Politics

This was announced a couple of weeks ago on nz-libs and then LIANZA quickly made a statement, I think it was a press release, on their stance on the governments proposal to amalgamate the National Library and Archives New Zealand under the Department of Internal Affairs.

Last night I read the cabinet paper put forth by Tony Ryall the Minister of State Services.

• Press Release (dated 25 March 2010)
• Cabinet Paper

It looks imminent. I particularly liked the 49th paragraph where it states,

“The chief executive of the National Library does not support this proposal…”.

Good on her. It is a bit worrysome. But the thing is, a lot of people don’t understand the work of Librarians, or Information Professionals. Our ethics, our wholesome views of an ideal society where all information can be accessed free of charge. Hence why they might like to ‘absorb’ them into another department. Freedom of Information. Quote from LIANZA,

“Libraries adhere to the general principle of Freedom of Information whereas the Department of Internal Affairs has a censorship role which could potentially result in a conflict”.

They do acknowledge however, in the paper, that the National Library “enjoys” a good reputation for forward thinking, or something along the lines – ok I can’t find the reference now, but I swear I read it in that paper.

I’m with Penny Carnaby on this. (CE of National Library aka National Librarian).