Using the Collection
Finding what you want
Our collections are listed in the catalogue and include links to electronic documents, pictures and finding aids for manuscripts.
Journal articles and chapters in books are not listed in the catalogue. You need to use eResources to explore the content of journals or books, then look in the catalogue for the journal or book where the article appears.
Some other material is not listed in the catalogue. You may need to consult one of our guides to the collection or ask a librarian for help to find what you need.
Using our reading rooms
Material from the Library's collections may be requested from stack and will be delivered for use in our reading rooms. The reading rooms also offer reference works, and have newly acquired books and recent issues of journals on display.
- Registering as a
reader
To get material from the closed stacks you must be a registered National Library Reader. You can then request material for use in the Library's Reading Rooms using eCallslips. - Requesting material
Registered National Library readers can request items at any time, either in the Library or off-site via the Library's web site. You may also use our telephone reference service to reserve books ahead of a visit. - Collection delivery service
The Library operates a "closed stack" and will deliver the material you request from the collection for reading room use. - Acceptable use of information
and communication technology
Readers must abide by the conditions in this code when accessing electronic resources at the National Library of Australia.
Getting a copy or reproduction
The Library provides a range of copying services including photocopying, digital photography or scanning, microfilming and copying of sound recordings.
If you are in the Library you can use our copying and printing services . You must follow the copyright and other restrictions given on signs near the photocopiers.
You may obtain a photocopy of an article, chapter of a book, picture, map, manuscript, music, transcript or other material from the collection without needing to visit the Library by using Copies Direct.
Borrowing from us
We do not lend collection materaial directly to individuals but you may borrow through the Australian interlibrary lending network. Ask at your local library.
Getting permission to publish
You will need the Library's permission if you are thinking of reproducing any of the Library's collection material, for example in a book, website or broadcast. There is generally no fee for this permission.
