History
The SAAO library is the oldest and most comprehensive astronomical library in South Africa, with contemporary material that dates back to 1830. The early SAAO library was formed of group of books that were housed in the astronomers offices. == Branches ==
Branches
The SAAO library has two branches, Cape Town and in Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Cape Town branch acts as the main branch hosting most of the research material while Sutherland is the sub-branch used as reference for researchers during observations periods. == Library holdings ==
Library holdings
The library's online catalogue was started in 1993 and since 2004 the library personnel have been engaged in retrospective cataloguing. The online catalogue currently gives access to over 9000 records and approximately 3100 staff publications. The library's holdings consists of journals (electronic and print), books (electronic and print), databases, atlases and catalogues, brochures, maps photographs, plates, posters, staff publications, slides, media collections, CD's / DVD's and many historic documents. == References ==