DBCA Library

Image of the DBCA Library

With a history going back to the 1800s, the Library collections are a true marvel.

As a formal collection, the Library began in the 1950s within the Forests Department. The DBCA Library, Kensington, has been operating as a single library since November 2010. It is the result of amalgamating the three individual collections of botany, forestry and wildlife which were located at three separate sites.

The Library is used by departmental staff, members of the public and consultants, and is open weekdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm. We supply materials locally, nationally and internationally.

Accessing the DBCA Library

We have an extensive collection focused on provides knowledge and information on the Western Australian environment. The collection encompasses:

forests and forestry
fire management, suppression and behaviour
systematic botany and related disciplines
ecology
conservation
wildlife
national parks and nature reserves

Requests for non-digital items can be lodged through the Requests tab. Just click on the paper plane icon attached to the record to add the details to the Requests form. If possible, they will be digitised and supplied. Book loans are only facilitated through another library (e.g., public library or university library).

As well as published books and journals (physical and digital), the collection has a large grey literature component, departmental publications, microfiche, coloured slides and historical photos relating to WA forestry and botanical taxonomy, original botanical illustrations, maps, charts and posters.

The department’s archives are maintained with a comprehensive range of materials (books, journals, reports, reprints, videos, photos, maps, aerial photos) produced by departmental officers or for the department and its departmental predecessors and are retained permanently. These items are not for loan.