Bicultural development in university libraries : policies and practices

Abstract

This research project focused on the bicultural policies and practices of the university libraries in Aotearoa/New Zealand, in an attempt to identify factors that contribute to their bicultural development. The underlying purpose was to gain a practical understanding of the issues involved in bicultural development at an institutional level and to describe the environmental influences that may facilitate, or create barriers to, bicultural development within a particular tertiary setting. The sample group was comprised of a senior librarian from each university. Interviews were conducted regarding the libraries' bicultural policies and practices. The aim of this research was not to be exhaustive in detail, but to provide an 'overview' of bicultural initiatives in university libraries. This research found that university libraries have clear social and legal obligations to acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi and/or biculturalism in their defining documents (missions, charters, and plans). This was also reflected in the practices and initiatives of the libraries, although there was a high degree of variability between libraries. Some important factors in bicultural development include clear statements of intent, well-defined strategies, continuous monitoring and evaluation of performance, the role of the Maori specialist position, bicultural groups, and the importance of defining the nature of partnership and consultation.