Defence Library Service now provides internet access

ABHSO Melanie Osborne, from the Australian Hydrographic Office, charts her way around the new Defence Library Internet Site.

Photo: LCDR John Sperring

Navy personnel, civilian staff and their families now have an extra avenue to further their education and professional development with the recent launch of the Defence Library Internet site.

Launching the new site at Canungra Army Base in Queensland, the former Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Danna Vale said the new site would allow remote access to the Defence Library catalogue and specially selected electronic journals, databases and websites, many of which were not otherwise available on the Internet.

“Until today, Defence personnel could only access this type of information on Defence’s restricted computer networks, by physically sitting in front of a terminal at work,” Mrs Vale said.

“This has made opportunities for study and other personal and professional development difficult, particularly for Reservists or those posted overseas or to remote areas without easy access to other library facilities.

With this new Library Internet site, Defence students will be able to access the information they need from their computers at home, or even from their (Internet connected) laptops as they travel.

“Defence family members will also be able to gain access for self-help information to meet their educational and professional needs, as well as assistance with balancing family and work life.”

Belinda Saunders, Defence Librarian at the Australian Hydrographic Office Wollongong, said that Navy personnel and their families can access the Library Internet site at www.defence.gov.au/library.

“From anywhere in the world, the Defence community will now have 24-hour a day, seven days a week access for personal and professional development, contributing both to their quality of life, and Defence capability.”

“This type of internet access will not only provide educational and development resources for Navy personnel, it will also allow families of our serving members to log on to the site and select a range of information and help options.

There is a simple registration form for accessing all the information on the site,” she said.

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