Rachel Esson
Chair
Te Pouhuaki National Librarian for Aotearoa New Zealand
National and State Libraries Australasia incorporated in 2023, after fifty years of continuous collaboration on behalf of the library sectors in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our constitutional purpose is to bring together the knowledge and expertise of our ten member libraries in order to build, manage and provide access to library collections and services that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Each member library is represented on NSLA's board by its chief executive, state librarian, or director-general. The Chair of the board is nominated by vote for a two-year term.
After fifty years of working together, the NSLA collaboration has become a driving force for innovation and professional development. Our association provides a mechanism for joint approaches to collecting, service delivery, research, advocacy, skills development and library standards, bringing the benefits of shared expertise and economies of scale to a collaborative program of work. The NSLA program is managed by the NSLA office, working with a series of professional networks and advisory groups from across the member libraries.
Board and Team
Catherine Clark
Deputy Chair
CEO and State Librarian, State Library of Western Australia
Vicki McDonald
CEO and State Librarian, State Library of Queensland
Alison Dellit
Director-General, National Library of Australia
Megan Berghuis
Director, State Library of South Australia
Caroline Butler-Bowdon
State Librarian, State Library of New South Wales
Patrick Gregory
Executive Director, Libraries Tasmania
Alistair Mytton
Interim CEO, State Library Victoria
Dani Wickman
Director of Territory Records, ACT Territory Records Office
NSLA Office
Simon Polson
NSLA Executive Director • simon.polson@nsla.org.au
Aimee Hay
NSLA Program Coordinator • aimee.hay@nsla.org.au
Vanessa Haines
NED Program Manager • vanessa.haines@nsla.org.au
Timeline of History and Achievements
1973
1973
Inaugural Meeting of the State Librarians Council
The State Librarians Council (SLC) meets for the first time at State Library Victoria on 30 March 1973. The meeting is called by the State Librarian for Victoria, Mr Ken Horn. This marks the beginning of fifty years of continuous collaboration among Australia's library leaders.
1980s
1980
Library and Archives Northern Territory joins SLC
The Northern Territory Library (later LANT) joins the State Librarians Council.
1986
National Library of Australia joins SLC
The National Library of Australia joins the State Librarians Council as an observer, then as a full member.
1987
ACT Heritage Library joins SLC
The ACT Heritage Library (later Libraries ACT) joins the State Librarians Council.
1990s
1990
SLC Changes Name
The SLC changes its name from State Librarians Council to State Libraries Council.
1992
CASL Established
The State Libraries Council changes its name to the Council of Australian State Libraries (CASL).
2000s
2003
National Library of New Zealand joins CASL
The National Library of New Zealand begins attending CASL meetings as observer, then as a member from 2005, extending the council's reach across Aotearoa New Zealand.
2006
CASL Changes Name to NSLA
The Council of Australian State Libraries changes its name to National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA). The first meeting of NSLA takes place at the State Library of Western Australia in September 2006.
2007
The Big Bang Strategic Plan
NSLA releases its strategic plan, The Big Bang: Creating the new Library Universe (2007-09), representing a radical departure from previous ways of working, with a collective focus on digital services, processes and infrastructure.
2010s
2014
Position Statement on Indigenous Collections
NSLA releases its first formal position statement on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services and collections, sharing a commitment to working in accordance with nationally and internationally recognised protocols.
2015
Leading Collaboration Strategic Plan
NSLA releases the two-year Leading Collaboration strategic plan (2015-2017) with two broad strategies: "shared solutions" and "communication and influence".
2018
Culturally Safe Libraries Program Launched
The three-year Culturally Safe Libraries Program is launched with the aim of improving cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander library staff and visitors. The program includes Core Cultural Learning delivered to 2000 employees and Indigenous collections workshops across NSLA libraries.
2019
National eDeposit Service Launched
The National eDeposit service (NED) is launched after a four-year design and build phase, representing a world-first collaboration to create a unified system for collecting, preserving, managing, and providing access to electronic publications under legal deposit legislation.
2020s
2020
Strategic Plan 2020-2023
NSLA's strategic plan is launched, identifying three priorities for collaboration: shared digital systems, strengthening community identity, and building cultural and intellectual capital.
2021
Indigenous Collections Audit and EaaSI Partnership
NSLA undertakes a detailed analysis of over 18,000 records of contemporary Indigenous collections. Australian Research Council funding is awarded to support an Emulation as a Service Infrastructure (EaaSI) network in Australia for better access to legacy born digital collections.
2022
NSLA Incorporation and Sector Collaboration
NSLA members make the important decision to register as an incorporated association under ACT legislation, establishing NSLA as an independent entity. Work begins with ALIA, CAUL, CAVAL and AIATSIS on a sector-wide set of guidelines for description of First Nations collections.
2023
50th Anniversary Milestone
NSLA celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of collaboration and continuous service to the library sector in Australasia. The organisation has evolved from a council of advocates to an incorporated association driving innovation and professional development.
