Introduction
On behalf of the Council of the National Library of Australia (the accountable authority), we present the National Library’s 2017–18 Corporate Plan, as required under paragraph 35(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 Corporate Plan expands on the information contained in the 2017–18 Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) and covers the financial years 2017–18 to 2020–21. We will report against the Corporate Plan in the annual performance statements that form part of the National Library of Australia Annual Report, tabled in the Parliament in October each year by the Minister for the Arts.
The Library enables, and is a participant in, the creation of knowledge. It develops, curates and preserves an astounding and diverse collection that inspires, delights and educates Australians. Through easy and efficient access to the Library’s collections onsite and online, publications and engaging exhibitions and outreach programs, and by fostering scholarship, we extend understanding of issues of contemporary significance, build strong community connections and support lifelong learning. We work collaboratively across the galleries, libraries, archives and museums sector to achieve our goals. We measure our impact through a range of quantitative and qualitative performance measures, and aim to serve Australians everywhere.
The Australian Government has recognised the national impact of the Library’s digital library and allocated $16.4 million through the Public Service Modernisation Fund to the Library over the period 2016–17 to 2019–20, to upgrade critical digital infrastructure and increase access to Australian content via Trove—an online aggregator, digital collections host and community of passionate users.
The Corporate Plan details the focus of the efforts of the staff and the Council of the National Library of Australia for 2017–18 to 2020–21. It is the principal planning and operational document that outlines the purposes and strategic priorities of the Library, and the activities to be undertaken to achieve them.
Purposes
The National Library of Australia was established by the National Library Act 1960.
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, creative and intellectual endeavours, and contribute to the continuing vitality of Australia’s diverse culture and heritage.
The Library has three strategic priorities.
- Build the nation’s memory
- Make access happen
- Lead, partner, connect and excel
Download the Corporate Plan in PDF format (627KB).