Over two afternoons, 30 September-1 October, I attended IAML Australia’s biennial conference. The conference theme this year was the “Music rights for all : libraries as enablers,” inspired by the “Five Music Rights” developed and promoted by the International Music Council (IMC). Conference keynote speakers included prominent Australian artists and academics Professor Deborah Cheetham AO and Professor Cat Hope, and the current international IAML President, Pia Shekhter.
Keynotes and long form presentations
Professor Cheetham’s keynote, “Creative identity – songlines of belonging,” gave both insight into her own creative process and the process of engaging with First Nations’ knowledge respectfully and in full cooperation with the Communities whose stories and knowledge are being shared. Cheetham suggested that what we see written on a page is “just the beginning” of coming to an understanding. This is particularly pertinent when we consider the number of colonial works written about or ‘inspired’ by First Nations’ knowledge and culture. Professor Cheetham noted that “We’re still coming to an understanding of cultural appropriation and acquisition of knowledge for personal gain” and that this will be an ongoing process for all of us, not just those in collecting institutions.
The following afternoon Professor Hope’s keynote, “Music rights are human rights – ensuring musical expression for all,’ also touched on the monetisation of artistic output. Hope expressed concern for the rights of artists during the pandemic, and for the ongoing protection of the diversity of cultural expression. Hope also noted that we have much to learn about thinking from our First Nations peoples around music, art, dance and story that are integral to memory, history, performativity and identity – something anyone working with collections will be able to relate to.
It was wonderful to have the current international IAML President Pia Shekhter joining us from Sweden – and, for her, at a very early hour in the morning! Pia spoke to delegates about the history of IAML and why we exist, our ongoing advocacy role, as well as the many ways that we can be involved in the larger IAML community (the free email discussion list is a great starting point for anyone wanting to dip their toes in).
Phillippa McKeown-Green gave a thought provoking presentation about the complex relationships between copyright, intellectual property and traditional knowledge, and the associated processes and practices that libraries need to consider when collecting, handling and allowing access to these cultural materials.
Lightning talks
In addition to the keynote and long form presentations, the lightning talks gave us insight into a diverse range of activities being undertaken in libraries around the country:
- Damien Ryles talked about the challenges of finding the right resources for school students
- Marie Chellos told us of the process of producing a subject guide
- John Wu talked of the growing importance of cultural competence and related protocols at the University of Sydney
- Meredith Beardmore spoke of the introduction of a new information literacy program at Melbourne Polytechnic focusing on practice-led research
- James Lee talked about the increasing importance of flexibility for the Australian Music Centre, particularly during COVID-19
- Irene Guidotti introduced us to the John Cargher 78 rpm collection at Monash University and the student project which digitised the content
- Jackie Waylen gave us highlights from her attendance to multiple online congresses and national meetings during lockdown
- Peter Grimshaw spoke of exciting new developments in copyright clearance and Zinfonia
- Megan Stapleton talked of the implications of online copyright content
- Scott Mundell told us about the range of maker spaces at Yarra Plenty Public Libraries
- Ashley Sutherland, Julie Cohen and Nathan Parry from Melbourne University Library gave an update on the challenges they are facing in providing music in an educational setting
- Theresa Cronk gave us a behind the scenes look at the digitisation process of the First World War Project at the Australian War Memorial.
You can revisit the conference by viewing the conference webpage and selected presentation slides.