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The Natal Museum Library is one of the largest research libraries in South Africa, with some of the finest specialist collections in Africa. Our rich collections of printed, photographic and audio-visual materials have been built up carefully over the years since the formal inception of the Museum in 1903 (and prior to this, from 1850, when the early Museum was part of the Natal Society). The Library collections are focused on the research needs of the Museum staff and are regional, national and international in nature. The library collections represent a collective asset of the nation but historically have not been accessible to the local community outside of the Museum staff, apart from researchers and scholars who have sought out the collections. Nationally and internationally, the Library has made the collections available through an interlibrary loan system and also through an extensive exchange programme involving the Museum publications.
Collections
The Library has strong special collections in the following fields:
- Afrotropical entomology (particularly Diptera)
- Indo-Pacific Mollusca
- African lower invertebrates
- African arachnology and herpetology
- South African archaeology (particularly KwaZulu-Natal stone and iron ages)
- South African rock art
- KwaZulu-Natal anthropology (particularly relating to the Zulu and Nguni people)
- KwaZulu-Natal cultural history
- South African natural history in general
- South African political history
- Museology
The Library Collections support the research of the Museum staff in the fields of Afrotropical arthropodology, Indo-Pacific Mollusca, South African archaeology and rock art, and South African cultural anthropology and history. In addition, the Library houses a unique collection of historical photographs and special collections of rare books and manuscripts. The holdings include over 2 500 journal titles, 13 000 books and 63 000 pamphlets and reprints.
Researchers, students and the public are welcome to visit the Library and will be given access to our collections. Information Services are offered by the Library staff to bona fide researchers using the Library collections. Access to the collections is also provided through the Inter-Library Loan service and through the Library OPAC of University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg and Sabinet databases.
Location
The Library is situated on the 2nd floor of the Natal Museum
Hours
Open: Monday-Friday, 8h15-16h30, except for public holidays
Researchers and public requiring the services of the Librarian are advised to phone ahead for an appointment. Please note that the Library is strictly reference only. Library material may not be borrowed by the public except through the Inter-Library Loan system.
Click here to contact the Chief Librarian
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