MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Wednesday 7 July 1999
The National Library is very concerned at recent statements regarding the disposal of books and other items from
National Library collections.
The disposal was determined by criteria set by a Collection Policy for the Library. This policy was published in 1996,
following wide consultation with the New Zealand library and information community.
The books were non-New Zealand items, more than 20 years old and had not been requested or accessed in the last decade.
External academic and library community specialists reviewed the items that were initially recommended for disposal.
The items for disposal were offered, at no charge, to all other New Zealand libraries. A tender process was then
followed to dispose of any items still remaining.
The Library has no immediate plans for further tendering. It is incorrect to say that books are ready to go out.
The National Library's procedures and policies for collection management are strict and thorough, involving very clear
criteria and independent review. Current rumours suggesting that the Library is thoughtlessly disposing of priceless
collections are totally untrue.