Recollect for Libraries. Speakers and panelists at the conference continually promoted harnessing the knowledge, resources, and dedication already endemic to the library sector, and combining those traits with new technologies and fresh strategies for outreach. Not only should libraries be a physical centre for knowledge; they must also become a virtual hub for learning and take their services directly to the community, both physically and digitally. A fantastic plenary panel of library leaders featured Bill MacNaught (National Librarian of NZ), Elaine Ng (CEO National Library Board of Singapore), and Marie-Louise Ayres (Director-General National Library of Australia). MacNaught called libraries safe spaces for difficult discussions, leading the way toward the democratisation of knowledge. Likewise, Ng highlighted the importance of ensuring that community and government leaders outside the sector understand the intrinsic value of libraries. Meanwhile, Librarian and Technologist Dr. Michael Stephens of San Jose State University closed the conference by walking his audience through the exciting potential of digital innovation and integration, while emphasizing that librarians must continue to represent the human face of the library. Recollect was proud to participate in APLIC 2018; many thanks to the planning committees at ALIA, LIANZA, and the Library Association of Singapore for hosting such a forward-thinking conference. Andy has flown over to IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2018 this week in Kuala Lumpur to continue these discussions as a delegate, and as a member of the New Zealand delegation making a bid for IFLA WLIC 2020 in Auckland!
