Primary contact
Black Mountain Library, Clunies Ross Street, ActonCanberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601
Identity area
Identifier
daa/17
Authorized form of name
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Information Management and Technology - Records Services - Archives, Canberra
Parallel form(s) of name
Other form(s) of name
- Formerly Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Corporate Records and Archives Strategies
Type
- National
Contact area
Rob Birtles
Type
Address
Street address
Black Mountain Library, Clunies Ross Street, Acton
Locality
Canberra
Region
Australian Capital Territory
Country name
Postal code
2601
Telephone
02 6276 6677
Fax
Note
Description area
History
The origins of an archival function in CSIRO began in 1965 when Sir George Currie was invited to compile the history of the origins of CSIRO for the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the official entry of the Australian Government into the field of scientific research.
CSIRO appointed its first Archivist, W F Evans, in 1965. He worked mainly on the history of radio and radiophysics research as well as making some progress on the task of bringing CSIRO records under archival control. He was succeeded by K A Green (1974-1978) who had been the Archivist of Papua and New Guinea.
Later Archivists were Colin Smith, Rodney Teakle, Tim O'Grady and Rob Birtles.
The main archival collection has always been based in Canberra where it has been based in Fyshwick, CSIRO Corporate on Limestone Avenue, Campbell, Paxus Building at CSIRO Black Mountain and in 2018 relocated to the CSIRO Black Mountain Library.
Geographical and cultural context
The collection is based on materials related to the:
It thus holds records geographically linked to locations CSIRO has been associated with. As the archival function has been Canberra-based, the collection is strong in records related to the Canberra region.
- Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry, 1916-1926
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), 1926-1949
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), 1949- present.
It thus holds records geographically linked to locations CSIRO has been associated with. As the archival function has been Canberra-based, the collection is strong in records related to the Canberra region.
Mandates/Sources of authority
Administrative structure
The CSIRO Archival function exists within the Records Services structure. The function operates at 50% of a full-time person (as at 2018).
Records management and collecting policies
Collects material associated with CSIR and CSIRO's history.
Buildings
Holdings
A collection of material associated with CSIR and CSIRO's history and development ranging from staff, research activities, administrative records, artefacts and audiovisual materials.
Finding aids, guides and publications
Offline using CSIRO's Electronic Recordkeeping Management System of physical finding aids.
Access area
Opening times
Phone or email for further information.
Access conditions and requirements
Closed collection. Closed period of 30 years applies to most records. Phone or email for further information.
Accessibility
Services area
Research services
Limited capability. Please phone or email for further information.
Reproduction services
Copying services (paper, photographic and digital) are available in order to distribute relevant records but are limited based upon time resources. Please phone or email for further information.
Public areas
Control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation, revision and deletion
Revised 19 April 2018
Language(s)
Script(s)
Sources
Maintenance notes
Access points
Access Points
- Science and Technology (Thematic area)