Located in Parliament House in Darwin City, it is the premier public research and archival organisation focused on the history, development and culture of the Northern Territory of Australia.

[9] Library & Archives NT holds the largest collection of books, journals, newspapers and audio-visual materials relating to the Northern Territory.

[15][16] Library & Archives NT hosts the Eric Johnston Lectures, which provide a view of the Northern Territory's past, present and future through the eyes of people who have committed their lives and careers to its betterment.

The lectures were named in honour of Commodore Eric Johnston AO, OBE (1933–1997), long-serving NT Administrator who as a Royal Australian Navy officer played a crucial role during and after Cyclone Tracy.

Other prominent Territorians to deliver the lecture following his inaugural address included Thomas Mayo (2020), Banduk Marika AO (2010), Tom Calma (2008), Mandawuy Yunupingu (1996), and Ted Egan (1998).