Digital leadership for National Library

Digital leadership for National Library

Penny Carnaby, National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, today announced the appointment of Sue Sutherland as Director of the National Digital Library.

Ms Sutherland will add the Director’s role to her existing position as Deputy Chief Executive of National Library.

The National Digital Library ensures New Zealanders are connected, through their libraries, to the national and global knowledge networks and can access their digital heritage.

‘I’m thrilled that Sue has taken on this critical leadership position,’ Penny Carnaby said.

‘From her time at Christchurch City Library where she created the first public library website in Australasia, to her recent work at the National Library where she led our national Digital Content Strategy across government, business and community sectors, Sue’s been a stand out leader in the digital area’, Ms Carnaby said.

‘She has a track record of bringing people together to collaborate on innovative solutions,’ she said.

Sue Sutherland, who has an extensive career in libraries, said ‘I greatly look forward to working with the National Library digital team and libraries everywhere to ensure that New Zealanders can access the digital content which will maximise their life opportunities.’

‘ Libraries have a history of working together to deliver service and best value to their communities. The digital world provides so many opportunities of doing things once and sharing the benefits widely’

‘Whether this is new content creation, the digitisation of analogue content, providing opportunities for participating in the digital world or preserving our digital heritage, we can make a significant difference to the economic and social well being of our communities if we work together, ‘ Ms Sutherland said.

Sue Sutherland also sponsored the development of the Library’s Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa which provides free access to broadband Internet in public libraries around New Zealand. The Network is a finalist in this year’s LIANZA 3M award for innovation.

In 2007 she was awarded a prestigious Leadership Development Centre Fellowship and studied strategy and leadership at Ashridge and the London Business School. She is a past President of the Library and Information Association New Zealand Aotearoa and was made a Fellow in 1997.

ENDS

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