National Library of Australia Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Our vision for reconciliation
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s knowledge and cultures are valued and respected as integral to Australia’s identity. The Library promotes, celebrates and reflects First Nations cultures through inclusive and reflective services and collections.
From the Director-General
The National Library of Australia is both a keeper of memories in the form of its collections and a server of people. Our collections are rich in the documentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, collected and created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike. They are full of culture, language and knowledge full of truths, half-truths and frank misunderstandings. They have the power to grow, to heal and to wound. They are understood and interpreted differently by individuals, by communities and over time.
treat you with courtesy and professionalism and address any issues efficiently
communicate with you in clear, straightforward language
provide physical and online environments that are conducive to research and study, and are accessible for all Australians
welcome your suggestions and comments
deal promptly and appropriately with feedback.
Our purpose
The Library ensures that documentary resources of national significance relating to Australia and the Australian people, together with significant non-Australian library materials, are collected, preserved and made accessible through the Library and through collaborative arrangements with other libraries and information providers.
By offering a strong national focus in all that we do, and cooperating with others who share our goals, we support learning and creative and intellectual endeavours, and contribute to the continuing vitality of Australia’s diverse culture and heritage.
The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Cultural Notification
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.
Director-General and Executive Member Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, FAHA
Appointed on 2 March 2017 for a five year term until 1 March 2022
About Marie-Louise
Dr Marie-Louise Ayres was appointed Director-General of the National Library Australia in March 2017, having joined the Library in 2002. She has worked in research libraries for more than 25 years, after completing a PhD in Australian Literature at the Australian National University.
Dr Ayres is the Chair of National and State Libraries Australia (NSLA), having previously been a leader and participant in many NSLA projects, including NED, the National eDeposit service that was jointly developed by Australia’s national, state and territory libraries.
State of the Service Report
The APS Employee Census surveys all APS employees to track their perceptions about leadership, workplace conditions, culture and environment. The Census results assist with framing priorities and areas of focus for future Library workforce and workplace initiatives.
The Library has a proactive approach to Employee Census results, sharing them with all staff and actively consulting through a staff Consultative Committee. The Committee includes nominated staff representatives, union delegate representatives and the NLA Executive, and is chaired by the Library’s Director-General, Dr Marie-Louise Ayres.
In 2018 the Library established a Feedback in Action (FIA) program to analyse significant trends from the Library’s APS Census results, and to draw on these to frame initiatives that respond to key aspects of the Library’s workforce culture and employee engagement.