The Library’s primary priority in collecting is to document the development of Australia and New South Wales and to create a collection that reflects the cultural heritage of New South Wales in both the Australian and international contexts.

The holdings consist of personal papers and private archives created primarily in New South Wales or relating to New South Wales and its people. They also include significant collections relating to Antarctica.

The papers of individuals cover the full spectrum of society. The private archives include those of community organisations, professional and trade associations, political parties, trades unions, small businesses, private schools, hospitals and churches.

An earlier, wider collecting focus has resulted in important holdings relating to other states particularly for their foundation periods and extensive collections relating to the Pacific, especially nineteenth-century missionary records. There is also a small collection of European illuminated manuscripts. Excluding the latter, the holdings cover the period from the seventeenth century to the present day.

Information about some of the Library’s significant collections and access to the online catalogue are available at: http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/research-and-collections

Refine your catalogue search to “Manuscripts, oral histories and images” to search for archival material.

To Contact the Library use the Ask a Librarian Request Form or phone: (02) 9273 1414.