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Library Manuscripts reader (to access items from the Alexander Turnbull Library Manuscripts Collection and other unpublished collections)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 ground floor reading room, or in the Music Room. You can order items when you visit the Library, or before your visit.

Use the 'request' button in the National Library Catalogue toolbar to order the items you require. Items are usually delivered to the Ground floor reading room within 20 minutes of the request being made. Items stored in offsite storage take approximately four days to be delivered.

Registering as an Alexander Turnbull Library published collections reader

To use items in the Alexander Turnbull Library published collections you need to register as a reader.

You can register by visiting the Research Centre desk on the ground floor and filling out a registration form. You do not need identification to do this.

Requesting items from the Alexander Turnbull Library published collections

Search for items using the National Library Catalogue.

When you have found the item you want, fill out a blue request slip if it is a book, or a gold request slip for a serial. Take your request slips to the Research Centre desk.

Requests are collected at 9.30 and 11.30am, and 1.30 and 3.30pm Monday to Friday. Items are delivered 20 minutes later.

If you wish to use material on Saturday mornings, requests need to be placed by 3.30pm on Friday.

You can also request material from items in advance of your visit, by contacting us with the details of the item you are interested in and the date of your visit.

Ask a librarian for research help

Registering as an Alexander Turnbull Library unpublished collections reader

To use items in the Alexander Turnbull Library unpublished collections, you need to register as a reader.

You can register at several places in the Library, including at the Turnbull Library Pictures desk on the ground floor, and the Manuscripts section desk on the first floor. Staff can also register you as a reader when you are visiting collection areas on the second floor. You do not need identification to register. Once you are registered, you will be given a reader number.

Requesting items from the Alexander Turnbull Library Manuscripts Collection

Using the computers in the Manuscripts section, search for items on TAPUHI. When you find the item you require, scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your reader number in the request box.

We retrieve requested items in batches. Batch cut-off times are 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Items are available within 20 minutes of these batch times. If you wish to use material on Saturday mornings, requests need to be placed by 3.30 pm on Friday.

You cannot use this online request process outside of the National Library building. You can request material in advance of your visit by contacting us with the details of the item you are interested in and the date of your visit. Please give us 48 hours notice.

Ask a librarian for research help

Requesting items from other Alexander Turnbull Library unpublished collections

Material in the collections listed below is held on the second floor:

Once you have registered, staff will help you to identify the material you want to see using TAPUHI, or by conducting a research interview. They can then arrange for you to see these items.

You can request items in advance of your visit by contacting us with the details of the item you are interested in and the date of your visit. Please give us 48 hours notice.

Ask a librarian for research help