Census information is useful for the study of historical and contemporary statistics and population trends.

We hold one of Australia’s largest collections of performing arts materials.

The Library holds a rich and diverse range of documentary materials relating to the Pacific region, including Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia and New Zealand.

Some of the major overseas government statistical agencies, the equivalents of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, provide comprehensive, free information from national to local levels.

The National Library holds mapping not only for Australia, but for every country and ocean in the world and also for all the planets. 

Our overseas newspaper collections include digitised historic and modern newspapers accessible online, as well as newspapers in microform and paper formats.

How to find statistics in the Library and elsewhere

The printed collections at the National Library contain substantial collections of older legislation in print, though these may not be complete sets. 

The Near Western Islands comprise Badu, Mabuiag, Moa and Naghir Islands.

The Library has the largest collection of sheet music in the country, with over 300,000 items. The bulk of the collection relates to Australian composers, performers and music publishing houses.