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.

On 12 August 2018, the Library celebrates the 50th anniversary of
the opening of our iconic building by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Over those 50 years, we have pursued our mandate as set out in the National Library Act 1960, developing a great national collection, making it available and cooperating with others to achieve more than can be achieved alone.

The Library’s mission—to Collect, Connect and Collaborate—is a continuing one, but the ways in which we animate that mission have changed dramatically since 1968. The digital era has seen creative and research practices, knowledge production and community expectations fundamentally reshaped through the opportunities new technologies offer.

The Library has responded to and anticipated these changes, building an astounding collection, developing world-leading digital platforms, connecting with more Australians than ever before and collaborating with others to develop digital research infrastructure on which the nation relies. We are committed to continuing this proud record of service to the Australian people.

Purposes

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.

Vision

The Library’s vision is to connect all Australians with national collections, enriching conversations about who we are and our place in the world.

Mission

  • We collect today what will be important tomorrow.
  • We connect with communities, and connect communities with their national collections.
  • We collaborate with others to maximise the national impact of cultural collections.

Download the Corporate Plan in PDF format (836KB).