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Newsflash:

The Mitchell Library Reading Room is temporarily closed for refurbishment. More information ›

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Important update: Library events and opening hours. Read news item ›

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We're open Wednesday 26 January 2022, with changes to some services and opening hours ›

Using the Library

Using the Library

Accessing the collection

Using the Library's collections

Requesting collection items for use in the reading room, and where to collect and return items.

Women browsing shelves while holding books in the Mitchell Library Reading Room

Special Collections

Requesting original material and rare printed material from the Library's special collections. 

Idris Charles Pike collection

Getting copies

Ordering copies of collection items, such as an article from a journal or a chapter from a rare book.

Make copies of newspapers on microfilm

Ordering digital images and archival prints

Ordering digital images for digitised and undigitised materials, including those from Special Collections. 

Several rare books open at pages displaying text and drawings

Researching your family history

Explore your family history using the Library's diverse and extensive collections and get help from the Library's specialist staff.

The Lorenzi family

Card catalogues and indexes

Many hidden treasures abound in the card catalogues and indexes in the Mitchell Library Reading Room!

A hand browsing cards

Newspapers

Access an extensive collection of local and international newspapers, in a range of physical and digital formats.

Newspaper and magazine covers

Visiting the Reading Rooms

Wi-fi

Connecting to the Library's wi-fi and printing from your own device.

close up hands using a mobile phone

Printing, copying and scanning

Self-service printing, scanning and copying, including wi-fi printing from laptops and mobile devices

Man using Library copy card reload kiosks in Mitchell Reading Room

Wi-fi printing

Sending files from your device to any printer in the Library. 

close up of hand using an ipad

Study rooms

It’s free to book a study room online, you just need a Library card.

Group of people sitting at table who are working together on laptop in a study room

Computers

Computers available for use in the Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room.  

People at desk with laptop from above

Bags and lockers

Areas of the Library have bag restrictions. Lockers are available to store your bag if you are using these areas. 

photo of locker being used

Related content

Plan your visit

Everything you need to know to plan your day at the Library.

Get a Library card

With a Library card you can request books and other collection material to use in the Library, access eresources and book a study room.

Mitchell Library Reading Room

Enjoy this beautiful, light-filled space while browsing the shelves, collaborating on a group project, using the free wi-fi or quietly studying.

Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room

Visit the Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room to find a quiet place to study, zones for learning and collaboration or to get help with your research.