Registering and requesting items

To access items from the National Library and Alexander Turnbull Library collections you will usually have to register as a user or reader first. There are three types of registration:

1. National Library user (to access items from the National Library General Collections)
2. Alexander Turnbull Library reader (to access items from the Alexander Turnbull Library published collections)
3. Alexander Turnbull Library Manuscripts reader (to access items from the Alexander Turnbull Library Manuscripts Collection and other unpublished collections)

Registering as a National Library user

You need to register as a user before you can use items from the National Library General Collections.

You can register when you visit the Library, or start the registration process online and activate your registration when you visit.

1. Complete the online registration form
2. Activate your registration at the Reference Desk on the ground floor of the National Library. You will need to bring a form of identification with you, such as a driver’s licence or a student identity card.
3. Staff will complete your registration, and give you your login details for requesting items.

Requesting General Collections items

After registering as a National Library user, you can use the National Library Catalogue to request items from the General Collections for use in the Library’s reading room at 77 Thorndon Quay. You can order items when you visit, or before your visit.

Items that you wish to access on Saturdays must be ordered by 2:15 pm on Friday

Items stored in offsite storage take approximately four days to be delivered.

Use the 'request' button in the National Library Catalogue toolbar to order the items you require.

National Library Catalogue

Access to Alexander Turnbull Collections