Communiqué from LIAC following the meeting of 23 May 2007
The LIAC Commissioners came together in May 2007 to debate a number of issues (outlined below) and also to meet with the Archives Council, which was formed in 2006 to give advice to the Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand on recordkeeping and archival matters. Both groups (LIAC and the Archives Council) found the meeting to be informative with synergies to be explored in coming months.
The public sphere resocialised: a need for civic space
In an environment where digital identities are constantly evolving. trusted civic spaces in the digital world become of paramount importance. The privitisation of digital space is a critical issue and many online spaces will be totally commercialised unless care is taken. LIAC feels strongly that the future is about digital and physical spaces and that communities can and should be formed within both spheres. People need access to tools to create their own stories at the local level. Libraries which are trusted civic spaces in the physical world have a important role to play in the digital environment for this reason.
International Scene
In LIAC’s view New Zealand in terms of its digital frameworks compares well internationally and could position itself to be come a digital showcase for the rest of the world. A key theme is that multinationals are actively seeking new partnerships with government and non-government groups worldwide; this is due to changing value chains and the need for ICT companies to adapt or die. Many opportunities exist for New Zealand to link up with the rest of the world including with the European Union eg. The EU’s Telematics Programmes.
Broadband Issues
Lack of fast broadband continues to be an issue and Telecom’s broadband reaction is somewhat disappointing. Some countries like Korea have fast broadband but little content. In LIAC’s view both are needed. New Zealand will end up in the opposite situation to that of Korea if care is not taken: quality New Zealand content but access issues due to slow and expensive broadband.
KAREN Network and the National Library of New Zealand
LIAC congratulates Penny Carnaby, National Librarian and Chief Executive, on the National Library becoming a KAREN network partner. This is a bold forward-thinking move and one expected to have a significant impact on the library sector (and their users) in New Zealand.
Brian Pauling
Chair, LIAC
May 2007