John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library

University Librarian Vicki Williamson was a passionate supporter of the University’s drive in the mid 1990s to create the John Curtin Centre on campus to honour Australia’s wartime Prime Minister John Curtin, after whom the University was named. The Centre incorporated an archive of John Curtin records, a gallery of contemporary art and an international institute.

Ms Williamson took responsibility for the establishment of what became Australia’s first prime ministerial library - the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library (JCPML), which opened in February 1998. She saw this as the highlight of her professional career. ‘It was and always will be a very great privilege to have played a part in establishing this world-class facility.’8 

The initial priorities for the Library were to establish and then provide ongoing development of archival collections which focused on the life and times of John Curtin. The launch in 1999 of its Electronic Research Archive gained the JCPML local, national and international recognition as a leader in the area of digital archives.

Over its first decade of operation, the JCPML developed a comprehensive and innovative range of public programs including major exhibitions which interpreted John Curtin to the University and wider communities, touring displays, high profile public lectures, a visiting scholar program, an education program for schools, and an increasingly content rich website.

An external review in 2003 described the JCPML as ‘a first class institution which is admired and respected for its work, as much in the State and nationally as in the University. The JCPML has also earned the professional respect of the major cultural and collecting institutions with whom it collaborates. Another indication of its success is that others have sought to emulate it. In short the JCPML is a small treasure of which the University can be proud.’9