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The Australian Digital Alliance (ADA) welcomes changes to the Copyright Amendment (Disability Access and Other Measures) Bill. These reforms are essential to foster the development of Australia’s digital economy and ensure all Australians share in its benefits. We welcome and support the Bill’s introduction into Parliament at the earliest opportunity this year.

This statement of Core Principles provides a broad policy framework for provision of library and information management services by Australian Government Libraries Information Network (AGLIN) member libraries.

In 2015, the Executive of the Australian Government Libraries and Information Network (AGLIN) commissioned a study into Commonwealth Government library and research services. Following a literature review discussing the issues and challenges facing contemporary government information services (Hallam & Faraker, 2016), relevant organisational data about the individual services was collected through an online service, and library staff shared their views and insights in a series of focus groups. The research findings were presented in an Options Paper, which outlined four potential models for service delivery the government library and information services (Hallam, 2016).
 
One major limitation with the initial research project was noted: the timing of the study, late in the year, meant that it was not possible to involve senior members of the Australian Public Service in the study. The Stage 2 project, Consultation with Senior Executives and Policy Managers in Government Agencies, seeks to address these shortcomings. The value of the study lies in engaging the research subjects in discussions about the future of library and information services to support government staff working in research, policy and regulatory agencies.

Research grants of up to $5000 are offered by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). The Research Grant Award is open to library practitioners and early career LIS researchers who are Members of ALIA. 
The purpose of the award is to enable the recipient to undertake a research program on a selected library or information issue of present and future relevance to the development and improvement of library and information services in Australia.
This document provides a template for recipients of the Research Grant Award to complete for quarterly reporting to ALIA.
 

National 2016 Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016 Adelaide: Engage Create Lead.
 
[Peer reviewed] This conference paper puts forward the Academic Librarian Competencies Model (ALCM) based on the findings of a single-workplace study which explores the approaches and tools Early Career Librarians (ECLs) can utilise to equip themselves with the necessary skills and capabilities to determine their own professional development.
 
The authors are ECLs, working as members of Monash University Library’s (MUL) Research and Learning team. This team’s mandate is to ensure students develop the required research and academic writing skills for success both while at university, and in the workforce. The library as a professional environment is on the cusp of pivotal change with baby boomer employees approaching retirement age.
 
With this change comes the threat of a loss of knowledge, with outgoing staff potentially taking skills with them before ECLs have had a chance to recognise and work towards developing these skills for themselves.To address this issue, this paper discusses the adaption of the Work Skill Development (WSD) Framework (Bandaranaike & Willison, 2009), and the Chartered Institution of Library and Information Professionals’ (CILIP) Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) self-assessment tool (CILIP, 2014). Through the adaptation of these two generic frameworks, the authors have created ALCM which is specific to those working in the academic library sector, and allows ECLs in particular to map their existing capabilities against the skills necessary for professional development.
 

It is the responsibility of the researcher and ALIA to ensure that any research funded by the Association meets national ethical guidelines.
This document outlines requirements to meet ethical standards when conducting library and information research.

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Australian School Library Association (ASLA) policy describing the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in school libraries and their impact on the delivery and use of information and communication services.

In 2017 the ALIA International Relations Advisory Committee was formed to advise the ALIA Board on issues related to international affairs, advocate on the benefits both for individuals and the Association in international engagement, encourage international collaboration and sharing of ideas and build awareness within the Australian library community of involvement in various international initiatives. 
 
This brief report provides an update of international activities as of January 2018.
 

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Australian School Library Association (ASLA) policy to fulfil a school's teaching and learning goals through a well funded and appropriately resources school library.

Public libraries across Australia provide and facilitate invaluable, community-focused workshops and programs for people with, or at risk of developing, mental ill-health. We provide information, raise awareness and aim to help remove any stigma from mental health issues. Hospital libraries, in addition to providing evidence-based information about mental health, are involved with work-based mental health programs, supporting health professionals for whom it is essential to care first for themselves, before being able to care for others. As libraries provide this ad hoc support for library patrons it often falls on individual libraries to train their staff in mental health first aid. Additionally, as reading plays an important role in maintaining good mental health, by allowing people to explore other places, times, people, situations, and look for meaning in their own lives, the role that libraries in providing access to books cannot be undervalued.
 
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) recommends that there be more formal support and funding for libraries to facilitate this support, starting with a pilot scheme. Funding for a pilot of a more ‘joined up’ approach between existing service providers would demonstrate how libraries, in partnership with case workers, could assist those suffering metal illness to be safe and utilise these welcoming and supportive community spaces. The introduction of more consistent and formalised funding to enable public libraries and hospital libraries to run the programs and workplace initiatives described in this submission is critical to ensure that libraries can continue to provide these services.
 
ALIA, ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance and ALIA Health Libraries Australia would welcome the opportunity to engage in discussions with the Productivity Commission about the points raised in this submission.
 

This seminar presentation (PowerPoint slides), presents a summary of the School Libraries Research Project conducted by Dr Lyn Hay for the ALIA Professional Pathways Project. This includes an overview of the project itself and key findings relating to school library and employee demographics; school library positions and roles; qualifications and qualification pathways.
 
As part of the Professional Pathways Initiative, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) commissioned research in November 2021 to address the specialised needs of school libraries within the context of ALIA’s vision for developing a professional pathways framework.
 
The purpose of this project was to ensure that library and information professionals working in school libraries are clearly differentiated, appropriately qualified through relevant, contemporary course content, and able to access appropriate and recognised continuing professional development wherever they are in Australia, through their state association and through national providers.
 
The School Libraries Research Project Report addresses the nature and demographics of employee groups in Australian school libraries; existing qualifications and education pathways; the knowledge, skills, and competencies required of school library employees; ethics and professionalism within the context of school libraries; and continuing professional development. It concludes with a summary of key findings and a set of five recommendations.
 

ALIA Universities and Research Libraries (URLs) ACT, 14 September 2017 Canberra: Strange bedfellows - partnerships and collaborations in the age of digital disruption
 
The ALIA URL group provides a networking and information-sharing forum for all levels of library staff interested in issues and trends affecting the development of university and research libraries. 
 
This seminar provides an insight into the ways information professionals in academic and research institutions are working with a broad range of partners to apply their skills in new and creative ways to demonstrate value and impact, curating research data, managing repositories and building online collections. 

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Australian School Library Association (ASLA) statement describing and promoting the role of teacher librarians in Australian schools.

Article by Kim Sherwin from INCITE January/February 2021 Volume 42 Issue 1 - Qualifications.
 
This article discusses the current Director's experiences on being on the ALIA Board.