Lao collection The National Library of Australia maintains a small but significant collection of Lao language materials; the collection consists of publications mainly from Lao, some from the Lao- Australian community in Australia and overseas publications. The collection is steadily growing, especially in the fields of the social sciences, development studies, statistics and law. Most materials are purchased through our Lao vendor, such as: materials published by government agencies, non-government organizations and commercial publishers. In recent years, a substantial number of popular commercial magazines, children and award winning literature have been adding to our collection. The Library also holds some rare and significant Lao language publications published before 1975 (the Royal Lao Government era: 1949-1974).