
Rare and wonderful
The Library and Archives has a rich, varied and historic collection of published works and primary source materials related to and informing the Museum’s history, research, collections and exhibitions.
The Library and Archives has a rich, varied and historic collection of published works and primary source materials related to and informing the Museum’s history, research, collections and exhibitions.
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.
Our 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 public for research use.
Library items can be found by searching Trove.
Some of our Library items have been digitised and can be accessed via the Biodiversity Heritage Library.
Some of our 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.
Museums Victoria's Library and Archives are open to the public by appointment, 10am-4pm 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.
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.
Please note it is the visitor’s responsibility to ensure adherence to copyright law. Before an item can be reproduced in a publication or exhibition, the citation of the record and the permission of the copyright holder must be obtained.
The Archives welcomes donation offers of papers from significant contributors to Museums Victoria and its predecessor institutions over the years, as relate to their affairs with the Museum and its staff.
Examples of interest may include papers from former staff, Trustees or Board members; papers related to items that are currently part of the State collection; or papers from people who have had significant interactions with or collaborated on projects with Museum staff. Such papers can provide important contextual and provenance information, and are considered an essential supplement to the official records.
Donation offers can be made online. Please include details regarding the relevance and significance of the papers to Museums Victoria.
The Library is interested in donations of published material (books, journals, conference proceedings, etc.) within disciplines that relate to our collection strengths. Donations from former research staff at the museum are encouraged, as are offers of rare material in relevant disciplines. We seek journal issues that will fill gaps in our current collection.
The Library is particularly interested in rare or specialist works in the following collection areas:
Donation offers can be made online.
Financial donations towards the conservation of the Rare Book Collection would be appreciated.
You can donate to our Research & Collections online or contact:
Development Department
Museums Victoria
GPO Box 666, Melbourne VIC 3000
+61 3 8341 7303
[email protected]
The Library and Archives host a limited number of tertiary students undertaking a relevant course of study, subject to staff availability. See our Internships page or discuss this with your placement coordinator if you are required to make arrangements through your educational institution.
We also take a limited number of volunteers – see our volunteering page to learn more.