Society and Culture

This term we have articles on a variety of topics including Item 2876 which looks at the use of information and communication technologies by older people, Item 2877 which discusses the meaning of feminism in the 21st century and Item 2878 which examines the links between television, globalisation and commercialisation.

To tie into the State Library of NSW's Home Truths exhibition we also have articles on adolescent experiences of living in the country, Item 2879 discusses attitudes and barriers to seeking help by rural adolescents with mental health issues, Item 2880 explores the out-migration of young people living in rural communities to urban areas and Item 2881 discusses an initial exploratory study that addresses the issue of homelessness in rural communities. Also to tie in with the exhibition Item 2882 discusses the situations of individuals and families residing in caravan parks and the relationship caravan park managers have with the community.

Ancient History

Item 2883 explores the lives of slaves in Pompeian Rome and the evidence that has allowed historians and archaeologists to create a picture of slave life and Item 2884 examines the role of hospitality in Pompeii and Herculaneum and in Roman life generally.

English

This term we look at Jhumpa Lahiri's novel, The Namesake. Item 2885 centres on resounding themes of the novel including belonging, family, community, culture and literature, Item 2886 focuses on Lahiri's portrayal of the characters in the novel and the relationships that define them and Item 2887 discusses aspects of the novel including the significance of names and naming, family relationships and issues involved in immigrating to a foreign country.

Biology

Item 2888 discusses New Zealand's controversial decision of introducing genetically modified organisms (GMO) technologies.

The contribution Rosalind Franklin made to the discovery of the DNA molecule is also discussed this term with Item 2889 discussing details of Franklin's research and how it contributed to the research of fellow scientists James Watson and Francis Crick and Item 2890 discusses Rosalind Franklin's discovery and the subsequent rivalry and betrayal that led to her contribution remaining unacknowledged until much later in time.

Information Processes and Technology

Privacy and the World Wide Web are discussed this term with Items 2891 and 2892 looking at privacy issues with the advent of social networking sites.

Chemistry

This term we look at DNA forensic technology. Item 2893 examines the developments in biotechnology in the areas of 'racialised medicine' and forensic science, Item 2894 examines the implications of DNA forensic technology from a social justice perspective and Item 2895 looks at the National DNA Database (NDNAD) in the UK and raises questions about human rights and privacy.

Earth and Environmental Science

The environmental impact of the resources sector is discussed this term with Item 2896 focusing on mining in Western Australia, describing its effects on biodiversity and landscape and Item 2897 discusses the adoption of sustainable development practices in the resource industry.

History Extension

Item 2898 discusses Keith Windschuttle's book The Fabrication of Aboriginal History: Volume One, Van Diemen's Land and the controversy it created in the historical community when published. Item 2899 analyses twentieth century Russian and Soviet history and the country's highly politicised historiography.

Legal Studies

Item 2900 discusses the use of customary law for indigenous offenders in Western Australia, Item 2901 looks at legal rights in relation to medical end of life decisions across Australian states and Item 2902 discusses the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CROC), a human rights treaty developed by the United Nations that addresses the rights of children. Item 2903 explores the governments proposed National Employment Standards (NES) parental leave scheme, while Item 2904 discusses a case in which the State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia found an employer's dismissal of a pregnant employee to be unlawful discrimination. Item 2905 explores the different aspects of family dispute resolution, Item 2906 discusses issues relating to workplace grievances and Item 2907 discusses the legal discrimination of same sex couples in Australia. The new Hot Topics is Health and the Law (Item 2908) and provides an overview of the many areas of regulation relating to our health.

Exhibitions at the State Library of NSW

Home Truths

Open: 18 August 2008 - 7 December 2008

Venue: Picture Gallery

The difficulty of documenting society through a single image has always challenged photographers.

The exhibition Home Truths presents the photo-interview as a means of accurately recording social issues. The words that accompany each image provide a context that reduces the risk of our misinterpreting the photograph.

Ruth Maddison's images and stories from the township of Eden, together with Hayley Hillis and Pippa Wischer's recording of caravan dwellers throughout the state, give us a rare insight into the practice of photographing and interviewing individuals to capture the stories of lives of ordinary Australians.

Wisdom - World premiere launch

Archbishop Desmond Tutu personally invited 50 of the world's most inspired and iconic figures over the age of 65 to share their words of wisdom. The resulting multi-media exhibition features extraordinary large-format portraits and documentary footage of interviews and the project's evolution, created by award-winning photographer and filmmaker Andrew Zuckerman.

Three famous Australians - Malcolm Fraser, Jimmy Little and Bryce Courtenay - feature among the likes of Buzz Aldrin, Nelson Mandela, Vanessa Redgrave, Clint Eastwood, Frank Gehry, Willie Nelson, Michael Parkinson, Mary Quant and Tutu himself.