6 May 1998

Librarians key navigators on along pathways to knowledge

Australian Library Week 1998 has arrived, and amidst a flurry of activity and discussion, a clear message has emerged: there is a lot of information out there and separating the good information from the bad is not as easy as it used to be. This year's theme, pathways to knowledge, explores how Australia's library and information services can provide all Australians with the tools they need to successfully navigate their way through an increasingly complex information pathway.

Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), Ms Virginia Walsh, says, 'Australian Library Week aims to encourage all Australians regardless of their age, gender, race, socio-economic status, occupation or level of education to look upon libraries as places to obtain information, entertainment and education.

'This year's theme highlights that libraries are multi-dimensional. They are places that can provide not only books, magazines and newspapers, but also videos, CDs, CD-ROMs, electronic databases, internet access and statistical data from around the world. There are ever-increasing numbers of pathways to information and library and information professionals are those people best qualified to help the rest of us navigate our way through', said Ms Walsh.

The advent of the Internet and other electronic means of information delivery have greatly increased the scope and breadth of information available to the public. This, says Ms Walsh, makes it ever more important for us to be 'critical users' of information.

'Library and information professionals are trained to identify credible sources of information and recognise dubious sources. They are indispensable guides for anyone looking to gather information from both traditional print-based media, and the newer electronic sources.'

'Australian Library Week 1998, by promoting activities and events which will draw people from all walks of life and all backgrounds into their local public, school, university or workplace library, aims to demonstrate just how valuable library and information professionals will continue to be in the "Information Age".'