James Battye

James Sykes Battye (1871–1954) was an Australian librarian who was the first chief librarian of the Victoria Public Library in Perth, Western Australia. He was a leading historian, librarian and public figure in Western Australia and also served as a Chancellor of the University of Western Australia.

In 1951, The West Australian newspaper designated him as the Principal librarian and secretary of the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Battye Street in the Canberra suburb of Bruce is named in his honour.

Biography James Sykes Battye was born at Geelong, Victoria, on 20 November 1871.

He married Sarah Elizabeth May in Melbourne on 15 May 1895.

Battye came to Western Australia from Victoria in 1894 after being appointed of Principal Librarian of the Public Library. Later appointed the Secretary of the Public Library, Meseum and Art Gallery in 1912, which he both held until his death in 1954.

Although not directly within his professional role, he developed a strong interest in Western Australian history and began collecting material from early in the century.

He formed part of the Royal Commission on the establishment of a University in Western Australia, becoming the University of Western Australia. He was a foundation member of the University Senate in 1912 which he held until 1954.