LIAC Commissioners met in New Plymouth at Puke Ariki in September 2007.  As well as gaining insight into the working of this groundbreaking knowledge centre which houses a full public library, museum and visitor information centre in one complex, the commissioners discussed the topics outlined below.

 

 

LIAC expresses its delight on the successful launch of the Digital Content Strategy and congratulates the Ministers concerned.  The strategy correctly identifies many of the potential problems that are of particular concern to LIAC including the access to and sharing of information and the maintenance and development of public space in the digital world.  LIAC believes that the Strategy is a well-constructed and thoughtful piece of work. However, we would reiterate previous comments that the Strategy’s outcomes can only be realised through the development of nationally ubiquitous broadband connections.

 

LIAC is conscious of the $5 million remaining in the Community Partnership Fund and Broadband Challenge.  The way the remaining funds are spent could have a significantly positive effect on the overall outcome of the funding exercise.  We believe that there is a lot to learn from the Community Partnership Fund and that knowledge needs to be shared with all of New Zealand.  Perhaps some of the remaining funds could be used to build a toolkit or commission work to research how to build upon the commonalities that the projects brought to light. 

 

 

The commissioners discussed the effectiveness of LIAC, its profile and role. A result of the discussion was the decision to open a LIAC weblog.  While there are numerous blogs on the web, the number of library and information professional blogs in New Zealand is few.  Through the weblog LIAC commissioners will be able to contribute their perspective to a wider audience in New Zealand

 

 

The Commissioners have decided to do more investigation on documentary heritage issues before holding a cross-sectoral meeting.  The topic will remain on the agenda.

 

 

LIAC has developed their Strategic Directions for 2007/08.  The document outlines the Key Strategic Areas and work programme for the year which focuses on Civic Space advocacy, the Public Sphere Resocialised, creating Aotearoa New Zealand’s digital futures, supporting knowledge frameworks that promote social and economic transformation and Mātauranga Māori. The document is available on the website.