Library & Archives NT comprises the Northern Territory Library and the two Northern Territory Archives Centres in Darwin (on the ancestral lands of the Larrakia people) and Alice Springs (on the land of the Arrernte people). Located in Parliament HouseinDarwin City, it is the premier public research and archival organisation focused on the history, development and culture of the Northern TerritoryofAustralia.[4] The library holds more than 108,000 books and 30,000 items. The archive holds Northern Territory Government records, which are normally opened 30 years after they were created.[5]
The institution resulted from a 2020 merger of the Northern Territory Library and the Northern Territory Archives Service.[6] It is within the Department of Families, Housing and Communities.[7][note 1]
Library & Archives NT provides its services to the public through the Northern Territory Library at Parliament House; the Northern Territory Archives Centre in Kelsey Crescent, Millner; at the Alice Springs Reading Room in Hartley Street; and through a range of online channels.[8]
In August 2023 Tracy Puklowski was appointed as the Library & Archives NT Senior Director, this followed her role as Senior Director for the Northern Territory Government's proposed National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs.[9]
Library & Archives NT holds the largest collection of books, journals, newspapers and audio-visual materials relating to the Northern Territory.[10] The institution provides support to 32 public libraries across the Northern Territory, including many in remote communities, since public libraries "develop community literacy and learning, provide access to the Internet and other technology, build digital skills and act as safe and trusted community spaces".[11] It also holds regular events and exhibitions.[12]
As a member library of National and State Libraries Australia, the organisation collaborated on the creation of the National edeposit system, which enables Australian publishers to upload electronic publications as per legal deposit requirements, and makes eligible publications publicly accessible online.[13]
Library & Archives NT has a comprehensive digital archive of historical and culturally significant materials in the Northern Territory.[14] The collection, titled Territory Stories, includes documents, photographs, and audio and video files to which the public contribute, especially through local knowledge centres managed by the community, including Indigenous communities.[15][16]
Library & Archives NT hosts the Eric Johnston Lectures, which provide a view of the Northern Territory's past, present and future through the eyes of people who have committed their lives and careers to its betterment. The lectures were named in honour of Commodore Eric JohnstonAO,OBE (1933–1997), long-serving NT Administrator who as a Royal Australian Navy officer played a crucial role during and after Cyclone Tracy. Other prominent Territorians to deliver the lecture following his inaugural address included Thomas Mayo (2020), Banduk MarikaAO (2010), Tom Calma (2008), Mandawuy Yunupingu (1996), and Ted Egan (1998).[17]
Library & Archives NT also host the following annual events:
Northern Territory Literary Awards; these awards acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding literary talents of established and aspiring NT writers. There are awards across seven categories including: essay, flash fiction, non fiction, poetry, short story, theatre (this award is in partnership with Brown's Mart) and youth.[18][19]
The Chief Minister's Northern Territory History Book Award; this award looks for the most significant book about the Northern Territory history published in the last year. The award was established in 2004 and the three person judging panel consists of academics, historians and/or curators working in the field of Northern Territory history.[20]
The Annual History Colloquium; this colloquium is designed to showcase research by established and emerging historians and archaeologists whose field of study incorporates the NT. This event is run in partnership with the Professional Historians' Association (NT), Charles Darwin University and the Australian National University. [21][22]
Numerous other events including book talks, floor talks, workshops, documentary/movie screenings and 'Evenings at the Archives' are also held on a regular ad hoc basis.[23]
^"Search the NT Archives". Department of the Arts, Culture and Heritage. 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
^"Northern Territory Library". Homepage. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2020. The Northern Territory Library and NT Archives Service have joined forces to become a new branch within the Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture: Library & Archives NT
