Using the Library
Accessing the collection
Using items from the Library's collections
How to request and use general collection material, including books, manuscripts, audio and many other items.
Using items from the special collections
How to request and use original and rare printed material, including items that are unique, irreplaceable or fragile.
Card catalogues and indexes
Discover the physical catalogues and indexes that you can use to look up material at the Library. These are in addition to the online catalogue.
Ordering copies of collection items
Start here to find out how to order copies of collection items, including articles, images, prints and recordings.
Ordering copies for research or study
How to order research and reference quality copies of material from the collections, including chapters from rare books, articles, and manuscripts.
Ordering digital images
How to order digital images of items from the collections, including information about formats, delivery times and prices.
Ordering copies of sound and video recordings
How to order digital copies of sound and video recordings from the Library's collection, including information about format, delivery times and prices.
Ordering fine art prints
How to order high-quality prints of images from the Library's collections, including photographs, paintings and maps to hang on your walls.
Visiting the Reading Rooms
Using the Library's computers
The Library has computers that are free for everyone. Find out where they are and how to use them.
Using the Library's wi-fi
The Library’s wi-fi network is free to use. Find out how to connect and how to protect your personal information.
Printing, copying and scanning
You can print, copy and scan items in the Library's reading rooms. Find out how to do this, what you’ll need and how much it costs.
Printing from your own device
Follow these steps to print documents from your laptop, tablet or mobile phone. You’ll need to connect to the free wi-fi first.
Study rooms
Book one of these rooms when you want to study in a small group or on your own without being disturbed.
Bags and lockers
Find out about bag restrictions at the Library and how to use a locker to store your belongings.
Research guides
You’ll find guides covering subjects such as business, family history, government, health, history and biography, HSC, Indigenous Australia, law, literature and language, social sciences. There are also collection guides covering the manuscript, maps, oral histories, pictures, rare books and sport collections.