29 April 1995

Australian Library Week Oration

Former High Court chief justice tackles question of copyright in Australian Library Week Oration

Australian Library Week is a special project of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). It will be celebrated around the country by libraries in all sectors of the community from Sunday 5 May to Saturday 11 May. Events will focus on the theme Reading the future.

On Wednesday 1 May former chief justice of the High Court, Sir Anthony Mason, will present the inaugural Australian Library Week Oration at a lunchtime reception in the Dixson Room in the Mitchell Wing of the State Library of NSW. Sir Anthony currently chairs the National Library of Australia Council and is well-known for his insightful analysis of topical socials issues. His role in the historic Mabo native title legislation is well-documented.

Sir Anthony Mason will use the forum to speak about the role of libraries as a treasury of knowledge and the possible impact of restriction on the free flow of knowledge, information and ideas as the copyright debate is played out. 'There is a risk', says Sir Anthony, 'that the debate will favour the interests of large commercial publishers, which could be to the detriment of library users, with adverse financial consequences for educational institutions and students, as well as for the government both in terms of funding for education and the balance of trade.'

ALIA president, Ms Helen Tait, said 'Australian Library Week is the occasion used each year to promote the work of libraries by organising activities of interest to both the community and library and information services personnel.' Ms Tait said that the library profession was delighted that Sir Anthony had agreed to present the inaugural oration and welcomed the discussion that his speech would encourage.

For information on ALIA's policy statements, see our policy statements home page.