Ask a librarian

How to find items in newspapers

Finding newspaper articles, images and more using databases and indexes

Newspaper Access Policy

The Newspaper Access Policy is designed to protect the condition of original newspapers.

If a newspaper is not on microfilm, newspapers are available without restriction for the following date ranges:

  • Victorian newspapers published in or after 1980
  • interstate and overseas newspapers published in or after 1960

For pre-1980 Victorian and pre-1960 interstate and overseas papers, access maybe provided to users who supply the date of an event or item. Users can search within:

  • one month of a daily newspaper
  • three months of a weekly or bi-weekly newspaper.

If a patron wishes to access longer runs of archival newspapers across the following dates:

  • pre-1980 Victorian
  • pre-1960 interstate and overseas newspapers

then the patron can apply to go onto the Newspaper Access List. Application forms are available online, further down this page.

The above is only a brief summary of the Newspaper Access Policy. Access assessments are made in accordance with the detailed conditions of the Access Policy.

Application form:

The application to access archival newspapers can be submitted online. Once you've clicked the 'submit' button, you will be given the option to add attachments.

 

 

State Library Victoria

LIBRARY UPDATE  

The Library is closed from December 25 to January 3. From January 4 2021 we will be partially open to pre-booked and walk-up visitors and our Ask A Librarian service will resume for assistance with your research inquiries online and over the phone.