Description of the collection
The Chinese collection of the National Library is a rich source of information on the history, culture and current affairs of China. The collection is the largest in Australia and focuses primarily on modern and contemporary China. The major strengths are in the subject fields of the social sciences, especially economics, statistics, politics and government, foreign relations and law; Chinese modern history (after 1911) and biography.
The Library actively purchases new materials from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan and has been steadily building its digital collections on China. These include Apabi eBooks, CNKI eBooks, iRead eBooks, series G (Politics/Military Affairs/Law), H (Education and social Sciences) and J (Economics and Management) of the China Academic Journals database.
Artwork in the Special Collections Reading Room
The Special Collections Reading Room on Level 1 houses art relating to Australian history and culture in the post-colonial era, focusing on modern Australian people and places.
Finding Kenneth Myer
Finding Kenneth Myer 2011, wool and cotton; 230 x 302cm, Special Collections Reading Room
Finding Kenneth Myer was donated by the Myer family through the Tapestry Foundation of Victoria in 2011. It commemorates the life and adventures of American-born Australian patron of the arts Kenneth Baillieu Myer AC DSC (1921-1992). In 1961, Myer was a founding member of the National Library Council and, from 1974 to 1982, was Chair of Council.
Petherick Guidelines
The Petherick Reading Room provides additional facilities and privileges for readers who are undertaking advanced research and require intensive access to the National Library’s rich and varied collections.
What does a Petherick Reader s Card offer?
In addition to normal Library services Petherick Readers enjoy the Petherick Reading Room facilities, expanded services, special communications and event invitations, letters of support from the Library and the opportunity to engage with the Petherick community of researchers.
What does the library expect from Petherick Reader s?
Petherick Readers enjoy ongoing support from the National Library and the Petherick community and in return are asked to inform the Library of any research outcomes resulting from their work in the Petherick Reading Room.
Japanese collection
The Japanese collection is a rich source of information on the history, culture and current affairs of Japan, The collection is the largest in Australia and focuses primarily on modern and contemporary Japan. The major strengths are in the subject fields of the social sciences, especially popular culture and contemporary social issues. Japanese modern history (after 1868 Meiji Restoration) includes the history of Australia-Japan nation to nation and people to people relationships. The collection on Japanese traditional performing and visual arts are also is growing.
A further strength of the Japanese collections is a number of research collections. They include Harold S. Williams Book Collection (on the history of foreign settlements in Japan), Sakakibara Collection and Kegan Paul Collection both on Japanese and East Asian classics.
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If you have any questions, please contact us.
Using the collection
Some material may have access restrictions and may require permission to view. Check the catalogue record or contact us before your visit.
Request material to view by logging into the catalogue with your Library card and submitting an online request. See our collection delivery service and online video for more information.
When ready, material will be available to view in the Special Collections Reading Room.
Special storage conditions
Material such as negatives, slides, glass plates and colour prints are held in special storage areas for their preservation. These are fragile and require an acclimatisation period before being delivered for use. We may ask you to use a digital or print version of the image instead. Please contact us one week before your visit to discuss your request for these materials.