Documentary 'A walk through Boigu Indigenous Knowledge Centre'.

The State Library of Queensland has established 17 Indigenous Knowledge Centres in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Councils since 2002, with a focus on communities which previously had no access to public library services. Indigenous Knowledge Centres can be understood as a key infrastructure element to build capacity in local communities and throughout the region. Sustainability of Indigenous Knowledge Centres requires effective responses to the challenges of local government amalgamations, welfare reform and increasing freight costs. The State Library of Queensland is committed to partnering with each community to support the development of this vital piece of community infrastructure and communities' aspirations for cultural maintenance, economic development and improved educational outcomes.

To provide a local insight into these issues, Scott Gibuma, the Indigenous Knowledge Centre Administrator on Boigu Island, describes community involvement in the Island's Indigenous Knowledge Centre and its impact on the Island community since it was established in June 2006. Boigu Island is situated in the top western group of islands in the Torres Strait, approximately 140 km from the nearest administrative centre on Thursday Island and just six kilometres south of Papua New Guinea. Scott Gibuma outlines and evaluates the IKC programs and activities, covering traditional library services (including information and communication technologies) to a place to capture and preserve the Island's local history and traditions. The prospects and challenges in the implementation of a three year partnerships plan are examined highlighting plans for global learning, literacy and enterprise projects focusing on development of a local book series for children and tourist product development showcasing the Island's history and culture.