19 May 2008

Libraries are for everyone: especially this week!

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Library and Information Week gets underway this week around the nation and Australian Library and Information Association Executive Director Sue Hutley says it's time to remember that libraries really are for everyone, in all walks of life and to help with every need.

Launching the week's festivities, Ms Hutley said Australians love their public libraries – over half of the nation are registered borrowers at a public or community library, while specialist information services support new developments in business and students, researchers and educators at every level keep academic libraries busy to the tune of around 26 million loans each year.

"Information literacy is critical to a thriving nation," Ms Hutley said.

"Technology has brought us so much information via resources such as the internet that it can be overwhelming. It's important to remember libraries have one thing the internet on your home computer hasn't got – and that's skilled information professionals to help interpret and assess information resources.

"Making use of those skills can help you find information and learn how to research and evaluate information you find for yourself. With good information literacy skills, the future can truly be what you want it to be.

"You really can go as far as your dreams can take you, whether that's to a new career, to realise a new business venture, or changing your whole way of life. So get into a library and share in the celebrations – you never know what you might find out!"

Library and Information Week 2008 is sponsored by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and Softlink.

ENDS