There are a number of ways that you can access our collections from interstate or overseas. 

You can request copies of material using our online copying service, Copies Direct. There are two ways to get to this. The easiest way is to search the catalogue and get to the full record view of any item you are interested in, and simply click on the Order a copy button that is located at the bottom of the catalogue record, click on Add to Cart, and complete the online order form.

The other way is to go to the Copies Direct homepage. This gives more information about the service, and also provides a link to the form, but it will not have any details of the item filled in.

Some of our collection material has been digitised. These can be searched via our catalogue. Simply enter your search term, and narrow the format to 'NLA digital material'. If an item has been digitised, you will find a link to the digital images from within the catalogue record. Our digitised collection material can also be searched via the freely available discovery service, Trove.

The Library also has an eResources page which you can use as a subject directory for websites and databases. Many of these resources are freely available on the web. Some are licenced resources available offsite to Australian residents who are registered as readers (Australian residents can Join the Library online). Some of the resources are available onsite in the National Library building only.

Many materials are held by multiple libraries both in Australia and overseas. Trove can help you find and get items held at libraries in Australia, whilst WorldCat can help you find items overseas. 

If there is no library near you with the item, you may be able to arrange an interlibrary loan through your local public or institutional library and have the item sent there for you to use. Ask staff at your local library for further assistance with this.

Library services

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

ENTER SITE