Simon Crean has announced Anne-Marie Schwirtlich has been appointed Director-General of the National Library of Australia.
ASA Council joins with the broader community in congratulating Anne-Marie, who is a former ASA president and key member of our profession, on her appointment as head of the National Library.
.........................................
The Hon Simon Crean MP
Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government
Minister for the Arts
11 February, 2010
New Director-General to lead the National Library
Arts Minister Simon Crean today announced the appointment of Anne-Marie Schwirtlich as Director-General of the National Library of Australia.
The appointment for a five-year term comes at a crucial time as the National Library is embracing and utilising digital technology for collection and storage of key cultural material.
"I look forward to working with Ms Schwirtlich and the Library's Council as the National Library implements its transition into the digital age," Mr Crean said.
"The role of the National Library has never been more important.
"With Ms Schwirtlich's appointment the National Library will be well placed to realise the opportunities of new technology and the National Broadband Network, while developing the Library's role as a highly valued centre for learning, knowledge creation, enjoyment and understanding of Australian life and society.
"I pay tribute to Ms Jan Fullerton, who led the library with distinction for 11 years until her retirement in November 2010," Mr Crean said.
The Chair of the Council of the National Library, The Hon Chief Justice James Spigelman AC said Ms Schwirtlich would maintain the Library as an internationally respected reference and cultural centre."
"Ms Schwirtlich has worked in national and state cultural institutions, including Arts Victoria, the National Archives of Australia and the Australian War Memorial and has a deep knowledge of the National Library and its challenges," Mr Spigelman said.
"Most recently Ms Schwirtlich has been CEO and State Librarian at the State Library of Victoria, and brings a wealth of relevant experience to this new role," Mr Spigelman said.
Ms Schwirtlich said she was looking forward to the challenge of the new role.
"The National Library of Australia is a leader in the international cultural sector. The role of libraries in this digital age has never been more important, and I look forward to the work of positioning the Library to serve Australians now and in the long term," Ms Schwirtlich said.
Ms Schwirtlich will take up the appointment in March.
Media contacts: Mr Crean's office: Clinton Porteous: 02 6277 7380 or 0403 369 588
Office for the Arts: Eleanor Dean: 02 6275 9574 or 0488 490 987
National Library: Sally Hopman 02 6262 1704 or 0401 226 697
Replies