Libraries Tasmania is proudly part of the Tasmanian Government Department for Education, Children and Young People. Our Executive Director reports to the Secretary, Department for Education, Children and Young People.
The Executive Director Libraries Tasmania is supported by four directors with specific areas of responsibility and expertise: Governance and Operations, Library Network, Strategy and Engagement, and Collections.
Together, we work to inspire and engage all Tasmanians to learn, acquire knowledge, explore ideas, and participate in their community by connecting people with information, heritage, ideas and each other.
Legislation
Libraries Tasmania operates under the provisions of the Libraries Act (1984), Archives Act (1983), and Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts Agreement Act (1966), and their associated regulations. For more information about Tasmanian legislation visit Tasmanian Legislation Online
Governance
Advisory boards and committees
Established under the Libraries Act (1984), Libraries Tasmania has three separate groups that provide advice and support our commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Tasmanian Library Advisory Board (TLAB)
The Tasmanian Library Advisory Board (TLAB) is a voluntary, independent advisory group established under the Libraries Act (1984). The Board’s role is to advise the Minister and the Secretary on issues concerning the delivery of our services in Tasmania.
The current members of the TLAB are:
- Councillor Dick Adams OAM,
- Mrs Janet Butler,
- Dr Mary Duniam,
- Ms Jen Fitzgerald,
- Ms Mary Lijnzaad,
- Dr Suzanne Martin,
- Ms Sue McKerracher, (Executive Director, Libraries Tasmania)
- Ms Jan Richards AM,
- Dr Dianne Snowden AM,
- Councillor Beth Warren
Find out more information about the Tasmanian Library Advisory Board
Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts Management Committee
The Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts Management Committee is established under the Libraries Act 1984. This committee administers the funds and property of the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts, and of the Allport bequest. In doing so, this committee gives effect to the provisions of the will of the late Henry Allport.
The current members of the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts Management Committee are:
- Mr Tim Bugg (Chairperson)
(Trustee of the will of Henry Allport) - Mrs Amanda Wojtowicz
(nominated by the Trustees of the will of Henry Allport) - Mr Cobus Van Breda
(Ministerial nominee with knowledge or expertise in rare books or fine arts) - Dr A V (Tony) Brown
(Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Board of Trustees nominee) - Ms Sue McKerracher
(Executive Director, Libraries Tasmania)
State Library and Archives Trust
The State Library and Archives Trust operates under the Libraries Act (1984). It is the responsibility of the State Library and Archives Trust to comply with the conditions and administer any property acquired by gift, bequest, or devise.
Applications for the period 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023 will be considered at the next meeting of the Trust scheduled for May 2023 (date to be confirmed). Applications for this period will close on Friday 5th May 2023.
The Trust wishes to advise that applications for 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023 may be submitted for consideration out of session. Applications should be submitted for consideration in advance of the event/conference.
The current members of the State Library and Archives Trust are:
- TBC – Chairperson (and Chairperson of the Tasmanian Library Advisory Board)
- Ms Sally Christensen – Secretary
- Ms Sue McKerracher (Executive Director, Libraries Tasmania)
- Mr Ross Latham (Director, Libraries Tasmania and State Archivist)
- TBC (Office of Public Trustee)
- Mr Brendan McManus (Legal)
There are two funds currently administered by the Trust: The Sir John Morris Memorial Trust Fund and The T.M. Crisp Memorial Sporting Fund.
The Sir John Morris Memorial Trust Fund
The Sir John Morris Memorial Trust Fund offers grants to librarians, archivists and library and archive workers in related fields in Tasmania.
- Sir John Morris Memorial Fund Guideline (Word 77KB)
- Sir John Morris Memorial Funding Application Form (Word 26KB)
The Trust offers grants for:
- Attending conferences and seminars
- Funding interstate or international speakers
- Exchanges
- Research work
The T.M. Crisp Memorial Sporting Fund
The T.M Crisp Memorial Sporting Fund was established in 1970. This fund provides grants for the purchase of sporting books for public and reference libraries.
Library and information sector peak bodies
Libraries Tasmania collaborates with a range of national and international stakeholders to advocate for and contribute to the strategic direction of the library, archives galleries and museums sectors.
Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
ALIA is the national professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector.
Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA)
APLA is the peak body for public libraries in Australia
Australian Society of Archivists (ASA)
ASA is the professional organisation for archivists working in archival, recordkeeping and heritage preservation services.
Australian School Library Association (ASLA)
ASLA is the national authority, the peak forum in the field of teacher librarianship and school library resource services.
Council of Australasian Archives and Records Authorities (CAARA)
CAARA is the peak body of government archives and records institutions in Australia and New Zealand. It comprises the heads of the government archives authorities of Australia, New Zealand and each of the Australian states and territories.
National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA)
NSLA is the peak body for Australia’s national, state and territory libraries, who collaborate to deliver better collections, solutions and customer experiences than each library can do individually.