Commonwealth Library Deposit and Free Issue Schemes

These schemes give the public access to government publications through participating libraries.  

In 1970 this included the national and state libraries. From 1974 publicly-funded universities could also take part. 

We are responsible for the Library Deposit and Free Issue Schemes (LDS) policy.

What Australian government agencies must do

Agencies must make a copy of all their print publications available to members of the public for free. There are 2 ways the agency can do this: 

  • supply physical copies to participating libraries
  • provide a digital version through their internet site and upload to National edeposit

Agencies cannot distribute embargoed publications until after their release date. 

Once agencies have met the requirements of the LDS they may then charge for the remaining print copies. 

Documents tabled in Parliament

There is also a special requirement for publications tabled in Parliament. Agencies must supply copies of these publications to the participating libraries in print form, even if the document is also available electronically.

Participating Libraries 

As at Tuesday 27 November 2020, there are 15 participating libraries in the LDS.

Universities may opt in or out of the Free Issues Scheme at any time by contacting us.

Agencies must send 2 copies of their publication to the National Library of Australia, and 1 copy to each of the remaining participating libraries.

Discontinuation of distribution services contract

We have discontinued the previous distribution services contract as it did not represent value-for-money. This was because of the drop in:

  • the volume of print publications requiring distribution
  • number of participating libraries

Please contact us if you require further assistance.

Mailing list for participating libraries

Deposit Scheme Libraries

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA
Government Deposit Unit
Parkes Place
CANBERRA  ACT  2600
NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRARY
Serials Supervisor
GPO Box 42
DARWIN  NT  0801
STATE LIBRARY OF NSW
Collections Services
Macquarie Street
SYDNEY  NSW  2000
STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND
Govt Publications Officer
Acquisitions Branch
PO BOX 3488
SOUTH BRISBANE  QLD  4101
STATE LIBRARY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Govt Publications Librarian
GPO BOX 419
ADELAIDE  SA  5001
STATE LIBRARY OF TASMANIA
Serials Section
91 Murray Street
HOBART  TAS  7000
STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA
Govt Publications Officer
328 Swanston Street
MELBOURNE  VIC  3000
STATE LIBRARY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Serials Section
Alexander Library Building
Perth Cultural Centre
PERTH  WA  6000

Free Issues Scheme Libraries

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY
Serials Section-Library
Macquarie University
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY  NSW  2109
UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
Journals Receipt
Barr Smith Library
North Terrace Campus
ADELAIDE  SA  5005
UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
Government Publications Librarian
Auchmuty Library
NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY  NSW  2308
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
Serials Section
Central Library
St Lucia Campus
ST LUCIA  QLD  4072
UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA
Serials Section
Morris Miller Library
Private Bag 25
HOBART  TAS  7001
UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN SYDNEY
Serials Librarian
Nepean Collection Services
Locked Bag 1797
PENRITH  NSW  1797
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Serials Section
St Albans Campus Library
McKechnie Street
ST ALBANS  VIC  3021

Get in touch

If you have any questions you can send an email to info@dta.gov.au or call 02 6120 8707
https://www.dta.gov.au/help-and-advice/guides-and-tools/commonwealth-library-deposit-and-free-issue-schemes
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