Nat. Library faults

Press, 20 August 1981, Page 4

Nat. Library faults

Wellington reporter The scattered accommodation of the National Library has led the National Librarian, Ms lyl. A. Ronnie, to tell the Government that she is unable to fulfil her responsibilities.

The reports of the trustees of the National Library and of the National Librarian both criticise the failure of ,'the Government to promote the construction of the new building. The trustees said they had been increasingly concerned about the inconvenience and insecurity of the present scattered accommodation of the National Library. Their report said the continued delay to begin the next stage of the building in Molesworth Street, Wellington, was of great concern.

Ms Ronnie went even further in her own report to the Minister of Education (Mr Wellington), just tabled in Parliament. “As National Librarian, I have been constantly aware that it is impossible to fulfil the responsibilities placed upon me and upon the trustees as long as the library is accommodated precariously

)n 16 scattered buildings,” It was. therefore, with very deep disappointment that 1980-81 finished without a definite programme for completion of the new building. The report said that part

of the General Assembly Library of Parliament was a serious earthquake risk. It also provided unsatisfactory working conditions for staff, inefficient layout for service, and shortage of storage space.