Schaeffer Fine Arts Library: Celebrating 25 Years

Please join us for an evening of food, drink and art, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Schaffer Fine Arts Library.

As one of Australia’s most significant fine arts libraries, the Schaeffer Library holds an extensive collection of research materials and archives. Its stunning architecture has made it a beloved space for students and the public alike. During the reception, we will honour the key figures who made this library possible and unveil exciting new projects shaping its future.

For a quarter-century, the Schaeffer Fine Arts Library has been more than a repository of books—it has been a dynamic hub of intellectual and artistic discovery. As we mark this milestone, we celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to an even brighter future, ensuring that the library continues to serve generations of students, researchers, and artists in the years to come.

We hope that you can join us for this milestone celebration, and glimpse into the future!

More about the Schaeffer Library

About the Schaeffer Library

The Schaeffer Fine Arts Library, housed at the University of Sydney and supported by the Power Institute, is one of Australia’s premier fine arts research libraries. It serves as a critical resource for students, researchers, and the public, offering extensive collections, state-of-the-art study spaces, and research support services.

The Schaeffer Fine Arts Library remains dedicated to innovation, accessibility, and collaboration, ensuring its role as a leading hub for scholarly and artistic research. Since its establishment in 2000, it has continuously adapted to the evolving landscape of art research and education, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the University of Sydney’s commitment to the arts.

Library 1.0 - The Early Years: Foundations and Growth (1967–2012)

Before its official establishment as the Schaeffer Fine Arts Library, the foundation for excellence was laid through the Power Research Library, made possible by a bequest from artist and art patron John W. Power. This early phase, spanning from 1967 to 2012, saw the development of core collections, the implementation of reference services, and the introduction of innovative resources like film slides and reprographic services. The Visual Resources Library, a key component, became a primary repository for Australian artists' work, amassing 165,000 slides and digital images.

A defining moment came on May 22, 2000, with the establishment of the new library, thanks to the continued support of benefactors, faculty, and the broader arts community. Under the guidance of librarians John Spenser and Peter Wright, the library flourished, expanding its collections and enhancing accessibility through digital resources and modernized study spaces. The building itself was recognized for its excellence, becoming a joint winner of the Interior Architecture Award by the RAIA NSW Chapter in 2002.

Library 2.0 - Expansion, Digitization, and Modernization (2012–2022)

The next decade marked a period of remarkable transformation. The library team, now led by Tony Green and Nicholas Keyzer, implemented an Integrated Library System, improving cataloguing and search capabilities. Metadata curation efforts saw over 10,000 resources catalogued, enriching research opportunities. Special acquisitions, including Professor Virginia Spate’s 1,600+ DVD collection, the Biennale of Sydney Archives, the Bernard Smith Archives, and the Sherman Galleries Collection, further strengthened the library’s holdings.

From 2013 onwards, the library embraced new technological advancements. A comprehensive digitization project preserved 50,000+ slides, ensuring the longevity of invaluable resources. Integration with the Fisher Library system provided seamless borrowing access, while renovations modernized the library’s infrastructure. The Schaeffer Library Art Program, launched in 2016, provided contemporary artists with unprecedented access to the library’s resources, fostering artistic research and experimentation. Notably, artists Imants Tillers and Jennifer van Ratingen contributed the first artworks under this initiative.

Library 3.0 - A New Era: Innovation and Transformation (2023–Present)

In 2023, leadership transitioned with M. Sajid Foazdar stepping in as Senior Librarian, bringing fresh vision and strategic advancements. The adoption of RFID technology revolutionized collection security and tracking, enhancing resource management. Outreach programs expanded, with curated exhibitions showcasing the library’s rich collections, bridging academic research and public engagement.

Key milestones of 2023 included:

• New Communication Channel: The launch of schaeffer.library@sydney.edu.au streamlined research support, seminar room bookings, and acquisitions.
• RFID Security System Implementation: Over 40,000+ items tagged, improving inventory tracking and accessibility.
• Library Feedback Survey: 96% satisfaction rate highlighted strengths in Rare Books and Artist Books, guiding future enhancements.
• Artist in Residency Program: A partnership with Simryn Gill, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and exhibitions.
• Internship Program: Art History and Museum Studies interns contributed to the cataloguing of key collections, including the Bernard Smith Archives and Schaeffer Ephemera Collection.
• Honouring Virginia Spate AC: Renaming the Mezzanine reading room in her honour, celebrating her contributions to the arts.
• New Exhibition Space: Dedicated to showcasing student works, traveling exhibits, and special collections.
• Expanded Collections: 500+ new acquisitions enriched research in art history, fine arts, and film studies.

In 2024, further advancements solidified the library’s status as a cutting-edge institution:

• Security gate installations completed for enhanced collection management.
• 25,000+ items tagged as part of the ongoing RFID initiative.
• Rare Books Exhibition Series launched, celebrating unique collections.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

As we step into the future, the Schaeffer Fine Arts Library remains committed to innovation and excellence. Planned initiatives include:

• 25th Anniversary Celebrations – A series of events reflecting on our legacy and looking forward to new opportunities.
• Online Catalogue & Mobile App – Enabling seamless collection access from anywhere.
• Refurbished Seminar Spaces – Providing enhanced environments for academic discussions and research collaborations.
• Library Arts Program Collaborations – Partnering with artists to create a limited-edition publication celebrating Australian Small Press collections.
• AI-powered library signage project initiated to enhance user navigation.