The National Library of Australia’s collection includes almost 10.5 million items, only 3.25 million of which are books. The Library collects a broad range of information spanning many different formats and media.

In this section, there is a small selection of items from the collections that can be used to question sources and interpret the messages and meanings being presented. Under each section is a link to a catalogue search with related results for further investigation.

Items in the Library’s collection span many centuries and hold a range of views, opinions, and perspectives. Some items may contain depictions or certain words or descriptions which reflect the author’s attitude or that of the period in which the item was created and may now be considered offensive. These items do not reflect the opinion or position of the National Library of Australia or its staff. Please ensure items being used are suitable for the intended audience.

Art: The Death of Cook
Commentary: "Conventional Lies"
A yellowed sheet of paper with the headline "[Co]nventional Lies of the Anti-Federal Party". The "C" and "O" of the word "conventional" is missing as the corner of the page has been torn off. The very small text is set out in four columns
Print media: The Cuban Missile Crisis
The front page of the Tribune newspaper. The headline reads "USA FORCED TO DROP CUBA INVASION". There is a black and white photograph of 5 people holding protest signs.
Public Service Announcements: For the War Effort
A large red and yellow poster with a bold headline reading "COAL IS VITAL TO VICTORY!". The poster has three sub headings that read "Switch off PROMPTLY" with a picture of a light switch, "Turn that GAS down!" With an image of a pot on a gas cooktop, and "Don't waste WATER!" with an image of a running tap.

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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