Library
Accessing our collections
Our collection records can be explored using our library catalogue: Worldcat Discovery. The Museums Victoria Library primarily supports internal researchers, however we also provide limited public access as required. Members of the public will need to place access requests via our Ask Us enquiry service. Museums Victoria staff and affiliates are able to create user accounts and lodge their own access requests.
See our Search Tips page for help on searching our catalogue.
Privacy Collection Notice for WorldCat Discovery Account Holders:
When you use your account, Museums Victoria collects your personal information, that is your name, email address, phone number and postcode, in order to:
- provide you with information about your use of the MV Library
- administer our library services
- conduct surveys, market research and analysis
For more details about how we collect, hold and use personal information including how to access and correct your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Digital access to collections
Our library records are available via Trove.
Some of our Library items have been digitised and can be accessed via the Biodiversity Heritage Library or through the Trove collection feature Australia’s biodiversity in print and online.
Some of our rare books are included in Museums Victoria Collections, where we provide an overview of the work’s historical or technological significance along with details about its physical description.
Interlibrary Loan and Document Supply
Some of our library items are available on interlibrary loan or document delivery. Contact your local public library or institution's library for more information on borrowing our library’s collection items through interlibrary loan. Libraries can make requests through Libraries Australia Document Delivery (LADD), or alternatively, we also accept direct enquiries from libraries with payment by IFLA vouchers.
Other Library material can be accessed on-site at Melbourne Museum. Please make an enquiry and outline the nature of your research.
On-site access and opening hours
The Museums Victoria Library is open to the public by appointment, 10am-4pm from Monday to Friday at Melbourne Museum. 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 material. Some material is held in offsite storage and it may take longer to provide access.
Reading Room
Material from the Library 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.