Research & collections

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

Queensland

State Library of Queensland preserves and shares knowledge of Queensland’s history, collecting materials that chronicle events, people, places and the ideas shaping Queensland.

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Family History

Here you will find information about accessing State Library of Queensland's family history resources and collections, including research guides to assist you in your search. You will find links to eresources and internet sites that will help you with your genealogical research.

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Family picnic in the Queensland bush, 1900-1910

Art & Design

Contains materials related to the history of art from pre-history to the present day. Includes 19th-20th century Western art, Australian art, artists' books, book arts and the Asia Pacific Design Library.

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Lawrie, Margaret Elizabeth, & Lawrie, Margaret Elizabeth. (1964). TR 1791 Margaret Lawrie Collection of Torres Strait Islands Material 1964-1998.

Information Collections

The information collections at State Library of Queensland complement the heritage collections. Our information collections have books, magazines, audiovisual material, music and eresources with Australian and international content. 

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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People

Search or browse stories, historical collections and records, language resources and other online resources to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and family history.

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Lilian Willis Snr. and other members of the Gulumba Dance Group from Townsville and Palm Island perform at the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival, 2009. Photographer Sarah Scragg

The art of the book. Collection item from the State Library of Queensland.

Donating collections

If you have an item or collection of items which you would like to see permanently located in the John Oxley Library collection, there are a few simple steps to follow.

How to donate
Our landscape. Collection item from the State Library of Queensland.

Suggest a purchase

State Library purchases collections through library suppliers, antiquarian dealers, vendors and private individuals.

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Preserving Collections

State Library Queensland's experts offer concise, free advice to organisations and the public preservation and conservation issues for all kinds of books, ephemera, art works, documents, sheet music, films, audiovisual materials and photographs.

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