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Internet access in public libraries has become a core offering, providing equity of access for people without the benefit of a PC at home, and the demand from library users has been on a consistently upward trend for more than a decade.

The responses to the 2013 survey, in common with those of 2011, suggested that libraries will continue to face a tough juggling act to deliver what library users want and need, within the limitations of their current budgets and within the capacity of their existing staff.

Internet access in public libraries has become a core offering, providing equity of access for people without the benefit of a PC at home, and the demand from library users has been on a consistently upward trend for more than a decade.
The responses to the 2011 survey suggested that, while library managers were doing their best to meet this demand within the limits of their resources, these resources were becoming over-stretched and there were concerns about their ability to maintain service levels in the future

The Internet access in public libraries survey 2008, conducted by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), analyses responses from public libraries in all states and territories across Australia. Over 200 public libraries responded to the survey. The library services which participated in the survey represent 6,920,476 registered users and have over 147,000 people accessing internet services in their libraries each week.

Filtering software selectively controls what content Internet users can view and what activities they can participate in, using a variety of automatic technologies and set parameters.

This survey of internet access in public libraries covers 41 per cent of public libraries across Australia. Library services which participated in the survey represent almost 6 million registered users and over 77 000 people access internet services in these libraries each week.
This report is a follow-up to a similar survey in 2002 and provides up-to-date information on how public library internet services are being managed, delivered and used.

The purpose of this national early literacy framework and strategy for Australian public libraries is to define the special role of public libraries in early literacy; to raise the profile of the important role that public libraries play in pre-school learning both internally (with library staff) and externally, with the public, government and especially funding bodies; to gain formal recognition from government and other agencies providing early childhood support and services, resulting in the inclusion of public library representatives in high level state, territory and local government p

The ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) is the peak body for public libraries in Australia. Our committee comprises the chair of every state-based public library association, a senior representative from the ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmanian library services, and expert members. We represent 94% of all the 1500 public libraries across Australia through membership subscription.

An environmental scan of Australian Library and Information Studies (LIS) research was undertaken focusing on the period 2005–2013.
 
This was in response to a brief from ALIA that sought such an analysis to inform its decisions in relation to content of a future research agenda, support, advocacy, and future funding.
 

There were five themes that emerged, specific to TAFE and RTO (registered training organisation) libraries. 1. Disruption. 2. A VET future. 3. Level playing field. 4. Professional support. 5. Our vision.

There were ten themes that emerged, specific to libraries in Australia’s 39 universities. 1. Switched to digital. 2. Libraries, MOOCs and online learning. 3. Operating in the global market. 4. The best online experience. 5. Maintaining visibility in an online environment. 6. Subject matter experts. 7. Making space. 8. Patron driven acquisition. 9. Supporting research. 10. Libraries as publishers.