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Indexes and Catalogues

The extensive collections of the Battye Library can be accessed through the online catalogue and a number of catalogues and indexes, mostly microfiche and online. Some indexes relate to information contained in specific items or collections held by the Battye Library or the State Records Office, e.g., the Passenger Arrivals Indexes which shows the names of people gleaned from official and newspaper passenger lists or the Biographical Index which notes biographical articles that appear in newspapers, books and serials. As well, the Battye Library acquires indexes from outside bodies such as the Registrar General's Office and the FamilyHistoryWA (Western Australian Genealogical Society Inc.)

From 1988, all new material was added directly to the online catalogue. Any material included in the old card catalogues has since been retrospectively catalogued online. Therefore, all new and old books, serial titles, film, video and DVDs, maps, newspaper titles, oral history interviews, private archives, ephemera and some photographs can be accessed online primarily via author, title, subject or keyword.

Described here are various indexes and catalogues which can be used to trace the names of people or to find sources which can be used to trace people. In some indexes abbreviations or acronyms are used to identify sources and a listing of these usually appears at the beginning of the index. Choose a subject from the list below to find an appropriate index or catalogue together with a brief descriptive comment.