NEXT LIBRARY SATELLITE 2020
Next Library, an international gathering of forward-thinking library innovators is making its way to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time when it is hosted at the State Library of Queensland this October.
We asked Vicki Mcdonald, State Library of Queensland’s State Librarian and CEO about her experience at State Library, the future of libraries, what we can expect from the Next Library Satellite program and more.
Q YOU RETURNED TO STATE LIBRARY AS STATE LIBRARIAN AND CEO IN JUNE 2016. AS YOU APPROACH YOUR FOURTH YEAR WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS? WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
A Reflecting on the last four years, I am proud of our new vision and strategic plan. Our vision, Inspiring possibilities through knowledge, stories and creativity,
is a great motivator. The vision was developed through a series of workshops with external partners posing provocations and all staff had the opportunity to be involved. From that vision we developed a new strategic plan. It has relevance and meaning to staff and there is a strong commitment to achieving the key objectives: trusted content; shared experiences; future focussed people and processes. It has resulted in an increased focus on our collections – acquiring new knowledge, but also interpreting and sharing that knowledge with Queenslanders. Our exhibitions program has been refocussed to profile our collection. I am particularly proud of our current exhibition, Spoken: celebrating Queensland’s languages. It showcases the significant work that we have done over the last decade to document, preserve, revitalise and make accessible Queensland’s First Nations languages.
Looking to the future, I am enthusiastic about the work we have just commenced to reimagine our physical spaces. I feel very privileged to work in such a beautiful building and the opportunity to enhance our spaces will be exciting.
In 2007, the redeveloped State Library building, designed by Donovan Hill Peddle Thorp, was awarded Australia’s top prize for public architecture: the Royal Australian Institute of Architects’ Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture, 2007.
Whilst State Library continues to be recognised as an extraordinary building delivering exciting experiences and beautiful spaces – there is opportunity to make them even better. Over the next six months we will be working with architects to develop a space optimisation strategy. A road map for the future State Library, the space optimisation strategy should enable key stakeholders to commit to the vision for the site and an implementation plan for the realisation of this vision.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AS A HOST OF NEXT LIBRARY SATELLITE 2020 AND HOW DO YOU THINK IT WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS NEXT LIBRARY EVENTS?
We hope to attract delegates from across the globe, as well as local and national representatives. For the international delegates, it provides an opportunity to showcase the amazing work of Australian libraries to international colleagues.
But, of course, one of the key attractions of the Next Library is the programming focus is on involvement and being engaged – there are no traditional presentations. I also like that it is limited to 300 delegates. This enhances the personal experience – everyone contributes to the success.
For many delegates it will be their first visit to Brisbane or even Australia. So, it is an opportunity for us to show-off what is great about Queensland. The team has organised some exciting outdoor activities as well as visits to libraries within the region. We want everyone to experience what is great about Queensland: our outdoor lifestyle, easy access to beaches and national parks, and our friendly and easy-going approach to life.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT GLOBAL LIBRARIES CURRENTLY FACE?
In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges and opportunities that global libraries currently face?
Life today can be complex, and libraries plan an important role in helping individuals to feel part of a community. In the next
few years, I believe that libraries will play a vital role to promote tolerance, respect and inclusion. I am certain that these will be key themes in our discussion at Next Library Satellite 2020.
Our conference theme is Bold and Curious. When we come together in October 2020, our objective will be to co-create new library futures. The Next Library approach provides the framework for open and honest dialogue – the opportunity for hands-on problem solving.
I believe overseas delegates particularly will enjoy the Australian experience – our resilience, but also our sense of giving things a go!. And, all delegates will go back to their libraries with new ideas, new connections, and feeling bold to take on their next challenge!
AUSTRALIA’S BUSHFIRE CRISIS HAS RECENTLY DOMINATED INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES. WHAT IMPACT HAS THE BUSHFIRES HAD ON AUSTRALIAN LIBRARIES AND HOW HAVE THEY BEEN RESPONDING?
We have all been horrified by the devastating impact of bushfires across south eastern Australia. It has been amazing to see the response both within Australia and internationally. Everyone is doing what they can to support the people and regions. Some libraries have become temporary sanctuaries for families (and their pets) who have lost their homes. Other libraries are organising events to support the national fundraising. At the State Library of Queensland, staff are working with colleagues from the Queensland Museum to have a sewing bee at The Edge to make and create joey pouches and bat wraps to help the Wildlife Rescue Carers help care for our wildlife.
For Next Library Satellite, State Library is collaborating with Blue Shield to host an Innovation Studio to continue to develop ideas about how libraries might respond in the future. It will be an opportunity for innovative thinkers from around the world to collaborate and develop resources and ideas that can be shared with the wider library community to understand and increase the skills and capacity of library staff in the area of disaster resilience.
IF YOU COULD SHARE ONLY ONE HIGHLIGHT FROM YOUR CAREER, ONE TREASURED MEMORY OF YOUR LIFE AS A LIBRARIAN TO DATE, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
A highlight of my career has been the friendships that have been formed with colleagues across four decades. I met two of my closest friends, when we were working together at a public library in 1978!
And for a treasured memory – it would be my first visit to the New York Public Library in 2004. I have been back many times since, but each time I am in awe of its place within the city of New York. Situated on one of the city’s busiest intersections, it sits at the heart of the community. Its spaces and collections are enjoyed by all: researchers, students, tourists, the curious… and the tradeworkers eating their lunch on the steps! And like all other libraries – all feel welcome.
Next Library Satellite 2020 will be hosted at the State Library of Queensland from October 11-13 and is organised by State Library of Queensland in collaboration with Aarhus Public Libraries, Denmark.