Accessing the Collection

Access to the National Collection - finding, viewing, listening, copying or borrowing items - is facilitated by the NFSA's Collection Access staff for a wide range of purposes.

Experienced reference officers can provide information about our services and resources, and help you conduct your own research into the NFSA's collection.

Material can be made available for viewing or auditioning on the NFSA's premises in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, or through Access Centres in Hobart, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.

See contact details for locations.

Works can also be:

  • loaned for screenings or exhibitions
  • copied for research or educational purposes
  • copied for use in new productions.

Items loaned or copied for off-site access are made available with the permission of third party copyright owners.

The NFSA does not usually hold the copyright for the works in its collection, so clearing the right to use material and seeking permission from the copyright holder will be your responsibility.

As an archive, we are primarily concerned with preserving our collection and making works available for research on our premises. Copying and loan services are prioritised for the film, television and recorded sound production sectors and for scholarly and educational interests. We are unable to provide copies or loans of collection items for personal use, unless a direct personal connection such as an appearance or performance by a family member can be shown. Of course, it is still possible for clients to access material onsite.

Terms and conditions apply, and fees are charged for access services according to our published fee schedule.

Waivers or discounts on our fee schedule will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as where there are clear and direct benefits to the NFSA. Only the Director and the Chief Curator may waive the fees charged for reproduction, research or usage on the advice of Senior Curators, Section Heads or the Chief Programmer.