Corporate Plan 2018-19: Covering reporting periods 2018-19 to 2021-22
Introduction
On behalf of the Council of the National Library of Australia (the accountable authority), we present the National Library’s 2018–19 Corporate Plan, as required under paragraph 31(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 Library’s Corporate Plan expands on the information contained in the 2018–19 Portfolio Budget Statements.
We will report against the plan in the National Library of Australia’s Annual Report, tabled in parliament each year by the Minister for the Arts. The plan is the principal planning document that outlines the purpose, priorities and actions of the Library.
Organisational structure
The Library was established under the National Library Act (1960), which defines the Library s role, corporate governance and financial management framework. As a statutory authority within the Communications and the Arts portfolio, the Library is also subject to the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, which provides the reporting and accountability framework.
A set of National Library Regulations governs access to, and conduct on, Library property and access to, and use of, Library materials.
Governance of the Library is the responsibility of the Library Council.
The Director-General of the Library is Dr Marie-Louise Ayres who was appointed on 2 March 2017.
Agency plan for the National Library of Australia
Introduction
The National Library of Australia (the Library) was established under the
National Library Act 1960 (the Act) and the functions and powers of the Library, the Director-General and Council are outlined in the Act.
The Library operates as an independent statutory authority under the
Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act). The Minister for the Arts has portfolio responsibility for the Library which is located within the Communications and the Arts portfolio.
The Library is an agency subject to the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) and is required to comply with the Information Publication Scheme (IPS) requirements. This agency plan describes how the Library proposes to do this, as required by s 8(1) of the FOI Act.
Collect Today What Will Be Important Tomorrow
The Library aspires to enable Australians to understand their diverse social, cultural and intellectual histories by collecting and preserving Australian publications and unpublished collections in print and digital forms so that they can be enjoyed by current and future generations. It also aspires to build a rich collection of print and digital resources that enable learning, research and understanding of the Asia-Pacific region and Australia’s place in the world. This policy expands on the Library’s Collecting Strategy 2020–2021 to 2023–2024.
Purpose of the Collection Development Policy
The Library’s Collection Development Policy defines the scope and nature of its collecting of Australian and overseas materials. It sets out the key principles that underpin the ongoing development of the Library’s national collection, and from which the Library’s decisions to acquire materials flow: why, what, when and how to collect.
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 now and in the future can discover, learn and create new knowledge.
Mission
Principles
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 history, culture and knowledge is sustained for all Australian people, both now and in the future.
The Library enables the creation of knowledge. It develops, curates and preserves an astounding and diverse collection that inspires, delights and educates Australians.