Friday, December 19, 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade -New H V Evatt Library space




On 6 November, the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Michael L’Estrange AO, officially opened the new H V Evatt Library space in the R G Casey Building in Canberra. For the past two years, library services were temporarily relocated to a smaller facility within the Department and the emphasis of library services adjusted to highlight on-line resources.

The library’s services and functions were also reviewed during this time and the library’s role in the future operations of the Department given careful consideration. A review of client needs indicated that, even in the digital age, there was a need for a physical library space, where officers could browse for information, access it in the most appropriate format, be it print, digital or audiovisual and read into issues in more depth when required, away from the immediate demands of their desk environment. The new library space meets these needs.

When opening the new library space, the Secretary emphasised the continuing relevance of the library to the goals and operations of the Department.

Mr L’Estrange noted that the specialist knowledge of the Department’s library staff ensured that the library would continue to deliver a service which would serve the specific needs of the Department in the digital age. The new library, he said, would be an important attribute for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in years to come. It would offer DFAT officers services to meet their working needs in the twenty first century.
The new space is the start of the revitalisation of the library. Our newly created brand is used in the new space and also features on our new borrowers cards and promotional coasters in use throughout the Department and at overseas posts. In addition the intranet site is being totally revamped. We are exited about the library’s evolution and look forward to a positive future.

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