International Association of Music Libraries, Archives
and Documentation Centres (New Zealand) Inc
Press Release 18-02-2009
Call for wider consultation over possible layoffs and building redesign at National Library
Any delay in starting the planned extension of the National Library building in Wellington or in the proposal to lay off
32 staff from the National Library would actually be welcomed by IAML (NZ), the NZ association of music libraries and
librarians.
“We would like time for the National Library to properly consult with all stakeholders about the proposed changes to
services and staffing levels. We are very concerned that the building extensions are dependent on the changes to
staffing mentioned in the Dominion Post yesterday , said president of IAML (NZ), Phillippa McKeown-Green.
Mrs McKeown-Green said that there needs to be more consultation about the design and the purpose of the National Library
and its building.
“We believe that the National Library must first and foremost protect and house its present and future heritage
collections, digital and non-digital, NZ and non-NZ, safely and satisfactorily.
As a music library organisation, we are of course, primarily concerned with the music collections of the National
Library. It is one of the largest music collections in the country - and is described by the National Library itself as
“a storehouse of treasures”, but the level of change proposed to all collections has us very worried.”
“Here are some of the matters we feel still need to be addressed before any review in services or building programmes is
instituted:
Does New Zealand want a National Library building which will rival Te Papa as a visitor attraction, or a building which
is fit for its purpose, as laid out in the National Library Act of 2003?
“to provide for the preservation, protection, development, and accessibility, as appropriate, for all the people of New
Zealand, of the collections of the National Library (which includes the Turnbull Library) in a manner consistent with
their status as documentary heritage and taonga…”
Can we afford to downsize and even perhaps abandon present collections and services, laboriously built up over 150
years, because of the need to fund and staff new digital services? Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.
Can we maintain the present level of service in the long run if we cut 32 staff (some of whom work in the reference
services)? Or will delays in accessing items get longer and longer and more and more difficult?”
“Until these matters are settled,” concludes Mrs McKeown-Green, “we as librarians see no point in the National Library
rushing ahead with its rebuilding programme or the review of its services and staffing. We await the consultation with
stakeholders which was promised by the National Librarian, Penny Carnaby for early in 2009. We call on the National
Library and the National Library Minister, Richard Worth, to hold off on any decisions until the consultations have
happened.”
Links:
National Library Annual Report 2006-2007
National Library of New Zealand Act 2003
IAML (NZ)
ENDS