The Queensland Parliamentary Library’s O’Donovan Catalogue Origins Collection has been officially included in the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Register, recognising its historical significance. The Queensland Irish Association (QIA) strongly supported the nomination, championing the work of Denis O’Donovan, the former Parliamentary Librarian behind the collection.

QIA President Jeffrey Spender expressed pride in backing the application: “The O’Donovan Catalogue Origins Collection beautifully demonstrates the rigour that Mr O’Donovan brought to his appointment, resulting in a world-leading library catalogue.”

Born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1836, O’Donovan was a scholar whose work earned recognition across Europe before he moved to Australia in 1867. As Queensland’s Parliamentary Librarian, he created a meticulous catalogue, advocating for Irish language works and preserving rare historical documents, including early Australian explorers’ journals. His efforts ensured the inclusion of Irish history within the library’s holdings, with handwritten book suggestions from Queensland parliamentarians, many of Irish descent, including Sir Maurice O’Connell, a relative of Daniel O’Connell.

Madeleine Midgley, former member of the Queensland Parliamentary Library team, shared the news of the successful nomination: “This has been the highlight of my working life, and I am proud of our collective effort to preserve this important piece of history.”

The Queensland Parliamentary Library received confirmation in December, with a ceremony for new inscriptions to be held in Canberra on 27 March. The inclusion of the Catalogue Origins Collection ensures O’Donovan’s work is preserved for generations to come.


Pictures: O’Donovan Library, top, and Denis O’Donovan. Credit: Parliament.qld.gov.au