Local studies indyreads project
Local studies collections showcase the history and diversity of local communities, but these collections are often limited to local use in public libraries. The indyreads local studies project aims to enable public libraries to make their locally important collections available via the platform, providing NSW public library members with access to a statewide collection of local studies titles.
Expression of Interest
An expression of interest to contribute your local studies content to indyreads will be offered in 2023-24.
Who can participate?
NSW public libraries who have digital local studies content ready to upload.
There is no cost other than staff time for training, uploading, and managing the content and marketing activities.
Project requirements
Digital collections
You must have existing digital items (either digitised or born-digital) from your local studies collection in order to participate in the project.
Acceptable items include books or serials that have been published, and oral histories and transcripts (e.g., from Amplify) in any of the following formats:
- EPUB
- MP3 (audio)
- MP4 (video)
See the local studies list on indyreads for examples of acceptable material.
The following content will not be considered for inclusion on indyreads:
- photographs
- newspapers
- council records
- unpublished material
- ephemera
- maps
Copyright requirements and rights management
Only titles licensed for statewide access will be considered.
The indyreads platform can apply digital rights management. Content added to indyreads 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. Please contact Ross Balharrie for a copy of the agreement.
Legal deposit
The indyreads platform makes content available for loan. It is not a digital preservation platform.
Legal deposit ensures that material published in Australia is preserved for current and future generations. National edeposit (NED) is a portal where Australian publishers can upload and provide access to digital publications, satisfying their legal deposit obligations.
Information session recording
An information session for public library staff was held on Tuesday 9 August to give an overview of the project. The slides are available here: 
local studies project presentation.
Further information
For further information about this project, contact Ross Balharrie or Abby Dawson.