Series descriptive note

Function and purpose

This series consists of paper documents and log books recording operations and events during Antarctic expedition voyages. Matters reported on within the files include weather conditions, scientific observations, cargo handling, vessel operations and staffing.

Related legislation

Subject to further research

Using the series

As well as the original 'hard copy', material within series P1557, copies are also available in the form of microfiche. In 2007 a project was undertaken to digitize and make available on-line the paper files and volumes within P1557 (consignments P1557/1 and P1557/5).

Physical characteristics

The records in P1557 dated 1947 to 1972 are mainly paper folios within card folders. There are also occasional large folded plans and photographs. Voyage leaders log books are also included in some instances. These are in diary format recording daily activities throughout the voyage. From 1972 the standard format of the record becomes bound volumes including maps and photographs.

System of arrangement and control

In order to assist access and control, National Archives staff imposed a single (with parts) numbering system onto P1557 in 2007. This system involves giving single items a number, eg ‘37’, and giving a second number to parts of items that have been entered at folio level, e.g. ‘37/1’, ‘37/2’, ‘37/3’.

Items within this series were maintained by the Antarctic Division in a rough chronological order. Several different library classification systems appear to have been used to distinguish items within this series. None of these library systems were clearly used on all items, and a such items were transferred into National Archives custody without a controlling arrangement system. When transferred to Archives, items were registered onto the National Archives database at folio rather than file level. This folio level description is reflected in the format of the microfilm copies created by the Antarctic Division.

Relationships with other records

P1556 is a key series which is related to series P1557. P1556 contains Antarctic Station Reports with Station Log Books interspersed.

Custodial history

Items in this series within National Archives custody were originally housed by the information service/library of the Australian Antarctic Division. Following the return of expeditions from the Antarctic region, reports and log books were circulated within the Antarctic Division before being placed in the Division's Library where they were available for consultation by staff and expeditioners.

Quantity in agency custody

This series remained un-ended as of 2007. As such, items are still in the custody of the Antarctic Division, and will continue to be created. As at 4 May 1987 4.5m was held by CA 1873 Antarctic Division [Library, Kingston Tasmania].

Disposal history

P1557 has been sentenced as permanent under RDA 1020, entry 4.2.1 (class number 1023538)

Publication note

Subject to further research