Creating a library of the future: Universidade Nacionál Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL) journey of rebuilding its University Library for the 21st century

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of the geography, demographics, history and languages of Timor -. Against this background the paper discusses the themes of: development of the library at the Universidade Nacionál Timór Lorosa'e Timor – Leste (UNTL); the role of Australian academic library consortium in supporting UNTL Library; issues facing UNTL Library in finding “its voice” in developing a strong framework for building resources and services and the role of “Libraries for Timor-Leste”, an Australian non profit organisation that works in partnership with Timorese and Australian groups and organisations to support a range of libraries in Timor-Leste.

Included in the paper is an overview of current library services and programs in Timor-Leste. The authors participated in a study tour of Timor-Leste in 2011and visited community, tertiary and special libraries.