AUS: New National Library Head

MEDIA RELEASE - 11 AUGUST 1999

The new Director-General of the National Library of Australia was announced today.

'After an extensive international search, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jan Fullerton as Director-General of the National Library,' Federal Minister for the Arts, Peter McGauran said.

'Ms Fullerton has extensive management experience and a comprehensive understanding of the Library, its functions and audiences. This will be a great asset to the Library as it takes up the challenges of collecting, preserving and providing access to digital information for all Australians,' Mr McGauran said.

The Chairman of the National Library Council, Jim Bain, also welcomed Ms Fullerton's appointment.

'I have had the pleasure of working with Ms Fullerton over the past 13 months. She is a highly competent manager with a deep commitment to the organisation and the people it serves,' Mr Bain said.

'Ms Fullerton has a profound knowledge of the collection and is passionate about making it accessible to the nation and beyond. She has an understanding of the current complex communications and information environment, which will serve the Library well in the years to come,' he said.

Ms Fullerton joined the Library in 1968 and has played a significant role in various areas including Principal Librarian, Cataloguing and Assistant Director-General of Collections and Reader Services Division. She has also acted as both its Deputy Director-General and Director-General.

The collections and services of the National Library of Australia underpin Australian cultural and intellectual pursuits. The Library is the preeminent source for the documentary record of Australia & its place in the world.

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