Library

The collection

The library contains the largest collection of speleological and associated materials in New Zealand. It is located in the Waitomo Caves Museum. The Library holdings include fiction and non-fiction books, a collection of various journals from countries worldwide, newsletters, and caving magazines. Also, a vertical file contains reprints and articles filed by subject. Video tapes and slides are also available.

Administration

The library is administered by the combined efforts of NZSS and the Waitomo Caves Museum Society and is for the use of members of either Society. Books or journals may be requested by post. The library will pay the out-going postage, and the borrower will be responsible for the cost of returning the publication. Except in special circumstances books, journals, or articles may be borrowed for only up to one month.

The Society maintains an archive at the Museum of various materials. Recently this has been extended to incorporate survey materials, including survey notes and drawings. Anyone with survey material to offer is asked to contact the Research Coordinator.

• Current Library List (December 2008)

Photograph collection

The Society has black and white prints suitable for displays. These are kept at the Waitomo Caves Museum along with others e.g. the Algy Watson collection.

The Society has recently begun a slide collection to record features of some major caves. At this stage the sets being compiled are for Bulmer Cavern at Mt Owen and the Ellis Basin System at Mt Arthur. Contributions to these sets are welcome.

The Museum also has its own collection of cave-related slides and photographs.

• Any questions about the collection please contact the Waitomo Museum.
• See the Contact page for the NZSS Library contact details.