Freedom of information

The State Library of Western Australia and the Library Board of Western Australia support Freedom of Information requests.

The Western Australian Freedom of Information Act 1992 (the FOI Act) gives any member of the public a right to access government documents (subject to some limitations). The State Library of Western Australia makes documents available as prescribed in the Act. Further the Act requires that personal information held by the State Library about members of the public is accurate, complete and up-to-date.

The Library Board of Western Australia is constituted under the authority of the Library Board of Western Australia Act 1951, listed as a statutory authority by Schedule 1 of the Financial Management Act 2006, and is subject to the provisions of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

The State Library of Western Australia is responsible to the Library Board through the Chief Executive Officer and State Librarian (CEO), who is the Executive Officer of the Board. The State Library is also a culture and the arts portfolio organisation within the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (the Department). The State Library is organised into four business units reporting to the CEO:

Executive Services manages internal audit, marketing and communications functions, strategic projects and support services to the CEO, the Library Board and other strategic partners. This includes providing policy advice and research support on issues and trends relevant to the State Library and the Library Board. Executive Services is also responsible for providing advice to the Minister for Culture and the Arts.
Collection Services manages and develops the State Library’s physical and digital collections and associated data, through collecting activities and systems encompassing acquisition, processing, storage, preservation, digitisation, distribution and access. Rural and remote local governments are supported with the selection and management of materials for their public libraries.
Library Services delivers services to the community which inspires creativity and curiosity and plays a vital role in literacy and learning at every stage of life. The Directorate supports State Library clients, whether online or visiting the building with specialist library and research services and educational programs based on State Library collections. The Better Beginnings Family Literacy program is widely recognised for its universal approach to developing and supporting family literacy. Western Australian public libraries are also supported with advice, training and professional development opportunities.
Corporate Services supports the Library in the areas of financial management and budget planning, human resource services and building management. Some information and technology services and human resource services, building maintenance services, payroll and financial processing are provided in collaboration with the Department.

The agency’s main purpose is the provision of contemporary library services from the State Library of Western Australia and supporting local governments deliver public library services supplying shelf-ready stock for public libraries State-wide.

The types of documents held by the State Library include:

  • Emails
  • Memorandum
  • Papers/reports
  • Presentations
  • Correspondence
  • Diagrams/images/plans
  • Orders/invoices
  • Agreements
  • Policies/ guidelines/procedures
  • Meeting minutes/agendas

Any of these documents would be available under the Freedom of Information Act. The State Library would welcome enquiry about if a document could be supplied without resort to a FOI application.

State Library published works are available free of charge to download online from the State Library website, or for print materials, physical inspection at the State Library.

Access to documents and information

Under the Regulations of the Act the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries acts in a coordination role for all applications for the State Library and the Library Board of Western Australia documents and information.

If you making an application for information from the State Library, we encourage you to check the Department's website for more information.