Learning on the job: Collection management, and aspects of cross-cultural provision

Abstract

What does a newcomer to the library industry bring, at nearly fifty? What does she find? Reflecting on her experience and a recent study tour, the author describes the barely-skilled-although-nominally-qualified challenge; and discusses current cross-cultural provision. She muses on the interplay between a new librarian’s fresh eyes, experience and strong commitments; racism; possible sources of prejudice; organisational focus; and place, in shaping provision. That public libraries have a strategic and comprehensive approach to cross-cultural provision is a particular concern. Where Indigenous knowledge collections have unrestricted access, effort should be put into building non-Indigenous engagement with the riches in these collections. This will serve to strengthen the library’s position in the community and, in expanding non-Indigenous patrons’ knowledge of their community, build cross-cultural understanding. © 2009 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.