This study of Papua New Guinea gives a historical overview of the area and its colonization. The first public library was founded in the capital of Port Moresby in 1936. Granted independence in 1976, Papua New Guinea is now a parliamentary democracy. This document traces the location of the various historical archival material dealing with the history of the country and includes biographical information on each of the historical figures mentioned. In addition, there is a description of the history and development of the National Library Service and an explanation of the techniques for sarching for and locating the geographically dispersed materials listed in a 118-item bibliography. (NL)