Libraries
The State Library of Tasmania provides public library services statewide through a network of seven city libraries, 40 branch libraries (including seven community libraries) and five reference and specialist collections. The network provides all Tasmanian communities with easy access to information to meet their educational, cultural and recreational reading needs.
The State Library’s resources include:
- lending and general reference collections
- Tasmaniana and collections of rare and specialist items
- a range of electronic and online information resources.
The libraries are linked by the Tasmanian Automated Library and Information System (TALIS), a statewide, networked and automated catalogue and electronic information service. Eight senior secondary colleges, 170 schools, 13 Institute of TAFE Tasmania libraries, seven community libraries and three agency libraries are also connected to TALIS.
A range of library services are tailored for people with special needs. Resources include large-print books, recorded books, foreign language materials, DVDs, and video and audio formats. These resources are delivered through a volunteer courier system for home library clients and through the integrated library network. Providing people with disabilities with physical access to library services is of major importance.
The Tasmanian Library Advisory Board, the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts Management Committee, and the friends groups of particular libraries provide community input into library services. Community groups are supported by providing access to meeting rooms and display areas, and services such as Tasmania Online.
Archives
The Archives Office of Tasmania provides a framework of policies, guidelines, advice and assistance to ensure that the recordkeeping of state and local government organisations is effective and accountable. It appraises all state and local government records, and, through the position of State Archivist and the provisions of the Archives Act 1983, provides formal, statutory authorisation for their destruction or retention for stipulated periods of time. The Archives Office also identifies those records that should be retained as the state’s archives.
The Archives Office provides long-term preservation and storage of state archival material, and also houses a major collection of non-government records and manuscripts. It holds state and local government records, and non-government records that have a continuing value to the community and to government, and provides access to these records.
User access to the archives is supported by a comprehensive computerised system and alternative access arrangements for high-use materials.
Online access centres
There are 66 online access centres located throughout the state. The centres provide low-cost access to, and training in, the use of information and communication technology, including access to the internet. The centres allow communities to showcase their local heritage, cultural life, businesses and services, and offer a range of lifelong learning opportunities.
The network of online access centres is provided for by Tasmanian Communities Online, a community access strategy that aims to provide Tasmanians with access to computer technology and online information close to where they live. The Tasmanian Communities Online Advisory Board provides community advice to the Minister on policy and future strategic directions for the network.
Our services