The table opposite shows the largest special libraries in New Zealand. Special libraries within New Zealand are still centred largely round research institutions and societies, professional associations, and museums as well as the university special schools. The modest degree of industrial expansion within New Zealand has not yet been matched by a corresponding development of library and information services, although the clear need for such if the country is to keep abreast of development has been stressed many times. By overseas standards there are no more than half a dozen smallish libraries attached to commercial and industrial organisations. A technical and commercial library service to industry through the public library system and certain special libraries has been planned and discussed but not so far introduced.

The Department of Agriculture, in addition to its head office library, includes those of the Wallaceville Animal Research Centre (1898; 10,000 vol.); Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre (1945; 8,000 vol.); and Rukuhia Soil Fertility Station. Other departmental collections of varying research and administrative function are maintained by the Health Department, the Army, the Ministry of Works, Forest Service, and Education Departments, with smaller libraries in other Departments.

The Royal Society of New Zealand (1867; 20,000 vol.) has been able to build up a valuable series of periodicals and other serials largely through exchanges. The Cawthron Institute (1920; 6,000 vol.) also has significant and unique holdings. Again, the sets in the Polynesian Society library (1892; 5,000 vol.) include important ethnological material not available elsewhere in the country.

New Zealand library buildings show stronger links with the past than any other aspect of service. Until some 10 years ago buildings were largely a once worthy but increasingly embarrassing Victorian – occasionally Georgian – heritage. However, a long overdue programme of replacement is getting under way. In the public library sphere, a number of interesting war memorial buildings have been designed. Notable among these are New Plymouth, Lower Hutt, Hastings, Papatoetoe, and Takaka. With Takaka, Wairoa is an interesting example of attractive and functional small library design. Plans for the first stage of the Auckland Public Library have been completed as also have plans for extensions at Dunedin.

University libraries, as mentioned, have survived by extension into class rooms. Construction of combined arts and library blocks in Victoria and Otago universities is now completed. The George Forbes Memorial Library at Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, was opened in 1960.