Public Access
The general public may view records on open access in the Queensland State Archives (QSA) Public Search Room.
Visiting the Public Search Room
A Readers' Ticket is required to visit the Public Search Room, and can be obtained on arrival at reception. To obtain a Reader's Ticket, researchers will need to produce:
- two forms of identification (one must contain a signature), and
- a Reader's Ticket
application form. - (
PDF 84kb)
There are strict restrictions on the types of personal items that may be taken into the Public Search Room. A list of what to bring is available for researchers visiting QSA, and the Readers' Ticket application form provides full details.
A Reference Archivist is available to assist in the use of the records. There are no charges - unless copies of records are required.
For researchers undertaking a thesis or long-term research project it is advisable to make an appointment with the Manager, Public Access for a preliminary interview.
Research Aids
Many aids have been prepared to assist researchers when visiting the Public Search Room. These include:
- Brief Guides
- Search Procedures
- Indexes to frequently used series of records - such as inquests, wills and mineral leases
- Departmental Guides - such as the Colonial Secretary's Office and Railway Departments
- Pathways - for example immigration and mines.
For more information, please contact us by mail, email, telephone or facsimile.
Reproducing materials obtained through Queensland State Archives
For published material, Government (Crown) copyright expires after 50 years from the date of first publication. Therefore, if Queensland Government material was published over 50 years ago, permission is not required.
For non-published materials, Government (Crown) copyright exists in perpetuity. Therefore, for most of the records in the custody of the Queensland State Archives, it is necessary to obtain permission prior to the reproduction of items.
The Queensland Department of State Development & Trade has prepared information about Crown Copyright to assist people wishing to reproduce Queensland Government material which is found at DSDT website copyright page.
Most agencies of the Queensland government manage their own copyright materials. Go to the contact list is found on at DSDI website page to locate the relevant Queensland Government copyright contact.
For further information on Crown Copyright, see the COPYRIGHT ACT 1968
For further information on the duration of Crown Copyright see the COPYRIGHT ACT 1968 - SECT 180How to Find Us
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