Interested in starting to research your family history? The Library offers a wealth of guides and resources suitable for both beginner and experienced researchers. The Family History collection includes genealogical material from all Australian states and territories, as well as some overseas resources. Material of interest may also be found in our general collection, including newspapers and journals, and in our specialist collections: pictures, maps, oral history, manuscripts and in the Asian collection.
Where do I start with my family history?
Family tree charts can be a helpful way to organise and begin tracing your ancestry. By filling in what you already know, you can see what gaps there are and figure out what you might try to research first. The Library offers three charts that are freely available to download and print or to complete online:
- Three-generation family tree chart (PDF, 121KB)
- Four-generation family tree chart (PDF, 117KB)
- Individual research form (PDF, 97KB)
Learn more about tracing your family history with the Library’s charts and forms.
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How do I begin my research?
Plan your research
What do you want to find out today? Are you researching a particular ancestor, family, event or topic?
Select records to explore
Useful records for family history research include birth, death and marriage indexes, electoral rolls, passenger lists, convict records, newspapers, cemetery records, maps and much more.
Keep a research log
Keep track of your findings and where you’ve already searched. Cite, note or even take a photo of records including details such as page number, microfiche/film numbers, URLs, call numbers etc. Making a note of any unsuccessful searches can help you avoid searching the same resource twice.
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How can the Library help me with my research?
Our research guides are the best spot to learn about our range of family history resources and how you can use them. Get started with our family history and Australian Indigenous family history research guides. Many of our other research guides may help you throughout your research journey.
We also have several webinar recordings and learning videos that cover many different research topics, such as Chinese-Australian family history and using newspapers for family history research.
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What family history databases and online resources can I access at the Library?
The Library’s eResources portal provides access to many family history databases. View titles by selecting the ‘Browse eResources’ tab followed by the ‘Genealogy’ or the ‘Newspapers & Media’ category. Access conditions to these databases vary, with some freely available from home, others requiring a National Library login or can only be used onsite in the Library building.
What research can I do with Trove?
Simply search a name or place to explore newspaper articles, published material, documents, photographs, archived websites and much more in Trove. Newspapers may be particularly useful, often containing details such as births, deaths, marriages, social and local events and court appearances. Learn more about using Trove for family history.
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Have a question along the way?
One of our friendly librarians can offer you suggestions, research tips, resources and strategies through our Ask a Librarian service. Fill in our online enquiry form or contact us by phone.
