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Australia, report 1997

June 1996 - June 1997

The 1996 Biennial National Conference on the theme of technology and music libraries was held in Melbourne under the title "More Byte than Bach." It was a great success, and the credit should go to the Victorian Division that hosted the Conference. Papers reflected the Internet revolution that has overtaken music libraries. However there was still emphasis on traditional areas of library service and how such services could use new technology. As usual, it was of great benefit to talk to colleagues face to face, as many music librarians in Australia work isolated from their subject specialist colleagues.

At the Biennial Conference, the National Executive, based for many years in Perth, Western Australia, stood down. A big thank you to Kaye Hill, Jenny Wildy, and Allison Fyfe for doing a wonderful job. The Australian IAML Executive passed to Sydney with Caroline Symes as President, Patricia Leeper as Treasurer, and Anthea Parker and Judith Foster sharing the Secretary position. The next National Conference will be hosted by the Executive in Sydney in October 1998.

Work is proceeding on the publication of another Union Catalogue of Orchestral Scores and Performing Parts in Australian Libraries. It is hoped that it will appear with updates at the end of 1997.

The past twelve months have seen some troubling developments. The Victorian Music Library was threatened with considerable staff reductions and reduced hours. After letters to the State government department concerned and politicians, the Library was able to continue; however, cuts were made to opening hours. The Library of the Sydney Opera House which catered to the performing arts generally was closed to make budgetary savings. Protest letters from clients and IAML-Australia received replies; however, the closure went ahead and the collection was distributed among libraries in the Sydney area.

These developments are of special concern when seen in relationship with the revised collection development policy of the National Library. The National Library no longer employs a music librarian and has narrowed its collection policy from a broad international approach to music from Australia and its near neighbors. The National Library is relying on other libraries, mainly academic ones, to fill the very sizeable gap. Unfortunately, these libraries are also facing budget cutbacks .

Caroline Symes
President