Making personal libraries accessible: The example of the Robert Menzies collection

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental project working with the Robert Menzies Collection at the University of Melbourne Library. This heritage collection comprises the books previously owned by Menzies, the former Prime Minister of Australia. Our paper describes the process of recording the contents of the collection and assessing the collection for significant signs of provenance. The article highlights a novel approach to making the contents of a personal library accessible to researchers by using non-traditional library technology. Instead of a straightforward catalogue or index, this project uses a relational database to map and connect the books in Menzies's personal library to his life and times. We consider the implications of this approach from library and archival perspectives and consider the challenges and opportunities presented by personal libraries.