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Window on Collections: Science at the Library

Date
16 August 2022, 7:00pm9:00pm
CostFree
Bookings Bookings required
Location Isabella Fraser Room
via Entry 5, La Trobe Street

To watch 'Window on Collections: Science at the Library', click play on the video above at 7pm on Tuesday, 16 August.

From preserving and restoring rare books and artefacts to discussing and dissecting science books within the Library’s vast collection, we’re giving you a peek behind the scenes at the Library during National Science Week.

Join us for a panel discussion with three extraordinary women at the Library whose day-to-day work caring for the collection unites the humanities and science.

Led by Upulie Divisekera - a molecular biologist and science communicator - learn how women writers and scientists have shaped the development of scientific thought in the past and present and discover the techniques and methods that help us preserve the Library’s collection.

Following the discussion, a cluster of rare science books will be on display, and a conservation station will be set up to see first-hand the equipment, materials, and techniques used to maintain the State Collection.

Our latest exhibition, Handmade Universe: From craft to code and the spaces between, will also open after-dark exclusively for this event. 

Panellists

  • Senior Librarian History of the Book and Arts, Anna Welch will discuss rare and fascinating science books written by women in the Library’s collection. 
  • Curator, Linda Short will talk about her work developing and curating Handmade Universe, an exhibition that spotlights contributions in scientific fields by women that haven’t been widely celebrated. 
  • Conservator of Photography and Paper, Katy Glen will discuss conserving the State Collection and the deterioration of historical photographs.

Enjoy a drink from our bar, which will be open before, during and after the event.  

Please note: this event will also be livestreamed. 

About Upulie Divisekera  

Upulie Divisekera is an Australian medical researcher and science communicator. She is a co-founder of Real Scientists, an outreach program that uses performance and writing to communicate science. She has written for The Sydney Morning Herald, Crikey, Meanjin and The Guardian and appeared on ABC TV’s panel show Q and A, while also regularly contributing to ABC Radio National. Her research experience is primarily in cancer immunology and nanotechnology.

More to explore 

About Window on Collections    

For 165 years, State Library Victoria has collected books, maps, ephemera, objects and artworks on almost every subject you can think of, with a special focus on Victoria. The State Collection includes almost 5.5 million items which provide a vital window into the past and record of contemporary life.  

Window on Collections is our new series of displays and events that give you a glimpse of what we’re collecting and why.  

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