51′38″E / 31.94889°S 115.86056°E
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