Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148:reg:2017:p21
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2017 (pt 21/81)
Character Range: 95842–98798

National Library (Figure M3).

    More than 10% of people born in the ACT gave 'special memories' as a reason for visiting the National Library (Figure N3) compared with the average of 5.9% for all places (Figure 13), suggesting that the Library will continue to grow in importance as a significant component of Canberrans' shared sense of place.'[73]

Interestingly, highly rated reasons given for visiting the Library were art/sculpture, getting from A to B, special memories and to see what is new, with functions being given a much lower rating.[74]

The social value research for the heritage management plan for the Parliament House Vista offers no specific evidence about the Library.[75]

3. Analysis of Evidence

This analysis has been prepared by the consultant using the evidence presented in Chapter 2 which has been analysed against the Commonwealth Heritage Criteria (reproduced at Appendix D), and judgements have been reached on the basis of the professional expertise of the consultant.  The analysis is divided into sections related to the Commonwealth Heritage Criteria.

This analysis leads to a statement of significance which differs in some ways from the official Commonwealth Heritage values.

   (a)  the place has significant heritage value because of the place's importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia's natural or cultural history

From the historical overview above, a number of issues stand out as being important in the course and pattern of Australia's cultural history.  These include:
    • the development and realisation over a 60 year period from Federation of the idea of a national library collection, and the construction of a building of high quality to house the national treasures;
    • the distinction given to the Library as the first national institution to be located within the Parliamentary Zone, and the impact of that decision on subsequent planning of the zone;  and
    • the role taken by the Library in providing national bibliographic and other library functions during the period of rapid development of electronic resources in information technology.  It is important for housing Australia's valuable book collections, manuscripts, printed materials, audio recordings, paintings and other treasures.

The Library meets this criterion.

    (b) the place has significant heritage value because of the place's possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Australia's natural or cultural history

As the only Australian national library, the Library holds a rare and important place in Australia's history since its opening in 1968.

The Library meets this criterion.

   (c) the place has significant heritage value because of the place's potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Australia's natural or cultural history

As indicated in Section 2.6 above, while the building contains evidence of its design, construction and use, there is no