Retrieval Information

Most of the State Library material is in storage and is retrieved by staff. Use the Library catalogue to find and request the items you want. Most materials are stored onsite and will be delivered three times a day. The catalogue record will show where the item is stored. You need to join the State Library to place a request.

If you don’t have a State Library card, you can phone us on 08 7424 6300 or speak to staff at the Information Desk.

If the material you wish to view has a ‘Request’ button, follow the prompts to place a request.

Archival material with an ‘Ask at desk’ status can be requested at the Information Desk, or you can phone the Library to ask for the material to be retrieved before your visit.

There is a limit of five item requests per customer each delivery, for both onsite and offsite material.

Items requested are kept on hold for up to 7 days.

All State Library material must be used within the Library.

Retrieval of onsite collection items

Weekdays

For same day onsite retrieval request by: For Tuesday night access request by:

Weekends

Retrieval of offsite collection items

For offsite retrieval request by:

Collecting your requests

You need to be registered with the Library to view materials that have been brought from storage areas.

General reference material

General reference materials are delivered to the Information Desk and should be returned there before you leave the Library. Material can be placed on hold for up to 7 days if you have not finished with the item. Please ask staff at the Information Desk.

All other material

Other material, including rare books, maps, bound newspapers and South Australiana, is delivered to the Somerville Reading Room. These items are returned to storage after 7 days.

For more information about times and conditions specific to your item, follow the links below: