Information for Researchers
About the Northern Territory Archives Service
The Northern Territory Archives Service (NTAS) was established by the Northern Territory Government in 1983 as the archival authority of the Northern Territory Government. It is responsible for the preservation, management and use of Territory records, both government and non-government.
What Kinds of Archives are Available?
The archival records available for research at the NTAS, most of which were created within the Northern Territory, relate to the Northern Territory.
The NTAS holds Northern Territory Government archives which have been created since the Government’s establishment in 1978. The NTAS has also inherited records from the periods of administration by the South Australian Government (1863-1910) and the Commonwealth Government (1911-1978) which relate to the functions transferred to the NT Government with the granting of self-government.
The NTAS also takes responsibility for the preservation and availability of non-government archives which it collects from the wider Territory community. These archives include personal papers and photographs from a large range of individuals as well as the archives of organisations. Some non-government archives date back to the middle of the 19th century.
A large collection of oral history archives is also available.
For further information about the archives which are held at the Northern Territory Archives Service, see The Archives Collection.
How to Research the Archives
Before accessing the archives researchers are advised to consult potentially relevant published sources and to gain as much background information as possible.
It is important to identify any government agencies, non-government agencies or individuals whose activities have related to your research topic. This is because archives are primarily listed by the name of the creating agency or individual.
Persons seeking information from the collection are expected to do their own research in the Northern Territory Archives Service search room. Researchers should make an appointment with the archivist prior to visiting the Search Room to ensure that required records and appropriate assistance will be available.
In cases where researchers are unable to visit the Search Room, Northern Territory Archives Service staff will provide limited research assistance in accordance with the guidelines set out in our Standards of Service. Researchers who require more extensive assistance will usually be referred to our List of search agents which is available on request.
What Access Conditions Apply?
Government Archives
Most government archives are available for public inspection 30 years after the end of the year in which they were created. This closed period is basically applied to ensure the availability of the archives or records for continued administrative use if necessary and/or to protect their potential confidentiality.
A small number of government archives may be closed for longer periods because of specific legal requirements or ongoing confidentiality issues.
Researcher who wish to access government archives which fall within the "closed" category are able to apply for access in writing through Northern Territory Archives Service. The responsible government agency will then consider the granting of access.
Non-government and Personal Archives including oral history archives:
The conditions of access to non-government and personal archives are determined by the depositors. Similarly, access conditions for oral history archives are primarily determined by interviewees and, in some case, interviewers. The vast majority of these archives are available on open access for research purposes.
Some archives may be withheld from access because of their fragility. In these cases, copies will be made available wherever possible.
Researchers are advised that access to archives cannot be supplied immediately as access checks as described above must be undertaken and the archives must be retrieved from other parts of the Northern Territory Archives Service premises.
Access to all archives will only be provided in the search room. See our Access leaflet for more information.
Using the Public Search Room
It is suggested that researchers contact us before visiting. This may save time by allowing us to conduct a preliminary search. All researchers must obtain a Search Ticket and must observe the various rules and conditions set down by Northern Territory Archives Service.
Computers and cameras may be used in the search room, subject to the approval of the Northern Territory Archives Service staff.
Standard of Service for Search Room Clients
Opening Hours
9am-12noon,1pm-4pm each week day (except public holidays)
Location
Enquiries can be made in person at the following location
| Darwin: | The Darwin search room of the Northern Territory Archives Service is located on the 2nd floor, 25 Cavenagh Street, DARWIN |
| Alice Springs: | The Darwin search room of the Northern Territory Archives Service is located on the ground floor, Minerals House, 58 Hartley St, ALICE SPRINGS |
Services
Staff will provide information and assistance to researchers accessing archives, about searching, using our finding aids, possible access restrictions, usage of equipment such as microform reader printer and ordering reproductions.
Search room staff will not undertake detailed research on your behalf.
If you have details of the records you wish to see, you can order them in advance of your visit by fax, post, telephone or e-mail.
There is a 12 to 24 hour turnaround time for making records available in the search room once you have placed your order. You will be advised if there is a delay due to access restrictions or physical condition of the records.
Staff will not tell third parties about the topic of your research or the records you have used without your permission.
You may use the search room computer to access our various guides and finding aids as well as the Internet, provided these activities are related to your research.
Search Room Rules are available here and in our search room.Staff will not tell third parties about the topic of your research or the records you have used without your permission.
You may use the reading room PC to access our various guides and finding aids as well as the Internet, provided these activities are related to your research.
Reproduction Services
Self service copying is not permitted, except from microform reader printers.
Prints from microform are subject to the regular black and white photocopy fee. When copying from microform reader printers you are required to complete the standard photocopying order form, enabling staff to determine the charge for copying.
The condition of the original item may affect the quality of the copy being produced. Staff will provide the best reproduction within your order specifications.
Time taken to complete photocopying orders will vary according to the size of the order and the physical condition of the records. Orders of up to 100 pages will be completed within 10 working days. Variations to this timeframe based on the condition of the records or a larger volume of copies will be advised by search room staff.
If the condition of the original record prevents its handling for photocopying an alternative may be offered. Staff will discuss the options and associated cost.
See our Reproduction Fees Leaflet for more details.
For those unable to visit
Staff members do not undertake detailed research on your behalf. If your enquiry requires substantial research (i.e. more than approximately three hours) we will send you a list of research agents with whom you can make private arrangements.
Research enquiries will be acknowledged on receipt. Staff will respond to your initial request for information within one month of receipt of query.How you can help
The NT Archives Service aims to provide a quality service so we appreciate any feedback about our services.
Subject Guides and Information Leaflets to assist with researching the Archives Collection
The general List of Holdings is a summary list of all records series held at the Northern Territory Archives Service. This list is available in the search room through the search room PC. Most of the archives held at the Northern Territory Archives Service are listed and described in series consignment lists. These can be made available on request. Guides to the photographic and oral history collections are also available in the Search Room. Subject guides are helpful to find specific series and oral histories about the Second World War or Cyclone Tracy for example. An ISYS search engine on the Search Room PC allows for detailed searching of summaries and tables of contents of oral histories. There are also many Information Leaflets to assist you with the use of Northern Territory Archives Service and some of its specific collections such as Oral Histories, Mission Records etc.
Copying Archives
The NTAS staff arranges copying of archives for researchers. All copying is performed in accordance with relevant access agreements and copyright law and with due consideration for the condition of the records. For further information about copyright see Access to Archives and Copyright.
How to Cite Archives
References to archives and records which have been used in research should always be included in finished works. For further information see Citation of Archives.