Local Historical Databases

The Theme for this month's spotlight on databases is local history.  "Local History - it's personal" will be promoted to the public -so take some time to look at the following databases to see what's on offer to "place"people in the local landscape.

Picture Sutherland Shire


Why would I use this?

• When someone requires an images of a local person, place or event
• When someone wishes to purchase an image for research or for publication

What do I need to know?

• There are no restrictions on access to the database
• A search for images ca be done via the library catalogue or website
• No access is ever provided to the original image
• If an image is not available to be copied a statement "No reproduction rights available" is included in the record
• There are commercial rates for ordering images to be used for profit
• A reproduction charge is defined as a payment for the use of  each image from the Library Collection and is applied when the order is for commercial use.

Features

• Provides access to a huge collection of local images
• Keyword searches using own terms
• Construct searches using suggested subject terms, localities and date ranges
• Provides as online order form which can be printed and either posted or presented in person with payment
• Sizes available and pricelist is included as part of the database

Practice
Try searching for an image using the website and any local search term.  Limit the search to a date range. Once you have done this try the search using other variables.
If you can't think of a topic try the following :
Find a picture of horses at Cronulla in the 1920s
Once you have found one select one that has reproduction rights available noting the Master File (MF) number.
Print an order form and complete for the following conditions : 1 printed image the size of a standard postcard for personal use.  Calculate the cost for posting when ready.

Selective Historical Local Newspaper Index 1900-1985

Why would I use this?

• When someone wants to use the local newspapers and Sutherland Shire Council meeting minutes to find information about a particular person, place or event before 1985

What do I need to know?

• There are no restrictions on access to the database
• This database is a scanned card catalogue which was originally only available in the Reference room at Sutherland
• A search for a local newspaper or council minute can be done via the library catalogue or website
• It is only selective and is limited for the date range indicated
• If you are using the library catalogue to search you will only be able to view the transcription not the scanned card
• Copies of local newspapers and council minutes are only available for these years on microfilm/fiche at Sutherland Library

Features

• Uses the same database format as Picture Sutherland Shire so search techniques are the same
• Includes a subject index to a manuscript located in the Local Studies Room at Sutherland Library called "Sutherland Shire Council : The First Fifty Years 1906-1956 by former Shire Clerk David Kirkby
• Includes an index to Sutherland Shire Council Minutes from 1957-1985
• If you access the Library catalogue to search you can do a federated search across the following formats:  books, vertical file (where catalogued), photographs, newspaper article references (where readable) and maps (if catalogued)

Practice
Try searching for a newspaper article on any topic using any search term
Identify one item and write down the name of the newspaper, the date and page number
Go to the microfilmed copy of the newspaper and view on the microfilm reader.  Locate and print the article.
Try searching for a council minute on any topic using any search term.  Identify one item and write down the name of the Council committee, the date and the minute number.  Go to the microfilm/fiche copy of the council meeting minute and view on the microfilm reader.  Locate and print the minute.

Selective Index to Local Newspapers 1986-

Why would I use this?

When someone wants to use the local newspapers and Sutherland Shire Council Meeting minutes to find information on a particular person, place or event after 1985 and up to 1991 for Council minutes, the dates specified for ceased publication newspapers and to the present day for the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.

What do I need to know?

• There are no restrictions to access this database
• This database is provided as part of the Library Management system 
• It is  available via the catalogue (via link) and library website
• It is only a selective index and is limited in date ranges
• Copies of newspapers and council minutes are only available on microfilm/fiche or hardcopy for later years and viewable at Sutherland Library
• After 1991 full text council minutes are available on Council's Lotus Notes Electronic Business Papers and so are  not directly available to the public

Features

• Includes an index to Sutherland Shire Council minutes 1986-1991
• The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader is still indexed and entries added regularly
• Keeps a list of searches in history for the session so you can go back to the original search
• Searches can be sorted by date and modified by item type and/or year

Practice

Try searching for a newspaper article on any topic using a keyword search.  Sort the list by date.  Modify the search by a range of years.  Identify one item and write down the name of the newspaper, the date and page number.  Go to the microfilmed copy of the newspaper and view on the microfilm reader.  Locate and print the article.
Try searching for a council minute on any topic uisng any keyword search term.  Sort the search by date.  Modify the search by material (type "council minute").  Identify one item and write down the name of the Council committee, the date and minute number.  Go to the microfilm/fiche of the council minute and view on the microfilm reader.  Locate and print the minute.

Helen