27 April 2007

LIANZA Strongly Opposes Closing Of TVNZ News Reference Library

LIANZA is strongly opposed to the proposed closing of the TVNZ News Reference Library. As the pre-eminent library professional organisation we are concerned that the closing of this high quality, special library and information service will compromise journalists' access to background and research information that is essential for preparing accurate and informed current affairs programmes and news reports.

It is difficult to see how TVNZ will be able to deliver on its Charter objectives with the proposed reduction in services; without the availability of professional assistance to help identify and locate vital information resources it will be harder for journalists to produce quality "locally made informative current affairs".

The reference library is an integral part of the TVNZ newsroom. Professional librarians are highly responsive and undertake complex work to progress stories and deliver detail on wide variety of topics in tight time frames. As a result of serving TVNZ for over 30 years the library has access to information on key New Zealand historical events. In addition to TVNZ, the library currently provides information to various external organisations and production houses.

LIANZA President-elect Vye Perrone said "The TVNZ News and Reference Library is an incredibly specialised library. It has been one of the benchmark libraries in New Zealand for a long time and it is extremely disappointing that this unique resource is to be closed".

LIANZA has written to The Ministers responsible for Culture & Heritage and Broadcasting, the Chair of the Library and Information Advisory Commission and the Chair of the New Zealand Broadcasting School to express our concerns regarding the library closure.

If the proposed closure does go ahead, it will be a loss for both TVNZ and New Zealand.

ENDS

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