Library and Information Association of New Zealand Conference

Sunday 11 September 2005

Welcome to Christchurch, and to the Library and Information Association conference. Your services have never been more in demand. Today, libraries are being redefined as places where you can get unrestricted access to information.

I believe that libraries are a key part of positive public ownership of the city.

Architecturally they are some of the best jewels in the crown for the city ... just take the time to visit our South Library or the stunning library building at New Brighton ... You’ll see what I mean.

In an increasingly fragmented society, our libraries are one of the key ways we can still preserve a sense of community.

Christchurch is also home to over half New Zealand's high tech industry. What’s that got to do with libraries? Lots.

If we want to really become a knowledge economy then great libraries and access to information are vital if we don't want to end up with a new class system across the digital divide.

Libraries will always lend books but today they are repositories of modern technologies, lending or giving access to cd roms, microfiche, maps, art works, world wide web access, local history, audio tapes and cds.

Now more than ever, libraries are one of the key building blocks of a truly civil society.