Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Information Management and Technology - Records Services - Archives, Canberra

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Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Information Management and Technology - Records Services - Archives, Canberra

• Formerly Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Corporate Records and Archives Strategies

• National

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.

The collection is based on materials related to the:

• 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.

The CSIRO Archival function exists within the Records Services structure. The function operates at 50% of a full-time person (as at 2018).

Collects material associated with CSIR and CSIRO's history.

A collection of material associated with CSIR and CSIRO's history and development ranging from staff, research activities, administrative records, artefacts and audiovisual materials.

Offline using CSIRO's Electronic Recordkeeping Management System of physical finding aids.

Phone or email for further information.

Closed collection. Closed period of 30 years applies to most records. Phone or email for further information.

Limited capability. Please phone or email for further information.

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.

Revised 19 April 2018

• Science and Technology (Thematic area)