Defence Library provides an enquiry and research service to members of the public.
The Library's Collections
The Main Book and Serial Collections.
The main collection is strong in military history, strategic and defence studies. Other defence related subject areas include military equipment, international relations, international law and peacekeeping. The basic book collection is mirrored by the serials collection which includes New Zealand Statutes and Regulations and a range of military and international relations titles. The collection consists almost entirely of secondary or published material. Primary published material is held at Archives NZ. Archival material is also held at Waiouru in the Kippenberger Military Archive and Library at the Army Museum. Service Personnel Files are not accessible from the library, they are held in Trentham at NZDF Archives and at Archives NZ.
There are separate collections within the library including :
Reference :
A selection of yearbooks, dictionaries, encyclopaedias and indexes. Some of these are available in both CD-ROM and print formats. Internet links of interest.
Militaria :
A collection of books on medals, honours and awards, uniforms, badges and service customs.
Jane's Yearbooks :
A wide range of military titles are held.
Vertical File :
Newspaper clippings, pamphlets and articles are kept on file. Subject areas covered are military, political and general interest, military biographies and honours and awards.
Library Services
Members of the public are welcome to use the Defence Library. Library staff are available to assist in using the library’s resources and with any research enquiries. First time visitors should phone or e-mail the Reference Librarian to make an appointment or discuss their query. The catalogue is not available on the internet, but it can be accessed from Te Puna, which can be searched at any public library. Although members of the public may not borrow from the collection, most titles are available via a local or academic library by inter-library loan. A photocopier is available for use for a small charge.
Recommended reading :
The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History, edited by Ian McGibbon. Auckland : OUP, 2000. This authoritative and comprehensive encyclopaedia covers subjects ranging from Aircraft to Z Special Unit. Each entry is written by an expert in the field and often includes a bibliography.
The Official War Histories are a series of almost 50 volumes covering individual campaigns and units from the time of the NZ Wars to the Korean War. The Official Histories of World War II are also available at www.nzetc.org/projects/wh2/
Many public libraries hold these titles.
Contact Information
Location : Level 1, New Defence Building, 2 - 12 Aitken Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Address:
Defence Library,
Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force,
Private Bag,
WELLINGTON,
New Zealand
Hours : 8:30 am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday.
Contacts : Reference Librarian / Enquiries : Telephone +64 4 496 0842
Email : Contact New Zealand Defence Force Library