University Librarian's Lecture


The University Librarian's Lecture looks at trends and influences affecting academic libraries, both in Australia and around the world.

This annual lecture complements our Information Futures Forum series where external guest speakers address emerging topics in research, scholarly communication, e-learning and related fields.

Fifth annual lecture

Thursday 7 November 2013

In the fifth annual University Librarian's Lecture, Philip G Kent outlined current international trends in research libraries. He drew on learnings from his recent visits to leading academic libraries in the UK, USA and Canada. The Provost, Professor Margaret Sheil, opened the event.

Fourth annual lecture

18 September 2012

Edward Hippius Bromby was the first librarian at the University of Melbourne. He developed the library in the young University and grappled with perennial issues such as collections, space, staffing and university politics.

Drawing on primary sources at the University Archives and the State Library of Victoria, Philip Kent's presentation covered Bromby's life in Melbourne society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Third annual lecture

1 September 2011

To explore the topic "Research Libraries in the 21st Century" Philip Kent drew on learnings from a mid-year trip to Oxford, Harvard, Cornell and Stanford universities and visits with other leading thinkers in the field.

The lecture was introduced by Andrew Kenyon, Professor of Law, Director of the Centre for Media and Communications Law in the Melbourne Law School and chair of the University's Library and Academic Resources Committee (LARC).

Second annual lecture

30 September 2010

In the second annual University Librarian's Lecture, Philip Kent identified some global and national developments and trends relevant to libraries in the higher education sector. He commented on their relevance to the University of Melbourne and identifies areas for further investigation.

Inaugural lecture

21 April 2009

The Provost, Professor Peter McPhee, introduced the recently appointed University Librarian, Mr Philip G Kent.

In this inaugural University Librarian’s Lecture, Philip spoke of his vision for scholarly information at the University of Melbourne and the Library’s role in the implementation of Melbourne’s 10-year Scholarly Information Future strategy.