Information for Researchers
- About the Northern Terrritory Archives Service
- What kind of archives are available
- How to research the archives
- What access conditions apply
- Using the public search room
- Standards of service for search room clients
- Guides to help identify archives
- Copying archives
- How to cite archives
Results of NTAS search room users survey, 2006
About the Northern Territory Archives Service
The Northern Territory Archives Service (NTAS) was established by the Northern Territory Government in 1983 as the archival authority of the Northern Territory Government. It is responsible for the preservation, management and use of Territory records, both government and non-government.
What Kinds of Archives are Available?
The archival records available for research at the NTAS, most of which were created within the Northern Territory, relate to the Northern Territory.
The NTAS holds Northern Territory Government archives which have been created since the Government’s establishment in 1978. The NTAS has also inherited records from the periods of administration by the South Australian Government (1863-1910) and the Commonwealth Government (1911-1978) which relate to the functions transferred to the NT Government with the granting of self-government.
The NTAS also takes responsibility for the preservation and availability of non-government archives which it collects from the wider Territory community. These archives include personal papers and photographs from a large range of individuals as well as the archives of organisations. Some non-government archives date back to the middle of the 19th century.
A large collection of oral history archives is also available.
For further information about the archives which are held at the NTAS, see The Archives Collection.
How to Research the Archives
Before accessing the archives researchers are advised to consult potentially relevant published sources and to gain as much background information as possible.
It is important to identify any government agencies, non-government agencies or individuals whose activities have related to your research topic. This is because archives are primarily listed by the name of the creating agency or individual.
Persons seeking information from the collection are expected to do their own research in the NTAS Public Search Room. Researchers should make an appointment with the archivist prior to visiting the Search Room to ensure that required records and appropriate assistance will be available.
In cases where researchers are unable to visit the Search Room, NTAS staff will provide limited research assistance in accordance with the guidelines set out in our Standards of Service. Researchers who require more extensive assistance will usually be referred to our List of search agents which is available on request.
What Access Conditions Apply?
Government Archives
Most government archives are available for public inspection 30 years after the end of the year in which they were created. This closed period is basically applied to ensure the availability of the archives or records for continued administrative use if necessary and/or to protect their potential confidentiality.
A small number of government archives may be closed for longer periods because of specific legal requirements or ongoing confidentiality issues.
Researcher who wish to access government archives which fall within the "closed" category are able to apply for access in writing through NTAS. The responsible government agency will then consider the granting of access.
Non-government and Personal Archives including oral history archives:
The conditions of access to non-government and personal archives are determined by the depositors. Similarly, access conditions for oral history archives are primarily determined by interviewees and, in some case, interviewers. The vast majority of these archives are available on open access for research purposes.
Some archives may be withheld from access because of their fragility. In these cases, copies will be made available wherever possible.
Researchers are advised that access to archives cannot be supplied immediately as access checks as described above must be undertaken and the archives must be retrieved from other parts of the NTAS premises.
Access to all archives will only be provided in the Search Room.
Using the Public Search Room
It is suggested that researchers contact us before visiting. This may save time by allowing us to conduct a preliminary search. All researchers must obtain a Search Ticket and must observe the various rules and conditions set down by NTAS.
Computers, tape recorders and cameras may be used in the Search Room, subject to the approval of the archivist on duty
Standard of Service for Search Room Clients
Opening Hours
9am-12noon,1pm-4pm each week day (except public holidays)
Location
| Darwin: | The entrance to the Search Room is on the 2nd floor, 25 Cavenagh Street, DARWIN |
| Alice Springs: | The entrance to the Search Room is on the ground floor, Minerals House, 58 Hartley St, ALICE SPRINGS |
Services
Staff will provide assistance to researchers wishing to access records by providing advice, guidance and training, if required, in:
- research procedure
- use of finding aids
- use of microfilm readers and printers.
Various aids have been prepared to assist researchers when they visit the search room.
Search room staff are not available to conduct in-depth research for clients but can provide details of private research agents.
Subject to workloads there is a half-day to 24 hours turnaround time for making records available in the search room. Researchers may request up to 10 items at one time. Records that are not immediately available due to access conditions will be made available as soon as reasonably possible.
Staff will not tell third parties about the topic of your research or the records you have used without your permission.
You may use the reading room PC to access our various guides and finding aids as well as the Internet, provided these activities are related to your research.
Search Room Rules are available in the search room.
Copying Services
Self service copying is not permitted, except from microform reader printers.
When copying from microform reader printers you must list the records you are copying so that a record is available to yourself and to staff, and to assist with establishing a copying fee.
When photocopying, staff will produce the best copies possible given the state of the original record.
Time taken to process copying orders
Turnaround will vary according to the size of the order. For example a small order for photocopies will take 24 hours to complete while an order for more than 250 pages may take up to 6 weeks. The same applies for digitising of photographs with turnaround time varying from 1 to 3 weeks. Orders for copies of maps and plan can also take several weeks to supply depending on type and condition of record to be copied and the copying process involved. Turnaround time can be discussed and set when lodging the order.
For those unable to visit
Enquiries may be submitted by post, fax, telephone or E-mail. Our contact details are:
Postal: GPO Box 874 DARWIN NT 0801
Telephone: (08) 8924 7677
Fax: (08) 8924 7660
E-mail: nt.archives@nt.gov.au
Website: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/ntas
Staff will tell you if we hold the records and suggest appropriate search strategies, or advise you of possible alternative sources.
Staff do not undertake detailed research on your behalf. If your enquiry requires substantial research (ie more than approximately three hours) we will send you a list of private research agents with whom you can make private arrangements.
Research enquiries will be answered within 10 calendar days, or we will let you know if there is a delay.
If you have details of the records you wish to see, you can order them in advance of your visit by fax, post, telephone or E-mail.
How you can help
The NT Archives Service aims to provide a quality service so we appreciate any feedback about our services.
Guides to Help Identify Archives
The general List of Holdings is a summary list of all records series held at the NTAS. This list is available in the search room both in hardcopy and through the Search Room PC. Most of the archives held at the NTAS are listed and described in series consignment lists. These can be made available in hardcopy on request. Guides to the photographic and oral history collections are available in hardcopy in the Search Room. A small range of brief subject guides is also available. An ISYS search engine on the Search Room PC allows for detailed searching of summaries and tables of contents of oral histories.
Copying Archives
The NTAS staff arranges copying of archives for researchers. All copying is performed in accordance with relevant access agreements and copyright law and with due consideration for the condition of the records. For further information about copyright see Access to Archives and Copyright.
How to Cite Archives
References to archives and records which have been used in research should always be included in finished works. For further information see Citation of Archives.
