# National Library of Australia

> national reference library in Canberra, Australia

**Wikidata**: [Q623578](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q623578)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Library_of_Australia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/national-library-of-australia

## Summary
The National Library of Australia is the country's national reference library, located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Established in 1960, it serves as a major cultural and research institution, preserving Australia's documentary heritage and providing access to a vast collection of materials, including books, manuscripts, maps, and digital resources.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded in 1960, with the library building officially opened on March 23, 1961.
- **Location**: Situated in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, at coordinates -35.29638888888889° S, 149.12944444444443° E.
- **Classification**: Instance of a national library, reference library, research library, and cultural heritage organization.
- **Memberships**: Member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the International Internet Preservation Consortium (IIPC).
- **Digital Initiatives**: Hosts Trove, an online library database aggregator launched in 2009, and the Pandora Archive, a web archive established in 1996.
- **Identifiers**: Assigned numerous global identifiers, including ISNI 0000000121646618, Library of Congress Control Number n80077871, and VIAF ID 136194678.
- **Leadership**: Directed by Marie-Louise Ayres, who has served as the Director-General since 2017.
- **Website**: Official website at [https://www.nla.gov.au/](https://www.nla.gov.au/).
- **Social Media**: Active on platforms such as Twitter (@nlagovau), Instagram (nationallibraryaus), and Facebook (NationalLibraryOfAustralia).
- **Coordinates**: Located at Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600.
- **Sitelinks**: Available in 59 Wikipedia language editions.
- **Aliases**: Known by alternative names such as NLA, Australia. National Library, National Library, and Australian National Library.

## FAQs

**What is the National Library of Australia?**
The National Library of Australia is the country's national reference library, located in Canberra. It serves as a major cultural and research institution, preserving Australia's documentary heritage and providing access to a vast collection of materials.

**When was the National Library of Australia established?**
The National Library of Australia was founded in 1960, with the library building officially opened on March 23, 1961.

**What are the key digital initiatives of the National Library of Australia?**
The National Library of Australia hosts Trove, an online library database aggregator launched in 2009, and the Pandora Archive, a web archive established in 1996. These initiatives aim to preserve and provide access to digital content, particularly focusing on Australian web resources.

**Who is the current director of the National Library of Australia?**
The current Director-General of the National Library of Australia is Marie-Louise Ayres, who has served in this role since 2017.

**What organizations is the National Library of Australia a member of?**
The National Library of Australia is a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the International Internet Preservation Consortium (IIPC). These memberships facilitate international cooperation and collaboration in library and information science.

**What are the coordinates of the National Library of Australia?**
The National Library of Australia is located at coordinates -35.29638888888889° S, 149.12944444444443° E, in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

**What are some alternative names for the National Library of Australia?**
The National Library of Australia is also known by alternative names such as NLA, Australia. National Library, National Library, and Australian National Library.

**What is the official website of the National Library of Australia?**
The official website of the National Library of Australia is [https://www.nla.gov.au/](https://www.nla.gov.au/).

**What social media platforms is the National Library of Australia active on?**
The National Library of Australia is active on social media platforms such as Twitter (@nlagovau), Instagram (nationallibraryaus), and Facebook (NationalLibraryOfAustralia).

**How many Wikipedia language editions is the National Library of Australia available in?**
The National Library of Australia is available in 59 Wikipedia language editions, reflecting its broad accessibility and international recognition.

## Why It Matters
The National Library of Australia plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Australia's cultural and documentary heritage. As the country's national reference library, it provides access to a vast collection of materials, including books, manuscripts, maps, and digital resources, ensuring that these resources are available for research, education, and cultural enrichment. The library's digital initiatives, such as Trove and the Pandora Archive, are instrumental in preserving Australia's digital heritage and making it accessible to future generations. By maintaining extensive collections and providing access to a wide range of materials, the National Library of Australia supports research, education, and cultural activities, contributing to the nation's intellectual and cultural life. Its membership in international organizations like IFLA and IIPC further enhances its role in global library and information science, fostering international cooperation and collaboration.

## Notable For
- **National Reference Library**: Serves as Australia's national reference library, preserving the country's documentary heritage.
- **Digital Initiatives**: Hosts Trove, an online library database aggregator, and the Pandora Archive, a web archive, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of digital content.
- **Extensive Collections**: Houses a vast collection of materials, including books, manuscripts, maps, and digital resources.
- **International Memberships**: Member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the International Internet Preservation Consortium (IIPC).
- **Leadership**: Directed by Marie-Louise Ayres, who has served as the Director-General since 2017.
- **Social Media Presence**: Active on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, engaging with a broad audience.
- **Multilingual Accessibility**: Available in 59 Wikipedia language editions, reflecting its international recognition and accessibility.
- **Alternative Names**: Known by alternative names such as NLA, Australia. National Library, National Library, and Australian National Library.
- **Coordinates**: Located at Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600, with precise coordinates -35.29638888888889° S, 149.12944444444443° E.
- **Identifiers**: Assigned numerous global identifiers, including ISNI, Library of Congress Control Number, and VIAF ID, facilitating international recognition and accessibility.

## Body

### History and Establishment
The National Library of Australia was founded in 1960, with the library building officially opened on March 23, 1961. It was established to serve as the country's national reference library, preserving Australia's documentary heritage and providing access to a vast collection of materials. The library is located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia, within the Australian Capital Territory.

### Location and Coordinates
The National Library of Australia is situated at Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600. Its precise coordinates are -35.29638888888889° S, 149.12944444444443° E. This location places it in the heart of Canberra, the political and administrative center of Australia.

### Classification and Role
The National Library of Australia is classified as an instance of a national library, reference library, research library, and cultural heritage organization. As a national library, it plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Australia's cultural and documentary heritage. It serves as a major research institution, providing access to a wide range of materials for research, education, and cultural enrichment.

### Memberships and International Cooperation
The National Library of Australia is a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the International Internet Preservation Consortium (IIPC). These memberships facilitate international cooperation and collaboration in library and information science, enhancing the library's role in global library networks.

### Digital Initiatives
The National Library of Australia hosts several digital initiatives aimed at preserving and providing access to digital content. Trove, launched in 2009, is an online library database aggregator that provides access to a vast collection of digital resources. The Pandora Archive, established in 1996, is a web archive that ensures the long-term accessibility and trustworthiness of digital information, particularly focusing on Australian web content.

### Leadership and Administration
The current Director-General of the National Library of Australia is Marie-Louise Ayres, who has served in this role since 2017. Under her leadership, the library has continued to expand its collections and digital initiatives, ensuring that Australia's documentary heritage is preserved and accessible.

### Collections and Resources
The National Library of Australia houses a vast collection of materials, including books, manuscripts, maps, and digital resources. These collections are essential for research, education, and cultural activities, supporting the nation's intellectual and cultural life. The library's extensive collections make it a major resource for scholars, researchers, and the general public.

### Social Media and Online Presence
The National Library of Australia is active on various social media platforms, including Twitter (@nlagovau), Instagram (nationallibraryaus), and Facebook (NationalLibraryOfAustralia). These platforms allow the library to engage with a broad audience, promoting its collections, initiatives, and events.

### Identifiers and Authority Control
The National Library of Australia is assigned numerous global identifiers, including ISNI 0000000121646618, Library of Congress Control Number n80077871, and VIAF ID 136194678. These identifiers facilitate international recognition and accessibility, ensuring that the library's collections and resources are widely accessible.

### Alternative Names and Aliases
The National Library of Australia is known by several alternative names, including NLA, Australia. National Library, National Library, and Australian National Library. These aliases reflect the library's broad recognition and accessibility.

### Website and Online Resources
The official website of the National Library of Australia is [https://www.nla.gov.au/](https://www.nla.gov.au/). The website provides access to the library's collections, digital initiatives, and various resources, making it a major online resource for research and cultural enrichment.

### Multilingual Accessibility
The National Library of Australia is available in 59 Wikipedia language editions, reflecting its international recognition and accessibility. This multilingual presence ensures that the library's collections and resources are accessible to a global audience.

### Related Entities and Connections
The National Library of Australia is connected to several related entities and initiatives, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the International Internet Preservation Consortium (IIPC), Trove, and the Pandora Archive. These connections enhance the library's role in preserving and promoting Australia's cultural and documentary heritage.

### Technical Identifiers and Properties
The National Library of Australia is assigned numerous technical identifiers and properties, including ISNI, Library of Congress Control Number, VIAF ID, and various other global identifiers. These identifiers facilitate international recognition and accessibility, ensuring that the library's collections and resources are widely accessible.

### Visual and Media Assets
The National Library of Australia has several official images and media assets, including an aerial view and a nighttime view of Parliament House at dusk. These visual assets are hosted on Wikimedia Commons, providing a visual representation of the library's significance and role.

### Linguistic and Encyclopedic Coverage
The National Library of Australia is covered in various encyclopedias and linguistic resources, including the Encyclopædia Britannica Online, Treccani's Enciclopedia Italiana, and the Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana. This coverage reflects the library's broad recognition and accessibility.

### Classification and Categorization
The National Library of Australia is classified as a national library, reference library, research library, and cultural heritage organization. It is part of the "Canberra-Queanbeyan" region and is listed on the "Wikipedia:Vital articles/Level/4" focus list. The library is associated with the "demographics of Canberra" topic and is categorized under "Maps of Canberra" and "Views of Canberra."

### Notable People and Leadership
The National Library of Australia has been led by several notable directors, including Marie-Louise Ayres, who has served as the Director-General since 2017. Under her leadership, the library has continued to expand its collections and digital initiatives, ensuring that Australia's documentary heritage is preserved and accessible.

### International Relations and Sister Cities
The National Library of Australia maintains a network of international relations and sister cities, including Nara, Beijing, Dili, Wellington City, Yangzhou, Hangzhou, Monterrey, and Brasília. These relationships are documented through official agreements and government communications, facilitating international cultural and economic ties.

### Climate and Environmental Records
The National Library of Australia is located in Canberra, which experiences a range of temperatures, with a recorded maximum of 44.0°C on January 4, 2020, and a minimum of -10°C on July 11, 1971. These records are sourced from general climate data references, influencing the library's climate patterns.

### Cultural and Media Presence
The National Library of Australia has a significant presence in digital and media spaces, including a dedicated subreddit (r/canberra) and a Lemmy community (canberra@aussie.zone). The library is the subject of a Quora topic titled "Canberra-Australian-Capital-Territory-Australia" and is featured in the BBC News topic "australia-news/canberra" and the Guardian topic "australia-news/canberra."

### Identifiers and Authority Records
The National Library of Australia is identified by numerous global authority IDs, including the GND ID, VIAF ID, Library of Congress Authority ID, GeoNames ID, Freebase ID, FAST ID, NDL Authority ID, MusicBrainz Area ID, OpenStreetMap Node ID, and Wikidata item. These identifiers facilitate international recognition and accessibility, ensuring that the library's collections and resources are widely accessible.

### Visual and Media Assets
The National Library of Australia has several official images and media assets, including an aerial view and a nighttime view of Parliament House at dusk. These visual assets are hosted on Wikimedia Commons, providing a visual representation of the library's significance and role.

### Linguistic and Encyclopedic Coverage
The National Library of Australia is covered in various encyclopedias and linguistic resources, including the Encyclopædia Britannica Online, Treccani's Enciclopedia Italiana, and the Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana. This coverage reflects the library's broad recognition and accessibility.

### Classification and Categorization
The National Library of Australia is classified as a national library, reference library, research library, and cultural heritage organization. It is part of the "Canberra-Queanbeyan" region and is listed on the "Wikipedia:Vital articles/Level/4" focus list. The library is associated with the "demographics of Canberra" topic and is categorized under "Maps of Canberra" and "Views of Canberra."

### Notable People and Leadership
The National Library of Australia has been led by several notable directors, including Marie-Louise Ayres, who has served as the Director-General since 2017. Under her leadership, the library has continued to expand its collections and digital initiatives, ensuring that Australia's documentary heritage is preserved and accessible.

### International Relations and Sister Cities
The National Library of Australia maintains a network of international relations and sister cities, including Nara, Beijing, Dili, Wellington City, Yangzhou, Hangzhou, Monterrey, and Brasília. These relationships are documented through official agreements and government communications, facilitating international cultural and economic ties.

### Climate and Environmental Records
The National Library of Australia is located in Canberra, which experiences a range of temperatures, with a recorded maximum of 44.0°C on January 4, 2020, and a minimum of -10°C on July 11, 1971. These records are sourced from general climate data references, influencing the library's climate patterns.

### Cultural and Media Presence
The National Library of Australia has a significant presence in digital and media spaces, including a dedicated subreddit (r/canberra) and a Lemmy community (canberra@aussie.zone). The library is the subject of a Quora topic titled "Canberra-Australian-Capital-Territory-Australia" and is featured in the BBC News topic "australia-news/canberra" and the Guardian topic "australia-news/canberra."

### Identifiers and Authority Records
The National Library of Australia is identified by numerous global authority IDs, including the GND ID, VIAF ID, Library of Congress Authority ID, GeoNames ID, Freebase ID, FAST ID, NDL Authority ID, MusicBrainz Area ID, OpenStreetMap Node ID, and Wikidata item. These identifiers facilitate international recognition and accessibility, ensuring that the library's collections and resources are widely accessible.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-01-10
2. Japan Search
3. CiNii Research
4. [Source](https://netpreserve.org/about-us/members/)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. [Source](http://viaf.org/)
8. [Source](https://www.directory.gov.au/people/marie-louise-ayres)
9. Internet Archive
10. [Source](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WPS-KJptUJ-o8SXtg00llcxq0IKJu8eO6Ege_GrLaNc)
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. [Source](https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22)
13. [Source](https://wave.webaim.org/)
14. [Source](https://doi.org/10.17632/2rpn9vhwct.1)
15. GRID Release 2015-12-14
16. GRID Release 2016-12-06
17. [Source](https://snaccooperative.org/)
18. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
19. [Source](https://www.iana.org/assignments/enterprise-numbers/enterprise-numbers)
20. [Source](https://goo.gl/maps/hKrzz3NgAjL2)
21. HAL
22. [Open GLAM Survey](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WPS-KJptUJ-o8SXtg00llcxq0IKJu8eO6Ege_GrLaNc)
23. YouTube API
24. [Price One Penny](http://www.priceonepenny.info/database/view_libraries.php)