How big is the leap between our ideals and our reality? Questioning library approaches to, and restriction of, indigenous collections

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare
 
[Peer reviewed] This conference paper aims to initiate a discussion and reflective thought on how committed we are to accessibility. In this case the issues are discussed in relation to a desire for restrictions by Māori and other indigenous peoples. How different from our ideals is the reality and practice of our profession especially when it involves indigenous knowledge?
 
This paper aims to help the members of our profession to take that “one small step” towards a realisation that Māori and other indigenous peoples’ ideas of knowledge and its guardianship are not dissimilar to our own library practices. It is hoped that the reader will make a “giant leap” to a better understanding of the importance for consultation with Māori and indigenous peoples when embarking on projects which give unrestricted access to their knowledge.