The Australian Prime Ministers Centre Library (also known as the research library) is located on the main floor of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The research library is open to anyone interested in Australia’s prime ministers or democratic history. The research library also welcomes visitors who have inquiries about family members who have worked in the building. If you are unable to visit the research library, you can contact our free reference inquiry service.

Resources

In the research library you can:

• browse the library collection
• search the web
• ask a question
• collect a full set of Prime Facts factsheets
• start your research.

Collection

The collection includes Parliamentary Papers, Hansards, biographies and other publications relating to prime ministers and Australian Democracy. Although you cannot borrow the books, you can read them at study desks or at the large groupwork table.

You can find books in our collection via Trove, by visiting the library to search the in-house catalogue or by contacting us.

Computer access

There are several PCs which you can use to access a wealth of information online and which direct you to other websites about our prime ministers.

Prime Facts series

You can also pick up one of our free Prime Facts factsheets. There is one for every prime minister, as well as several on Australia’s government.

Who can use the library?

Anyone is welcome to use the research library or the reference inquiry service. The library is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, except public holidays. The library is also closed between Christmas and New Year.

Services

Reference inquiry service

If you need help with your research, just ask our expert reference librarian. The librarian is available in the research centre Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm. Reference assistance is not available on weekends or public holidays.

If you are unable to visit the library, you can also contact our reference inquiry service. We can help you find the answers to your questions about Australia’s prime ministers or our democratic history. There is no charge for this service. Our expert staff will undertake limited research on your behalf and respond to your enquiry within 10 days.

Photocopying service

You can get photocopies of up to 10 pages free of charge. To assist with your research, you can also get limited printing from the research library PCs.

Researchers and scholars

The research library also caters to scholars. With study desks, internet access, a seminar room and a research and scholarship program, it provides an ideal environment for scholars to explore this important field of study.

Tours and training

We can arrange tours or training for school groups, university students, history teachers and other community groups.