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Research

Tools and resources to guide your research.

Guides and resources

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Research guides

Get expert search tips and strategies to help you navigate our collection

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Guides to selected collections

The National Library's collections range in date from the eleventh century to the present, take in every country in the world and are exceptionally broad in format and subject.

A black-and-white photo of a family posed outside a brick house with a white picket fence. In the foreground, a man in a bowler hat sits beside a large dog, while a young girl stands nearby. A seated woman holds a baby on her lap, and a child is visible on the steps of the house in the background. The garden surrounding them is filled with overgrown plants.

Portrait of Oliver Barberie and family, 1900, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136621963

Family history research guide

Uncover hidden stories of your heritage and trace your genealogy using our research guide.

Tools and tips

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Start researching
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Access the collection
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About the collection
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Join the Library
Someone using a laptop looking at the catalogue record for the Rex Nan Kivell collection of maps in the National Library catalogue
Get started with the catalogue

Programs and presentations

2023 National Library of Australia Fellow Dr Tets Kimura sits at a library desk examining a large open book filled with swatches of fabric or coloured paper. They have dark hair and wear glasses and a navy blue shirt. Next to them on the desk is a wooden box with more books in it.
Fellowships and scholarships

Supporting researchers, writers, artists and PhD candidates to engage with our unique collections to create new and innovative works.

Celia Craig, a woman with very short brown hair, smiling and holding large book of sheet music with the title 'Symphonic Overture'
Research outcomes and presentations

Delve deep into fascinating subjects with researchers, artists, writers and students from our research programs

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Flagship lectures

Our flagship lectures are made possible by the generous support of our donors.

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