Explore manuscripts and records that give a glimpse into the approximately 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

For many centuries Europeans believed there must be a vast land in the southern hemisphere, variously called ‘Terra Australis Incognita’ from the Latin for ‘Unknown South Land’.

The Library has a diverse collection of materials documenting the history of Australian musical performance.

Circus, magic and mime, and puppetry

The Dance collection includes unique Australian dance resources across a spectrum of dance styles.

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

Our collections document the history and development of dramatic and comic theatre in Australia.

The United Nations (UN) was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries, with the stated goal of organising to: 'preserve peace through international cooperation and collective security'. 

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

United States congressional publications are of interest as primary sources for students of United States history, for United States foreign and economic policy, and for other public affairs issues of interest to other countries.