indyreads local studies collection
Local studies collections showcase the history and diversity of local communities, but these are often limited to local use in public libraries.
The indyreads local studies collection aims to enable public libraries to make their locally important titles available via the platform. Libraries can make aspects of their digital local studies content available on indyreads, providing NSW public library members with access to a representative statewide collection of local studies titles.
Getting involved
Public libraries with digitised or born-digital local studies content can apply to upload these to indyreads.
There is no cost other than staff time for training, uploading and managing the content and marketing activities.
Content guidelines
- Eligible content
Items should be published works of broad interest including:
- Books and other published monographs such as pamphlets with substantial information, tourist guides, jubilee histories
- Serials, such as historical journals
- Oral histories, including a transcript
Points to consider
Content of items included should be general, rather than specific. Suggested topics include early history, contemporary events, and significant people and places in your community.
Contemporary works are eligible for upload, as long as your library has permission.
If you are unsure if your content is suitable, for example content of a narrow scope, or long runs of serials, please contact us first to discuss.
If you do not have transcripts for your oral histories, you could consider using Amplify to facilitate this.
The State Library reserves the right to remove content uploaded that does not meet the guidelines.
- Ineligible content
The following will not be considered for inclusion on indyreads:
- Photographs
- Newspapers
- Council records
- Unpublished material
- Ephemera
- Maps
- Formats
Existing digital items from public library local studies collection in the following formats can be uploaded:
- EPUB
- MP3 (audio)
- MP4 (video)
Audio and video recordings should be high quality, with clear sound.
- Copyright and rights management
Titles must be licenced for statewide access. The indyreads platform can apply digital rights management. Content must meet one of the following copyright statuses:
- Out of copyright
- Your library or council owns the copyright
- Your library or council has permission to share the material
- The material can be used under an applicable Creative Commons licence
If your library needs to obtain permission, you can use the NSW Public Library Agreement for Purchasing Electronic Content. Contact Ross Balharrie for a copy.
Preservation of content
indyreads is an access platform and makes content available for loan. It is not a digital preservation system. Publishers can upload born digital publications to National edeposit (NED) for legal deposit and preservation purposes.
Register your interest
Please complete our online form to register your interest and we'll get in touch to discuss the next steps.
Training and support
We will provide your library with an instructional manual on how to upload content to indyreads. Online training is also available if required.
If your library has a large number of files to upload, please contact us to discuss this as we may be able to upload these as a batch.
Please contact Ross Balharrie or Abby Dawson if you have any questions.