Funding communal culture: opportunism and standardisation of funding for mechanics' institutes in colonial Victoria

Barker, Donald

Australian Library Journal 2002 51 (3)1202
(ReLIS:jul:juljuh:y:2002:v:51:i:3:p:1202)

Abstract:

Mechanics' institutes were an imported cultural institution of British origins and their expansion in Victoria during the 19th century was phenomenal. Every settlement had its mechanics' institute. As institutions which relied on membership subscriptions, the survival of many of them was problematic. Grants from colonial and local government for land, buildings and books played a crucial role in ensuring their continuation and direction. This article uses a number of case studies to demonstrate the early financial difficulty faced by mechanics' institutes and also discusses various aspects of the government grant up to the 1890s depression.

Keywords: Australia ; Historia de las bibliotecas ; Siglo 19º
Pages: 1202
Volume: 51
Year: 2002
Issue: 3

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