Collections & Displays
Library
Karen Dankiw,
Information Resources Manager, Tony Kanellos,
Cultural Collections Manager, Brief historyThe Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and State Herbarium Library represents approximately 145 years of development, though some of its material is much older than that. The first books to be purchased were bought by our first Directors’, used as working tools, and subsequently lodged in the growing collection of works which was to become the Library proper. In the "Report of the Director" for 1866 it was possible for Dr Schomburgk to state that "the library of the Botanic Gardens, which was formed not long ago, contains the principal botanical, horticultural, and agricultural works, and consists of about 200 volumes" (p.3) Because of this early start to the collections it has been possible for us to have original copies of many beautiful botanical publications with hand-coloured plates, which are now scarce or rare, and also some of the standard botanical texts to which botanists frequently refer. An example of the former is Curtis’s Botanical Magazine which began publication in 1787 and continues today. A unique feature of this publication is its hand-coloured plates which continued to be produced until 1948. The Library now has roughly 24,000 individual items in its collection. The oldest volume in the collection was published in 1516 (a Greek herbal), and purchased in 1960. Library access and conditionsThe Library provides a wide range of services to support the information needs of the staff of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and State Herbarium. Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and Garden Guides also use the Library’s resources as a reference. People from outside the organisation, such as scientists, students, historians, researchers and the general public who have a bona fide need to use the library’s resources may have access by appointment only. Official opening hours of the Library are weekdays 8:45am to 5:00pm. Access is by prior appointment, with appointments being available on Wednesdays. Some variation of these times is unavoidable as the Library is closed if not staffed for any reason. Library collectionsThe Library includes a main collection housed in the Plant Biodiversity Centre, several bench collections in various sections (Scientific Services; the Herbarium and specialised collections housed with positions (eg. Botanists, Senior Research Officer); and branch collections at our other Botanic Gardens (Mt Lofty and Wittunga). Items can be found by using the card catalogue (for items acquired up to October 1995) and via the computer catalogue (for items acquired after October 1995). The computer catalogue is at present only available to staff, and any staff member who has access to the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium computer network can access the computer catalogue from his/her workstation. There is ongoing databasing of pre-1995 material, and most recently bibliographic details of the Journal Collection have been added to the computer catalogue. The Library holds monographs covering a wide range of subject areas, including:
The Library currently receives about 300 individual journal titles, either through subscription, donation or exchange (for our Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and/or Annual Report) with other institutions. These titles are taken from world wide sources: Botanic Gardens, Herbaria, Industry, Societies and interest groups. Many of the journal titles have not as yet been added to the computer catalogue. The Library also holds a Pamphlet Collection (photocopies and reprints of articles from journals not held, as well as small independent publications which would tend to be lost on the open shelves); Microfiche Collection; Multimedia Collection; Newspaper Article Collection (articles about the Adelaide, MT Lofty and Wittunga Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium which have appeared in local and interstate newspapers); Rare Book Collection; and a comprehensive Archival Photograph and Document Collection (which includes historical photographs, staff records, accounts and correspondence relating to the organisation dating back to its establishment in 1855).
Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Living Collections PolicyThe Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Living Collections Policy establishes the criteria for the development of living collections within each of its three Botanic Gardens; Adelaide, MT Lofty and Wittunga. The policy provides categories and principles required to define the living collections. The following set of seven categories sets down themes for all plant collections. Collections may fall into only one of the following categories; others may be in more than one. Therefore the multi-layered composition of many of the plant collections in the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide only adds to their potential for educational interpretation and research. GeographicalA collection or display of plants based on a defined geographical area. Biological and ecologicalCollections and displays of plants, which grow together in a Biological or Ecological communities, defined by a particular range of environmental conditions and the details of these habitats. Taxonomic and evolutionaryA collection of plants which demonstrates principles of plant classification and evolution. Ornamental and landscapeA collection of plants grown for their ornamental and landscape qualities. Historical and culturalPlants which display aesthetic, scientific, historical or social values for past and present generations. ConservationPlants which require protection due to their status in line with State, National or International conservation strategies. Highlighting rare and threatened species and remnant vegetation. This will also cover the conservation of old cultivars and ornamental plant collections. Research collectionsPlant collections, which demonstrate or are assembled for scientific research. Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Living Collections Policy (137Kb PDF)
Wittunga Botanic Garden Plant Collections PolicyIntroductionWhen the Board of the Botanic Gardens assumed responsibility for Wittunga Botanic Garden in 1965, the overall collection policy of growing South African and Australian taxa was retained. This was largely in keeping with the planting themes of the Ashby family, who donated Wittunga to the State Government in 1965. Several themes are identified as necessary for the future development of Wittunga. While following those developed by the Ashby family they incorporate a more modern approach to botanic garden displays. These themes are listed below under the categories of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Living Collections Policy. ThemesGeographical
Taxonomic and evolutionary
Biological and ecological
Ornamental and landscape
Historical and cultural
Wittunga Botanic Garden, Plant Collections Policy (1.24Mb PDF) |
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