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Nationhood, national identity and democracy - Submission 63

Submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) submission in response to the Senate Inquiry into Nationhood, National Identity and Democracy Discussion Paper - 30 September 2019

All Australian public, school, university, TAFE and special libraries contribute to the development of an informed society and to citizens who can participate in public debate and decision making. Therefore, libraries are well placed to contribute to the discussion around nationhood, national identity and democracy. With a well-funded National, State, Territory and public library network, people have a better understanding of what it is to be Australian; are better equipped to engage in the democratic process and are more likely to be engaged citizens. The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) asks for the important work of libraries in this arena to be acknowledged in the Committee’s report.

Viv Barton, ALIA Vice President (President-elect) has chosen education as the theme for her Presidential year, from May 2020 – May 2021. It is a topic which goes to the very heart of ALIA, as the professional body for the library and information sector.

In 2018, the ALIA Board appointed the ALIA Education Advisory Committee, comprising leaders from education and institutions across the sector, to provide advice to the Board on ALIA’s education policies and guidelines. We currently work with LIS educators to shape quality contemporary courses in library and information science; we accredit higher education and vocational education institutions to deliver these courses; we provide a framework for ongoing learning through our PD Scheme; we offer a range of opportunities through ALIA Training; and we encourage professionals to include a relevant specialisation in their annual professional development commitment, as they work towards becoming a Distinguished Certified Professional. What might the future hold for us?

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is undertaking a survey in order to assess our current education position and the size of the gap between where we are now and our vision.

HLA News: National News Bulletin of Health Libraries Australia - The national health group of the Australian Library and Information Association

Contents: About CHIA: Certified Health Informatician Australasia -- HLA PD Days highlights and registration link -- Convenor's focus -- Storytime delights: National Simultaneous Storytime report -- Australian library research: polyglot on the world stage -- 2019 HLA and Medical Director Digital Health Information Award announcement -- Member spotlight: Michele Gaca -- 2019-2020 professional development opportunities.

HLA News: National News Bulletin of Health Libraries Australia - The national health group of the Australian Library and Information Association

Contents: Data management plans, or how to talk to researchers about data -- Convenor's focus -- 2019 HLA and Medical Director Digital Health Information Award -- Worthwhile experience: Cintamani Brown reflects on her HLA PD Days -- "How do i do that?" A literature review of research data management skill gaps of Canadian health sciences information professionals -- 2019 HLA PD Days: agenda, abstracts and links to presentations -- 2019-2020 professional development opportunities.

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.

Libraries across Australia are focused on improving services for people identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, whether they live in cities, towns or remote communities.

This document has examples of initiatives that are already underway, while highlighting opportunities for further improvement. It shows that libraries are maximising the use of their facilities, developing thoughtful programs, taking a more respectful approach to collections and expanding professional development opportunities for library and information professionals.

The report provides ideas for libraries that may not be so far advanced in their approach, and it prompts discussion about ways in which Australian libraries can work together to make further progress.

Fires, floods and failures: future proofing against disaster, 1 May 2019 Canberra

This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) discusses how Libraries Australia can help organisations guard against information loss due to natural disasters, human error, library closures or system issues.

Article by Jessica Coates, Australia Libraries Copyright Committee, from INCITE January/February 2019 Volume 40 Issue 1/2 - State of Australian Libraries.

2018 was a big year for copyright in Australia. It saw the start of several major changes that directly affect libraries, including improved provisions for providing access to people with a disability; simplified educational statutory licences; and a ‘fixed’ preservation exception.

The Competency Mapping work has produced a list of approximately 110 health-related courses, events and programs offered in 2019 that are relevant to health librarians and technicians in Australia. The courses are also mapped to HLA's eight competency areas.

INCITE: The magazine for library and information professionals - November/December 2019 Volume 40 Issue 11/12

Contents: From the President -- From the CEO -- TIK blog 9: Open access -- TIK blog 10: Collaboration -- Australian Reading Hour 2019 -- Library Lovers' Day 2020 -- News from your State and Territory Managers -- ALIA Board elections 2020 -- Digital inclusion -- Become a local aggregator of community content -- Sharing NLS9 online -- The Australia Inclusive Publishing Initiative -- Sensitively sharing the image collection -- Deadly Digital Communities -- The Immersive Storytelling Project -- Helping the community go digital -- The launch of National edeposit -- How regional libraries are leading digital innovation -- A digital collection for progressive movements -- Digital inclusion in higher education -- Let's talk about standards -- The library is an ideal place to host a comic-con -- How reading can be a serious leisure -- Libraries and the book industry work together on copyright -- Happy birthday to Friends of Libraries Australia -- People Places is a key resource for public libraries -- The 2019 Top End Award winners.

INCITE: The magazine for library and information professionals - May/June 2019 Volume 40 Issue 5/6 (supplement)

Article by Desert Peoples Centre Campus Library staff, from INCITE March/April 2019 Volume 40 Issue 3/4 - Indigenous Matters.

Desert Peoples Centre Campus Library staff, from the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in Central Australia, provide a range of services to Indigenous Australian people every day. Each team member came to the job via a unique path. In this article they share the story of their growth as library service providers.

Health Libraries Australia Professional Development Day, 18 & 19 July 2019 Melbourne: All about data - what do health librarians need to know in the data driven world of ehealth?

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanied the talk 'Bibliometric analysis of University of Newcastle systematic reviews'.

Health Libraries Australia Professional Development Day, 18 & 19 July 2019 Melbourne: All about data - what do health librarians need to know in the data driven world of ehealth?

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanied the talk "Polyglot search translator upgrades, or how have I spent HLA's money" by the winner of the HLA/Medical Director Digital Health Innovation Award 2018.

Health Libraries Australia Professional Development Day, 18 & 19 July 2019 Melbourne: All about data - what do health librarians need to know in the data driven world of ehealth?

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanied the talk "I want what she's got - providing a liaison librarian-supported metrics service".

Health Libraries Australia Professional Development Day, 18 & 19 July 2019 Melbourne: All about data - what do health librarians need to know in the data driven world of ehealth?

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanied the talk 'Digital health and professional identity in Australian health libraries - evidence from a 2018 census of the Australian health information workforce' delivered in the 'HLA reports and future directions - census update' session.

Health Libraries Australia Professional Development Day, 18 & 19 July 2019 Melbourne: All about data - what do health librarians need to know in the data driven world of ehealth?

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanied the talk 'Advocacy for health libraries' and outlines an approach to effective advocacy and describes seven ways to improve advocacy skills.

Health Libraries Australia Professional Development Day, 18 & 19 July 2019 Melbourne: All about data - what do health librarians need to know in the data driven world of ehealth?

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanied the workshop 'Work smarter, not harder: how to utilise data to build an efficient library service'.

The aim of these Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) guidelines is to provide all libraries, regardless of type, size or resourcing, with minimum standards for the provision of accessible and inclusive services for people with disabilities. These guidelines can be used to:

• analyse the present level of service,
• facilitate forward-planning,
• develop strategies for more effective services

These guidelines provide a benchmark to ensure that a standard minimum level of service is provided across the entirety of the library and information services sector.

The Future Humanities Workforce Consultation Paper has been designed to inform the national consultation process about the contribution and preparedness of Australia’s humanities research workforce for the future of work in academia and beyond. Engagement with stakeholders across all sectors will assist in the development of a comprehensive understanding of issues associated with the future humanities research workforce, including the current capacity and demographics of this workforce, and the skills and knowledge this workforce will require.

On behalf of our members, representing library and information professionals, libraries and information services, academics, researchers, research practitioners and the LIS community Australia-wide, the ALIA Research Advisory Committee welcomes the opportunity to provide a response to the paper.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) joint statement in support of the removal of overdue fines in public libraries.

A growing number of Australian public libraries are removing fines for overdue items. This is in line with the global movement to make libraries more accessible for all people in our community. A number of trials have established that often the cost of collecting overdue fines is greater than the revenue received. Overdue fines are also a distraction from the core work of public libraries: lending items, encouraging reading and facilitating free access to information.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) believes that employers are critical partners whose active involvement contributes positively at both the initial education stage and to the continuing professional development of library and information professionals.

Library and information employers have a key responsibility to support and assist education providers in producing graduates capable of providing quality information services. They also have a responsibility to provide opportunities for learning that support library and information professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills throughout their career in order to meet the changing needs of their clients, employers and society. This investment is essential in order to continually improve the quality of the profession and its capacity to support employer organisations.

The 2019 Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) library and information agenda was created after consultation with ALIA Members and states our goals for the next federal government.

POLICY

1. Improved access to data and scholarly information through the development and trial of open access models for government-funded research
2. Halt to government library closures and greater recognition of the role of library and information professionals in evidence-based decision-making
3. Greater recognition of the important part libraries play in literacy and learning for all ages
4. Continued recognition of the important part libraries play in digital inclusion
5. A national early literacy strategy
6. Support for the long-term success of the Australian book industry
7. Quality library services for tertiary students enrolled in universities, TAFEs and private Registered Training Organisations (RTO)
8. Qualified library staff employed in every school library
9. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

LEGISLATION

10. Further copyright law reform

11. Accreditation of higher education and VET courses by professional bodies

FUNDING

12. Further investment in digital access to cultural collections and digital infrastructure

13. Funding for library buildings as a vital element of Australia’s knowledge infrastructure

14. Funding for the delivery of egovernment services through public libraries

This document is a template letter to a local candidate for election in the 2019 Australian federal election, encouraging the candidate to support open access, investment in libraries and library staff and copyright law reform.

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.

Health Libraries Australia Professional Development Day, 18 & 19 July 2019 Melbourne: All about data - what do health librarians need to know in the data driven world of ehealth?

This poster presentation accompanied the talk delivered in the session 'HLA reports and future directions - new competencies for health librarians'.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) sets and maintains education standards for entry into the library and information professions in Australia and it plays a vital role in ensuring library and information science professionals are supported in their continuing professional development.

ALIA has a responsibility as a standards and compliance body to ensure the available education courses are high-quality accredited programs, both as a basis for professional practice and as a means of ongoing professional development, and to foster forward looking and dynamic educational opportunities for library and information professionals. To this end, ALIA works collaboratively with educators, students, employers and training providers to promote and encourage continuous improvement in the education of library and information professionals, institutional support for library and information courses and the contribution of practitioner expertise to courses and for ongoing professional development.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) works collaboratively with higher and vocational education institutions and registered training organisations (RTOs) recognised by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), employers, practitioners, students and other relevant professional associations to promote the development and continuous improvement of library and information science (LIS) courses.

ALIA’s course accreditation process is an essential mechanism to ensure the high standard of personnel engaged in information provision and forms the basis for international comparability and reciprocal recognition of qualifications, graduate success and mobility. ALIA accredits LIS courses at the Diploma, Bachelor, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters levels.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) recognises that the dynamic and changing library and information environment demands that library and information professionals continue to develop and broaden their knowledge and skills so that they can anticipate and respond to the needs of clients, organisations and society.

ALIA supports library and information professionals to engage in formal and informal learning experiences through the ALIA PD Scheme, ALIA Mentoring Scheme, ALIA conferences, symposia, events, forums and training.

HLA News: National News Bulletin of Health Libraries Australia - The national health group of the Australian Library and Information Association

Contents: "Can I use my phone on this ward?": Mobile technology use by graduate nurses -- Convenor's focus -- Crossing over: a positive switch -- AEBPLI goes to NZ -- Member spotlight: Gina Velli -- 2019 professional development opportunities.