Phil Sales
Submitted on 25/08/2016 12:53am
What sector do you work in?
Private sector
How often do you interact with the National Library of New Zealand?
Rarely
Do you think the 3 broad themes outlined (One knowledge network, A nation of readers, Words as taonga) are the right areas of focus for the National Library looking towards 2030?
No
Why or why not?
Yes / no option forces a 'no' response here! Brief mention of productivity in the plan but no apparent plan for the role of libraries (and library networks) in growing sustainable businesses, contributing to economic development, creating jobs or enabling people to develop income-streams. These are major opportunity areas for the National Library. Dissemination of knowledge and information on opportunities, innovation, export, disruption, thought-leadership, etc. Overseas, the GLAM space (galleries-libraries-art-museums) is starting to get serious about its role as a catalyst for all levels of business, including start-up and incubation space. A document for 2030 needs to reflect this and incorporate some action plans to achieve it. Niche areas around developing lightweight transferable Intellectual Property (e.g. authorship) need to be developed. Strategies for engaging with business would be good. Role for National Library as a connector of arts and business?
Do the strategic directions fit with your view of the role of a national library?
No
Why or why not?
Yes / no option forces a 'no' response here! Similar reasons to those given above. Business, jobs, employment, standard-of-living can all benefit from library. Historical role of libraries as places of betterment (e.g. workingmen's libraries), technical repositories, etc. National Library doesn't appear to be picking up on international trends in GLAM space or leading the way with innovative and ground-breaking programmes which can lead to better outcomes in economic and social areas. For instance, can National Library be used to measurably grow GDP or to build better houses? Can National Library lead with crowdsourced discussions / initiatives or thought-competitions? Can National Library be a problem solving catalyst for New Zealand?
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'One knowledge network' do you consider to be most important?
N/A
Why?
Sorry, none spin my wheels. I think there are bigger and better opportunities for National Library to be a world class leader in its field.
Which of the proposed 'One knowledge network' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
N/A
Why?
N/A
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'A nation of readers' do you consider to be most important?
Cross-sector commitment for positive outcomes through reading
Why?
'Cross-sector' suggests wide involvement of players and multiple perspectives
Which of the proposed 'A nation of readers' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Cross-sector commitment for positive outcomes through reading
Why?
Getting a sound, coherent plan together and turning words into actions
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'Words as taonga' do you consider to be most important?
A sustainable, fit-for-purpose digital preservation approach to manage new digital content
Why?
Technology will continue to make old digital formats obsolete ... need to keep up with transition and preservation.
Which of the proposed 'Words as taonga' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Strengthened NZ & Pacific collections reflecting our changing population & culture
Why?
Biggest changes to our culture and diversity will come from Asia ... need to invest heavily in recognising and supporting this diversity.
What do you think is missing from the National Library’s draft strategic directions?
Recognition of economic and societal benefits mentioned above (e.g. growing sustainable businesses, contributing to economic development, creating jobs or enabling people to develop income-streams). Also, cutting-edge GLAM space developments from overseas. Finally, a world-leading strategy for the library space which will make New Zealand the 'go to' place for library sector development by 2030.
How does the National Library’s draft strategic directions fit with your organisation’s priorities?
This is a really GOOD question to ask and I hope that you get LOTS of positive responses! For my part, my interest is in using information and knowledge opportunities to build secure futures for people through preparing them to build sustainable income-streams and personal independence.
In which areas are you or your organisation interested in partnering with or contributing to the National Library?
I would like to build your capabilities in the areas discussed above. Could be anything from programmes to develop light-weight transferable IP among library users (such as authorship strategies and incubation) through to cutting-edge GLAM-related projects or more significant plans to involve business and develop economic strategies leveraged off library platforms. Te Papa is effectively trying to run a crowdsourced programme to find and develop ideas which leverage off its specialities and collections and National Library could do the same (this is a smart thing to do as it brings in fresh thinking and new skills at little cost to the organisation; the pay-offs are potentially massive, ranging from public engagement through to ownership stakes in spin-off business propositions incubated at Mahuki.)
How would you like to be involved as the strategic directions are progressed?
As a potential partner
Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
If National Library is planning a 2030 goal then it should be something significant, with world-wide implications. Be a mover and shaker! Make some noise and do stuff that has application internationally!
Liz McGettigan
Submitted on 24/08/2016 10:39pm
What sector do you work in?
Digital Library and Cultural Experiences / Vice President Chartered Institute of Library and Informational Professionals Scotland, Internet Librarian International Advisory Partner, Fellow of Royal Society of Arts
How often do you interact with the National Library of New Zealand?
Sometimes
Do you think the 3 broad themes outlined (One knowledge network, A nation of readers, Words as taonga) are the right areas of focus for the National Library looking towards 2030?
Yes
Why or why not?
I was delighted to read that the National Library of New Zealand is seeking feedback on Positioning for the Future document, outlining draft strategic directions through to 2030. The draft strategic directions are indeed forward thinking, bold and ambitious. It is exciting to see the role of libraries in this aspiration is to contribute to a prosperous New Zealand that celebrates words as a valued part of our diverse heritage, engages everyone in reading for pleasure and ensures New Zealanders everywhere have easy access to knowledge.
Do the strategic directions fit with your view of the role of a national library?
Yes
Why or why not?
The opportunity to think big, the willingness to share infrastructure and the geography of New Zealand lends itself to (demands) a common approach. It's not hard to see how digital services can be instrumental in social wellbeing, economic success, equality of opportunity and better, more efficient public services across New Zealand, from cities to the most remote rural areas. These are all priorities of the New Zealand Government. If technology infrastructure can be harmonised across New Zealand and if public service resources (teams, money and building assets) can be pooled in key areas, this will reduce costs and improve service delivery. Individual public organisations can then share common digital means - such as systems, networks and information - which will lead to faster, better and joined-up delivery and decision-making for service users. Indeed, New Zealand, with its natural advantages of scale and autonomy, could very well set the lead for the rest of the world in showing how libraries can deliver in other areas such as health and social care integration, protecting vulnerable children and adults better, putting the public in control of their interactions with government.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'One knowledge network' do you consider to be most important?
Redeveloped digital services for better interaction with National Library collections
Why?
The strategy shows the importance of striking the right balance between local and national delivery and leadership. It struck me that there is a strong will to change and a genuine recognition of the need for national and local services to work together. There was also a clear recognition of the importance of relentlessly putting the citizen at the heart of digital design and that because ICT is fast-moving, processes for its acquisition, adoption and exploitation need to be faster and more flexible. It is the ability to put it into practice that is the real challenge. It is a call to arms for the challenge of digital transformation: policies, standards and national priorities but equally sets the context of the specific priorities, politics, democracy and geography of New Zealand There is a huge ICT professional opportunity from digital change and no shortage of exciting and innovative technology projects. Protecting the status quo is not an option and protecting ICT professional jobs actual requires embracing change within the function, acknowledging the need for different skills, governance, technology, joint delivery and agile methods which allow service leaders to innovate more freely with low-cost open source tools.
Which of the proposed 'One knowledge network' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Local government and schools taking part in a NZ-wide shared library system
Why?
Not problematic as such but requiring a huge amount of interaction and change management. Indeed it will be critical to develop a content rich, exciting brand and a vision that people will desire rather than see as default. Need to invest vision time and energy in bringing people on board. So whilst New Zealand can set the direction, create the policies, establish funding mechanisms and change regulations which are conducive to digital delivery - and even help to shape the market around some of the essential common infrastructure components - in the end it will depend on driving a willingness to work together and to compromise on some local ambition in the interest of joining up services.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'A nation of readers' do you consider to be most important?
Public library membership from birth & early childhood
Why?
Establishing library access as a basic right like water and power and education will raise the profile. Equally critical to ensure there is a safe and overwhelmingly engaging"children's" version of digial access
Which of the proposed 'A nation of readers' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
A cross-sector partnership to improve literacy levels
Why?
Only beacause they can so easily become "talking shops" Needs the right charismatic leadership and people to drive creative outcomes and make quick wins. Requires knowledge of international best practice.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'Words as taonga' do you consider to be most important?
Shared expertise to acquire, curate & preserve our documentary heritage & make it accessible
Why?
The success will come from abilty of a wide network of people able to be content providers and contributors across New Zealand. Important to put effort into ensuring the engagement and vision with diverse groups. This would also be of huge international interest
Which of the proposed 'Words as taonga' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
A greater diversity of people supported & inspired to create & share our diverse heritage
Why?
Only because this aspect is so critical and will need a lot of work from the right people. It will need change management strategies, socal media, advertising and creativity
What do you think is missing from the National Library’s draft strategic directions?
New Zealand can set a lead and can demonstrate how the management and sharing of personal data can be done in ways which protect the interests of the individual. It can show how a nation can use new national digital technology for the benefit of citizens. New Zealand can be the exemplar of shared ICT to enable shared public services across urban and rural areas, between different public service agencies, neighbouring authorities and culturally diverse groups. Citizens can be confident in common standards, such as data protection, openness and privacy. Digitally and culturally excluded citizens can be supported across organisations and sectors. Contracts and supplier engagement can be handled both locally, in terms of responsiveness of systems, but also nationally through common procurement mechanisms. In this way more time and effort can be spent on exploitation and use of ICT and less purely spent on tendering, procurement and supplier monitoring against SLAs. I could go on with many more examples. My hope is that New Zealand services can work together to achieve an outcome -an international exemplar, proving just what is possible from digital ambition- striking a balance between national policy and vision, but reflecting local delivery, diversity and priority.
How does the National Library’s draft strategic directions fit with your organisation’s priorities?
My priorities are firmly based on creating fabulous digital library and cultural experiences. I believe the survival of libraries is interdependent with national digital and cultural innovation and strategy
In which areas are you or your organisation interested in partnering with or contributing to the National Library?
Change management- People (WIIFM) Creating fabulous digital library and cultural experiences Promotion and marketing (National and International)
How would you like to be involved as the strategic directions are progressed?
As a potential partner
Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Every best wish! It is so exciting to see the role of libraries in this aspiration and to raise the profile of them to contribute to a prosperous New Zealand that celebrates words as a valued part of your diverse heritage, engages everyone in reading for pleasure and ensures New Zealanders everywhere have easy access to knowledge.
Anonymous
Submitted on 24/08/2016 4:17pm
What sector do you work in?
Library
How often do you interact with the National Library of New Zealand?
Sometimes
Do you think the 3 broad themes outlined (One knowledge network, A nation of readers, Words as taonga) are the right areas of focus for the National Library looking towards 2030?
No
Why or why not?
"Creating a nation of readers" is not the best way to describe this aspiration. While there is no doubt literacy and digital literacy are essential for opening up individual potential and increasing the nation's wealth, NatLib plays only a supporting role in developing literacy, and is dependent on partners to provide opportunities to do even that. "Supporting the development of a nation of literate, informed, and engaged citizens" is what NatLib is mandated to do. How would the National Library's effectiveness in this area be measured, when there are so many variables?
Do the strategic directions fit with your view of the role of a national library?
No
Why or why not?
Overall, they provide a good foundation to grow. One knowledge network - yes. NZ is too small to waste resources by putting them in silos. Nation of readers - see above. The Services to Schools section would fit better within the Ministry of Education, leaving NatLib to focus on what it does best and uniquely - collecting and making accessible our NZ heritage, past and present, and assisting other GLAM agencies to provide access for the general public to the world's knowledge. Words as taonga - partly. I don't think a specific and presumably timebound exhibition belongs in a plan to 2030, except as an example. The redeveloped auditorium is a separate, significant bullet point. The discussion space is commonly known as the ground floor. What control will NatLib have over "Strengthened New Zealand and Pacific collections across institutions"?
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'One knowledge network' do you consider to be most important?
Significantly scaled up digitisation of NZ content
Why?
All of the 6 choices here are important. However increased digitisation makes for equitable access for the 94% of New Zealanders who do not live in Wellington. It also showcases NZ to the world.
Which of the proposed 'One knowledge network' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Partnership with rights management organisations to publish NZ’s output digitally
Why?
Easier said than done, and may be complicated by the TPPA.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'A nation of readers' do you consider to be most important?
A cross-sector partnership to improve literacy levels
Why?
No one group can do this alone. We need to reinforce efforts by presenting them in different ways
Which of the proposed 'A nation of readers' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
NZ Children’s Laureate appointed to champion reading
Why?
Every public library in NZ already champions reading. Kids will not be impressed by a distant grown-up telling them to read more.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'Words as taonga' do you consider to be most important?
A greater diversity of people supported & inspired to create & share our diverse heritage
Why?
We need to ensure that minority voices are heard, and that more people have the skills to create and preserve our history and culture.
Which of the proposed 'Words as taonga' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
A state-of-the-art National Library space for discussion & debate
Why?
Plenty of room on the ground floor. This would only benefit a very few Wgtn residents and dedicated scholars.
What do you think is missing from the National Library’s draft strategic directions?
That NatLib continue to retain "last copies" and special collections of materials which supplement the resources of smaller libraries to increase equity of access to knowledge.
How does the National Library’s draft strategic directions fit with your organisation’s priorities?
On the whole, very well. Also see previous answer.
In which areas are you or your organisation interested in partnering with or contributing to the National Library?
Digitisation - sharing resources and expertise, making them available on a national platform.
How would you like to be involved as the strategic directions are progressed?
As a potential partner
Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Other libraries look to NatLib for content, leadership, expertise, and inspiration especially in the digital field. The digital harvest is immensely valuable for future researchers. Some improvement in systems to access NatLib's huge online collections would be desirable. There has always been great goodwill and collaboration between NatLib and other NZ libraries. We need to ensure that spirit of engagement continues, and is not lost in DIA bureaucracy.
Sue Colyer
Submitted on 23/08/2016 6:45pm
What sector do you work in?
Local government
How often do you interact with the National Library of New Zealand?
Frequently
Do you think the 3 broad themes outlined (One knowledge network, A nation of readers, Words as taonga) are the right areas of focus for the National Library looking towards 2030?
Yes
Why or why not?
They are good broad themes, sufficiently unspeicifc to be capable of wide interpretation.
Do the strategic directions fit with your view of the role of a national library?
No
Why or why not?
They do on the whole, but seem to be missing the leadership role of the national Library. The emphasis on collaboration is both important and essential, but all too often in government speak collaboration actually seems to mean abdicating central responsibility for things which could be more effectively carried out centrally or which need real central leadership.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'One knowledge network' do you consider to be most important?
Redeveloped digital services for better interaction with National Library collections
Why?
All of the ideas have their place, but this one is an area which can deliver tangible benefits to the whole country
Which of the proposed 'One knowledge network' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Local government and schools taking part in a NZ-wide shared library system
Why?
Organisations at very different levels and with different needs will find it hard to agree. Library systems are not all equal; they develop at different rates and the "flavour of the month" at one period can all too quickly turn sour. This is still an idea worth pursuing, but considerable flexibility and agility need to be built into any contract.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'A nation of readers' do you consider to be most important?
Public library membership from birth & early childhood
Why?
This is the single most important and achieveable idea in the whole document; again and again entrepreneurs, businesses writers, artists in public discourse talk about their debt to their local public library.
Which of the proposed 'A nation of readers' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Cross-sector commitment for positive outcomes through reading
Why?
It's just too woolly.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'Words as taonga' do you consider to be most important?
New National Library programmes encouraging learning about constitutional documents
Why?
It is actually very difficult to choose between these - they are all essential ideas. I have chosen this one because it is my observation that as a country we are badly informed about our democratic history and the documents that underpin it so any programme would have to have buy-in from education sector. It is also perhaps the most difficult and therefore the most problematic!
Which of the proposed 'Words as taonga' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
New National Library programmes encouraging learning about constitutional documents
Why?
see above.
What do you think is missing from the National Library’s draft strategic directions?
1)There is no mention of the English (or New Zealand English) Language as a taonga. I absolutely agree with the importance of Te Reo and other languages within our community and the objectives to achieve these, but English and it's literature are our common language. 2) Collection directions for the National Library, e.g. There is no mention of scientific/technical collections. I think here of the destruction of the DSIR collections in the 1980s. This may, however, be too detailed for this document.
How does the National Library’s draft strategic directions fit with your organisation’s priorities?
N/A
In which areas are you or your organisation interested in partnering with or contributing to the National Library?
N/A
How would you like to be involved as the strategic directions are progressed?
Keep me informed
Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Overall this is an important and well-researched document and almost all of the themes and ideas for success are worthwhile. The emphases on digitisation projects and on co-operation, despite my comments above, are essential.
Ella West (pen name of Karen Trebilcock)
Submitted on 23/08/2016 10:48am
What sector do you work in?
Children's writer
How often do you interact with the National Library of New Zealand?
Frequently
Do you think the 3 broad themes outlined (One knowledge network, A nation of readers, Words as taonga) are the right areas of focus for the National Library looking towards 2030?
Yes
Why or why not?
N/A
Do the strategic directions fit with your view of the role of a national library?
Yes
Why or why not?
N/A
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'One knowledge network' do you consider to be most important?
Significantly scaled up digitisation of NZ content
Why?
Very little NZ fiction is available online through libraries for a variety of reasons - if this could be improved it would benefit everybody. However publishers and writers who provide this content must be adequately compensated for the use of their work.
Which of the proposed 'One knowledge network' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Partnership with rights management organisations to publish NZ’s output digitally
Why?
NZ ebooks are not readily available in libraries because publishers are not releasing them to providers and once books are "out of print" they are no longer available as ebooks. The publishing model, just not in New Zealand but internationally (many NZ books are published overseas) will have to change for this proposal to work.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'A nation of readers' do you consider to be most important?
NZ Children’s Laureate appointed to champion reading
Why?
It's exciting to see this included in the consultation document. We have wanted this for some time as we know the benefits it would bring. Yes to a children's laureate and as soon as possible.
Which of the proposed 'A nation of readers' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Programmes to inspire reading & support literacy
Why?
New Zealand Book Council is already underfunded. New Zealand authors are available and willingly to go to schools but there is not the money to pay for them to do it plus NZ Book Council's rates are about half of what writers get paid in Australia for the same work. We see the benefit of what we do when we visit schools. It's huge and we hear from teachers that it is lasting. Let us do more of this work but please pay us fairly.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'Words as taonga' do you consider to be most important?
Shared expertise to acquire, curate & preserve our documentary heritage & make it accessible
Why?
Our heritage is our documents - they must be digitally centrally collated and preserved for all New Zealanders to use them. Having access to them is crucial - we need to know our past.
Which of the proposed 'Words as taonga' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Shared expertise to acquire, curate & preserve our documentary heritage & make it accessible
Why?
We have so many libraries, so many different focuses. Each must be able to continue with it's own identity but also each must make its holdings accessible to all - not just to those who are able to travel to use them.
What do you think is missing from the National Library’s draft strategic directions?
N/A
How does the National Library’s draft strategic directions fit with your organisation’s priorities?
N/A
In which areas are you or your organisation interested in partnering with or contributing to the National Library?
N/A
How would you like to be involved as the strategic directions are progressed?
Keep me informed
Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
It's an exciting future that is proposed - well done.
Evelyn Tobin
Submitted on 23/08/2016 9:46am
What sector do you work in?
Education
How often do you interact with the National Library of New Zealand?
Frequently
Do you think the 3 broad themes outlined (One knowledge network, A nation of readers, Words as taonga) are the right areas of focus for the National Library looking towards 2030?
Yes
Why or why not?
My feedback focuses on Words as taonga! I recall some 30 years ago concern was expressed about kaitiakitanga mō ngā taonga in the National Library, particularly ATL. Today, both concepts are well embedded in the NZ psyche and vernicular. Keep this focus because it links with article 2, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, it reminds librarian experts about duty of care, and it is the only kupu Māori in the themes. It places tangata whenua at the heart of the library's core business. Words are how we tell stories, how we share and question ideas, how we communicate. Words as taonga reveal our storied souls, our powerful forms of writing, and our lines for dramatic presentations. Words give the author, the poet, the orator, the shop-owner, the customer, the elderly, youth, children - everyone - a literary licence to express our energised thoughts and connect us to our past, our present, our future. Words are the vehicle for expressing the full range of human expression and emotion - sad, mad, glad and bad! He taonga te reo, he taonga ngā kupu, he taonga rangatira te tangata!
Do the strategic directions fit with your view of the role of a national library?
Yes
Why or why not?
Because everyone - tangata whenua, tangata tiriti, tangata tauiwi - can find a place, can belong, can take ownership, can begin or continue their journeys of exploration and wondrous discovery in books, in writings, in images, in artefacts that have been collected for and gifted to our nation. The power of the strategic directions ensures that no-one is treated as a stranger, it welcomes people, and through the tools of digital technology connects both the provider and user of services locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. We become more connected as a member of the global family/whānau - together we can create peace for all!
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'One knowledge network' do you consider to be most important?
Local government & schools taking part in a shared library system
Why?
The National Library network and its connection with national galleries, archives and museums for many, means that people have to travel in order to access those treasure troves. Digital technology assists that connections for people anywhere and anytime. However the libraries under the auspices of local governments and in the 2,500 schools in our country reveals the huge potential for sharing content, connecting families and people so that we can all confidently share and enjoy a key aspect of our country's heritage. The National Library of NZ stands alone in the word for providing a vibrant and effective school service. We cannot lose that service and potential for supporting our greatest national asset – the children of today who we must nurture so that they thrive, achieve, and belong as the future leaders of our country.
Which of the proposed 'One knowledge network' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Connection of the NZ network linking digital content across all sectors
Why?
Gaps in the network already exist - they result in frustration because one is denied access, one is excluded from the knowledge resource, one remains ignorant while others who have connection thrive. The social gap of those who have and those who have not does not augur well for our best aspirations to even leave the starting blocks and we don't even get to run the race!
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'A nation of readers' do you consider to be most important?
Distribute te reo material through e-devices to te reo Māori learners
Why?
This is a personal choice for success in support of Māori speakers, Māori readers, Māori writers, dramatists and actors. It is a fertile ground for Māori contributions that can be shared with all. Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori - the language is the source of Māori identity. In the whole world it is one's language that demonstrates one's culture and identity as unique and extraordinary. For Māori to survive in the rich tapestry of peoples of this world, then the language must a living language. How can that be achieved? It's so simple - kōrero, kōrero, kōrero - speak it, speak it, speak it! From a word, to a phrase, to a sentence, to a paragraph, to all forms of human literary expression. And for those who are still learning - kia kaha! Critical awareness and a shift in supportive attitudes can ensure that all languages are honoured as sacred, but especially the Māori language in its homelands of Aotearoa - NZ.
Which of the proposed 'A nation of readers' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
National reading strategy based on successful literacy programmes
Why?
One can see the basis of my concern right now. In education when a conference of literacy advisors, teachers, etc is called - just try to count the Māori in the room! There has already been huge monetary and time commitment put into literacy programmes but disproportionately in English language that in and of itself promotes and fosters English cultural beliefs and principles as well as English identity. When will Māori language literacy - te reo matatini - truly find its place alongside and not in competition with the the English language of Aotearoa - NZ?
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'Words as taonga' do you consider to be most important?
Digitisation and distribution of te reo Māori published content
Why?
To facilitate, improve, and develop greater access to our national heritage particularly through the use of reliable and effective technology for anyone, anytime, and anywhere. That is not a one-way process but an opportunity for give and receive along a huge pipeline of knowledge from the past, to the present, and created for the future
Which of the proposed 'Words as taonga' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Shared expertise to acquire, curate & preserve our documentary heritage & make it accessible
Why?
We already have a situation of scarce expertise and we don't seem to have the marketing tools that promotes librarianship as a viable and attractive career option for young people. Connecting the current expertise and sharing that regionally, nationally, and internationally is happening but so very slowly. Government needs to provide the resource that enables staff increases, training, and on-going learning and development.
What do you think is missing from the National Library’s draft strategic directions?
I'm still dealing with what's in this draft document. However I am more than confident that it is a great steer for this next generation of readers, writers, and learners. Ngā mihi nui, kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui
How does the National Library’s draft strategic directions fit with your organisation’s priorities?
N/A
In which areas are you or your organisation interested in partnering with or contributing to the National Library?
N/A
How would you like to be involved as the strategic directions are progressed?
N/A
Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
N/A
Pat Liao
Submitted on 22/08/2016 6:05pm
What sector do you work in?
Tertiary sector (Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics)
How often do you interact with the National Library of New Zealand?
Rarely
Do you think the 3 broad themes outlined (One knowledge network, A nation of readers, Words as taonga) are the right areas of focus for the National Library looking towards 2030?
Yes
Why or why not?
As broad statements the strategic areas identified are fine. The devil will be in the detail and the funding required for these strategies to be successful.
Do the strategic directions fit with your view of the role of a national library?
No
Why or why not?
I would like to answer this with a "Maybe" as the direction as a whole is appropriate but the document misses out any reference to the ITP (Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics) sector as well as other groups in the tertiary / academic sector, referring only to universities.
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'One knowledge network' do you consider to be most important?
National contracts for licensing e-content & new systems
Why?
I assume this would follow a similar model to existing EPIC licences that have worked well. Smaller libraries would benefit with economies of scale and increased support. This leads into Horizon 2 - scaled up digitalisation of NZ content. There is continual demand from academic libraries for more NZ content in e-format. Academic and special libraries could also provide leverage.
Which of the proposed 'One knowledge network' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Local government and schools taking part in a NZ-wide shared library system
Why?
The challenge and complexity of getting everyone to share such a system and the costs to manage it (and to make those costs equitable).
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'A nation of readers' do you consider to be most important?
A cross-sector partnership to improve literacy levels
Why?
Opportunities to improve literacy skills are provided by a number of sectors. Consistency of support as learners move through different sectors must surely improve outcomes. I would hope that literacy skills include digital literacy skills.
Which of the proposed 'A nation of readers' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
Public library membership from birth & early childhood
Why?
Managing records as users move from one area to another. Also concerns for those who will miss out (not being a member of a public library).
Which of the proposed ideas for success for 'Words as taonga' do you consider to be most important?
A sustainable, fit-for-purpose digital preservation approach to manage new digital content
Why?
The need to have a planned and practical approach to the range of digital formats as they evolve will be crucial if we are to capture new digital content.
Which of the proposed 'Words as taonga' ideas for success do you consider to be most problematic?
A sustainable, fit-for-purpose digital preservation approach to manage new digital content
Why?
The cost and level of expertise required to manage this.
What do you think is missing from the National Library’s draft strategic directions?
Any reference to the ITP sector. One of the purposes of the National Library of New Zealand (Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa) Act 2003; is "supplementing and furthering the work of other libraries in New Zealand" 7(b). There are currently 16 ITP libraries spread throughout NZ.
How does the National Library’s draft strategic directions fit with your organisation’s priorities?
As an educational institute, improved access to knowledge and improving literacy in all forms is crucial for success.
In which areas are you or your organisation interested in partnering with or contributing to the National Library?
Happy to contribute as a member of the ITP sector.
How would you like to be involved as the strategic directions are progressed?
Keep me informed
Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Thank you for providing this forum for feedback.
Lee Rowe
Submitted on 22/08/2016 4:19pm
What sector do you work in?
ITP (Institute of Technology & Polytechnic) Library Sector.
How often do you interact with the National Library