Historians concerned about National Library

Media Release
12 March 2009

Professional historians concerned about National Library revamp

Professional historians say they are alarmed about what a proposed multi-million dollar redevelopment of National Library could mean for access to vital historical documents.

The Professional Historians’ Association of New Zealand / Aotearoa (PHANZA) says it has not been consulted on the library’s plans and that the National Library has failed to respond to requests for information on the collections availability during the three year construction period.

“We hear all sorts of unsubstantiated rumours, and while these are disturbing, it is of greater concern that National Library can not provide this information relating to its core function”, said PHANZA’s acting president Tony Nightingale.

‘The National Library has failed to give assurances about access to collections during the redevelopment”, he said. “This makes planning research very difficult.”

“The National Library is critical to the livelihood of many of PHANZA’s members. They rely on access to the library as part of their work and the sheer lack of information from the library regarding its intentions is deeply concerning to us”, he said.

He noted that the library has indicated it would be offering some services from different leased locations, but that nothing specific had been announced.

Mr Nightingale called on the National Library to release the detailed plans for its services as soon as possible.

ENDS

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