

















New partnership
From June 2016, the Dictionary of Sydney entered into a new partnership with the State Library New South Wales. With assistance from our long-time supporter, the City of Sydney, the Dictionary was migrated on to a new platform at the library. The library will preserve and maintain the Dictionary, ensuring that we can all enjoy it for many more years to come.
You can read the City of Sydney’s media release here: ‘Past and future of Sydney’s history secured.’
Funding
The City of Sydney generously provided cash and in-kind support to help transfer the Dictionary’s website to the State Library of NSW. After December 2016 the City will no longer fund the organisation on an annual basis.
With no ongoing funding, publication of new content on the Dictionary of Sydney will cease when current funds have all been used.
In September 2018, the Dictionary of Sydney Inc was wound up and management of the Dictionary was transferred to State Library of NSW.
If you would like to donate to the State Library of NSW Foundation, you can do so via their website here.
Impact
In July 2017 the Dictionary’s content was successfully migrated on to the new, more sustainable Drupal platform at the Library and publishing recommenced.
Since then, there have been more than 2,200,000 page views, an increase of over 30%.
Due to the reduction in staff hours, a consequence of less funding, publishing will take place at a slower rate than earlier in the Dictionary’s history, and will cease when funding runs out. The State Library of NSW will preserve the website and its content to make sure it remains available.
Future
In addition to the technical project, the agreement with the State Library for the transition of the Dictionary allows for one part-time Dictionary of Sydney position, to be responsible for maintaining and updating the Dictionary, which will be based at the State Library. This position will be funded by the DoS Inc while funds allow and will work in conjunction with an advisory committee that includes the Mitchell Librarian.

Detail from MS Hill's 1888 map 'The City of Sydney', a birds-eye view over the city looking to the south and west across Darling Harbour. http://dictionaryofsydney.org/image/97526