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The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) welcome the opportunity to respond to the Regional Telecommunications Review 2018. ALIA and APLA recommend that consideration be given to a new funding stream to support libraries and enable them to provide digital programs and services, particularly in regional, rural and remote locations. Introducing a sustainable funding model would ensure equity of access to the benefits of new technologies for all Australians and help bridge the widening digital divide.

The Australian Libraries Copyright Committee (ALCC) welcomes current changes to the Bill as an initial step in improving Australia's safe harbour arrangements, but encourage further amendments to ensure that all local online service providers have the same legal certainty. The amendments proposed will provide significant benefits to Australia's library and archive community. They will lower the risk involved in digital engagement projects, and enable our members to more confidently make use of the latest technologies and tools. ALCC also maintains its support for the further extension of the copyright safe harbours to all online service providers, including commercial platforms.

Submission by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) in response to the government inquiry into Canberra's national institutions. ALIA describes the invaluable role and services provided by the National Library of Australia.

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) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the National Arts and Disability Strategy discussion paper on behalf of our Members. It is good to see within the document the acknowledgement of libraries as community infrastructure promoting access to the arts for everyone. Public libraries across Australia are transforming their facilities, programs, services, technologies and staff skills to meet the challenges of our increasingly digital society, all the while ensuring that access is maintained and wherever possible improved, for people living with disability.

Health Libraries Australia (HLA) is the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) national health libraries group. The terms of reference for the HLA Executive define the commitee's:

• responsibilities,
• portfolios,
• membership,
• terms of appointment,
• quorum,
• frequency of meetings; and
• reporting. 

Since 2015, ALIA has been the lead association for discussions with the Australian Government and other stakeholders about the role that libraries play in contributing to the delivery of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). We have been working to assist Australian library and information professionals and their organisations to be part of this international drive for greater social equality, improved economic prosperity and a more sustainable environmental approach. Our initiatives are based on three roles for libraries: (1) Supporting freedom of access to information outcomes; (2) Providing examples of success, which can be used as part of Australia’s reporting; and (3) Helping to communicate the 2030 Agenda to the general population.

ALIA could list projects and achievements for all 17 goals, but instead have chosen the 10 goals which best relate to the Australian experience and where we have the strongest examples of library contributions nationally and in each of our states and territories. Goal 1 No poverty -- Goal 3 Good health and well-being -- Goal 4 Quality education -- Goal 5 Gender equality -- Goal 8 Decent work and economic growth -- Goal 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure -- Goal 10 Reduced inequalities -- Goal 11 Sustainable cities and communities -- Goal 16 Peace and justice strong institutions -- Goal 17 Partnerships for the goals

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare

This conference paper discusses the opportunities for libraries to create new user experiences through augumented reality (AR) technology.

AR technology embeds virtual information into the real world environment. A collaboration between Kāpiti Coast District Libraries, Wellington City Libraries, and a local tech start-up ScimitAR, led to the development of an AR “ScavengAR Hunt”, launched in both libraries during the October school holidays. Our aims were to:

• provide existing customers with new ways of discovering and interacting with library spaces and collections
• attract new customers to visit our libraries

Thanks to dynamic leaps through the development and test phases, the app went live at the end of week one of the holidays.  We directed customers to use Android devices (BYOD or library-provided) to complete five AR challenges located throughout any of our branch 15 libraries. We wanted to deliver a “whole of community” experience, so ensured the challenges were self-correcting (users could identify the correct answer through a process of elimination) and visual (users did not need to read text to solve each challenge). Once all five challenges were successfully completed, the app directed customers to collect an AR-enabled bookmark that brought a “Mahi the Moa” character to life.

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare

[Peer reviewed] This conference paper builds on previous research that evaluated the impact of an embedded online academic and information literacy module into the Learning and Management System (LMS) of a first year university business course. The research findings concluded:

“this resource contributed to student success, and that staff and student satisfaction with the resource contributed to increased confidence with student academic skills and information literacy in respect to their assignment task. Assessing the impact of the online resource on student success has helped to demonstrate the value of the library at Griffith University to the wider community” (Rae & Hunn. 2015 p. 1)

Since the original module was created and embedded into the LMS for a single course in 2014, the provision of these inpidual, assessment specific, online modules has expanded into all levels of Business School undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Academic interest has piqued due to the movement into blended learning offerings at Griffith University demanding equitable access to academic and information literacy support.  Data was gathered over the years 2014 to 2017 on unique users and page views of the modules. Usage has leaped from 4,442 page visits by 910 unique users in one course in 2014, to 271,556 page visits by 12,456 unique users in 45 different courses in 2017. 

Whilst the learning analytics of the data gathered continues to indicate positive impact on students and so supports the continued and increased provision of these resources, other issues around sustainability have arisen and need to be addressed. The aim of this paper is to examine how the use of an e-learning maturity model can help  address issues of sustainability  that arise as part of supporting an online approach to academic and information literacy support. 

Submission by ALIA to the first round consulation of the Australian Public Service Review, 31 July 2018.

This review is looking at the capability, culture and operating model of the APS.

The submission presents a case against library staffing and service reductions in government libraries and requests that the APS Review consider the following five recommendations:

1. That the review recognise the importance of knowledge and information to the efficient and effective operation of the APS.

2. That the review endorse the ongoing need for qualified library and information professionals serving the Commonwealth Government.

3. That the review propose exploration of new service models for library and information services, with advice from ALIA and other relevant organisations.

4. That the review note the opportunity for the recruitment and employment of Indigenous professionals in the library stream.

5. That the APS recognise the need for specialist skills in the management of library and information services.

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare

This conference paper discusses the approach by University of Adelaide to improve research outcomes through reducing researcher time spent on administrative tasks; and through more effective storage and exposure of research outputs. The University’s organisational structure did not provide a clear pathway for a co-ordinated, enterprise wide approach; so a new, cross-portfolio researcher engagement process was designed and implemented. This paper will describe the partners and the processes - who is involved, how they work, and our successes and challenges. 

Technology Services and the Library collaboratively staff a three-tiered service model. The engagement is spearheaded by a Change Manager who works with key researchers to identify their pain points and identify an appropriate solution; then lead the implementation and uptake of the products and services to facilitate their work. The Change Manager is supported by the eResearch Project Librarian. This role, funded jointly by the Library and by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), assists in the design of new services, the identification of useful products, and in their implementation. Services include broad-based researcher support and training. Products include ORCiD, Researcher Profiles, figshare data repository for open data, online Data Management Records and Altmetric Explorer. The eResearch Librarian then works to upskill the third tier of research support: the Liaison Librarians.

Once a particular research tool is no longer a ‘project; and becomes part of ‘business as usual’ it becomes the responsibility of the Liaison Librarians. The Liaison Librarians are aligned to a Faculty portfolio to allow them to develop discipline specific skills. For example, the Liaison Librarian responsible for the Faculty of Arts has Digital Humanities expertise, whereas the Liaison Librarian with responsibility for the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences will develop deeper knowledge around de-identifying research data to allow open access. This discipline specific knowledge, in conjunction with relationships with researchers within their Faculties, makes the Liaison Librarians well placed to provide targeted ongoing support.

In 2017 the University rolled out an unprecedented number of research supporting technologies with resounding take-up by the University’s research community. The take-up is a clear measure of success for this approach. The Liaison Librarians learnt new skills and new ways of engaging with researchers. Library staff began to work more deeply and collaboratively with research support staff in Technology Services, Faculties and Schools and the Office of the Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Research), building credibility and prominence across the wider University. This cross-structural approach to research support has been a demonstrably successful model. The combination of resources provided by Technology Services and the Library provided both bandwidth and a diverse skill set which enabled new initiatives that would not have been possible by one business unit alone.

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare

This conference paper discusses networking and its importance to the continuing health and development of libraries.

While library professionals are creating a welcoming and vibrant local library environment, I want to argue that networking is vital to the vibrancy of the profession, to professional development of the library professional and the richness of the lived library life. I will be using network theory to suggest that networking can add an incredible depth of richness to the local library experience. I will be touching on “small world theory” – who are the connectors in your community? Who are the people who have the time to connect to other people in your community? Small world theory arises out of the 6 degrees of separation phenomena; that through just 5 steps or 6 degrees of separation we can connect to almost anyone on the planet. How can we use this in libraries to connect ideas and learnings?

I will also talk about “lifecycles of emergence”, which is an idea that networks change the world, or, in our case, libraries, through a fourfold process – name, connect, nourish, illuminate. The world doesn't change one person at a time.  It changes as networks of relationships form among people who discover they share a common cause and vision of what is possible. I will then talk about ‘thick networks’. As George Monbiot has written “creating what practitioners call “thick networks”: projects that proliferate, spawning further ventures and ideas that weren’t envisaged when they started. They then begin to develop a dense, participatory culture that becomes attractive and relevant to everyone…” How can libraries and library professionals become the creators of these “thick networks” and how will that change how we do things?

Lastly, I will touch on “Modality and Sodality” theory. A modality is an organisational structure that is designed for long-term stability. It establishes routines and typically stays in one place for an extended period. Libraries are an example of a modality. A sodality is a group structure that is designed for mobility and trans-local activity. Their goal is not permanent residency, but seasonal, itinerant residency, that is marked with transition and travel. We, as library professionals, can be seen as a sodality.

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare

This conference paper [peer reviewed] presents an innovative case study of a curriculum integration research project which began in late 2011 with the integration of academic and information literacy (AIL) skills into the undergraduate programme of Pacific Studies at university.

Challenging the traditional ways of raising, embedding and sustaining student outcomes and success in tertiary institutions for diverse minority learners and equity groups is essential. Crucial to the success of the project is the application and implementation of indigenous Pacific pedagogies and approaches in student engagement, teaching and learning, the active support of the Head of Department and a collective partnership approach between academics, Libraries and Learning Services, and other teams.

The project included curriculum mapping to the University Graduate Profile, a three year research survey exploring the AIL skills of 1st year and 3rd year Pacific students, ongoing student feedback, evaluations, and project enhancements. The authors examine the implications and outcomes of Pacific AIL (PAIL) integration which include: assignment questions and assessments; essay guides; First Year Experience (FYE) Targeted Learning sessions; the development of marking rubrics and their implementation in Stage 1 courses and beyond; and the inclusion of skill based workshops into the existing Pacific Studies academic enhancement programme, Vaka Moana. Future developments and sustainability of the ‘cross team’ approach in curriculum integration for student success outcomes are discussed.

Library Lovers' Day 2018: love letters to libraries [card]

14 February is Library Lovers’ Day – a chance for Australia’s 8 million library users to show their appreciation of these much loved institutions. And this year, we’ll be publishing love letters to libraries from some of our top authors. Would you like to add a quote to our collection?

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), through the Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA), has identified the need for an easy way for library services to identify, collate and report on the activities which contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This template identifies the 10 goals that are most appropriate to Australian libraries and provides ideas for the kinds of content under each goal.

ALIA Schools Professional Development Event, 25 August 2018 Glen Iris, Victoria: Advocacy Matters!?!

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) supports the session Model 2: Allocated budget.

Exercises for schools.

The 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is being celebrated around the world this year and there will be special events at the National Library of Australia and several State Libraries on 10 December 2018, in partnership with the UN Association of Australia.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights speaks to the values held by library and information professionals, and in May 2017, Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Members voted to include a new Object in our Constitution: "to endorse the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in response to the many challenges faced by the world today and into the future."

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) brief submission in response to the issues paper supports the appointment of a National Data Commissioner to oversee data sharing and release.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) supports freedom of access to public library and information services to enable all community members to participate and contribute to society, to actively contribute to social inclusion, and to enable people to contribute to the economic wellbing of their famiies and the nation.

This document highlights the diversity of public library services. They support literacy and reading for pleasure; lifelong learning; arts, culture and local heritage; cybersafety and digital inclusion. They promote the work of Australian writers and creators; provide safe spaces for meetings, study, work and relaxation; ensure that people have freedom of access to the information they need for personal development, health, wellbeing and active participation in our democratic society, and help people connect with egovernment.

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare

This conference paper discusses the creation of a role dedicated to embedding evidence-based practice into Australian academic libraries. By explicitly positioning evidence-based practice so prominently within USQ Library we are taking a leap forward, using local, professional and research evidence to transform our collections, spaces and services in response to ever-evolving client needs.

Over the past two decades, evidence-based practice and its application to library and information science has been an ongoing topic of discussion among researchers and practitioners. Evidence-based practice refers to a structured process of collecting, interpreting and applying valid and reliable research and evidence to support decision making and continuous service improvement in professional practice. Earlier research focused on how librarians perceive and experience evidence-based practice, and the benefits of doing so.  In 2016, the University of Southern Queensland Library chose to intentionally incorporate evidence-based practice, by creating a role explicitly dedicated to enabling capacity among staff and to develop the library’s evidence base. While other libraries may have a person responsible for analysing data and statistics, the Coordinator, Evidence-based Practice, is charged with a broader mandate – to work with library staff to develop tools, skills and expertise in evidence-based practice. By doing this, we aim to enable the library to demonstrate value to stakeholders, gain a deeper understanding of clients’ needs and experiences, promote robust decision making and improve service delivery.

This paper draws on recent research and the broader, existing understanding of evidence-based library and information practice to describe why this role was created and how the Coordinator, Evidence-based Practice is working to engage with library staff to understand their business and the evidence needed to support business improvement for the Library.  The paper will discuss how we have supported a culture of evidence-based practice and the benefits of having a dedicated role has had on building the capacity of library staff as evidence-based practitioners. USQ Library is still at the beginning of the journey in developing, not only the evidence-based practice function, but also harnessing the potential of the local evidence base to support the university’s strategic goals and objectives. The new role of Coordinator, Evidence-Based Practice, demonstrates evidence-based practice in action.  It represents a clear strategic and intentional commitment by decision makers to make evidence-based practice a visible, embedded and valuable part of professional practice at USQ Library. 

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

Contents: Librarians and research: the ethics committee -- Convenor's focus -- Let's talk in 2018: Twitter chat series and questions about this issue of HLA News -- Whither resource sharing -- Applications open: HLA/Medical Director Digital Health Innovation 2018 Award and the Anne Harrison 2018 Award -- Opinion piece: attribution and acknowledgement -- Holiday challenge: take the Chief Scientist's storytime pledge -- Conference report: HIMAA/NCCH Conference -- Member spotlight: Taryn Hunt -- Professional development diary dates.

ALIA HLA professional development day, held 13 - 14 July 2017 at Building 410, Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley. Featuring presentations:

• Which review is right for you? Scoping the scope of an evidence synthesis.
• A Librarian’s experience searching for evidence for the Western Australian Group for Evidence Informed Healthcare Practice WAGEIHP.
• Creating sustainable and engaging partnerships.
• Systematic support for systematic reviews: supplementing research consultations with workshops and online tools.
• Systematic overflow: a matrix-like toolkit for sustainable support for Systematic and Systematic-Like Reviews.
• Managing Systematic Review Search Results using EndNote.
• HLA/Medical Director Health Informatics Innovation Award.
• ALIA Fellowship award.
• ALIA PD Scheme Health Specialisation: presentation of certificates to Certified Professionals (Health).
• Gold sponsor presentations.
• Defining Scope: More than Bibliometric Measures (filter for integrated care).
• Stretching past our roles, building and developing true partnerships.
• Differences in MeSH mapping between Ovid Medline and Ebsco Medline.
• Using text-mining tools for search filter development and designing search strategies.
• PubMed searching for systematic reviews – advanced concepts.
• Recent changes to PubMed.
• Searching for grey literature.
• Top 10 Medical and Health Research Data Things.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) recognises that library services can be enhanced by well supported volunteers, and providing volunteers with meaningful community roles is a legitimate function of a public library service.

Use of volunteers in library and information services for specific purposes is acceptable but must never compromise the quality of service provision, nor replace paid employment in any way.

ALIA Asia Pacific Special Interest Group (ALIA APSIG) was a national group that aimed to lead efforts in identifying new sources of support for the development between information professionals in the region, through two-way co-operation. It also aimed to provide a forum for members to discuss regional professional issues and to communicate these to the appropriate forum; hosts public talks relating to relevant issues; and produce a membership newsletter three times per year.

In 2012, Australian libraries and library associations came together behind the National Year of Reading, linking together all the great things that are already happening around books, reading and literacy, and giving them an extra boost, with inspirational programs and events taking place across the country.

There were more than 4,000 events, $5.6 million in in-kind support, $26 million-worth of media coverage, much of it highlighting the fact that nearly half the population struggles without the literacy skills to meet the most basic demands of everyday life and work. There are 46% of Australians who can't read newspapers; follow a recipe; make sense of timetables, or understand the instructions on a medicine bottle.

Following on from the success of the campaign, the 15 founder partners decided to carry forward the Love2read brand into 2013, making the most of the momentum that had been created during the National Year of Reading. In 2017, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and book industry partners broadened the campaign into the Australian Reading Hour.

Australian Library Design Awards and Conference, 19 June 2017 Melbourne

This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) discusses elements in the process of library design.

The Australian Library Design Awards have been created to showcase the best in contemporary library interiors and exteriors in Australia, and to celebrate the investment in libraries made by our nation's institutions, corporations, local, state and territory governments. They have been developed in the context of other competitions internationally, including the American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Building Awards and the Danish Agency for Culture Model Programme for Public Libraries Public Library of the Year Award. The entries, shortlisted and winning designs provide case studies in excellent library design for the 21st Century. 

The awards are organised by the Australian Library and Information Association in partnership with the Australian Public Library Alliance and Council of Australian University Librarians. The organising committee includes senior library leaders from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, acting on behalf of colleagues nationally. More than 30 libraries were entered for the inaugural Australian Library Design Awards 2017. Public, school, academic and special libraries all featured in the entries, and there was a special award for the library voted for by ALIA Members.

Australian Library Design Awards and Conference, 19 June 2017 Melbourne

This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) discusses global trends in library design.

The Australian Library Design Awards have been created to showcase the best in contemporary library interiors and exteriors in Australia, and to celebrate the investment in libraries made by our nation's institutions, corporations, local, state and territory governments. They have been developed in the context of other competitions internationally, including the American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Building Awards and the Danish Agency for Culture Model Programme for Public Libraries Public Library of the Year Award. The entries, shortlisted and winning designs provide case studies in excellent library design for the 21st Century. 

The awards are organised by the Australian Library and Information Association in partnership with the Australian Public Library Alliance and Council of Australian University Librarians. The organising committee includes senior library leaders from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, acting on behalf of colleagues nationally. More than 30 libraries were entered for the inaugural Australian Library Design Awards 2017. Public, school, academic and special libraries all featured in the entries, and there was a special award for the library voted for by ALIA Members.

Australian Library Design Awards and Conference, 19 June 2017 Melbourne

This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) discusses the State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment plan to create a modern and innovative cultural destination supporting knowledge, learning and creativity for all Victorians.

The Australian Library Design Awards have been created to showcase the best in contemporary library interiors and exteriors in Australia, and to celebrate the investment in libraries made by our nation's institutions, corporations, local, state and territory governments. They have been developed in the context of other competitions internationally, including the American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Building Awards and the Danish Agency for Culture Model Programme for Public Libraries Public Library of the Year Award. The entries, shortlisted and winning designs provide case studies in excellent library design for the 21st Century. 

The awards are organised by the Australian Library and Information Association in partnership with the Australian Public Library Alliance and Council of Australian University Librarians. The organising committee includes senior library leaders from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, acting on behalf of colleagues nationally. More than 30 libraries were entered for the inaugural Australian Library Design Awards 2017. Public, school, academic and special libraries all featured in the entries, and there was a special award for the library voted for by ALIA Members.

Australian Library Design Awards and Conference, 19 June 2017 Melbourne

This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) provides two examples and two schools of thought in the approach taken to design school library spaces suitable for 21st Century education.

The Australian Library Design Awards have been created to showcase the best in contemporary library interiors and exteriors in Australia, and to celebrate the investment in libraries made by our nation's institutions, corporations, local, state and territory governments. They have been developed in the context of other competitions internationally, including the American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Building Awards and the Danish Agency for Culture Model Programme for Public Libraries Public Library of the Year Award. The entries, shortlisted and winning designs provide case studies in excellent library design for the 21st Century.

The awards are organised by the Australian Library and Information Association in partnership with the Australian Public Library Alliance and Council of Australian University Librarians. The organising committee includes senior library leaders from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, acting on behalf of colleagues nationally. More than 30 libraries were entered for the inaugural Australian Library Design Awards 2017. Public, school, academic and special libraries all featured in the entries, and there was a special award for the library voted for by ALIA Members.

Australian Library Design Awards and Conference, 19 June 2017 Melbourne

This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) provides an insight into the approach taken in the redesign of a university library.

The Australian Library Design Awards have been created to showcase the best in contemporary library interiors and exteriors in Australia, and to celebrate the investment in libraries made by our nation's institutions, corporations, local, state and territory governments. They have been developed in the context of other competitions internationally, including the American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Building Awards and the Danish Agency for Culture Model Programme for Public Libraries Public Library of the Year Award. The entries, shortlisted and winning designs provide case studies in excellent library design for the 21st Century. 

The awards are organised by the Australian Library and Information Association in partnership with the Australian Public Library Alliance and Council of Australian University Librarians. The organising committee includes senior library leaders from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, acting on behalf of colleagues nationally. More than 30 libraries were entered for the inaugural Australian Library Design Awards 2017. Public, school, academic and special libraries all featured in the entries, and there was a special award for the library voted for by ALIA Members.