Library

The Library of the National Museum of Australia was established in 1984. Starting from a small book collection, it has grown to more than 30,000 books, journals, photographs and audiovisual items.

Although the main purpose of the Library is to assist Museum staff in their work and research, the Library is also open to the public. Students find it particularly helpful for reference and research purposes. Users outside the ACT can access the collection through interlibrary loan, depending on the age and condition of the material.

Collections

The Library holds the following special collections of great interest to researchers:

• an extensive anthropology collection from the Institute of Anatomy has been further enhanced by donations from Dr Fred McCarthy and Dr Bob Edwards
• the Baldwin library, which covers the development of steam engineering includes many books not available elsewhere in Australia
• the Pope and Hindwood collections – both Elizabeth Pope (a former curator of the Australian Museum who specialised in the seashore) and Keith Hindwood (a world respected ornithologist) developed professional libraries which are now held in the Museum's Library.

The Museum's Library also collects material in the areas of museum studies, conservation, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australian history and the Australian environment.

Location

The Library is located in the National Museum of Australia Administration Annexe on Acton Peninsula, Lawson Cresent, Acton.

Opening hours

Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm.

We suggest that intending users telephone +61 2 6208 5361 before arrival.

Email library@nma.gov.au