In 1982, the Brunei History Centre Library was founded together with the History Centre Department, which subsequently became part of the Archives Division. The appointment of a senior library officer in 1984 marked the beginning of the library's official management, although cataloging, categorising, and methodically organising the collection started soon after. By purchasing literature published both domestically and abroad, the library sought to broaden its selection. The library's move to a new facility in July 1987 allowed for a more organised setting, with the Library Division placed on the ground level, apart from the Archives Division. The library primarily serves as an internal library, offering reference materials only to officers and personnel. However, with prior permission from the principal, access may be granted to outside scholars. Only department employees may borrow materials for work-related study; all other materials are solely for in-library use. Historical literature covering national, cultural, and economic history, especially as it relates to Brunei,
Southeast Asia, and beyond, is the main emphasis of the library's collection. It provides thorough access to essential historical knowledge by containing a wide range of materials, including books, journals, magazines, pamphlets, newspapers, and manuscripts, all of which are methodically arranged into categories like Brunei Reference, Southeast Asia Reference, and General Reference. ==Principals ==