Continuing our series on the history of the John Oxley Library, in this, our 75th year. 

The nature of the Library’s establishment as well as its role and responsibilities were to put it into conflict and competition with the Royal Historical Society of Queensland (the Society) as well as others, particularly in regard to the following:

• Were records and other material to be collected in cooperation with or in competition to the Society?
• What was the intent of the proposed Queensland Historical Society and Museum, detailed in the Oxley Memorial Library’s objects?
• Why was the Oxley Memorial Library to be associated with the Brisbane Municipal Library and not the State Library as was the situation in other states?

As a consequence, over the next few years there was confusion about the roles and responsibilities of the Oxley Memorial Library and opinions differed regarding the use of the funds in the Oxley Memorial Fund.  This resulted in disagreement and tension between the parties involved. 

The collection slowly developed, firstly in a room at the University of Queensland in George Street and, for two years from 1931, at the City Hall. 

Brisbane City Hall, 1930.  Image No: 31184

Part 4 will be posted next month.

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