Welcome!

Welcome to the National Library and Archives of Vanuatu. As the custodian of our nation’s documentary heritage, we are committed to preserving and providing access to valuable historical records that tell the story of our people and nation.

Our mission is to safeguard these records for future generations while supporting research, education, and government accountability.

We invite you to explore our collections and services, whether you are a researcher, student, or simply curious about Vanuatu’s history.

The National Library and Archives have the largest Vanuatu Collection in the world. 

The National Library and Archives is committed to safekeeping, protecting and making information accessible to all citizens of Vanuatu. We also assist local researchers and overseas researchers. The National Library and Archives strongly believes that knowledge and information is one of the most significant resources for national development. 

Our staff consists of one Chief Librarian, one Library Assistant, one Chief Archivist and two Assistant Archivist, one Digitization and Preservation Officer, one Finance Officer and one receptionist. Our staff is here to serve you. We hope that you will feel welcome at the Library and Archives and also please feel welcome to contact our helpdesk for assistance.
Your interest in and support of the Library and Archives will be deeply appreciated.

Tankio Tumas

National library Mission Statement

• Collect and preserve in a special Vanuatu Collection and in the Bislama, French, English and the vernacular languages all literature pertaining to and published about Vanuatu: such literature to cove all aspects of Vanuatu’s customs and culture; its social, economic, political and religious life; the land and natural environment; its people, communities, institutions and history. The Library also house Pacific and General Collections.
• Encourage and develop public interest in its Collections, including a sense of national pride in and respect for the Collections, which are being preserved, maintained and developed on the nation’s behalf.
• Provide, maintain and enhance public access to the Collections, for the purpose of reference, research and general enjoyment of our national literary heritage.
• Act as a specialized information service and educational tool in assisting students of all ages to access and use reference and other resources for their general and educational benefit. 

National archives mission statement

The mission of the National Archives of Vanuatu, in the service of the people of Vanuatu and in accordance with the terms of the National Archives Act (Cap. 216) is to:

• collect, safeguard and preserve for posterity the historic, cultural and other public records of the nation;
• organize and preserve these records in accordance with professional archival policies and procedures;
• provide, maintain and enhance Government and general public access to the Archives for the purpose of reference, research and general information, while respecting cultural practices concerning access of information;
• collaborate with other National Archives, libraries, museums and other appropriate bodies in the promotion of the nation’s heritage;
• provide reference services to Government bodies, other organizations and individuals, as required.
• continue to develop Government and public awareness of the importance of efficient record keeping and records management for good governance and accountability.

The Vanuatu National Library and Archives is responsible for the preservation, management, and accessibility of the nation’s historical records and documents. Its main functions include:

Archives

-Preserving National Heritage

-Digitization and Records Management

-Public Access and Research Support

-Government Records Management

-Cultural and Historical Documentation

-Collaboration with Institutions

-Collect archives ( -15 years)

Library

• Provide, maintain and develop adequate reading, shelving and storage facilities so that researchers, students and the general public may gain maximum benefit from the collections; 
• Continually expand the repository of quality information about Vanuatu and the Pacific region; 
• Maintain and developed the library’s database and cataloguing system so that it may eventually be accessible by network to government departments and Provincial Headquarters, and; 
• Encourage general awareness and observance of the Deposit of Books Act (Cap. 88)  

Office of the Chief Archivist and the Chief Librarian

 The Chief Archivist and the Chief Librarian of the Vanuatu National Archives and Library is responsible for overseeing the management, preservation, and accessibility of the nation's archival records. Their key responsibilities typically include:

1. Leadership and Administration
2. Records Management and Preservation
3. Public Access and Research Support
4. Government and Legal Compliance
5. Collaboration and Outreach