Papua New Guinea
Welcome to the
Office of the Library
and Archives
Preserving Papua New Guinea's national heritage, knowledge, and documentary memory for every generation. Explore our collections, access government records, and connect with the rich history of our nation.
Hon. Lucas Dawa Dekena
Minister for Education
Dear students, educators, and parents, welcome to the official website of the Office of Library and Archives. As Minister for Education, I am honored to be part of this important institution that plays a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and promoting education.
The Office of Library and Archives serves to protect, manage, and provide access to the nation's records, history, and cultural heritage. It ensures that both physical and digital resources are properly maintained for public use, research, and government needs.
The Papua New Guinea Education Transformation Vision 2075 (PNGETV 2075) aims to support schools in transforming and adapting to digital platforms that enhance our Sustainable Development Goals, of which education is a key priority.
Through the Education Sector Development Plan 2023–2027, we are embarking on a journey to transform our education system to meet the challenges and demands of the 21st century. A key priority is improving access to library and archival resources, supporting research, and enhancing lifelong learning opportunities for all.
My vision is to ensure that our education system is inclusive, innovative, and equipped to prepare our students for the future — giving every child equal opportunities to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.
We will continue to prioritize the role of libraries and archives in promoting literacy, preserving our cultural heritage, and providing access to information and resources for lifelong learning.
Mr. Dennis Bagelo
Director General — Office of the Library and Archives
Welcome to the official website of the Office of Libraries & Archives (OLA). OLA is mandated to preserve Papua New Guinea's history, promote access to information, and support knowledge development for national growth.
Our core functions include the acquisition, preservation, and management of archival records and published materials of national significance, including:
- Initiating, building, and monitoring public and institutional library services in PNG
- Promoting literacy and a reading culture
- Providing reliable information services to government agencies, researchers, students, and the wider public
- Strengthening records management and advancing digital preservation for long-term access to information
These responsibilities directly support the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV) and align strongly with the Reset 50 Agenda, which calls for renewed focus on nation-building, cultural identity, and institutional reform.
As Director-General, I will ensure we upgrade our digital library and archive systems, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, and expand access to library and archival services nationwide — making information accessible to all Papua New Guineans.
Mr. Dennis Bagelo
Director General
Our Wings
OLA Port Moresby
Archives & Public Records Management
The Wing is responsible for the preservation of records of long-lasting value and access to archival information sources for Papua New Guinea and in addition custody cares and control of the public records of the nation. It also plays an advisory and educational role to government departments in appraising records and recommending their permanent retention.
OLA Port Moresby
National Library Services
The core functions of the Wing is to develop and maintain a national collections of Library material including a comprehensive collection of library materals relating to Papua New Guinea, its people and its resources, to maintain and preserve materials acquired by Legal Deposits under the National Library and Archives Act 1993, Part v; to make library materials in the national collections available to institutions and subject to conditions as the Director General may determine, to cordinate the bibliographical services of Papua New Guinea and to promote and encourage Library services throughout Papua New Guinea.
OLA Port Moresby
Corporate Services
Served as the main hub for ensuring that OLA delivers its main functions and fully resource to achieve its goals and mission. The Wing manage and mitigate risk of corporate non-compliance, innovative techniques and activities that combine or consolidate certain enterprice wide needed to support service in Administraion, Finance, Polices, Human Resources, Projects and IT based on specialized knowledge and best practices to serve the operational functions. It ensures all support services are effectively equip to perform and deliver their duties .
Our Publications
OLA Independence Magazine
Independence Magazine to commemorate the nation’s journey to independence. The magazine features historical narratives, archival photographs, and reflections on the significance of independence. It serves as a resource to educate the public about the country’s heritage and the importance of preserving its history.
Our Online Services
These services will be available online soon
PAYMENT OF BOOKS
Securely pay online for library and archive publications.
ISBN SERVICE
Apply online to obtain International Standard Book Numbers for publications.
ACCESS TO E-LIBRARY
Explore and read digital books, journals, and archives online.
ARCHIVES ONLINE PLATFORM
Search, view, and request historical records and documents digitally.
E-LIBRARY PACKAGES
Subscribe to access curated digital books, journals, and learning resources.
DIGITAL COLLECTION
Browse and access scanned manuscripts, photos, and historical documents online.