Libraries in the online environment
Recommendations
Recommendation 1.
The Committee recommends that the National Library of Australia receive additional funding to provide improved access to Kinetica for all Australian libraries and end users. [see paragraphs 3.14 and 5.8]
Recommendation 2.
The Committee recommends that whenever the Australian Government advertises its electronic services, it adds a statement to the effect that further information can be obtained from the local public library. [see paragraphs 3.24 and 5.14]
Recommendation 3.
The Committee recommends:
(a) the continuation of the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Community Heritage Grants digitisation program; and
(b) the addition of a new National Heritage Grants program for peak cultural institutions to assist in the digitisation of their collections. [see paragraphs 3.34 and 5.11]
Recommendation 4.
The Committee recommends that the Australian Research Information Infrastructure Committee consider the question of the availability online of Australian postgraduate theses as a matter of priority. [see paragraphs 3.37 and 5.12]
Recommendation 5.
If there are no alternative funding mechanisms for ongoing research into the identification and testing of adaptive technologies for the use of online equipment in public libraries by persons with disabilities, the Committee recommends the funding of another round of Access Ability grants. [see paragraphs 3.64 and 5.15]
Recommendation 6.
The Committee recommends:
(a) that the Cultural Minister's Council appoint a standing libraries working group to provide regular reports on library and information matters which need to be addressed as a priority;
(b) that the proposed Cultural Ministers' Council standing libraries working group develop, in consultation with other interested parties, a national information policy; and
(c) that NOIE be required to consult with the appropriate national library representatives on all matters of substance affecting the library community and the online provision of services. [see paragraphs 4.10 and 5.16]
Recommendation 7.
The Committee recommends:
(a) that the Australian Government negotiate with telecommunications carriers to establish an 'e-rate' for broadband access to public libraries and that, if negotiations are not successful, consider imposing a requirement on carriers under the Universal Service Obligation arrangement; and
(b) that further funds be allocated under an expanded National Broadband Strategy for expanding broadband access in libraries. [see paragraphs 4.47 and 5.17]
Recommendation 8.
Noting the requirement that the Copyright Amendment (Digital Agenda) Act 2000 be reviewed after three years of operation, the Committee recommends that that review consider the Act's extension to digital material. [see paragraphs 4.47 and 5.17].
Recommendation 9.
The Committee recommends:
(a) that the National Library of Australia identify a number of key databases for which national site licencing might be desirable; and
(b) that additional Australian Government funding be extended to the National Library of Australia for this purpose [see paragraphs 4.56 and 5.10]
Recommendation 10.
The Committee recommends:
(a) that the National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE) continue to consult closely with the library community over the development of the register of Australian Government publications;
(b) that NOIE publicise the availability in public libraries of the online register; and
(c) that NOIE commission research to ascertain the level of public awareness of government information and the means of access thereto. [see paragraphs 4.56 and 5.9].
Recommendation 11.
Where there is shared responsibility for public library funding between state and local government, the Committee recommends that the States significantly increase their share of public library funding, moving towards matching local government levels of contribution. [see paragraphs 4.104 and 5.18].
Reference:
Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee: "Libraries in the online environment", Senate Committee Report, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, October 2003, pages vii to ix.
Our Inquiry into the Role of Libraries in the Online Environment, submitted to Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee on 16 August 2002, is uploaded on the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review Online
Volume 12 No. 6.