16 May 2006

Libraries keep ideas flowing and culture thriving

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Frequently asked questions [pdf 158.2kb]

Libraries around the nation will be celebrating their role in promoting and protecting the free flow of ideas and information on behalf of every Australian next week. Library and Information Week will run from 22-28 May, with a full program of events in libraries around Australia. The theme of this year’s celebration is linking people with ideas.

"Access to ideas and information is fundamental to a thriving culture, economy and democracy,” executive director of the Australian Library and Information Association, Sue Hutley says.

According to Ms Hutley, the promotion and protection of the free flow of information is a cornerstone of the very existence of libraries and a vital part of the commitment of Australia’s 27 000 library and information workers.

“Library and Information Week is a good time to stop and think about the role of libraries in linking people with ideas - and the value this has for the community,” Ms Hutley says.

“We have all sorts of libraries in Australia, all playing a valuable role in making sure Australians have access to the information they need.”

“There are 1500 public library locations offering internet access as well as access to the books, cds and other specialist resources held not only in each individual library, but in all the other public libraries in Australia as well.”

“It means that, through a library, anyone can obtain information, whether it be for education or recreation. Navigating the internet or finding a magazine article can be much easier with the help of skilled staff than it is going it alone.”

Ms Hutley says the same applies to university and other academic libraries. “Students and staff rely on intensive behind-the-scenes work by library staff to ensure they can find, and use, the latest information in a huge range of specialist areas. In business-based libraries, efficient information skills can literally add thousands of dollars to the value of the bottom line.”

“We have joined with NetAlert and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to present Library and Information Week this year because both these organisations understand the vital role free access to information plays in our society,” Ms Hutley says.

Libraries around Australia will celebrate Library and Information Week with events ranging from author talks to storytelling, special tours and competitions. The national program for Library and Information Week can be found at http://alia.org.au/advocacy/liw/ and local libraries will be advertising their own programs through local media and in the library.

“A library is still the best place to go looking for ideas because it’s still the place where the information is to be found to help you make up your own mind about the world,” Ms Hutley says.