Understanding soft power discourse in the National Library of Australia

Purpose This paper presents research that sought to understand how the National Library of Australia engages with soft power in its Annual Report 2019–20. Driving analysis was question: How is discourse reproduced and enacted Australia's 2019–20? The recognises significance power, cultural diplomacy, regional relationships national interest context a library's contributions these areas. Design/methodology/approach study employs qualitative analysis, constructivist interpretivist perspectives. A critical undertaken applied discourse-historical approach. Findings findings suggest primarily through construction preservation an Australian identity. identity framed as key Library's collection development, knowledge prioritised. Originality/value extends on addressing roles galleries, archives, museums but rarely examines libraries explicitly or contemporary context. It contributes broader understandings international relations role they can play attraction diplomacy.