The National Library operates from 4 buildings: 3 in Canberra and one in Jakarta, Indonesia. These buildings house our collection of approximately 10 million items.

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. 

About 200 American books and a smaller number on the French Revolution and Napoleon, plus 15 letters by 18th- and 19th-century scientists and physicians.

The Library was established under the National Library Act 1960, which defines the Library's role, corporate governance and financial management framework.

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Sir Mark Oliphant was an Australian physicist who is known for his work in nuclear physics and radar, and, later, for becoming governor of South Australia.

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Sir Howard Florey was an Australian medical scientist.

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Professor Fiona Stanley is an Australian paediatrician and epidemiologist who is best known for her work linking deficiencies of folic acid in pregnant women with birth defects - specifically, spina bifida and related conditions.

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Professor Nancy Millis was an Australian microbiologist who worked and studied microbial growth and the fermentation process.

Our Oral History and Folklore Collection dates back to the 1950’s and includes a rich and diverse collection of interviews and recordings with Australians from all walks of life.