Like other libraries, the National Library specialises in collecting some overseas materials in depth, while in other subject areas it does not collect material, but relies on the collections of other libraries as well as international document supply arrangements. The Library will acquire publications about Australia published overseas, publications by Australians published overseas and translations in languages other than English of works by Australian authors. The Library places an emphasis on overseas publications that deal with issues which have a special interest in their Australian context. Examples include federalism as a system of government, and literature relating to indigenous populations and First Nation peoples. This collection covers a wide range of topics including politics, economics, education, the environment, energy, science, technology and public health.
Emphasis is placed on the social aspects of such topics.
Material collected includes major biographical works, historical descriptions of major movements, surveys of general developments, international comparative studies, new analyses and forecasts. Major works on the arts, the humanities and literature are also collected. The Library has over many years developed substantial research collections for these areas recognising the many important linkages which exist between Australia and its near neighbours. The Library's current collecting from these areas concentrates mainly on contemporary culture and society, modern history and politics. The Library's depository status and links with other national libraries has enabled it to build a strong collection of government publications from a number of countries including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.