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Who we are and what we do

By offering a strong national focus in all that we do, and cooperating with others who share our goals, we support learning, creative and intellectual endeavour, and contribute to the continuing vitality of Australia’s diverse culture and heritage.

Who we are

The National Library is one of several agencies within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts portfolio.

What we do

The Library’s role, as defined by the National Library Act 1960, is to ensure that documentary resources of national significance relating to Australia and the Australian people, as well as significant non-Australian library materials, are collected, preserved and made accessible either through the Library itself or through collaborative arrangements with other libraries and information providers.

National Library of Australia building
Library Council
Green tile
Organisational structure
Service charter
Our commitment to you
Several people in the Parliamentary Reading Room. One man is looking down at documents on a round table.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Library Reading Room, 1956

History of the National Library of Australia

Find yourself at the National Library

Speaker 1: On my way somewhere, I opened a door.

Like falling down a rabbit hole, I lost myself in a place for everyone.

And found the key [speaker holds up a Library card] for learning, discovering and dreaming.

Of course – this is the National Library of Australia.

Speaker 2: Home to Australian stories and treasures. Just waiting for you to find. It doesn't matter which way you go, you'll always find yourself somewhere.

Take a look – onsite and online.

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