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BackgroundThe Australian Historic Records Register is a database describing archival material of historical significance held in private ownership in Australia. The Register is the result of the Australian Bicentennial Historic Records Search carried out from May 1987 to April 1988. The Search was the major heritage project of the Australian Bicentennial Authority and was supported by the National Library of Australia. The Manuscript Section of the National Library now administers the database. The AHRR contains descriptions of over 3,500 collections of private papers and records of business and community organisations that were identified during the Search. New records have not been added to the database since the Search was completed in 1988. Originally published on microfiche in 1989, the database was later issued as part of the Art, Heritage & Environment CD-ROM and also became available as the Ozline online database. It was launched as a web-based database in 2000. Scope and purposeThe database describes records held in private ownership in Australia, and relating to all parts of Australia, including such territories as the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Norfolk Island. They record Australian life from the early years of European settlement until 1988. The AHRR is a guide to sources on Australian social, economic, business, labour and cultural history at the local level. Strengths of the database include family history, women and childrens history, local history, rural properties, businesses, personal World War I & II histories, migrants and migration, sports and sporting clubs and festivals and celebrations. Brief descriptions of letters, diaries, unpublished memoirs, paintings, sketches, photographs, station records, financial records, minute books, registers, recipe books and other materials can be found in AHRR. Individuals, families, local museums, historical societies, churches, businesses and other organisations hold the papers. Records held by libraries, archives, and other public institutions were originally excluded from AHRR and many of these papers can be located on the Register of Australian Archives and Manuscripts. Some owners have now transferred their records to an institution and, when reported, the database has been amended to show the new location. Most of the material listed is held in Australia, with material originally from overseas included when it has relevance to Australia. There is no subject restriction, relevance to Australias history being the major criteria for inclusion. Editing is undertaken to ensure that the ownership details are current whenever the National Library Manuscript Section is notified of changes by owners. While the descriptions of the records in the microfiche and CD-ROM versions of the database are accurate, in nearly all cases this online version will have the latest information on the current location of the records. It must be noted that the National Library is reliant on owners contacting it when addresses change or when records change ownership. Inevitably, with the passing of time since the data was collected, ownership information has become less reliable. Owners are most welcome to contact us where contact details or ownership of records has changed. Accessing the recordsThe owners of records described in the Australian Historic Records Register have nominated one of three types of access: Normal access means that the name and address of the owner are given at the end of the entry in the AHRR. Enquirers can write directly to the owner of the records regarding access to them. Restricted and special access is indicated by the request to contact the Manuscript Section, National Library of Australia, Canberra, ACT 2600. Manuscript Section staff will forward the enquirers letter to the owner of the records. Letters should introduce the enquirer and state the reason they wish to view the records. If copies may be required, an offer to meet reasonable copying costs could be included. Since the database was compiled some owners have transferred some or all of their papers to institutions. The name and address of the institution will be given as the contact name in these cases. Notification of changes to record detailsOwners wishing to notify the National Library's Manuscript Section of changes in the ownership of records or in the contact details for the owners, can contact us by e-mail manuscripts@nla.gov.au so that we can update the AHRR database. As the database is limited to records identified during the Australian Bicentennial Historic Records Search in 1987-88, it is no longer possible to add descriptions of newly identified records to the database. Update the AHRR databasePlease note that this facility is only available to National Library staff |
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Comments on any aspect of the Register are welcome and may be sent by e-mail to manuscripts@nla.gov.au |
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Last updated Tuesday 27-Feb-2001 http://www.nla.gov.au/ahrr/about.html |
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