An important element of the ongoing work of making libraries culturally safe spaces for all First Nations people is the process of decolonising – a process, Al says, that seeks to challenge and remove the neo-colonial systems and structures that seek to disadvantage First Nations people.
While the broader work of engaging First Nations stakeholders to co-create new systems, structures and processes that are more culturally responsive and safe for First Nations people is needed at all levels of government, a ‘lowhanging fruit’ for local governments like the City of Ballarat is improving library collections.
City of Ballarat Executive Manager Libraries and Lifelong Learning Jenny Fink says the City of Ballarat is working to create culturally safe collections.
“The City of Ballarat libraries purchases every First Nations author’s work that we can, our collection in this area ranges from picture books to works of fiction and non-fiction,” she says.
“We have a very good coverage of these works in the children’s collection and actively work on building all areas of the collection regarding these resources.”
The City of Ballarat libraries service is also committed to increasing First Nations participation in library programs.
“We work constantly to ensure that our collections reflect content about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture that is both respectful and historically accurate.”