Bronwyn McBurnie - Manager, Special Collections

Role

The Manager of Special Collections is responsible for planning, managing, preserving and conserving unique and rare materials of cultural and historical significance; and raising the visibility and profile of the collections in support of the University’s research, teaching and community engagement programs. Additionally, the role is responsible for the provision of services relating to a broad range of collections which include:

• the North Queensland Collection,
• Library Archives,
• Rare Books,
• North Queensland Photographic Collection,
• The JCU Art Collection,
• Shaw Collection of Australian Art, and
• NQHeritage: the online repository for Special Collections.

Bronwyn McBurnie collaborates with other Library and Information Services (LIS) staff to deliver and facilitate learning, teaching, and research by focusing on the use of special collections; and provides specialist consultation services to JCU researchers and students, external researchers and organisations, and the public.

As a curator, the Manager of Special Collections:

• leads and oversees exhibitions and events,
• engages with donors and other partners,
• fosters awareness and support of the collections and the preservation of cultural heritage through exhibitions, information sessions, print and web publications,
• oversees collection development including the accession, preservation and digitisation of materials,
• works with the Art Collection Officer to liaise with members of the JCU community regarding the location of art work from the JCU Art Collection.

Social Media Links

Follow Special Collections on the Library News Blog. Regular features include:

• Special Collections Fossickings - a series of posts highlighting treasures found in our collections, and
• posts regarding various projects involving Special Collections.

Listen to the White Gloves radio series of podcasts on ABC North Queensland's Mornings with Paula Tapiolas. You can find links to many of the interviews on our blog (here and here).

Watch some videos about the Special Collections on the Library Channel.