In November, the NSLA Board welcomed its newest Director: Megan Berghuis, State Librarian and Director, State Library of South Australia. Megan takes up leadership of the State Library of South Australia after five years of service on the Libraries Board of South Australia. Megan joined her first meeting of the NSLA Board in November, and took the time to share some of her background and insights into her role, and the value of the NSLA collaboration.
You have held leadership roles in city councils prior to this role. What drives your commitment to public service?
My commitment to public service is deeply rooted in the core values of service and working for the greater good. For me, this means that, whether through direct service provision or leadership, I am driven to create a meaningful difference by enhancing the impact and value of our service offerings and am always looking for ways to make the most significant difference and create the greatest impact and value. I regularly ask how I can help people live their best lives and connect individuals to their purpose and community, providing opportunities to support them to thrive and flourish.
Creating experiences that evoke genuine emotions such as wonder, joy, nostalgia and reverence, and fostering treasured memories, is a significant part of my service approach. As is simplifying access to our services and facilitating community connections and partnerships that enhance wellbeing and generate social value.
What attracted you to the role of Director of the State Library of South Australia?
I know this sounds totally cheesy; but this position is my dream role and I’m still pinching myself at this wonderful opportunity I’ve been entrusted with. It ticks all my boxes for my next career opportunity: an executive opportunity to lead a cultural institution that is on the cusp of a significant regenerative strategic change.
I’ve always loved libraries, and have been an insatiable reader and consumer of, and participant in, the arts. Over 20 years ago, I entered the magical land of libraries as a senior manager of the Adelaide City Libraries and I knew I was completely hooked, and I did everything I could to be a part of the amazing South Australian public library network and bring about positive change to improve access, inclusion, relevance and value. This included as an active member on steering committees such as our One Card reform program which transformed the way South Australians access library collections.
Five years ago, I jumped at the chance join the Libraries Board of South Australia and have loved being an integral part of the strategy development and leadership of our Future Services Vision, which is a total game changer for both the State Library of South Australia and our Public Library network. Then, when the Director role became available this year, it was as if all the pieces of my career jigsaw fell into place. I am truly honoured to be leading the work of the Libraries Board for the benefit of all South Australians—and working with some of the most dedicated and creative professionals to ensure our communities are ever-learning, our services are treasured, and the stories of South Australia are cherished and celebrated.
Where would you like to see your library in five years, and what role could NSLA play in getting there?
The State Library of South Australia (SLSA) is embarking on an exciting journey with our Future Services Vision and the introduction of One Card 2.0, a visionary initiative aimed at enhancing the performance of our collections and improving accessibility and user experience. This initiative reinforces the role of the State Library of South Australia as a beloved cultural institution, ensuring it remains a vital hub for knowledge, learning, and community engagement, and the role of our public libraries to foster intellectual growth and social cohesion.
Looking ahead, I envision the State Library of South Australia evolving into a dynamic, interactive space that fosters innovation and creativity and embraces its role as one of South Australia’s leading destinations—increasing in attraction and usage and showcasing the rich history of the State. In five years, I would like to see the library expand its digital collections, host more community-driven events, and offer state-of-the-art facilities for research and collaboration. Additionally, we aim to increase First Nations recognition and work towards ensuring the State Library of South Australia is a culturally safe space for Indigenous Australians.
NSLA can play a crucial role in this transformation by providing strategic support, facilitating knowledge sharing among member libraries, and advocating for funding and resources. The National Library of Australia and Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa The National Library of New Zealand, together with the state and territory libraries of Australia serve as inspirations to each other, and we learn from one another. Together, SLSA and NSLA can ensure that the library continues to thrive as a cornerstone of cultural and educational enrichment for all South Australians.
What were your expectations of your first NSLA Board meeting, and did anything surprise you?
Going into my first NSLA Board meeting, I anticipated a formal and structured environment where strategic discussions and policy decisions would dominate the agenda. I expected to meet a group of highly experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the mission of libraries across Australasia. My main hope was to gain insights into the collaborative efforts that drive innovation and support within our libraries.
What truly surprised me, was the palpable sense of camaraderie, openness and shared passion among the board members. The meeting was not just about policies and strategies; it was an easy and vibrant exchange of ideas, experiences, and visions for the future. I was struck by how much we all had in common and the wealth of shared experience that enriched our discussions. The genuine commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and accessibility within our libraries was inspiring. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and the pivotal role NSLA plays in shaping the future of our libraries.
