The Museums Victoria Library collection was first established in the 1850s as a working collection for the Museum’s curators. Over its 160-plus year history, the library has evolved into one of the best collections of natural history books and journals in Australia. With a collection of over 40,000 titles, the library is considered to be of high significance to scholars, researchers and artists, along with Museums Victoria staff.

Their Archives collects and preserves records of enduring value documenting the administrative, collection, exhibition, education and research history of Museums Victoria. These records are made accessible to all Museums Victoria staff and interested members of the public for research use.

The Museums Victoria Archives holds unpublished material and documents dating from the Museum’s foundation in 1854, as well as relevant research material dating from the 1830s.

Records in the Museums Victoria Archives document the administrative, collection, exhibition, education and research history of Museums Victoria; its early correspondence; as well associated programs and activities, including business transactions documenting actions, decisions, policies and fiscal and legal rights and responsibilities of the Museum. We preserve these records because they have continuing value to the Museum and to the community.

One of the most significant values of the Archives collection is the provenance source material, providing evidence of legal ownership and historical information about State Collection items.

Library items can be found by searching Trove.

Some of the Library items have been digitised and can be accessed via the Biodiversity Heritage Library or through the Trove collection feature Australia’s biodiversity in print and online.

Some of the Library items are available on Inter-Library Loan from your local public library or institution’s library.

Other Library material can be accessed on-site at Melbourne Museum. Please make an enquiry and outline the nature of your research.

Records in the Archives document the administrative, collection, exhibition, education and research history of Museums Victoria. If you think the Archives may contain material of interest, please complete an enquiry providing as much information as possible about the subject/topic of interest.

A number of public records related to the National Museum of Victoria, Industrial and Technological Museum, Science Museum of Victoria and Royal Exhibition Building are held at the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV). Contact PROV or search their collection online if you are interested in accessing these records.

On-site access and opening hours

Museums Victoria’s Library and Archives are open to the public by appointment, 10 am-4 pm Monday to Friday. Contact us by completing an enquiry to arrange access to collection items.

Please note that a minimum 48 hours notice is required when requesting access to Library and Archives material. Some material is held in offsite storage and it may take longer to provide access.

Reading Room

Material from the Library and Archives can be viewed in the Library Reading Room at Melbourne Museum.

The Reading Room has standalone computers available for visitor use, which also provide access to the Library’s online catalogue. Power outlets are available for visitors who wish to bring their own electronic devices. Free wireless internet is provided by Museums Victoria to visitors in the Reading Room.

If copies of material need to be made for research and reference purposes, reasonable access to a photocopier can be made available, or you are welcome to bring your own digital camera.