Our Resources

Our Resources
Our collection of resources began with a simple idea in 1974, to collect books by Australian children’s authors and illustrators and to develop a file about their work. In 2012, an independent assessor described our resources as a unique and significant collection of children’s literature.

Its significance is derived from its exceptional diversity. Our book collection, post-1960 equals that of the National Library and Australia’s State Libraries. The National Centre holds the only copy of many Australian children’s books. It holds one of Australia’s largest collections of scarce translations in 66 languages and country of origin.

Resources held are authors’, illustrators’ and publishers’ papers, manuscripts, artwork and business records. Complementing these are its collections of photographs, audio recordings and research files.

Our resources are a treasure that offer a rich and detailed insight into children’s book creation over time.

Elizabeth Honey’s drafts and storyboards

 

See also:
Collection policy
Collections
Finding aids
Publications