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 14 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
- Government Publications Level 2
State Library of New South Wales
1 Shakespeare Place
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
Get in touch
If you have any questions you can send an email to info@dta.gov.au or call 02 6120 8707.