Collecting and Sharing for the Future

The State Library collects, preserves, and shares Western Australia's past and present. Our collections reflect the culture and memory of Western Australia over time – its changing society, diverse communities, individual lives, and connections with the world.  

We build and share collections to respond to the needs and expectations of the West Australian community, anticipating the needs of future generations, and reflecting the rich and diverse history of the State. 

We have a Collection Strategy and a Collection Interpretation Strategy to help guide us in this work. These Strategies work in conjunction with each other to engage with all Western Australians through our collections. 

Polly Farmer exhibit
The State Library collects material for heritage and for general reference, making collections available through the State Library and online.
Beachgoers on City Beach ca 1972
Interpretation brings to life stories of the past and present in an inclusive, relevant, and meaningful way.
Dragon dance at the Shinju Matsuri Festival Broome ca1985
Find out about our collecting priorities.
Horizontal Waterfalls Talbot Bay c1983
Collecting and preserving digital heritage collections.

You may be interested in...

Natures Showground The Western Mail 1940
Collecting and preserving Western Australian social and documentary heritage through photographs, films, oral histories, music, maps, newspapers and post office directories. View highlights and learn more about the historical collection.
Artwork storage in the compactus units at the State Library of WA
Donate to our Collections, find out about legal deposit for publishers and authors or suggest a purchase.
Boab trees Kununurra 1994
If you are a beginner starting to trace your family history or a seasoned researcher looking to dig a little deeper, access our resources.
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