The National Library has endorsed the National and State Libraries Australia (NSLA) position statement on requests to take down access to content from our collections.

The NSLA position statement expresses commitment to freedom of expression and universal access to information. It notes that libraries are responding to community expectations for greater access to online collections. It states that NSLA libraries will take down online content or impose other access restrictions only in extraordinary circumstances.

NSLA libraries recognise that there may be occasions when material made available online breaches copyright or other relevant law, or contains information that is culturally sensitive. The position statement sets out principles which will be followed when considering takedown requests.

Read the NSLA Position Statement

Making a takedown request

If you find material in the National Library’s online collections which you believe infringes your rights, or, for example, contravenes privacy law, is defamatory, or in breach of copyright, you may submit a takedown request:

Make a takedown request

If you have any other concerns, please Ask a Librarian.

When you submit your request you will be asked to provide:

  • your contact details
  • full description and details of the material
  • exact and full internet address where you found the material
  • if the request relates to copyright, evidence that you are the rights holder or their agent
  • the reason for your request, for example, copyright, privacy, data protection, obscenity or defamation.

Responding to takedown requests

We will acknowledge your request within three working days and make an initial assessment within seven working days.

We may decide to temporarily remove access until a final decision is reached.

We will make efforts to resolve requests quickly, with the following possible outcomes:

  • Access to the material is restored unchanged on the Library's website
  • Access to the material is restored with changes
  • Access to the material is removed.

We will communicate our decision and reasons to you.

If circumstances change, access to the material may be restored.

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.

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