Lu Rees Archives
Encyclopedia
The Lu Rees Archives is a not-for-profit study and research centre, owned by The Children's Book Council of Australia
ACT Branch, housed at the University of Canberra Library
. The archives “strives to enhance the appreciation of Australian children's literature by collecting, preserving and making available wide-ranging resources” , including “both the literature and the historical and cultural context in which it was created” The Lu Rees Archive was named after its principal founder, Lu (Lucy) Rees.
, proposed to the other branches, that the ACT Branch would begin a collection of biographical files on Australian children's authors
and illustrators
and a collection of their works. Lu Rees offered her personal collection of several hundred works “as a first step.” The collection was maintained in the home of a member of The Children's Book Council of Australia
, and developed with donations mainly from Children’s Book Council of Australia members. In 1979, in response to the International Year of the Child
, Lu Rees initiated a plan to collect overseas translated editions of Australian authors.
In 1980, Belle Alderman first suggested that the collection, which had outgrown the home of Lu Rees, could be housed at the Canberra College of Advanced Education (now the University of Canberra
), where it could be accessed by students and researchers. In the same year, the Library of the Canberra College of Advanced Education, under Chief Librarian Victor Crittenden (later first Chair of the Lu Rees Archives Management Committee) , agreed to house the collection, catalogue the resources and provide in kind support. At the time of handing over in July 1980, the collection became known as the Lu Rees Archives, after its founder. The collection then held around 1000 books and 50 research files on authors and illustrators. In 1981 Australian publishers agreed to donate their children’s books, a practice which has continued.
Lu Rees, who received both an M.B.E. (in 1964) and was created a member of the Order of Australia
(A.M.) (in 1983) for her services to children's literature
, died on 23rd January, 1983. Posthumously, Mrs Rees was awarded the Dromkeen Medal
for services to children's literature.
, the University of Canberra Library
, national
and public libraries and tertiary institutions in Canberra, as well as those managing the Archives and its activities. The Children's Book Council of Australia
ACT Branch took over management of the Archives in 1990. The following year, the University and The Children's Book Council of Australia
ACT Branch signed a formal agreement outlining roles and responsibilities, and the agreement was renewed in 2003. Up until 1989, when the University of Canberra Library was restructured, part-time staffing was available from the Library, and until a part-time position funded by The Children's Book Council of Australia
began in 1995, administration of the Archives was undertaken by volunteers. Management of the Archives is guided by the Lu Rees Archives Strategic Plan.
An honorary position of Collections Development Manager has existed since 1990 and Dr Belle Alderman, Emeritus Professor of Children’s Literature, has occupied this position since its establishment.
, books
(over 20,000 works, including over 2400 translations in more than 53 languages), artifacts
, reference material
, theses
, rare books, periodicals
, and over 390 research files featuring thirty different categories of materials. The Archives houses two publishers' archives, the Walter McVitty Books (donated in 2000) and Omnibus Books (donated in 2004), and has extensive photographic
and audio material
relating to Australian children's literature. An ongoing project to develop 'Artwork Frameworks' to record artwork held by the Archive to aid with cataloguing and research began in 2009. An aim of the Archives is to collect all the individual editions of published works.
To secure the future of The Lu Rees Archives, “the Archives aims to create an endowment fund of $1,000,000 by 2020”.
) and progress the strategic plan. The volunteer program is permanent and essential to daily functioning of the Archive. Currently, the positions of Collections Development Manager, and Editor of the ‘Lu Rees Archives : Notes, Books and Authors’ Journal, are voluntary. In 2010, volunteers contributed over 2013 hours of unpaid work to the archives.
Children's Book Council of Australia
The Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
ACT Branch, housed at the University of Canberra Library
University of Canberra Library
The University of Canberra Library is the principal Library of the University of Canberra, located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.-Location:The Library is located in Building 8 in the centre of the campus, opposite the Students' Association....
. The archives “strives to enhance the appreciation of Australian children's literature by collecting, preserving and making available wide-ranging resources” , including “both the literature and the historical and cultural context in which it was created” The Lu Rees Archive was named after its principal founder, Lu (Lucy) Rees.
History
In 1974 Lu Rees, then President of the ACT Branch of The Children's Book Council of AustraliaChildren's Book Council of Australia
The Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
, proposed to the other branches, that the ACT Branch would begin a collection of biographical files on Australian children's authors
Author
An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
and illustrators
Illustrator
An Illustrator is a narrative artist who specializes in enhancing writing by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text...
and a collection of their works. Lu Rees offered her personal collection of several hundred works “as a first step.” The collection was maintained in the home of a member of The Children's Book Council of Australia
Children's Book Council of Australia
The Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
, and developed with donations mainly from Children’s Book Council of Australia members. In 1979, in response to the International Year of the Child
International Year of the Child
* Maureen Millicent Bomford founded International Year of The Child and it was endorsed by the United Nations. Maureen was born in Canterbury Punchbowl in 1930 and had four brothers. Her father was a Mayor and she always learned to appreciate the value of leadership. As the wife of a prominent...
, Lu Rees initiated a plan to collect overseas translated editions of Australian authors.
In 1980, Belle Alderman first suggested that the collection, which had outgrown the home of Lu Rees, could be housed at the Canberra College of Advanced Education (now the University of Canberra
University of Canberra
Over the years the Stone Day program has gradually become larger and larger, taking up a whole week and now Stonefest is one of Australia's most popular music festivals. The first foundation celebrations were held in 1971. In 1973 Stone Day celebrations were held over two days, which was expanded...
), where it could be accessed by students and researchers. In the same year, the Library of the Canberra College of Advanced Education, under Chief Librarian Victor Crittenden (later first Chair of the Lu Rees Archives Management Committee) , agreed to house the collection, catalogue the resources and provide in kind support. At the time of handing over in July 1980, the collection became known as the Lu Rees Archives, after its founder. The collection then held around 1000 books and 50 research files on authors and illustrators. In 1981 Australian publishers agreed to donate their children’s books, a practice which has continued.
Lu Rees, who received both an M.B.E. (in 1964) and was created a member of the Order of Australia
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
(A.M.) (in 1983) for her services to children's literature
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
, died on 23rd January, 1983. Posthumously, Mrs Rees was awarded the Dromkeen Medal
Dromkeen Medal
The Dromkeen Medal is a literary prize awarded annually by the Courtney Oldmeadow Children's Literature Foundation for those who have advanced children's literature in Australia.-List of prize winners:*1982 Lu Rees*1983 Maurice Saxby...
for services to children's literature.
Management
Since 1983, the Archives has been managed by the Lu Rees Archives Management Committee, members of which include representatives of the local and national Children's Book Council of AustraliaChildren's Book Council of Australia
The Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
, the University of Canberra Library
University of Canberra Library
The University of Canberra Library is the principal Library of the University of Canberra, located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.-Location:The Library is located in Building 8 in the centre of the campus, opposite the Students' Association....
, national
National Library of Australia
The National Library of Australia is the largest reference library of Australia, responsible under the terms of the National Library Act for "maintaining and developing a national collection of library material, including a comprehensive collection of library material relating to Australia and the...
and public libraries and tertiary institutions in Canberra, as well as those managing the Archives and its activities. The Children's Book Council of Australia
Children's Book Council of Australia
The Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
ACT Branch took over management of the Archives in 1990. The following year, the University and The Children's Book Council of Australia
Children's Book Council of Australia
The Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
ACT Branch signed a formal agreement outlining roles and responsibilities, and the agreement was renewed in 2003. Up until 1989, when the University of Canberra Library was restructured, part-time staffing was available from the Library, and until a part-time position funded by The Children's Book Council of Australia
Children's Book Council of Australia
The Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
began in 1995, administration of the Archives was undertaken by volunteers. Management of the Archives is guided by the Lu Rees Archives Strategic Plan.
An honorary position of Collections Development Manager has existed since 1990 and Dr Belle Alderman, Emeritus Professor of Children’s Literature, has occupied this position since its establishment.
Collections
An outline of the collection development objectives can be found in the current collection development policy, the Lu Rees Archives of Australian Children’s Literature Strategic Plan and on the webpage ‘List of item types held at the archives.’ The Lu Rees Archives has collected material by and about Australian children's book authors and illustrators, including manuscripts, artworksIllustration
An illustration is a displayed visualization form presented as a drawing, painting, photograph or other work of art that is created to elucidate or dictate sensual information by providing a visual representation graphically.- Early history :The earliest forms of illustration were prehistoric...
, books
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
(over 20,000 works, including over 2400 translations in more than 53 languages), artifacts
Realia (library science)
In library classification systems, the term realia refers to three-dimensional objects from real life such as coins, tools, and textiles, that do not easily fit into the orderly categories of printed material...
, reference material
Reference work
A reference work is a compendium of information, usually of a specific type, compiled in a book for ease of reference. That is, the information is intended to be quickly found when needed. Reference works are usually referred to for particular pieces of information, rather than read beginning to end...
, theses
Thesis
A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings...
, rare books, periodicals
Periodical publication
Periodical literature is a published work that appears in a new edition on a regular schedule. The most familiar examples are the newspaper, often published daily, or weekly; or the magazine, typically published weekly, monthly or as a quarterly...
, and over 390 research files featuring thirty different categories of materials. The Archives houses two publishers' archives, the Walter McVitty Books (donated in 2000) and Omnibus Books (donated in 2004), and has extensive photographic
Photograph
A photograph is an image created by light falling on a light-sensitive surface, usually photographic film or an electronic imager such as a CCD or a CMOS chip. Most photographs are created using a camera, which uses a lens to focus the scene's visible wavelengths of light into a reproduction of...
and audio material
Sound recording and reproduction
Sound recording and reproduction is an electrical or mechanical inscription and re-creation of sound waves, such as spoken voice, singing, instrumental music, or sound effects. The two main classes of sound recording technology are analog recording and digital recording...
relating to Australian children's literature. An ongoing project to develop 'Artwork Frameworks' to record artwork held by the Archive to aid with cataloguing and research began in 2009. An aim of the Archives is to collect all the individual editions of published works.
Significance
- Since the year 2000, The Lu Rees Archive has been a contributor to AustLit: The Australian Literature Resource, originally providing 12,000 bibliographic records (including indexed reviews and articles on Australian children's literature).
- To assist researchers, the Archives staff have created unique Author Finding Aids and in 2010, the Archives “assisted 393 clients who visited or contacted the archives”.
- The Archives have presented a number of significant events celebrating Australian children’s authors and their works, including:
- In 2001, the Archives established the annual 'Walter McVitty Lectures,' sponsored by the National Museum of AustraliaNational Museum of AustraliaThe National Museum of Australia was formally established by the National Museum of Australia Act 1980. The National Museum preserves and interprets Australia's social history, exploring the key issues, people and events that have shaped the nation....
, which ran for three years (Mem FoxMem FoxMem Fox, AM is an Australian writer of children's books and an educationalist specialising in literacy. Fox is semi-retired and lives in Adelaide.-Career:...
2002, Morris GleitzmanMorris GleitzmanMorris Gleitzman is an English-born Australian writer. He is one of Australia's most successful writers.Morris Gleitzman has also gained recognition for sparking an interest in politically-controversial children's books like Two Weeks with the Queen.He has collaborated on children's series with...
2003 , and Emily Rodda 2005 ). - In 2007, The ‘Words... Pictures... Book! Exhibition.’
- In 2011, a celebration of Australian children's books in translation featuring Emily Rodda, an exhibition of Archives original artwork and cataloguing of 470 books in 30 languages.
- In 2001, the Archives established the annual 'Walter McVitty Lectures,' sponsored by the National Museum of Australia
- In 2009, a report on behalf of the National Executive of The Children’s Book Council of Australia by Marj Kirkland, found the Archives provided an “exceptional repository of knowledge and heritage related to Australian children’s literature, whose existence should never be endangered”.
- In a significance report , an external expert, Graeme Powell , identified the significance of the Archives as follows:
- its book collection post-1960 is comparable to National and State Libraries.
- its collection of translated works are among Australia's strongest
- its 400 comprehensive research files on authors and illustrators are “unmatched” in Australia.
- its manuscripts and artworks feature Australia's most important creators and “is of considerable value to researchers studying the artistic development of particular illustrators.”
- its resources are open access and this is valued by researchers.
Funding
- The National Executive of The Children's Book Council of AustraliaChildren's Book Council of AustraliaThe Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
funds one part-time administrative officer, and the ACT Branch provides an annual donation. - Donations – In 1988, the Archives achieved deductible gift recipient status, with eligibility to receive gifts under the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program including monetary donations (authors, illustrators and publishers can donate published and unpublished material under the program , and by the year 2005, 117 publishers had donated material ). Members of the public also support the Archives with donations.
- In kind support for the archives has been offered by the University of Canberra, and is part of a formal agreement between the University Library and The Children's Book Council of AustraliaChildren's Book Council of AustraliaThe Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
.
To secure the future of The Lu Rees Archives, “the Archives aims to create an endowment fund of $1,000,000 by 2020”.
Volunteers
The Archives has a strong volunteer body with various expertise who pursue specific projects (e.g. preservation of worksMedia preservation
Preservation of document, pictures, recordings, digital content, etc., is a major aspect of archival science. It is also an important consideration for people who are creating time capsules, family history, historical documents, scrapbooks and family trees...
) and progress the strategic plan. The volunteer program is permanent and essential to daily functioning of the Archive. Currently, the positions of Collections Development Manager, and Editor of the ‘Lu Rees Archives : Notes, Books and Authors’ Journal, are voluntary. In 2010, volunteers contributed over 2013 hours of unpaid work to the archives.
Publications
‘The Lu Rees Archives : Notes, Books and Authors’ (ISSN 0725-7015) journal, begun in 1981 , is published once per year and contains articles by authors, illustrators and publishers on children's literature, as well as news from the Archive (an index of the journal is available online). The Archives annual reports and Strategic Plan are available online.Access
The Archives has an extensive website http://www.canberra.edu.au/lu-rees, and information on how to access the catalogue and author/illustrator files online. The Archives is open two days per week, and allows access at other times by appointment.See also
- AustLit: The Australian Literature Resource
- Australian LiteratureAustralian literatureAustralian literature is the written or literary work produced in the area or by the people of the Commonwealth of Australia and its preceding colonies. During its early western history, Australia was a collection of British colonies, therefore, its literary tradition begins with and is linked to...
- Category:Australian children's writers
- The Children's Book Council of AustraliaChildren's Book Council of AustraliaThe Children's Book Council of Australia is a not for profit organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards for books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.-Awards:The first...
- Children’s LiteratureChildren's literatureChildren's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
- University of Canberra LibraryUniversity of Canberra LibraryThe University of Canberra Library is the principal Library of the University of Canberra, located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.-Location:The Library is located in Building 8 in the centre of the campus, opposite the Students' Association....
External links
- The Lu Rees Archives Website
- The Children's Book Council of Australia
- Images of The Lu Rees Archive at Flickr.com
- Lu Rees Archive at Collections Australia Network
- Lu Rees Archive at Austlit
- Lu Rees Archive Website archived at Pandora
- Lu Rees Archive at Trove
- Lu Rees Archive Exhibition, part of the University of Canberra’s 40th Anniversary, 18th August, 2008.