Introduction

On behalf of the Council of the National Library of Australia (the accountable authority), we present the National Library’s 2020–21 Corporate Plan, as required under paragraph 35(1)(b) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. The plan is prepared in accordance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014.

The Corporate Plan is the principal planning document that outlines the Library’s purpose, priorities and proposed actions. We report against the plan in the National Library of Australia Annual Report, tabled in parliament each year by the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts.

While the Library’s mission has long been to collect, connect and collaborate, the ways in which we have carried out that mission have changed dramatically. The digital era has seen creative and research practices, knowledge production and community expectations being fundamentally reshaped through the opportunities new technologies offer.

The Library has responded to and anticipated these changes, building an astounding collection, developing world-leading digital platforms, connecting with more Australians than ever before, and collaborating with other agencies to develop digital research infrastructure on which the nation relies. We are committed to continuing this proud record of service to the Australian people.

Purpose

In accordance with the National Library Act 1960, the Library collects documentary resources relating to Australia and the Australian people so that the Australian community can discover, learn and create new knowledge.

The National Library of Australia is a world-leading and respected custodian of Australia’s published, written, oral, visual and digital heritage.

We ensure Australian culture and knowledge is sustained for all Australian people, now and in the future.

The Library’s vision is to connect all Australians with national collections, enriching conversations about who we are and our place in the world.

Mission

  • We collect today what will be important tomorrow.
  • We connect with communities, and connect communities with their national collections.
  • We collaborate with others to maximise the national impact of cultural collections.
  • We build capability to maximise return on the nation's investment in the Library.

Download the 2020-21 Corporate Plan in PDF format (375KB)