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ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge
 
This conference paper explores the development of a new framework to combine Indigenous knowledge systems and linked data to enable greater accessibility and culturally appropriate use of collection items within the GLAM sector.
 
Abstract: The authors will discuss how incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems and understanding the complexities of linked data is important when classifying, cataloguing, and preserving knowledge for use by various audiences, from Indigenous community members to the general public. Through using case studies from the AIATSIS collection, this paper will also highlight how these systems can be used to better access and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge when combined with linked data.
 
Indigenous peoples have a wealth of intergenerational cultural knowledge passed verbally through the generations. This knowledge manifests in both intangible forms and material culture, including traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, oral traditions, dance, language, medicine, as well as tools and artworks. As a living culture, Indigenous peoples have knowledge systems that provide a greater understanding of their culture.
 
It is important that Indigenous communities maintain control over their cultural knowledge in order to preserve and share their knowledge in a culturally appropriate way. The GLAM sector would benefit through an arrangement with Indigenous custodians to incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems when determining linked data.  Developing a better understanding of Indigenous knowledge and wider education of these cultures improves accessibility of connected resources to a wide range of audiences, in a culturally appropriate manner.
 
In addition to providing an overview of Indigenous knowledge systems, this paper also explores the description, retrieval and access to bibliographic and authority data using linked data principles in a GLAM environment. An introduction to linked data and the associated web standards, leads into discussion of the emerging BIBFRAME model. Linked data, with its basis in the semantic web, has the potential to deliver significant advances in discovering and sharing authoritative information to wider communities.
 
Possible benefits of using linked data for publishing descriptions and resources are explored, such as the ability to retain contextual relationships between items and collections. In addition, Linked data technologies can be used to expose the value added information about resources and their creators, such as bibliographic and authority data, to web search engines.
 
BIBFRAME is different to USMARC as it will provide a new way for collecting institutions and its users to annotate data by tagging and adding their own content. While online public contribution to content yields powerful results, un-moderated crowdsourcing can have consequences. Cultural protocols and practices, such as the ATSILIRN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library, Information and Resource Network) protocols and the AIATSIS Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies, are examined as an informed way to work with material with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content. 

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge
 
[Peer reviewed] This conference paper discusses the introduction of a suite of online library orientation resources for new university students.
 
Abstract: Monash University Library (MUL) has for the first time incorporated an innovative online space for commencing students into its Orientation 2016 program. This pilot adopted a student-centred approach and unified the Library’s online orientation message across the seven branch libraries in Australia. The orientation period represents an important opportunity for the Library to connect with new students. However, it can be challenging to compete with other university services also vying for students’ attention. It is imperative that the Library ensures that, along with face to face contact, it has an intuitive and consistent online presence during orientation that enables students to access information about the Library and its services in a way that is adaptable to students’ needs and technology use. This paper reflects how we set out to create a virtual space to orientate students, and what we learnt along the way.
 

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge
 
This conference paper discusses the development of an interactive interface to connect communities with indigenous collections.
 
Abstract: In 2016, the State Library of NSW launched an exciting new interactive interface, that uses 100 year-old survey data to map the location and meaning of Indigenous Australian place names across the country. The project called Weemala, which means ‘a big lookout’ in the Sydney language, places historic survey information from the State Library’s collection relating to Indigenous Australian communities in a digital landscape.
 
This paper will discuss the development of Weemala and explore the collaboration that took place build the platform, drawing on expertise from within the Library’s Indigenous team and the Library’s DX Lab. The collaboration drew on a range of skills, including input from Library staff, volunteers, an internship program (UTS Masters of Information Management) as well as engagement with a data specialist. Developer and data enthusiastic Chris McDowall worked with the DX Lab as a ‘Digital Drop In’ to create the test platform for the data using transcribed survey forms and correspondence received by the Royal Anthropological Society of Australasia between 1899 and 1903.
 
In developing Weemala, the Library was able to further expand the work of its Rediscovering Indigenous Languages project, which sought to make available the significant collections of Aboriginal language materials and word lists held within the Library’s collections. Weemala extends this work, using data to create new ways of engagement. The focus of exposing collections, and connecting the wider public to Indigenous Australian people was a core component of the project. As well as the commitment to engage Indigenous Australian communities with the Library’s collections to spark conversation and discussion about the nature and accuracy of the material that was historically collected.
 
The paper will demonstrate ways in which Libraries can effectively open up their data and build platforms that inspire curiosity, and in this case, connection with Indigenous Australian languages and place name meanings. It will also encourage participants to think about ways in which collections can be made more discoverable to enhance search and discovery of historic collections. It will also inspire others to think about respectful ways of opening up Indigenous Australian collections to deepen our understanding of place and history.

This joint submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) covers access to information, cultural materials and education, and the rights of vulnerable groups such as indigenous people, migrants, refugees and those with disabilities or on lower incomes.

This submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), highlights the success of public libraries, as government entities on the frontline of service delivery for diaspora communities. While public libraries are very much involved in this field, they are rarely recognised for this work.
 
Public libraries collaborate with their local communities to develop culturally appropriate programs; to provide books, magazines, newspapers and other resources in languages other than English; to celebrate diversity; to facilitate a greater sense of connection and build mutual understanding; to make physical spaces into culturally safe places; to support skills development for example with digital literacy and English as a second language.

GLAM Peak is the peak representative national body for Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums together with historical societies and humanities research across Australia. GLAM Peak's initiatives include sector-wide advocacy and the federally-funded Digital Access to Collections project. The GLAM sector’s strongest response to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to date has been at an institutional and peak body level, but the SDG are highly relevant for everyone involved in arts, culture and heritage – for curators, librarians, archivists, historians, researchers and the public who benefit from our work.
 
On 29 October 2019, participants at the GLAM Peak meeting at the State Library of Queensland developed a draft set of sector-wide Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) priorities. Members identified five themes – access, diversity, environmental sustainability, economic contribution and collaboration – and 12 priorities for further exploration. Further consultation with peak bodies and their members rounded out the draft priorities. While our day-to-day primary focus as a sector is necessarily on the national agenda, the crucial need for a global approach to sustainability became even more evident in 2020 as a result of Australia’s devastating bushfires, extreme weather conditions and the unleashing of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
This document presents the set of GLAM Peak SDG priorities confirmed at the meeting of GLAM Peak on 28 July 2020. The agreed document will be used to inform the thinking of institutions and other stakeholders about the SDG; to drive SDG-related activities in the sector, and to act as indicators of progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 

In recent times, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has relied on the NSW Crown Employees Award as the starting point for our salary scales, but we were concerned that these pay levels may not be reflective of the reality of the workplace. To test this, we embarked on a survey of people working in the sector. As a result, we have been able to produce this document, which provides a snapshot of real world pay and terms of employment across Australia at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020. 
 

In recent times, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has relied on the NSW Crown Employees Award as the starting point for our salary scales, but we were concerned that these pay levels may not be reflective of the reality of the workplace. To test this, we embarked on a survey of people working in the sector. As a result, we have been able to produce the "ALIA LIS pay and employment snapshot 2020", which provides an understanding of real world pay and terms of employment across Australia at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020.
 
This document provides an overview of the pay, terms of employment, age, job satisfaction and career intentions of public library employees.
 

In recent times, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has relied on the NSW Crown Employees Award as the starting point for our salary scales, but we were concerned that these pay levels may not be reflective of the reality of the workplace. To test this, we embarked on a survey of people working in the sector. As a result, we have been able to produce the "ALIA LIS pay and employment snapshot 2020", which provides an understanding of real world pay and terms of employment across Australia at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020.
 
This document provides an overview of the pay, terms of employment, age, job satisfaction and career intentions of TAFE library employees.
 

This submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) discusses the essential services Australia Post provides to libraries and the communities they serve. 

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) welcomes the development of a National Cultural Policy. A coherent national policy can provide the leverage and the focus that channels funding to agreed national priorities. For libraries, where our role spans many sectors, a national policy can bring together the complex parts and provide a clear statement of priority and intent. ALIA submits the following recommendations:
 

1. Libraries and national cultural collection institutions should be recognised separately within the National Cultural Policy
2. That the National Cultural Policy clearly define the way forward for national digitisation funds and projects to ensure appropriate preservation of Australian historically significant content and how they would support and link to other government initiatives such as the National Broadband Network. This could take the form of an online cultural collections strategy.
3. That the National Cultural Policy clearly define the way forward for preservation of significant born-digital Australian collections and how services such as the National Library of Australia’s Trove and Pandora will be supported to preserve more online content to enable greater access in the future.
4. To include an explicit goal in the National Cultural Policy in relation to preserving and ensuring ongoing access to Australia’s cultural collections in both digital and physical formats.

This submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) outlines the need for support for libraries in the research process, digitisation funding and support to ensure access to Australian content for all types of researchers.

This submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Public Libraries Victoria Network (PLVN) outlines the role public libraries as a part of the emergency management process.

This submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) discusses the role of libraries as important stakeholders in the promotion of a safer experience online for all Australians.
 
ALIA endorses and supports effective, practical and appropriate measures that assist Australians to manage their use of the internet. We believe that cybersafety education is one of the most effective strategies to manage content issues. Adequate funding of cybersafety education for children and parents should be a major component of the Government’s policy on online safety. The key to protecting children online is education, empowerment, supervision, and technology solutions informed by research and consultation.
 
A national coordinated approach that includes research, cybersafety education, effective policing of illegal content and appropriate technology solutions is required to meet the challenges of online harassment and security issues.