5 August 2002

Developing a civil society in East Timor

The role of libraries in building civil societies: the East Timor Project

Geoffrey Barker of the Australian Financial Review recently described the struggle of developing Pacific nations as the 'little game', compared with the 'big' game elsewhere in the world where the major powers' strategic, political and ideological interests collide.

But the difficulties faced by the new nation of East Timor in establishing a civil society with a stable judiciary and administration whilst nurturing education and culture is no small matter. Hugely important issues are at stake. How does a newly-independent nation establish the civil institutions that we take for granted - the judiciary, an educational system, libraries - and how will these institutions shape the cultural environment? How does a nation emerging from centuries of domination by foreign powers respond to freedom of information and censorship issues? With its few libraries gutted by departing forces, where will East Timor find books for its children to read? Can Australians make a difference?

A panel of three speakers will address these issues at a seminar presented by the Australian Library and Information Association at the National Library of Australia on Wednesday 7 August. The role of libraries in building civil societies: the East Timor Project will be chaired by ALIA executive director, Jennefer Nicholson, and will explore issues of civil society, freedom of information and practical ways of helping libraries in East Timor.

The highly-respected academic and expert on East Timor, Professor James Fox, head of the ANU's Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, will open the discussion. Following Professor Fox will be two librarian activists: Alex Byrne and Judy Blood. Alex Byrne is university librarian, University of Technology Sydney and is actively involved with the International Federation of Library Association's campaign for intellectual freedom and free access to information in developing countries. Mr Byrne is well-known in the library world for his interest in human rights issues. Judy Blood is a volunteer who has recently led efforts to reconstruct the library of the University of East Timor from ashes, and has some clear messages for those wanting to help.

The role of libraries in building civil societies: the East Timor Project, Wednesday 7 August, 4:30pm, National Library of Australia, Lower Ground Floor Theatre, 4:30-6:00pm.