In 2001 the National Library launched a site called
Papers Past. This digitisation initiative now makes over 2 million pages of New Zealand newspapers and periodicals available online, with dates covered ranging from 1839 to 1945. Titles can be searched for specifically, or the available papers for particular regions can be browsed; and to make life even easier the papers are word-searchable.
A range of Auckland publications are represented; one of the most recent to be added being the
Auckland Star, covering the years 1870 – 1903. The digitisation of this title is the result of a partnership with Auckland Libraries.
Access and searchability are the key strengths of Papers Past, however if your research falls into periods not covered by the site there are still ways to access the information. The
Microtexts Room in the General Library holds a wide range of national papers and periodicals on microfilm including the
Auckland Star, from its beginning right through to the last issue on the 16
th August, 1991.
Pages from these microfilms can be viewed, printed, or scanned to memory stick* and if the publication needed isn’t held by the Library films can often be interloaned free of charge.
William Hamill, Special Collections
References
[Banner]. (1870, March 24).
The Evening Star, p. 1.
National Library of New Zealand Te Puna M
ātauranga o Aotearoa. [n.d].
Papers Past: About this site. * Scanning capability is only available to The University of Auckland Library members with a valid NetID and password.