National Libraries and Their Histories: The British Library and National Library of Australia as Sites of Negotiation

National libraries exist around the world, acting as vast repositories for and of their nations. These institutions, however, are neither neutral, passive, nor fixed. Applying concepts of the archival turn, this thesis examines the historical development of the British Library and the National Library of Australia, situating these institutions within their broader political, economic and cultural contexts. Through a transnational approach that explores the legislative establishment, architectural development and institutional priorities of the Libraries, the thesis demonstrates that national libraries are active sites of negotiation, where their roles and meanings are continually redefined.