The guide is aimed at individuals and organisations seeking ‘the Library’s’ advice about their collection,
If you'd like to find out what your collection or items in your collection are worth money wise, then it's best to contact an expert in the field- an external valuer. The State Library does not value external collections.
You can search 'valuations' in the Antique and Fine Art Dealers Association of Australia.
There is a 'member search' in the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia.
Books:
Valuing your collection : a practical guide for museums, libraries and archives by Freda Matassa (ebook) and physical book.
There are several resources in our catalogue which may give you information about book prices. These are listed under a subject search using the words 'Books Prices Periodicals.'
If you wished to attempt a transcription yourself, here are a few guides that might be of assistance:
See the transcription tips from the US National Archives or from the UK National Archives. You could contact your local history society for recommendations, if you have not already done so.
The Library holds a number of reference works about palaeography, the study of old handwriting:
From the Page works with a group of volunteers who transcribe, index, and describe historic documents. They work more with institutions and large volumes of transcription. Their pricing structure includes a level for researchers.
Local research agent may be able to assist with the transcription. You can find a list of agents through the Public Records Office Victoria website or the National Archives of Australia website.
The Melbourne Advertiser was Melbourne’s first newspaper, published by John Fawkner on January 1, 1838. The first ten issues were handwritten and then another 17 were printed. The paper was ceased for its failure to obtain a licence but emerged under a new title, the Port Phillip Patriot and Melbourne Advertiser.
The Library's copies of the originals, acquired at different times over the years, have been digitised.
Two complete facsimile issues of the Melbourne Advertiser were published:
In 1869 De Gruchy produced a facsimile of issue No 1, 1 January 1838.
In 1869 Peter C Alcock produced a facsimile of issue No 2, 8 January 1838.
Written down the bottom of the facsimiles was, 'this is a facsimile', but we have come across some copies which have been finely trimmed, removing this statement. Fawkner died in 1869, so its speculated that perhaps the facsimiles were published to commemorate his death.
There have also been several pages of early Advertiser issues republished in various publications. The Victorian Historical Magazine (vol 3 no 10, 1913, page 102) gives detailed information about all known facsimiles.
The following video points out some differences between an original and a facsimile copy of the Melbourne Advertiser:
Paperworld sells newspapers from Australia and New Zealand dating back over 100 years- so you can get a feel for what your paper may be worth.
The Melbourne advertiser, Port Phillip, Australia : written for and published by John P. Fawkner, MS 13486/16
