He suggested that the problem of library provision be embedded in the issue of research policy. The allocation of resources is being driven by student numbers. The connection between teaching and research means that the rise and decline of fields of academic study is disproportionately determined by undergraduate enrolments. Professor Bourke advocated that the provision of infrastructure, such as library collections, should be detached from student numbers. Professor Bourke concluded with the following points.
Libraries belong in every forum in which national priorities and research are discussed.
Libraries should have a seat on the Australian Research Council. Libraries should seek ways to monitor patterns of research distribution more precisely. Libraries have a greater obligation than other research organisations to make the distributed national collection work. Mr Ross Coleman, Collection Management Librarian, University of Sydney Library Ross Coleman described the current collection development and interlibrary loan activities at the University of Sydney Library. Ms Madeleine McPherson, University Librarian, University of Southern Queensland Madeleine McPherson outlined her vision for service delivery, directed particularly to the distance education student.