Convict Guide - published 2006 - Manual / Resource - Page 12
Guide to New South Wales State archives relating to convicts and convict administration
of a chapter are a good starting point for researchers, indexes contained within a particular
record series should not be overlooked. It should also be noted that some record series have
not been indexed and hence more lengthy research may be required to locate relevant
information. As more indexes become available they will be added to the electronic version of
this Guide. State Records' website should be checked for new indexes as they become
available.
The entries
Archives are usually part of a series of items created or maintained by an organisation,
institution or individual. The State archives described in this Guide are arranged according to
the Government agency that created them.
The entries list 'record series' and, for some series, individual record items. Each entry gives
the title and date range of the record series. The quantity (the number of boxes or volumes) is
given where a record has not been copied. This is followed by a brief description of its
contents. In the right hand column the series number and in some instances the individual
item numbers are given. Where the item numbers have been imposed they appear in square
brackets. The series number and individual item numbers are required when requesting
records from State Records or citing them in written work and publications. Where there are a
number of items listed consecutively the series number will not be repeated with each item
number. Where the records have been microfilmed or are available in photocopied format
(COD) the microform fiche, reel and/or COD numbers are provided. Where records are in
microform, they are available in both State Records' reading rooms. Where records have been
filmed and form part of the Archives Resources Kit (*ARK), this is also indicated. The *ARK is
widely available at 40 Community Access Points in New South Wales and the Australian Capital
Territory see Archives in Brief Nos. 39 and 40. For details of institutions holding parts of the
*ARK see Archives in Brief No. 46. Interstate and overseas institutions holding parts of the Kit
are also listed in Archives in Brief No. 46.
Some records series are Special bundles which contain correspondence and papers on a
particular topic which because of its significance or quantity of correspondence generated were
extracted from the main correspondence series. They were often given a general title that may
not reflect the diversity of material contained in the bundle. While our descriptions have
focused on matters relating to convicts, the bundles may in some instances contain
information on other matters. Special bundles are usually listed chronologically by the last date
and care should be taken when perusing a Special bundles listing as some cover a large date
range.
The listing of records in the Guide is not definitive and researchers wishing to undertake indepth research should consult the correspondence systems and other records of the agencies
and related agencies that are listed in Archives Investigator. Where additional records are
received or come to light they will be listed in Archives Investigator. Archives Investigator is
available on our website at
Appendices
The Guide includes a number of appendices towards the back. They usually take the form of
item listings of a particular series or a number of series where the lists have been combined to
assist the researcher in accessing available records on a particular matter, such as Appendix 1
Convict Ships arriving at Sydney 1788–1849.
Access to the records
The State Records Act 1998 establishes a general entitlement to access to State records that
are at least 30 years old. With the exception of some Health Department records, the records
listed in this Guide are all open to public access. Access to original (uncopied) State archives is
by reader's ticket. Anyone over the age of 15 years may apply for a ticket. Applicants under 18
years must have the application countersigned by a parent or legal guardian. A reader's ticket
State Records Authority of New South Wales
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