Resources and Support
We provide a range of resources to support Mechanics’ Institutes, researchers, and the wider community.
Our resources are designed to help institutes preserve their heritage, operate effectively, and engage their communities.
We also support research into the history of Mechanics’ Institutes, helping uncover and share stories from across Victoria.
Mechanics’ Institutes Resource Centre
Established in 2004 this comprises a comprehensive reference collection of Mechanics’ Institute related resources, relating to Victoria, Australia and International Institutes.
These range from the digital records of some 130 Victorian Mechanics’ Institutes, to various photographic images, to a growing donated and purchased collection of monographs.
Items from the Collection are available for onsite use during the opening hours of Prahran Mechanics’ Institute.
Items from the Collection can only be viewed on site and are not for borrowing
The MIRC is located at Prahran Mechanics’ Institute, 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran VIC 3181.
Victorian MI Library Stamps
Leaving their mark in Mechanics’ Institutes histories
Association of Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies
ADFAS is a group of 34 Societies that offer their members a series of monthly informative and entertaining illustrated lectures plus some workshops covering a broad range of subjects relating to art.
In line with one of the primary aims of ADFAS – the preservation of our national artistic heritage – ADFAS members have engaged in identifying and researching School of Arts and Mechanics’ Institute buildings in their local area.
Independent Libraries Association - UK
The Independent Libraries Association was founded in 1989 to further the conservation, restoration and public awareness of a too little known but significant section of our cultural heritage. It aims to develop links between its constituent members by means of co-operative agreements, newsletters, social gatherings, seminars, workshops and meetings.
Together, the Association’s members possess over two million books and have many listed buildings in their care. Many also possess charitable status. They combine the preservation of their historic collections and beautiful buildings with a supply of the latest books and periodicals, a personal service to their members and research facilities for non members. The majority still retain their independence and all of them possess individual characteristics which are valued by regular users and new visitors alike.