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

Over 6000 books, pamphlets and journals mainly related to Australian history and politics, as well as personal papers and a significant number of British and American imprints.

950 books on bibliography, history, law, religion, ethnography, archaeology and fine arts of Indonesia, 629 books relating to the languages of Austronesia and some manuscripts, including transcripts of a collection of Sudanese manuscripts.

Personal papers from 1938-1974 plus pamphlets, leaflets and other publications relating to socialist, communist, anti-communist and peace organisations in both Australia and overseas.

4000 books, 6000 pamphlets and sets of 40 periodicals published between about 1620 and 1940, including the works of the major English, Scottish and Irish political economists and writers. 

Books on music and printed music published in Britain from the mid-17th century to the 20th century.

Books illustrating the history of printing in Europe and Australia, plus a medieval manuscript, and personal papers of Brian Hone.

Books, pamphlets, broadsides, posters, periodicals, newspapers and some manuscripts mostly relating to Federation and political and constitutional history.

Collection of Australian drama consisting of 197 unpublished plays in typescript or manuscript form by Australian authors.

About 240 recordings of folk music, folklore, and oral histories documenting family history, local history, work experiences, music and other arts.