Service to the nation: access to the globe

Warren Horton - Director-General, National Library of Australia

Abstract
An expanded version of an article published in May 1996 in the Canberra Times, this is essentially a spirited defence of the National Library's future collecting priorities as outlined in its 1993-1998 strategic plan. In establishing these priorities the library has moved away from the idea that it can best serve the Australian community by developing an extensive collection of material from around the world. Much material acquired by other libraries, especially in the higher education sector, duplicates National Library holdings. Delivery of material between libraries had greatly improved through the development of a national bibliographic database, an improved means of document supply, and journal articles are becoming readily accessible in electronic form.