The State Library of Western Australia has announced a new collections strategy with a call for a more diverse range of materials.
In a statement, the Library said “everyone’s story is important”.
“We have more than 40 kilometres of shelves, storing and preserving an enormous collection of Western Australian materials and stories,” the Library said.
“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.”
It said the new collections strategy contained four 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,” it said.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman said the State Library was the memory of Western Australia. Its role was 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,” Mr Templeman said.
“I am proud that they have proactively chosen to celebrate diversity.”
He said the theme of this year’s PrideFEST was 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.”
Information about the new collections strategy and how to donate materials to the State Library can be accessed at this PS News link.
