A Mosaic of Library and Archive Practice in Malta: A Collection of Papers by MaLIA Members and Friends on Its 40th Anniversary, 1969‐2009

Citation

Freeman, M. (2010), "A Mosaic of Library and Archive Practice in Malta: A Collection of Papers by MaLIA Members and Friends on Its 40th Anniversary, 1969‐2009", New Library World, Vol. 111 No. 5/6, pp. 254-255. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801011044142

“Small is beautiful” is often correct and here in this well made book from the Malta Library and Information Association (MaLIA), one of the smallest European LIS professional bodies, the reader obtains a well crafted and illuminating vista of the Maltese LIS and archives scene today. The book is essentially a well chosen collection of articles by “MaLIA members and friends” chosen to commemorate the 40th anniversary of MaLIA.

It has been a long, hard struggle, but MaLIA has now achieved substantial recognition by the general public, the media and Government as the major LIS professional body. Within the growing arena of School Libraries however, the lively Malta School Library Association (MSLA) remains paramount and does good work. The editors of “mosaic” have chosen well and exhibit a broad span of interests, ranging from a well written account by Dr William Zammitt of the many problems involved in creating a national collection of “Melitensia” as part of The National Memory spectrum, through to a lucid and helpful history of school libraries in Malta written by Joe Boffa. The imposing and historic National Library in Valletta is finally developing proactively and Philip Borg provides an interesting paper on the challenges and changes (including Outreach) facing the National Library. The Library is a real jewel in the Maltese LIS crown and it is pleasing to note the far reaching developments (including digitization) now underway. Charles Farrugia's clear paper on the development of the National Archives and the legal and administrative machinery put into place to ensure the National Archives flourish as part of the National memory of Malta is helpful and illuminating.

A former Secretary and Chair of MaLIA, Robert Mizzi, gives a clear overview of MaLIA's evolution and its role in contemporary Maltese society and culture. He wisely observes that “the past can indeed be a mirror of the future” and that “we should be more critical of our work and accept criticism”. Clearly, MaLIA is beavering steadily away at Government apathy and obstruction and the state of libraries in Malta is slowly improving. Malta joining the EU undoubtedly helped Maltese libraries and librarians too. Robert Mizzi makes good appropriate observations regarding the Government/LIS professional body interface and relationships and provides excellent pointers for future developments.

So, an interesting and valuable work from a lively and progressive LIS body, which will be of interest to all LIS workers concerned about international relations, LIS development, Malta (of course!) and the growth of professions. Well produced and clearly laid out, this book is an asset for Malta and a useful addition to the professional literature of LIS.