Indigenous Knowledge Centre

There are two library services operating in Australia that have adopted the appellation "knowledge centre" in relation to the delivery of library services for Indigenous Australian clients. The Northern Territory Library first developed the Indigenous Knowledge Centre model of service and later changed this to Library and Knowledge Centre. The State Library of Queensland continues to use the title Indigenous Knowledge Centre.

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Queensland

The State Library of Queensland assists local government to establish Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs). These serve as information hubs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout the State.{{cite journal |title=Developing Indigenous Knowledge Centres |last=Pilot |first=Jacob |date=July 8, 2013 |journal=Australian Academic & Research Libraries |volume=36 |issue=2 |pages=37–43|doi=10.1080/00048623.2005.10721247 |doi-access=free }}

The State Library of Queensland's IKCs provide the services of a local library, act as a meeting place and provide a safe place to keep important artefacts, artworks and other information within the community. IKCs are a hub for community, providing a place to gather and participate in programs based on community interests including traditional knowledge, culture and languages.{{SLQ-CC-BY|title=20 Years Strong |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/20-years-strong |website=State Library of Queensland |publisher=The State of Queensland |access-date=18 January 2023}} Many IKCs provide public Internet access to their communities.

IKCs are place-based, and no two are the same, as they respond to the unique needs of their community and offer a whole cultural precinct wrapped up in one small building. The first seven IKCs opened in 2002, at Lockhart River, Aurukun, Erub, Mabuaig, New Mapoon, Pormpuraaw, and Wujal Wujal. Since then, a number of other centres have opened and now there are 26 across Queensland all created in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island shire and regional councils.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Library runs a knowledge centre service to its communities{{cite book|last1=Hilder|first1=Cathy|title=Digital Initiatives Towards Preserving Indigenouse Culture in the Northern Territory|date=2009|publisher=Thesis Bachelor of Visual Arts (Hons): Charles Darwin University|location=Darwin, Northern Territory|pages=16–29}} under the title of Libraries and Knowledge Centres (formerly known as "Indigenous Knowledge Centres").{{cite web |url=http://www.ntl.nt.gov.au/about_us/knowledgecentres |title=Libraries & Knowledge Centres |website=Northern Territory Library |access-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212174733/http://www.ntl.nt.gov.au/about_us/knowledgecentres |archive-date=February 12, 2007}} In 2007 this program was awarded the Bill and Melinda Gates Access to Learning Award for its innovative use of digital technology in the remote Australian Indigenous community context.

The Northern Territory Library is contributing significant funds to the development of the next generation of Indigenous collection management software.{{cite web |url=http://www.ntl.nt.gov.au/our_story_version_2_project |title=Community Stories |website=Northern Territory Library |access-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323220453/http://www.ntl.nt.gov.au/our_story_version_2_project |archive-date=March 23, 2009}}

References

External links

[https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about/partnerships-and-collaborations/local-government-and-public-libraries/indigenous-knowledge Indigenous Knowledge Centres], State Library of Queensland
[https://www.tsirc.qld.gov.au/our-work/indigenous-knowledge-centres Indigenous Knowledge Centres], Torres Strait Island Regional Council
[https://www.facebook.com/IKCQLD/ Indigenous Knowledge Centres of Queensland Facebook page]
[https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/dls06p/alma99183630320902061 Hope Vale Indigenous Knowledge Centre radio broadcasts], State Library of Queensland
[https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/tqqf2h/alma99183695520302061 State Library of Queensland Indigenous Library Services albums], State Library of Queensland. Contains photographs of Indigenous Knowledge Centres in use
[https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/tqqf2h/alma99183290020502061 Darren Clark Wujal Wujal photographs], State Library of Queensland. Contains photographs of the Wujal Wujal Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Category:Libraries in Australia

Category:Indigenous Australian education

Category:Librarianship and human rights