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First Roundtable on Library and Archives Collections and Services of Relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

State Library of South Australia, Adelaide, 4 May 1995
Report on Northern Territory Library Activity Related to TF 2001 Resolutions RH1 and RH3

We believe that many of the strategies which are outlined above apply to this resolution as well.

Currently we are exploring how to link in with the Literature Production Centres which are active in many communities. Their expertise in local Aboriginal languages will be invaluable in producing various formats of brochures promoting holdings.

The network of public libraries, which is supported by the Northern Territory Library's many centralised services, already provides access to holdings as do some libraries in communities. Educating and familiarising valuable people in the communities so that they will spread the word is also underway.

The Northern Australia Collection is developing a regular orientation programme with students at the Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies at the Northern Territory University, Batchelor College and Nungalinya College. All have a predominantly Aboriginal student population. This orientation programme will also include the field staff of the various branches of the Department of Lands, Housing and Local Government, including the field arm of the Northern Territory Library.

  • RH1
  • RH3

RH1:

That the National, State and Territory libraries and archives, and other collecting organisations, establish advisory mechanisms which will result in improved access to documentary heritage by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Northern Territory Library has spent some time discussing the efficacy of advisory mechanisms in the local context. The diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples adds special complexity to cross cultural interactions. We have concluded that it may not be appropriate in our circumstances to have an umbrella advisory mechanism or to have individual advisory groups for the various clans/groups/skin groups/communities. We have tested this conclusion with similar organisations. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory which has also considered this proposition conducts all its consultative processes on an individual basis as the need arises.

The Northern Territory's Library's five year strategic plan incorporates an objective of developing the network of community libraries, many of which are in remote Aboriginal communities. We believe that this network has the potential to be a vital link in establishing appropriate access to documentary heritage via a variety of means including advisory mechanisms. We are pursuing the suggestion from the Gathering and Sharing conference, that libraries be promoted as a "keeping place of local treasures". This could apply equally to the local community library and the Territory (state) library.

Linkages are also being forged with personnel in departmental units who have very close links with Aboriginal people both individually and organisationally. This task is included in our business plan. Its implementation will ensure that knowledge of the diverse Aboriginal population in the Territory is shared with Northern Territory Library staff.

RH3:

That, in association with Resolution RH1, the National, State and Territory Libraries undertake to dissemate information about their holdings related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and that conditions of access and use be negotiated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.


Return to the Aboriginal Roundtable

Felicity Williams, NT Representative
Last updated 12 June 1998
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