Research & Collections

Find out about our collections to support your research and learning.

You can access State Library collections by using our catalogue.

Explore the diversity of Aboriginal content through the photographs, manuscripts, oral histories and digital stories collections.
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.
How do you find what you are searching for amongst the millions of images, maps, posters, newspapers, books, databases and directories in the State Library Catalogue? Learn how to dig in. 
The State Library has a vast range of free eResources available for members and visitors. These include eBooks, online journals, eMagazines, audiobooks, current and historical newspapers and content services such as Ancestry and Kanopy.
If you are a beginner starting to trace your family history or a seasoned researcher looking to dig a little deeper, access our resources.
The State Library collects, preserves and shares a vast number of Western Australian stories. Here are just a few - come on take some time to explore.
You can make use of these datasets for research, visualisation, re-telling WA stories and anything else you can think of.

Donations information

A financial donation is a simple and direct way of supporting the State Library.

Donate to our collections

Add to our Western Australian materials. 

Suggestions for new additions to the State Library collections.
This page last updated on 13 April 2022