ABSTRACT
Over the two centuries since European settlement, Australia has developed fine archives, libraries and museums which are guided by strong curatorial professions. Globally linked and technologically proficient, their standards conform to international models of good practice and sometimes lead the way. The particular challenges posed by distance within a very large country and distance from major centers of curatorial practice and the opportunities offered by an advanced economy have enabled Australia’s museologists, archivists and librarians to engage with distinctive issues including those relating to the development of a new multicultural national identity which celebrates both the ancient Indigenous knowledge systems and those brought by visitors and settlers since 1788.
