What it does
State Library Victoria provides catalogue and gallery access to historical pictures, photographs, maps and other visual collections. Its copyright-free Digital Image Pool offers high-resolution TIFF downloads, while other material may need a copy order.
The Digital Image Pool contains out-of-copyright images that can be downloaded and reused, with an appropriate credit to the Library. Collection Discovery offers another way to browse digitised albums, artwork and photographs. You do not need Library membership to access digitised items.
Before ordering a copy, open the catalogue record and check for an existing free TIFF or JPEG. For a new or custom copy, sign in, open the full record and choose the blue Order a digital copy button. Pictures, photographs and maps supplied as TIFFs cost AUD 40 per image, including Australian GST; international orders have GST removed. Allow up to 20 working days.
Copying works with Indigenous content may require community permission before the Library can supply the file. The copying service also excludes some fragile or valuable originals.
Strengths
- Existing TIFF or JPEG downloads can avoid a paid copy order.
- The defined Digital Image Pool supports high-resolution, out-of-copyright reuse.
- Copy orders have a published per-image fee and an online tracking route.
Watch out for
- New copy requests can take up to 20 working days.
- Some originals cannot be copied, and Indigenous material may need additional permission.
Best for
- Editors and researchers sourcing Victorian visual history
Sources
- State Library Victoria (Oct 27, 2026)
- Digital Collections: Your Library Online (Oct 27, 2026)
- Ordering copies of collection items | State Library Victoria (Oct 27, 2026)