Public libraries

The Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report is an annual project by the Australian Library and Information Association Australian Public Libraries Alliance (ALIA APLA) and National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) that identifies and measures usage and activities of Australia's public library services over the financial year. This report covers the statistics in the financial year 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024.

This document acknowledges participants in the national research project investigating workplace violence and aggression in Australian public and academic libraries and provides early research findings.

In this submission to the National Cultural Policy consultation, ALIA supports the retention of the five pillars as the foundation for the renewed National Cultural Policy: First Nations First; A Place for Every Story; Centrality of the Artist; Strong Cultural Infrastructure; and Engaging the Audience.

This submission to the National Cultural Policy consultation calls on the government to strengthen its recognition of and support for Australia’s public libraries as places which provide essential social and cultural infrastructure.

This report, produced jointly by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and PressReader, explores how public libraries across the country are responding to the need for media literacy.

Funded by the Charlotte Henry Study Grant 2023, this zine contains key insights and information as part of Jade Smith's research into graphic novel collections in NSW libraries. The aims of the reflective research, undertaken during her Master of Information Studies (Applied Research) project, were to investigate the value of graphic novel collections in libraries and how these can be leveraged and understood in the context of a collection that can sometimes be challenged, maligned or misappropriated.

The Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report is an annual project by the Australian Library and Information Association Australian Public Libraries Alliance (ALIA APLA) and National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) that identifies and measures usage and activities of Australia's public library services over the financial year. This report covers the statistics in the financial year 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023.

Abstract:

Public libraries today face the challenge of educating and bridging the knowledge gaps of those patrons in their communities who have limited experience with information technology, and few related skills. Connecting people with information, fostering digital skills in the community, and enabling participation in online environments have become core functions of the library. These functions, which are lacking in other public and private spaces, are increasingly relied upon by library users to socialise, develop themselves and conduct their business.

Abstract:

Some would say living in North Queensland with 90% humidity, raging cyclones, swimming with deadly jellyfish and crocodiles is challenging, yet this is nothing compared to leading staff through major cultural, operational and organisational change.

ALIA National 2022 Conference, 16 May - 19 May 2022 Canberra: Diversity

This conference paper discusses the efforts made, outcomes achieved and lessons learned from Wollongong City Libraries' Workforce Planning Project.