Each year the ALIA community recognises excellence in professional practice and research within the field of library and information management. When applying for a research grant, applicants must read the ethics guide and consider whether an ethics application is necessary for their proposed research.
Notice of meeting, agenda and special resolutions of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 31st Annual General Meeting held on 21 May 2019 at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Studies, Canberra.
Special resolutions to amend the ALIA Constitution including the restructuring of the Board to allow for a two-year presidential term and several other largely minor amendments to ensure consistency within the document and compliance with the requirements of the Corporations Law.
The Australian Library and Information Association’s (ALIA) move into a new building in Canberra in 1990 - 9-11 Napier Close, Deakin - was a major step for the Association. Over the years, ALIA Directors have debated the merits of retaining the building as the Association's main asset. After consultation with an Advisory Committee of long-term ALIA members and senior library leaders, the ALIA Board has made the decision to progress with the sale of the building. The property will be listed for sale in May 2020.
The financial status of ALIA is secure and stable. This decision has not been made because ALIA is in financial distress, but rather to safeguard the financial future of the Association. Our aim is to ensure the Association reaches its 100th anniversary in 2037 fit for purpose and in a strong and sustainable position. The sale will enable ALIA to create a substantial, flexible asset base, with several million dollars held in a balanced investment vehicle and it will relieve ALIA from the burden of property management and provide more flexibility for the future of the Association. There are no plans for ALIA to move from Canberra and, depending on the terms of the agreement, it is likely that the Association will remain in our current premises for at least three years post-sale and potentially longer.
Minutes of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 31st Annual General Meeting held on 21 May 2019 at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Studies, Canberra.
Special resolutions to amend the ALIA Constitution including the restructuring of the Board to allow for a two-year presidential term and several other largely minor amendments to ensure consistency within the document and compliance with the requirements of the Corporations Law passed unanimously.
The Australian Library and Information Association’s (ALIA) move into a new building in Canberra in 1990 - 9-11 Napier Close, Deakin - was a major step for the Association. Over the years, ALIA Directors have debated the merits of retaining the building as the Association's main asset. After consultation with an Advisory Committee of long-term ALIA members and senior library leaders, the ALIA Board has made the decision to progress with the sale of the building. The property will be listed for sale in May 2020.
The financial status of ALIA is secure and stable. This decision has not been made because ALIA is in financial distress, but rather to safeguard the financial future of the Association. Our aim is to ensure the Association reaches its 100th anniversary in 2037 fit for purpose and in a strong and sustainable position. The sale will enable ALIA to create a substantial, flexible asset base, with several million dollars held in a balanced investment vehicle and it will relieve ALIA from the burden of property management and provide more flexibility for the future of the Association. There are no plans for ALIA to move from Canberra and, depending on the terms of the agreement, it is likely that the Association will remain in our current premises for at least three years post-sale and potentially longer.
Explanation of special resolutions to amend the ALIA Constitution considered at the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 21 May 2019 at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Studies, Canberra.
Special resolutions to amend the ALIA Constitution including the restructuring of the Board to allow for a two-year presidential term and several other largely minor amendments to ensure consistency within the document and compliance with the requirements of the Corporations Law.
ALIA New Librarians' Symposium 8 (NLS8), 23-25 June 2017 Canberra: DIY Library Career
The New Librarians’ Symposium (NLS) is a biennial 3-day event hosted by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). The first NLS was held in 2002 in Brisbane, and has since proved to be a popular professional development event with attendees at each event from across Australasia. The New Librarians’ Symposiums encourages participation in the industry by new graduates, and provide a welcoming environment for both new and established professionals to exchange ideas and make connections across the industry.
ALIA Information Online 2019 Conference, 11-15 February 2019 Sydney: Infinite Possibilities
This conference paper provides an analysis of collection, circulation and customer data relating to eBook lending statistics.
9th ALIA Top End Symposium, 16-17 October 2015 Darwin: Evolution, Excellence and Energy - the triple E approach to future proofing libraries
The ALIA Top End Symposium is held bi-annually and is a gathering for the celebration of the Territory Libraries and to generate new ideas for the library sector in the Top End.
As a profession we need to future proof libraries to ensure long term sustainability. Innovation is our job. We must evolve and proactively satisfy client needs in complex and changing environments. Making libraries indispensable by providing excellent services to our community is one way. Energetically engaging our communities is another. But are we really taking the right path? Do we need to do more, or possibly do it differently? What are your ideas?
ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
In 2014 the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) recommended the introduction of an American-style fair use, an architecture of non category-based permissible exceptions to the exclusive rights of copyright owners. The conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) supports discussion of the ALRC report and possible futures for Australian copyright law.
ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
Abstract:
Using one subject class as a case study, this presentation will discuss the value of innovation in constructively aligning the teaching of information literacy skills into a subject in terms of student engagement and outcomes. In the context of reimagining an existing subject, the library lecture was completely redeveloped. The results of the first assessment, an annotated bibliography, showed that all students found relevant scholarly resources and all passed.
The foundation BA subject has been taught for 4 years with lectures video conferenced across 2 campuses in a traditional format of 2 hour lectures and a 1 hour tutorial. Library staff taught a 1 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial. The format changed to a 1 hour lecture followed by a 1 hour lectorial focused on skill building and assessment – a blended leture room; and a 1 hour tutorial focused on discussing the lecture content.
The teachers requested a lecture demonstrating specific skills. They requested and participated in a practice run of the class. The library lecture and resources demonstrated, set the foundation for the following lectorial. Students were engaged and actively participated in tasks and demonstrated sound understanding of information literacy concepts demonstrated in the lecture in terms of credibility, authority, audience, bias and usefulness.
The redeveloped library lecture took about 40 hours to prepare. This included the development of a detailed run sheet and an assessment question analysed using a People, Events and other Considerations (PEC) methodology. A themed 13 slide PowerPoint presentation used to conclude the lecture was also prepared.
At all times the process was a true collaboration between library and teaching staff. Student outcomes were at the centre of planning. The teaching staff, were integral to developing an effective library lecture which was constructively aligned with assessment questions and assessment tasks. The library in class time commitment for the subject was reduced from 7 hours to just 3 hours making this innovation in learning support more sustainable.
The reimagined library lecture was made possible by a willingness to accept constructive criticism; a willingness to work at the edge of comfort zones; a willingness to devote a large amount of time at a very busy time of year; and a willingness to take risks. As Librarians we need to embrace new ideas and practices to facilitate emerging teaching methodologies.
ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) supports the paper "At the edge, collaboration and the blended lecture room: breaking the mould to improve student learning" presented at the ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference.
Abstract:
Using one subject class as a case study, this presentation will discuss the value of innovation in constructively aligning the teaching of information literacy skills into a subject in terms of student engagement and outcomes. In the context of reimagining an existing subject, the library lecture was completely redeveloped. The results of the first assessment, an annotated bibliography, showed that all students found relevant scholarly resources and all passed.
The foundation BA subject has been taught for 4 years with lectures video conferenced across 2 campuses in a traditional format of 2 hour lectures and a 1 hour tutorial. Library staff taught a 1 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial. The format changed to a 1 hour lecture followed by a 1 hour lectorial focused on skill building and assessment – a blended leture room; and a 1 hour tutorial focused on discussing the lecture content.
The teachers requested a lecture demonstrating specific skills. They requested and participated in a practice run of the class. The library lecture and resources demonstrated, set the foundation for the following lectorial. Students were engaged and actively participated in tasks and demonstrated sound understanding of information literacy concepts demonstrated in the lecture in terms of credibility, authority, audience, bias and usefulness.
The redeveloped library lecture took about 40 hours to prepare. This included the development of a detailed run sheet and an assessment question analysed using a People, Events and other Considerations (PEC) methodology. A themed 13 slide PowerPoint presentation used to conclude the lecture was also prepared.
At all times the process was a true collaboration between library and teaching staff. Student outcomes were at the centre of planning. The teaching staff, were integral to developing an effective library lecture which was constructively aligned with assessment questions and assessment tasks. The library in class time commitment for the subject was reduced from 7 hours to just 3 hours making this innovation in learning support more sustainable.
The reimagined library lecture was made possible by a willingness to accept constructive criticism; a willingness to work at the edge of comfort zones; a willingness to devote a large amount of time at a very busy time of year; and a willingness to take risks. As Librarians we need to embrace new ideas and practices to facilitate emerging teaching methodologies.
Fires, floods and failures: future proofing against disaster, 1 May 2019 Canberra
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) outlines the disaster responses, challenges and lessons learned in relation to the flooding of the Australian National University (ANU) Chifley Library.
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Australian Government’s Online Safety Legislative Reform Discussion Paper and applauds the move to bring together existing measures in a single framework and supports the expansion of the role of the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. However, there are specific areas of concern regarding the legislation in relation to library accountability, digital content, reporting requirements, and the relationship with other legislative reform.
ALIA and our library members are generally in favour of the approach to Online Safety Legislative Reform described in the Discussion Paper but we appreciate the opportunity to voice our specific concerns and look forward to further involvement as the consultation moves into the next phase.
Australian libraries – especially public, State and Territory Libraries – have found the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) to be an invaluable source of data about the levels of digital inclusion nationally, regionally and locally. The information gained from the ADII reports has enabled libraries to advocate successfully for investment in technology, programs and services to meet the needs of their communities and users. It has identified specific target groups requiring greater assistance, and it has helped guide program and service development.
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) thanks Telstra, the Centre for Social Impact and RMIT University for creating the Australian Digital Inclusion Index and would welcome the opportunity to be involved in any further consultation or testing prior to the launch of ADII 2.0.
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) submission in response to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) National Health Information Strategy online consultation.
Contents: About ALIA -- President's report -- Chief Executive Officer's report -- Director Corporate Services' report -- Director of Learning's report -- Director of Conferences and Events' report -- How we performed against the ALIA Board's strategic plan -- Our membership -- Advocacy campaigns -- Government and stakeholder relations -- Special projects -- Conferences and events -- ALIA in the regions -- Education, professional development and training -- Awards -- Communications -- Financial statements.
This document, revised in October 2020, describes the role, skills and attributes, and duties and responsibilities of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Board of Directors.
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) will achieve its vision, provide leadership, and influence the successful evolution of the library and information (LIS) sector in Australia through the four strategic priorities: leadership and advocacy; members and membership; education and professional development; future-proofing ALIA.
ALIA will actively seek out partnerships and opportunities for collaboration which will complement our strategic priorities and provide us with further opportunities to expand our capacity, reach and profile.
Agenda for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Board of Directors Meeting held on Monday 7 December 2020 via Zoom.
Agenda for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Board of Directors Meeting held on Monday 4 May 2020 via GoToMeeting.
Agenda for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Board of Directors Meeting held on Monday 27 March 2020 via GoToMeeting.
As of 1 May, governments have started planning to ease restrictions on services, with the Northern Territory announcing the reopening of public library services from 15 May. We anticipate greater clarity in the coming weeks about when libraries may be able to ease restrictions on services and reopen fully. While government can make broad statements about libraries reopening, the details will need to be carefully planned by library managers to mitigate any remaining risks for staff and library users. Reopening will not mean going back to the way things were pre-COVID-19; it will mean putting in place the ‘new normal’ approach to library services.
This is the opportunity for libraries to prioritise their existing services and refocus investment on the services which are most highly valued by users. Some services which have been established for the duration of the pandemic will need to be removed as they will be redundant; there will no longer be the capacity to deliver them, or they will no longer be permissible. However, other innovations will most likely become part of normal service.
In practical terms, there will need to be a greater focus on the safe handling of items for borrowing and display. The Institute of Museum and Library Services, OCLC and Battelle in the US are collaborating to develop an evidence-based approach to safe reopening practices, providing information about how to handle materials, training and cleaning in libraries.
The International Federation of Library Associations is also gathering information about the strategies that libraries around the world are taking, as they plan to reopen their libraries.
Each library will have its own plans for reopening, depending on the sector and the specific needs of the library’s community, but the checklist provides a practical framework which outlines major considerations that library managers should be addressing, when planning to reopen their library.
Agenda for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Board of Directors Meeting held on 9 December 2019 at ALIA House, Canberra.
Agenda for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Board of Directors Meeting held on Tuesday 18 August 2020 via Zoom.
Minutes of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 32nd Annual General Meeting held on 4 May 2020 at ALIA House, Canberra and via webinar.
Agenda for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Board of Directors Meeting held on 10 September 2019 at ALIA House, Canberra.
Agenda for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Board of Directors Meeting held on Wednesday 22 May 2019 at ALIA House, Canberra.
Agenda for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Board of Directors Meeting held on 21 May 2019 at ALIA House, Canberra.
This report concludes that Library and information science is an occupation with a relatively small, highly qualified workforce (representing approximately 0.2% of the Australian labour force) and an equally small education footprint (approximately 0.2% of VET students and 0.1% of higher education students).
Although the LIS workforce is small, our sector has significant reach and profile because millions of Australians use library services. More than 8.6 million Australians are registered public library users (source: National and State Libraries Australasia statistics) and still more use university, VET, special and school libraries.
The library and information sector remains an attractive proposition. It has a higher average age for workers, many of whom benefit from the option of part time flexible working. However, the workforce tends to be fairly static, with a relatively small number of vacancies occurring through staff turnover, people leaving the sector and the creation of new positions. The full impact of Baby Boomer retirement has yet to be felt, with people staying longer in the workforce.
There will be a modest increase in the number of qualified positions available over the next five years, but a significant decrease in the number of positions for staff without a library and information science qualification. Changes to ALIA’s professional development program in the lead up to 2020 will reflect the need for Certified Professional status in many parts of the sector.