Using the Collection

Thinking of copying material from the National Library's collections?

As a researcher using the National Library's collections, you may need to copy collection material. The Library offers a range of copying services, including photocopying, photography, digital copying, copying of sound recordings and provision of downloadable documents on its web site.

The Library encourages the copying of its collection material, provided the copying does not infringe Copyright law or any special access conditions, is done in a manner that does not disturb other readers, and does not risk damage to fragile, rare or vulnerable material.

This document describes the methods by which you may copy, and the restrictions. It also lists contacts for further information.

Copying from the Library's website

You can quickly find digital copies of many of the National Library's collection items through the Library Catalogue. Images of selected items in the Pictures, Manuscript, Sheet Music and Rare Map Collections are available in this way. Some images of collection items are also available in the Library's Online Exhibitions. You may print or save information from the Library's website or your home or office PC for research or study without seeking the Library's permission, and at no charge.

Self-service photocopying

Self-service photocopiers are available in four reading rooms: Main, Asian Collections, Newspapers and Microforms and Petherick. To use them you will need a Library Card.

To add money to your card, please use one of the card cashier machines located in the Main Reading Room and the Newspapers and Microforms Reading Room. Self-service copying from microforms, using microform reader printers, is also available in the Newspapers and Microforms Reading Room.

Charges are $0.15 for A4 and $0.30 for A3.

Self-service colour photocopying is available in the Main Reading Room. Charges are $1.65 for A4 and $2.20 for A3.

Restrictions apply and are explained in Sections 9 to 11 below.

Scanning with your own equipment

You may bring your own flatbed portable scanner into the Library. If you wish to attach your scanner to a computer, you will also need to bring in your own laptop. You may not use hand-held scanners, including digital pens, and drum scanners, since these types of scanners are more likely to damage the material you are copying.

You may only use your scanner in the photocopy areas of the Main Reading Room or Petherick Reading Room, where there are nearby signs advising you of your Copyright obligations, or in another area by prior arrangement with reading room staff.

There are no charges for copying collection material using your own scanner, unless you are required to scan under the supervision of Library staff.

Photography using your own camera

You may bring your own camera, whether digital (including digital cameras in mobile phones), film-based, still or movie, into the Library. You may only use your camera in the photocopy areas of the Main Reading Room and the Petherick Reading Room, where there are nearby signs advising you of your copyright obligations, or in another area by prior arrangement with reading room staff.

There are no charges for copying collection material using your own camera, unless you are required to photograph or film under the supervision of Library staff.

Photocopying on request

Some of the Library's collection material is too fragile, rare or vulnerable for self-service photocopying, but may be photocopied for you by Library staff. Examples are rare books, some manuscript items, some large maps and some black and white photographs. A photocopying service for loose-leaf transcripts of oral history interviews is also available.

If you are unable to visit the Library personally, you may order photocopies of some National Library material through the Library's Copies Direct service.

Photography on request

You may order high resolution digital photographs of Library collection material. This service is generally used by people who need high-quality images, or who need images of collection material that is too fragile, rare or vulnerable for other methods of copying.

Copying of sound recordings on request

For sound recordings held in the Oral History or Manuscript collections, you may order a reference or broadcast-quality copy on CD. Place your order through Copies Direct.

Microfilming on request

If you need high volume copying, you may wish to order a microform copy. Contact us for more information.

Copyright

The Copyright Act allows you to copy material that is out of copyright, and limited portions of some in-copyright material for research or study. You can find information on your copyright obligations on signs in the Library's copying areas, and at:

Before Library staff will copy in-copyright material at your request, or allow you to scan, photograph or film under staff supervision, they will ask you to supply evidence, such as a letter from the copyright holder, that your request complies with Copyright law.

Special access conditions

Some material in the National Library's collections is subject to restrictions beyond those imposed by the Copyright Act. For instance, some personal papers in the Manuscript Collection, and some recordings from the Oral History Collection may be reproduced only with the permission of the author or interviewee. Some Library material relating to indigenous Australians may also be restricted.

To find out whether any such restrictions apply to Library material, please first check the Library catalogue; if there is not sufficient information there please contact the relevant section of the Library, as listed at the end of this document.

Safe use and handling requirements

You may copy books and periodicals issued through the Main Reading Room by any of the self-service methods, unless otherwise instructed by reading room staff. Information on the safe handling and care of this material is available on posters near the photocopiers and in brochures available from reading room staff.

Copying of rare, fragile or vulnerable material, however, is restricted. 'Rare' material is material that is not widely held in other Australian libraries. 'Fragile' material can include books and periodicals published before 1920, books with damaged bindings, and material with torn or weak paper. 'Vulnerable' material includes tightly-bound volumes, paintings, pastel and pencilled works, glass negatives, and material of a size or shape that puts it at risk when being moved (e.g. large maps).

You may not photocopy or scan any rare, fragile or vulnerable material, since those types of copying involve physical contact between the material and the copying equipment. Photography, including filming, is generally of lower risk, and so some rare, fragile or vulnerable collection items may, with the permission of the relevant special collection manager, be photographed with your own equipment. You will still be asked, however, to work under Library staff supervision, to use cool or available light and to follow guidelines for handling the material with great care.

The Library reserves the right to require you to use a photograph ordered through the Library's commercial photographic service. In deciding whether to require you to use the Library's photographic service, the relevant collection manager will take into account the extent to which the material is rare, fragile or vulnerable, and whether suitable surrogate copies already exist or can be made easily.

If you need a copy of any material issued in a special collection reading room, you should inform the staff member on duty, who will advise you on the appropriate copying method.

Copying in a way that does not disturb other Library users

If you are scanning, photographing or filming collection material with your own equipment, you must not disturb other Library users, or include them in any photography without their permission. You must work in the photocopy areas of the Main or Petherick Reading Rooms, or, by prior arrangement, in another area or after hours. You may not photograph or film in the Exhibition Gallery or Visitors Centre during exhibition opening hours.

When does scanning, photography or filming require supervision by Library staff?

Your scanning, photography or filming will require staff supervision if you are working with rare, fragile or vulnerable material, or if you are required to use an area other than a designated copying area, or are required to work after hours. Film crews are generally required to work in a non-public, pre-booked room or in a reading room after hours.

All scanning, photography or filming where staff supervision is required is subject to an hourly fee.

Are there special conditions if I want to copy with intention to publish?

Yes there are. Please see the document Thinking of publishing material from the National Library's collections?

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