Research Centre > Planning a visit

Planning a Visit to the Research Centre

If you are planning to visit the Research Centre to carry out research, the following information will help you make the most of your visit:

Among the types of printed and written records the Research Centre contains are:

Official records: records created by an official agency or person, including:

private records consisting of:

printed and special collections, including:

There is also access to photographic and art images, film footage and sound recordings.

Use local resources first
- Visit your local library. Books listed in some of our reading lists may prove helpful.
- Consult encyclopedias
- Use the databases to identify documents, photographs and other items you may wish to consult.
Do preliminary research
- Have a clear idea of what you want to find out.
- Obtain personal service records of servicemen and women you wish to research.
Know OUR limitations
- Our focus is Australia at war.
- We do not hold personal service records.
- Our large quantity and diversity of material requires time to access.
- We are obliged to abide by restrictions imposed on official records by the Archives Act 1983.
- Restrictions may have been placed on personal records by donors.
- Some restrictions result from compliance with the Copyright Act.
- Access to other Memorial collections (Art, Military Heraldry and Military Technology) is by arrangement.
Know YOUR limitations! - Remember, research takes time.
Contact the Research Centre
- Please contact us with your research plans. We can advise and make preparations.
- Check our opening hours/days.

Holders of personal service and other records, such as National Archives of Australia and Central Army Records Office.
We can provide you with a list of individuals who are available to undertake research on a commercial basis.