Kate Torney, Chief Executive of State Library Victoria in Australia, has been announced as the keynote speaker for ILI 2017.
State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest and busiest public library. Kate Torney joined the Library during a period of transformation, overseeing its evolution into an innovative contemporary centre for knowledge, learning and culture. This includes a five-year, AU$88.1 million redevelopment project – Vision 2020 – building new facilities and function spaces across the iconic heritage site, including an e-Town Hall, centre for entrepreneurship, spaces for children and young leaners, and new exhibition galleries. Under Kate’s leadership the State Library is on track to raise AU$27.7m in philanthropic funds needed to complete the Vision 2020 project.
Kate Torney was previously News Director for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and is a veteran broadcast journalist. She led ABC News through a critical period of change in the global media sector, reassessing and radically transforming the news model of a national broadcaster.
Her ILI keynote, entitled ‘Making a noise about a quiet revolution’ will explore how librarians and info pros can find and communicate their value to ensure the success and sustainability of their institutions; and lead necessary transformation while staying true to the institutions’ founding ideals.
“The library sector offers a great example of successful transformation in an age of digital disruption and the results are something to shout about”, said Torney. “In Victoria, public libraries have never been busier, as library leaders have quietly reimagined their services and programs and enhanced the role of the library as a trusted, much loved community resource. Far from under threat, these libraries represent an inspiring story of transformation; of the ability to reshape iconic institutions to ensure they remain relevant and highly valued for generations to come.”
The theme for ILI 2017 is ‘Super-powered libraries: innovation, influence, impact’.
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