Business & Statistics

The State Library of Victoria has one of the most extensive collections of business and statistical information in Australia. Providing a wealth of information on how we work, live and play, this collection contains a broad range of reference materials and other resources from Australia and overseas.

What's in the Business & Statistics Collection?

The Library's Business & Statistics Collection comprises company, business and industry directories, databases, yearbooks, catalogues of statistical publications, compilations of historical and census data, monthly compendiums of social, general and economic statistics and a wide selection of official demographic statistics. It also includes, but is not limited to, information about business practice, national and international trading in goods and services, and banking and finance. Materials mostly relate to Australia and its main trading partners, countries that are major sources of immigrants, and regions of substantial interest, such as Asia and the Pacific.

The Library also has a number of key business indexes and multi-industry databases which provide information on companies, industries, products, markets and technologies. Information about specific services, producers, manufacturers, key business people, trade names, and product information is readily available in our print and online business directories. Annual reports, financial statements, corporate details and other company announcements on companies listed and delisted with the Australian Stock Exchange are all available via the Library's online databases and microfiche collections. Two key microfiche collections, Annual Reports for 1950–94 and Company Announcements for 1989–96, provide access to past official company documents.

The Library's statistical resources, particularly statistical materials relating to Victoria, are hard to equal. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collection complements statistics gathered by international bodies such as the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Unofficial statistics are also available in publications by trade associations, banks, market research companies, research bodies and academic institutions.

How do I access material in this collection?

The Library's Business and Statistics Collection is available for browsing and reading in the Information Centre.