What book about Brisbane would you give a visitor to the River City?
As librarians and information professionals from around the world prepare to visit Brisbane and State Library of Queensland for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Information Futures Summit, IFLA President and State Library of Queensland State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM is encouraging delegates to explore the city through its literature.
“Travellers often read about places they intend to visit before they go and library and information professionals are particularly keen to research their destination in advance,” Vicki said.
“We’re encouraging delegates to read or listen to stories set in Brisbane to get a sense of the places and people that make the city so special. As Queensland’s State Librarian, this is a project very close to my heart.”
You can explore the full list of recommended books here. Are there any you would add?
What is your favourite Brisbane book?
Vicki’s personal choice is Edenglassie, by Miles Franklin Literary Award winner Melissa Lucashenko.
“This summit is a new event format for IFLA, focused on bringing the library sector together to find solutions to the information challenges facing us today and in the future,” Vicki said.
“Edenglassie is made up of two extraordinary stories set five generations apart. As well as giving extraordinary insight into the First Nations history of Brisbane, it offers a way to view our past and our future together.”
From 30 September – 3 October, the Information Futures Summit will explore the frontiers of librarianship and information access through a dynamic programme of inspiring and diverse keynote speakers, open discussions, and ideas exchanges.
“This summit further cements State Library of Queensland’s reputation as a library of global cultural influence, inspiring and connecting people through knowledge, storytelling and creativity,” Vicki said.
IFLA is an independent, international, non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation which advances the interests of library and information associations, libraries and information services, librarians and the communities they serve throughout the world. Today, it counts over 1700 members from 147 different countries and will celebrate its centenary in 2027.
Find out more about the IFLA Information Futures Summit at https://2024.ifla.org/
As for what Vicki is reading next? Inspired by the recent Brisbane Writers Festival, held at State Library, it's another quintessentially Brisbane story, Trent Dalton’s Lola in the Mirror.
Trent Dalton and Vicki McDonald at the 2024 Brisbane Writers Festival.
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