The MIV was formed in 1998.
It aims to foster the preservation and restoration of the social, cultural and physical heritage of MIs through the development of information exchanges and systems of mutual support.
Membership is open to groups and individuals with an interest in the MI movement, particularly in Victoria.

Since its formation the MIV has:

• Staged the first National Mechanics’ Institutes Conference in Melbourne in 2000 and published its proceedings
• Published the 350 page book If the Walls Could Speak: A Social History of the Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria
• Assisted the publication of The Libraries of the Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria
• Established a web site
• Secured a round of Government grants for some of Victoria’s MIs
• Produced a Travelling Exhibition Remember the Mechanics?
• Staged Regional Meetings in country Victoria
• Established a Mechanics’ Institutes Resources Collection (MIRC) at Prahran MI
• Staged the First International Conference Mechanics’ Worldwide in September 2004
• Launched a plaques scheme for MIs and
• Launched the Victorian MIs building and history database.

Ninth Australian Library History Conference

The Mechanics Institutes of Victoria and Monash University Centre for the Book are proud to announce the Ninth Australian Library History Conference

Royal Historical Society of Victoria Seminar Day

The Kyneton Histoical Society will be hosting a Seminar day on the theme of Mechanics Institutes on Saturday 6th September, at the Kyneton Bowling Club, Mollison Street Kyneton. The cost is $15 per head, and please book through RHSV by notifying Ged on 9326 928. Bookings close Friday 29th August 2008.

Politicians Libraries

Graham Dudley, President of the Friends of the Baillieu Library, has organised the Saturday Seminar - Politicians' Private Libraries - on Saturday 23 August 2008. There will be a warm welcome for all MIV members and friends that attend.
Professor Judith Brett from Latrobe University will be speaking on Sir Robert Menzies, Dr Caitlin Stone from University of Melbourne will focus on Malcolm Fraser, and Judith Dwyer from Berwick Mechanics Institute will speak on Lord Casey.
Saturday 23 August 2008, 2.00 – 4.30pm, Leigh Scott Room, 1st Floor Baillieu Library, University of Melbourne

Assistance Required - a message from Pam Baragwanath, MIV Historian

A large amount of material is in the process of being added to the PMI Library collection for the: Mechanics’ Institute Resource Collection - MIRC
This will be a unique and valuable addition to the Local History Collection.
I am in the process of sorting and photocopying the Victorian material for the collection but help is now required to photocopy material and scan photographs for the interstate, international and general research material.
If anyone could spare a few hours at the Prahran Mechanics’ Institute library each week, it would be much appreciated, please email Judith Dwyer at jad134@hotmail.com or Pam at pgbarag@alphalink.com.au if further information is required.

NEXT MIV MEETING DATES:

• The next meeting of the MIV will be on 9th of August, at 10 am at the Athenaeum Library, Level 1, 188 Collins Street Melbourne
• The Annual General Meeting of the MIV will be on Saturday 8th November at 10 am at the Prahran Mechanics Institute, 140 High Street Prahran

To RSVP, email Cathy at cathy@pmi.net.au. All welcome.