Note to teachers

1. Note to teachers This short presentation is to orient students to the location of the State Library NSW before their visit. It also provides a brief summary of the legacy of David Scott Mitchell, the greatest benefactor to the library. Take a sneak peek at some of the treasures you might see in the ONE Hundred exhibition. We hope you find this resource informative and useful and look forward to seeing you and your students at the State Library NSW soon.

2. Celebrating 100 years of the Mitchell Library P&D-3152-10/2009

3. The great doors Where is it? Instructions Use Google Images to find photos of the following famous places near the State Library of NSW Insert photo of NSW Parliament House here Insert photo of Royal Botanic Gardens here

4. Coming How will you get there? Go to 131500.com.au Use the State Transit Trip Planner to decide the best mode of public transport to get you from your school to the State Library of NSW.

5. Check him Who is David Scott Mitchell? Scholar:David Scott Mitchell (DSM to his friends) graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts in 1856 and three years later as Master of Arts. In 1858 he was admitted to the Bar but never practised law or any other profession. Collector: DSM came from a wealthy family so he didn’t need to work for a living. Book-collecting became his all-consuming passion and purpose in life. His aim was to gather a copy of every document relating to Australia, the Pacific, the East Indies and Antarctica.Visionary: In 1898 DSM offered his collection to the Public Library of NSW (later the State Library), provided that the Government of the day erect a suitable building to house the collection. The Mitchell Library opened on 8 March 1910 with over 60,000 books and other materials. It is one of the great national collections in the world. David Scott Mitchell 1836 - 1907

6. standing OUTgrowing, OUTlasting What does the library look like? The State Library NSW consists of • The Mitchell Library • The Dixson Library • The State Reference Library Movies have been shot here, stories have been set here, events have been held here - the library’s outstanding architectural design, both inside and out, has been showcased many times. Macquarie Night Lights at the State Library, 2009.

7. standing OUTgrowing, OUTlasting Why collect? To document the history and heritage of NSW and Australia.To keep a record of things that are important to all Australians. To provide future generations with an understanding of what we were like. To document the life and times of the people of New South Wales across its history.

8. standing OUTgrowing, OUTlasting What’s in the collection? • Not just books! • Manuscripts • Pictures • Photographs • Maps • Coins • Sound recordings • Videos • Newspapers • Artefacts

9. standing OUTgrowing, OUTlasting Biggest, smallest, rarest in the State Library Biggest item Three volumes called Carte topographique de l’Egypte. It is 112cm x 70cm.They weigh 22 kilos each. Smallest item A minature book called the Lord’s Prayer. It is the size of an asprin tablet. Most valuable item Four volumes of John James Audubon’s Birds of America. It is valued at around $8.8 million. Total valueThe collections of the State Library NSW are valued in excess of $1.8 billion.

10. ab What’s it all What will you see? Click on the image to go to the ONE Hundred website

11. Check it Check it out for yourself Click on the image to go on the Virtual Tour Enjoy the ONE Hundred exhibition now on at the State Library NSW

12. We hope you enjoy your visit P&D-3152-10/2009