Terms of Reference
Statutory framework
The Library and Information Commission Nga Kaiwhakamārama i ngā Kohikohinga Kōrero (LIAC) is an unincorporated body consisting of up to six members and the National Librarian as an ex officio member. LIAC’s purpose is to provide advice to the Minister Responsible for the National Library on library and information issues.
The National Library of New Zealand (Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa) Act 2003 provides the statutory framework for the Commission. The National Library provides the administrative services for LIAC and LIAC’s annual budget is provided through the National Library’s appropriation.
Core responsibilities
At the start of each calendar year, LIAC will agree an annual work programme with the Minister. This will be based on the provision of advice and reports to the Minister on the following matters:
- library and information issues in New Zealand, including Mātauranga Māori, and access to library and information services;
- the role of library and information services, including Mātauranga Māori, in the cultural and economic life of New Zealand; and
- any other matters requested by the Minister.
Before giving advice to the Minister, the Commission must, to the extent practicable, have regard to:
- recent national and international developments in relation to library and information services; and
- appropriate means for promoting collaboration among persons and institutions (e.g. museums, libraries and archives) in relation to protecting, preserving, and promoting access to information, including documentary heritage and Mmacron-a]tauranga Māori.
The Commission must report to the Minister each year on the performance of its functions during the preceding year. This report will normally be provided by the first week in February. Any other reports arising from the work programme will be delivered in a timely fashion.
Meetings
The Commission may meet up to 4 times in each year. The venue for the meetings will be in a location that is appropriate at the time. Pursuant to the work programme, other meetings may be arranged as required.
Sector coverage
LIAC’s work will include consultation and collaboration with public and private institutions in the culture and heritage, education, ICT, research, and library and information sectors. These institutions must include museums, libraries and archives.
Research
LIAC may propose research projects to the Minister to support its advice and reporting function.
Informing public debate
LIAC may undertake activities, within the scope of its statutory purpose that:
- raise awareness of library and information services and the contribution that these make to government’s economic, social, educational and cultural goals;
- foster discussion of library and information issues in the wider culture and heritage, education, ICT, research, and library and information sectors; and
- inform and promote public debate of broader library and information issues, including Mātauranga Māori.
International Reference Group
LIAC will establish an International Reference Group to link to peer bodies in other countries.
Overall expectations
The Minister has the following broad expectations of the Commission:
- that LIAC will provide strategic thinking and advice on the library and information sector – in its broadest sense. They will provide a collective view of issues, options and opportunities in a fast-changing environment;
- that LIAC will take a broad view of the issues confronting the sector;
- that LIAC will serve as a forum for strategic debate in the library and information sector. It will be familiar with key and emergent issues at a national and international level. Its work will promote high-level partnerships and collaboration with related sectors, such as education and culture and heritage; and
- that LIAC’s work programme will draw on, and collaborate with, other agencies and initiatives involved in community, economic and cultural development.
Specific projects
In addition to the provision of advice and reports arising from the work programme, the Commission may undertake specific longer-term projects related to strategies in the library and information area, agreed by the Minister.