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Discusses the complexities of singling out a specific group, such as Aboriginal peoples, to provide library services for, by using Northern Territory University Library as an example. Also discusses the need to re‐evaluate the criteria for the selection of materials, by taking into account value systems of other cultures and other ways of thinking. Takes a brief look at identity as a social construction and concludes that, while racial oppression exists, there will be a need to use categories such as Aboriginality.

Libraries and research have a symbiotic relationship. Researchers depend on libraries and the collections and information services we curate and libraries depend on researchers and writers, and their publishers, to deliver the stuff that we make available. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between research and practice.

This paper reports the author’s perspective as a librarian with nearly four decades in practice who has undertaken a variety of research throughout his career.

Identifies the need for a more systematic relationship that will encourage better practice in research and lead practitioners to draw on the findings of more reliable research to inform their practice, test possibilities and stimulate imagination.

Tracing the intertwining of research and practice through one career, the paper presents a uniquely detailed perspective.