A special project of the Australian Library and Information Association

Libraries: here for the long run

15-21 May 2000

Message from the Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation

The theme of Australian Libraries Week 2000 -- Libraries: here for the long run -- captures the enduring spirit of libraries.

The key to the lasting success enjoyed by Libraries is their ability to continually evolve. They remain as relevant today as they were hundreds of years ago.

In fact, libraries are becoming even more important in helping people access the information they want, whether in digital or hard copy.

We are living in the information age, surrounded by it -- in books, on CD, online -- more than ever before we need a guide to help us navigate this ocean of information.

Librarians have been at the frontline -- keeping abreast of the technological revolution and doing so admirably.

Without these professionals, many of us would be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of information available to us today.

Library Week is a celebration of not only our libraries, but also the thousands of librarians who help us to access the vast collections in their keeping.

Access to information, no matter where you live, is a priority of the Government.

We are committed to supporting our libraries and encouraging a life-long love of learning in all Australians.

The Book Industry Assistance Plan is just one way we are helping both producers and consumers of books -- with a special emphasis on the needs of students.

This plan includes funding for the Educational Lending Right (ELR) which compensates authors, illustrators, editors, compilers, translators and publishers for the use of their books in educational libraries.

We are also funding an initiative to promote the intrinsic value of books, reading and literacy, especially for children, and enhancing the collection of statistics on book publishing and selling.

Australian Library Week showcases libraries and information agencies and their professional staff, and introduces new services and skills to the community.

If you haven't been for a while, I encourage you to check out your local library. I think you'll be amazed at how much it has changed, while retaining an air of comfortable familiarity.

Like good wine, our libraries keep getting better -- the future is filled with promise for these institutions which are definitely here for the long run.

Peter McGauran
Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation