IAML International Association of Music Libraries

An in-depth study of the general music collections of the National Library of New Zealand - and the services based on them - was undertaken in 1993, and the results presented to the Management Committee. After careful consideration, the Management Committee has noted the considerable scope, depth, and comparative national and international strength of all components of the collection.

The recommendations submitted by the Manager, Collection Development, have been accepted. These acknowledge the current collection strengths, the diverse demand for services, and the commitment made to donors by the National Library. They also acknowledge the National Library's commitment to the Government's Outcome No. 4 - enriching cultural and community identity by collecting material and providing library information services which meet the needs for information and knowledge of diverse groups.

The National Library has agreed to make an on-going commitment to retain and build the music collections at a modest rate, and to continue to provide a quality advanced level reference and research service based in this subject area. A new comprehensive collection development policy will be drafted, taking into account the strengths and directions of other collections in New Zealand.

Other recommendations include the revaluation of collections, a review of the choral and orchestral hire service, and an examination of the ways in which knowledge of the collections can become nationally accessible.

The acceptance of these recommendations marks an exciting and positive development for music services within New Zealand, and affirms the National Library's commitment in this subject area.

Roger Flury,
Senior Librarian (music), Reference and Research Service

• More reports for 1993