17-23 May 1999
A special project of the Australian Library and Information Association

Australian Library Week Oration

[transcript of introductory message from Peter McGauran, Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation - shown at far right in picture alongside with Craig Anderson, ALIA president, John Shipp, ALIA past president, and Warren Horton]

'Mr John Shipp, Ms Jennefer Nicholson, fellow parliamentarians, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.'

'First and foremost I'd like to congratulate the Australian Library and Information Association for hosting Australian Library Week. Events like these draw our attention to the tremendous contribution libraries make to our society. Libraries have been one of the best examples of institutions that have successfully used the explosion in new technologies.'

'In the information age where there is an abundance of information available, libraries have become more relevant than ever. Libraries help all of us to readily access information when we need it. Information about the vast collections of our libraries is now available online to people across the country and around the world.'

'The government is committed to making sure all australians have access to the very best cultural and educational resources. And library collections are becoming easier to use through government initiatives such as the Australian Library Gateway. This terrific online gateway lets you locate all libraries in Australia by type or region. Search the catalogues of libraries throughout the country. And access online exhibitions, events and image collections-anything is possible. The gateway was developed by the National Library of Australia on behalf of the Australian library community. And almost 5000 libraries are listed on the site. This is just one example of projects the National Library is working on to try to forge greater links within the library community.'

'And these efforts have been guided by the leadership of its director-general, Mr Warren Horton. Warren has had the foresight to prepare Australian libraries for the information age. He has taken Australian libraries to the world, and is internationally-recognised for his achievements. Warren has been a librarian for 42 years. During that time he has experienced and influenced major changes in the library world.'

'It is a great credit to him that in this era of almost constant change, the library is more relevant today than ever. The modern librarian is a knowledge manager, and an invaluable navigator for the information age. And it is my great pleasure to introduce to you the man who has acted as the navigator's pilot.'

'Ladies and gentlemen, the director-general of the National Library of Australia, Mr Warren Horton.'

'Libraries: explore and discover' [Link to transcript of ALW99 Oration] Australian Library Week Oration [Link to press release] Warren Horton [Link to short biography]