Print collections

Despite the move to electronic information, Robertson Library retained an important custodial role for print collections which remained important both to students and scholars. A number of initiatives in the 2000s enhanced access to significant print based collections.

In 2009, the Library improved access to its Women’s Health Collection, an important but under-used research collection. Many books were made available for loan while valuable, fragile or rare items remained in a closed collection, where they were accessible on request. Items were digitised where copyright allowed and a web site was created to provide a virtual presence for the collection.

In the same year, the Teaching Resources Library moved from the Education building to Robertson Library to provide wider access to its specialised curriculum resources.

The Library added the print-based Jules Black Sexology Collection to its holdings in 2010.16 With Curtin University the Australian leader in the education of sexologists, the collection of over 300 books and journals was a significant acquisition. A website about the collection was also created.

In 2011 low use journal collections were moved to offsite storage allowing two of the large compactus shelving units which had housed the volumes to be removed.

Branch libraries

Branch libraries have declined in importance in recent years as more resources and services have been delivered electronically.

However the Kalgoorlie Campus Library underwent a major refurbishment project over 2008/2009, providing its clients with access to modern technologies and improved facilities.

With the University’s decision to cease teaching at the Northam campus by the end of 2012, the Library’s branch at Muresk will also cease operations.