|

Role
The
functions of the Library are set out in section 6 of the National
Library Act 1960:
(a)
to maintain and develop a national collection of library material,
including a comprehensive collection of library material relating
to Australia and the Australian people;
(b)
to make library material in the national collection available
to such persons and institutions, and in such manner and subject
to such conditions, as the Council determines with a view
to the most advantageous use of that collection in the national
interest;
(c)
to make available such other services in relation to library
matters and library material (including bibliographical services)
as the Council thinks fit, and in particular, services for
the purposes of:
i. the library of the Parliament;
ii.
the authorities of the Commonwealth;
and
iii.
the Territories; and
iv.
the Agencies (within the meaning of the Public
Service Act 1999;
(d)
to co-operate in library matters (including the advancement
of library science) with authorities or persons, whether in
Australia or elsewhere, concerned with library matters.
The
Library is one of several agencies within the Communications,
Information Technology and the Arts portfolio with responsibilities
for collecting Australian cultural heritage materials and
making these available to the Australian public. Senator the
Hon. Rod Kemp MP was appointed Minister for the Arts and Sport
on 23 November 2001, succeeding the Hon. Peter McGauran MP,
Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation. Senator
Kemp is the Minister responsible for the Library, together
with the Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Richard Alston.
The affairs of the Library are conducted by the National
Library Council, with the Director-General as chief executive
officer and member of the Council.
|