Library and Cultural collections

A new draft strategy aims to guide the future of more than 400,000 items that form Lake Macquarie City Council’s vast library collection.

The draft Library Collections Policy and Strategy and an accompanying draft Cultural Collections Policy and Strategy are now on exhibition and set out to describe a clear and structured process for Council to make decisions regarding library and cultural collections.

Council’s Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the value of Council’s library books and other loan items was estimated to be more than $2.5 million, while its cultural collections, including the Museum of Arts and Culture visual art collection and historic artefacts from Lake Macquarie’s early European settlement, was worth more than $1.8 million.

“One of the primary objectives of both the library and cultural collections strategies is to provide artworks, museum and historical objects, archives and library books for the community for recreation, education, information and lifelong learning now and in the future,” Ms Hemsley said.

“We want to provide a vibrant and dynamic collection that responds to the needs of the community, and these draft documents will help us achieve that goal. Council are custodians of these important collections for future generations to enjoy”

Ms Hemsley added that while traditional library collections depreciated in value through use over time, cultural collections became more valuable as years passed.

“As such, it is important that there is a targeted and professional approach to purchasing,” Ms Hemsley said.

The draft documents are available to view and provide feedback by visiting shape.lakemac.com.au/collections or your local library.

Consultation closes on Monday 6 January 2019.