Libraries and archives : trusted repositories of knowledge and vibrant engine rooms of creativity

Libraries and archives are widely regarded as trusted repositories of knowledge: by definition, these institutions collect and preserve information relating to almost every aspect of human existence. In terms of creative works, the thousands of kilometres of shelving in archives and libraries in Australia support a wealth of material. These institutions are not, however, merely passive storage facilities. Scholars in a wide range of disciplines utilise, re-imagine and re-interpret the creative works in these collections to generate new knowledge, while library and information professionals undertake specific research to facilitate these, and other, activities. Libraries and archives also offer a range of creative programs, and facilitate the activities of groups who meet to pursue creative activities either on site or, with the advent of digitisation, online via content co-creation, data visualisation and social media. The work of archives and libraries in placing content online also opens up new ways for users to creatively interact with collection materials. Using Sir Ken Robinson’s important conceptualisations of creativity, this article explores libraries and archives as both creative spaces and as facilitators of creativity through the examination of some examples of creative best practice from across Australia and around the world in order to unpack how these institutions function as engine rooms, as well as storehouses, of creativity.