Visit Us
- To our reading rooms
- Group visits to the reading rooms
- Around NSW
- Pre-order records
- Using personal computer and cameras
To our reading rooms
We have two reading rooms where you can view State archives in original or copied form:
- The Western Sydney Records Centre (WSRC) is at 143 O'Connell Street, Kingswood, and
- The Sydney Records Centre (SRC) is at 2 Globe Street, The Rocks, Sydney.
Copied material is the same in both locations. All original (uncopied) records are stored at the WSRC. You can find out which records are copied by consulting Archives Investigator.
The WSRC has a reader's lounge - a place to give researchers somewhere to relax and eat their lunch. As there are no shops nearby, we provide free tea and coffee, and there is also a microwave and a refrigerator.
See also:
- Addresses and opening hours
- Apply for a reader's ticket (for using original records at the WSRC)
- Getting to the WSRC
- Reading room rules
Group visits to the reading rooms
Book your group
Groups are very welcome to visit the reading rooms. To assist with planning we ask that groups contact us one month in advance of the visit by filling in the Group Booking Form. This is particularly important on Saturdays when the reading rooms are staffed at minimum levels.
A group booking can be used for five (5) or more people.
We suggest that you also read our 'Getting Started' page which provides useful information and other links about visiting the reading rooms.
Short tours of the WSRC can also be presented to groups of five or more people (weekdays only). Book a tour when you book your visit.
Current group bookings
We have groups booked to visit the Western Sydney Reading Room on:
Monday 26 October
Thursday 12 November
Wednesday 18 November
Friday 20 November
Monday 23 November
Take advantage of the pre-order service
To make the most of your group visit to the WSRC we suggest that you use our pre-order service. Each group member can order up to four items in advance using the online pre-order form. Pre-orders save you time as you can begin your research as soon as you arrive.
Copy service
We may be unable to provide same-day copy service for photocopies ordered in the reading room. If copy orders cannot be completed on the same day, we will make arrangements for the copies to be posted or collected. See our Guarantee of Service.
Talks and Seminars
Keep in mind that the reading room does get busy on days when a talk is scheduled in our Activities Program.
Around NSW
The Archives Resources Kit comprises the core of the State's historical records and is available in 40 community access points throughout country New South Wales. A number of other institutions and organisations around the State also hold parts of the kit and copies of State archives.
A network of regional repositories, located in host institutions in Armidale, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong and Broken Hill, store and provide access to State archives of regional significance and to copies of key State archives.
A range of indexes, guides and finding aids, a digital gallery and other publications, together with the Register of Access Directions are available on our website. In addition, State Records is progressively digitising the most heavily used records to make them available on the Internet.
Online access to records means you can do more from your own home. For the keen amateur or professional researcher, the Archives Resources Kit and copies of other State archives are available for purchase in microform.
Pre-order records
The pre-order records service is for readers visiting the WSRC. Pre-ordering records saves you valuable research time.
Please note that we do not transfer records between offices.
Using personal computer and cameras
You can bring your own equipment with you to use in the reading rooms. State Records allows readers to use laptops, scanners and cameras. If you intend to use a scanner please contact the Senior Archivist, Access and Information at accinfo1@records.nsw.gov.au before you visit.
When using electronic equipment, such as laptops and scanners, we recommend you use batteries. Our reading rooms are not protected against power surges.
We do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to equipment.
We suggest that you always backup up your work regularly to ensure minimal loss.
You may copy original records in the reading room using a camera (including digital cameras). Permission to photograph original records is subject to the items being in good condition.
