The U.S. Reference Service provides reference, library, and referral services for Australians with questions about U.S. policy and federal government legislation, as well as other topics such as U.S. - Australia relations, economics and trade, domestic politics and government, foreign affairs, and defense.

Reference specialists accept enquiries for texts of speeches by U.S. government officials, current federal legislation, biographical information, and contact details for U.S. organizations. Librarians can also determine the status, text and information of bills currently before the U.S. Congress.

The U.S. Reference Service has two branches – one in Canberra with the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy and one in Sydney with the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General.

The USRS Canberra is predominantly an electronic library, however, it does receive some of the most prominent periodicals in the fields of international relations and U.S. domestic and foreign policy. There is also a small print collection of selected materials. Items in this collection are not available for loan. Persons interested in visiting USRS Canberra should contact the library to make an appointment.

The USRS Sydney is an electronic library. It is not open to the public.

Resources

• U.S.–Australia relations: Links to relevant news and press releases from the American and Australian governments.
• Frequently asked questions: Answers to general questions about the United States of America.
• Government e-resource page: Links to U.S. government websites.
• Web alert: Lists of resources available at no cost on the internet.

If you are interested in receiving information about the United States, please complete our survey.

Contact information

USRS Canberra and USRS Sydney are closed on Australian and American public holidays.

Address:
U.S. Reference Service
National Press Club Building
16 National Circuit
Barton, ACT 2600
Phone Hours: 8:00am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 5:00pm
Visitor Hours: 10:00am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Phone: (02) 6214-5874 (then press 4)
Fax: (02) 6273-3051

Address:
U.S. Consulate General
Level 10
MLC Centre
19-29 Martin Place
Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9373-9228
Fax: (02) 9221-0551

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