ADB Files Moved to ANU Archives

The 11,000 working files, created by staff over the last 50 years while editing Australian Dictionary of Biography entries, have been transferred recently from the National Centre of Biography’s offices to the ANU Archives where they can be both better preserved and more easily consulted by researchers. 

The files are a valuable resource for anyone wanting to undertake further research on the men and women who have entries in the ADB. As well as containing birth, death and marriage certificates, the files include copies of published obituaries, profiles, oral history interviews, and newspaper clippings gathered by ADB staff. Some files also contain school and university records, war service records, unpublished eulogies and reminiscences, and correspondence with family members. Those interested in how the articles are edited, will find not only the author’s original article, but the comments made by various readers during the editing process, as well as the final, edited version of the article and any correspondence between ADB staff and the author.

Anybody wishing to consult the files should contact the ANU Archives. Please provide the full name (as given in the heading of the ADB article) of the file you wish to consult, including the subject’s birth and death years (to distinguish between individuals with the same name). The files are held in the Archives’ warehouse so at least a day’s notice is needed for retrieval. 

ANU Archives contact details:
Hrs of Opening: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 
Tel (02) 6125 2219
Fax: (02) 6125 0140
Email: university.archives@anu.edu.au
Location: ANU Archives Program
 Menzies Building 2
 Fellows Road
 Australian National University ACT 0200

*Please note. Neither the NCB nor the ANU Archives has the resources to consult files on your behalf. If you are unable to visit the ANU Archives you might like to consider hiring a researcher. The Archives maintains a List of Professional Researchers.