Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols

Abstract

The University of Sydney Library is committed to embedding culturally competent practice in what we do. In 2019, the Library undertook a cultural audit involving 24 Library staff, 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander University of Sydney academic and professional staff, and 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The audit took stock of the areas of cultural competence strength within Library practice, and areas for improvement. The results, together with secondary research on sectoral best practice, informed the development of The University of Sydney Library Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols. The Protocols aim to guide Library staff in promoting culturally safe practices across services, spaces and resources. Through the implementation of the Protocols, we will work to ensure that all staff, students and community members with whom we interact feel safe, respected and valued. As a site of knowledge production and custodian of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, and the knowledges of other First Nations peoples, we are mindful of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) and encourage ethical use of the First Nations cultural knowledge and culturally appropriate research practices.