PNG Government Crest
Ministry of Education
Office of the Library and Archives
Papua New Guinea
Preserving Knowledge · Empowering Generations
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Preserving Our Nation’s History

Explore rare manuscripts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Papua New Guinea.

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Access Knowledge Anywhere

Browse our digital library and archives online from the comfort of your home.

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Support Education and Research

Find resources, publications, and archival materials to enhance learning and research initiatives.

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Celebrate Papua New Guinea’s Heritage

Discover exhibitions, events, and collections that showcase the nation’s rich cultural legacy.

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OLA Welcome

Papua New Guinea

Welcome to the

Office of the Library
and Archives

Your gateway to

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.

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OLA — Minister & Director General
Hon. Lucas Dawa Dekena
Minister's Welcome

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.

Minister's Statement — Office of the Library and Archives
Mr. Dennis Bagelo
Director General's Message

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

Director General's Statement — Office of the Library and Archives

Our Wings

OLA Role Cards
Archives & Records Management
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.

Office of the Library and Archives
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Library Services
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.

Office of the Library and Archives
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Corporate Services
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 .

Office of the Library and Archives
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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.