Public libraries

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the consultation and commends the WA Public Libraries Working Group on its approach to planning for the future. Public libraries are transforming their facilities, programs, services, technologies and staff skills to meet the challenges of our increasingly digital society. However, a significant additional investment in terms of funding, resources, skills and capacity is needed to ensure plans can be realised.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) emphasises the role of public libraries in support of open government and digital tranformation through helping users to discover, access and use data. Libraries are trusted places, promoting equity and freedom of access to information and resources. They provide a valuable platform for government communication and public education initiatives.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) submission in response to the Digital Health Agency consultation discussing the value of Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) and Health Libraries Australia (HLA) as partners in the provision of access to authoritative health information.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) submission to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) discusses the invaluable role of public libraries in enabling digital inclusion. The submission recommends consultation be undertaken between the ABS and ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance about a funded education and communications plan for 2021 Census, to articulate the role of public libraries and allow for information sessions, factsheets, FAQs and handouts to be provided well in advance of any public-facing campaign.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) submission in response to enhancing online safety for children and older Australians. The submission recommends further integration of community focused programs into the Office of the eSafety Commissioner's portfolio.

National 2016 Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016 Adelaide: Engage Create Lead

This report, produced by ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) demonstrates how public libraries are supporting the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) agenda as centres of informal learning. It showcases what can be achieved through local government investment and public library staff skills and creativity.

ALIA National 2016 Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016, Melbourne: Engage, create, lead

National 2016 Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016 Adelaide: Engage Create Lead.

National 2016 Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016 Adelaide: Engage Create Lead.

This report accompanied a conference paper presented at the ALIA National 2016 Conference relating to the introduction of eGov, following an Australian Government committment to providing online services for all high volume federal services by 2017.

The report defines eGovernment, the role of public libraries in facilitating access to eGovernment information, and promotes use of the eGov Ready Library Toolkit to assist public libraries in supporting their community.