Ask a librarian
Chat with a librarian
Chat live and ask your question - we're online Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 7.00pm AEST.
This real-time virtual reference service is staffed by librarians from Australia and New Zealand - your chat session will not necessarily be with National Library staff.
Make a reference enquiry
Use our online form to send yoru reference enquiry directly to the National LIbrary, or write to us.
We will make every effort to respond to your question within one week. However, complex enquiries may take longer.
Phone us
+61 (02) 6262 1266
Call the National Library reference desk Monday to Saturday, 9.00am to 5.00pm AEST. The Library's
Freecall™ Telephone Typewriter (TTY) service is available through 1800 026 372.
We can ...
- Respond to enquiries on a broad range of topics.
- Provide specialist advice and information about using the Library's collection.
- Support you in your research efforts and with the use of the Library resources.
- Offer alternative research avenues and sources of information.
We can't ...
- Conduct extensive research for clients, including family history - read our starter's guide to family history research.
- Provide advice on personal, medical, financial or legal matters.
- Provide loans or copies of material which can be requested on interlibrary loan or through the Copies Direct service.
- Accept requests for collection material to be delivered to the reading rooms.
- Respond to 'urgent' requests.
- Research or provide answers to school or university assignments, quizzes or competitions.