In this discussion, the heads of three Australian libraries considered the responsibilities of libraries both as providers: ensuring access to safe public places, community connections, services and resources; and as collectors: documenting our experiences of crisis or disaster for posterity.
As a means of maintaining momentum after the formal Culturally Safe Libraries Program, NSLA members in Australia agreed to run an Indigenous cultural capability audit for five years from 2021.
As custodians of a large volume of collection materials relating to and created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, languages and cultures, NSLA’s Australian member libraries acknowledge our collective, individual and moral responsibilities to ensure that management and access is culturally informed and respectful. NSLA libraries support the creation of First Nations-led stand-alone legislation to protect ICIP and IK.
NSLA libraries are committed to supporting the Tandanya Adelaide Declaration’s themes: knowledge authorities, property and ownership, recognition and identity, research and access, and self-determination.
