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The Reading Hour is one of the most celebrated annual reading initiatives in Australia, and supports individuals, families and communities to discover and rediscover the joy of reading. The Reading Hour emerged from the National Year of Reading 2012, and is an ongoing campaign from Love2Read, funded by the ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance and in partnership with the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

This report concludes that baby boomer retirees from the LIS sector are creating the job opportunities for graduates and other entrants to the LIS job market. Educators are in a challenging period, but this isn't restricted to the LIS sector. Data shows that more employers are recruiting candidates without LIS qualification to provide frontline services. ALIA's aim is the encourage non-LIS professionals employed in the sector to study for LIS qualifications or at least gain a better understanding of the library environment by joining ALIA’s proficiency recognition program. LIS workers had significantly higher educational qualifications compared with people employed in all occupations in Australia.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015 Sydney : at the edge

This conference paper discusses a redesigned service model is based on eight foundation service principles. The new service model articulates a future state for us to work towards. We have designed service zones that are aligned to designated library spaces. We have redesigned our service processes to make them simpler for staff and easier for the customer. Our new service model brings together the physical and digital to create an integrated customer experience of the library.

ALIA Universities and Research Libraries (URLs) ACT and Australian Government Libraries Information Network (AGLIN) ACT Seminar, 9 September 2015 Canberra: change, challenges and opportunities - recasting your library skills

The ALIA URL group provides a networking and information-sharing forum for all levels of library staff interested in issues and trends affecting the development of university and research libraries.

This seminar presentation investigates the future skills and competencies required by health librarians.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Minimum Standard Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners provide guidance on the establishment, operation, and evaluation of library services to prisoners in Australia.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February Sydney : at the edge

This conference workshop discusses the virtual reality head-mounted display, the Oculus Rift, and how it can be used in libraries.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February Sydney : at the edge

This conference paper discusses using Design Thinking (DT) as an innovative way to approach the issues that arise with varied and changing situations currently facing libraries. DT draws on discourse from a range of disciplines to provide a methodological framework for user-centred problem solving (Dorst, 2011).

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) conducts, commissions and contracts, supports, encourages and promotes research to move library and information services profession and industry forward.

This letter was written on behalf of the 5000 Members of the Australian Library and Information Association in response to your Review of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February Sydney : at the edge

This conference paper has three purposes: to give an overview of the Australian digital collections as they stand today; discussion of the marketing of digital collections tied to a pilot study that the authors have undertaken and finally, to discuss assessment and evaluation of what users’ desire in a digital collection. 

The study focuses primarily on developers using open source software, primarily used by institutional repositories. The software is being adopted by a wide range of libraries and cultural institutions, academic, government and cultural.

In support of the Australian book industry, the Australian Library and Information Association welcomes the extension of GST to ebooks and related digital products for consumers. However, we would have concerns if any future amendment were to propose an extension to businesses.

Abstract:

Advancements in technology and changing patron needs have generated serious reassessment by libraries of the services that they provide. The use of library resources has seen a considerable change in trends, with a growing number of users opting to use the virtual collection in preference to the physical collection. Recent Charles Sturt University surveys revealed that students overwhelmingly chose online resources as their preferred approach to research and study. This data reinforces that demand for online material from CSU Library users must be met, resulting in a reduction in the print collection. Along with this, the majority of users have embraced the option for virtual support and a consequent decline in the number of patrons seeking assistance at the circulation desk has been noted. Driven by a large cohort of distance education students the demand for help through services such as online chat sessions has required extensive staff training and technological upgrades to ensure that these popular means of communication are maintained.

This paper looks at how Charles Sturt University Library has addressed the challenges of providing a “right here, right now” library service and increased patron demand for the Library’s virtual services, by restructuring existing staff roles and creating new flexible Library Officer positions whose responsibilities include circulation, document delivery, virtual support, online resource maintenance and development. Initiatives such as the recent merger of the Access and Information Services sections, now under the umbrella of ‘Information Services’, has brought new opportunities for staff development; an evolution that is vital to ensure we uphold our reputation as an innovative, competitive and respected institution. Although some would regard this progression as a “devil of a time in libraries”, our purpose remains the same, which is to deliver streamlined and efficient access to information.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015 Sydney: at the edge.

This conference presentation provides an analysis of a case study in which liaison librarians collaborated with science academics to develop innovative digital literacy activities and assessment tasks for undergraduate units related to ‘Judging Reliability and Accuracy of Information’.

The case study reveals that engaging students in meaningful learning activities and assessment tasks creates dynamic and powerful learning experiences for first and second year students. In addition, the leadership that the liaison librarians demonstrate in activities that capitalise on problem based learning, elements of gaming, peer assessment, and new ways of communicating has prompted open conversations and collaborations with academics about further opportunities.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February Sydney : at the edge.

This conference paper discusses Design Thinking (DT) as an innovative way to approach the issues that arise with varied and changing situations currently facing libraries, with particular reference to the academic library setting. DT draws on discourse from a diverse range of disciplines to provide a methodological framework for user-centred problem solving (Dorst, 2011).

ALIA would like Australian Standards to be freely available through libraries to the citizens who have effectively funded their development, and we hope this Inquiry will be able to identify measures that will indeed improve public access.

ALIA HLA professional development day, held 9 July 2015 at Queensland University of Technology. Featuring presentations addressing:

• Smart Searching: Search Filters and Expert Topic Searches.
• PubMed Train the Trainer.
• Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Health Librarians.
• Research Data Management for Health Services Librarians.

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

Contents: Encouraging the use of ebooks in hospital libraries -- Convenor's focus -- Gratisnet update -- Essentials of Health Librarianship: online course now available -- Book review -- HLA Evidence Summary: 10 online evidence based medical texts -- Member spotlight: Catherine Voutier -- HLA Evidence Summary: factors affecting successful collaboration in interdisciplinary research -- Smart Searching: call for feedback.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February Sydney: at the edge

This conference paper discusses the future library trends outlined in the 2014 NMC Academic Library Horizon Trends report and how they apply to Australian academic libraries.

Contents: About ALIA -- President's report -- Chief Executive Officer's report -- How we performed against the ALIA Board's strategic plan -- The review of the ALIA constitution -- Our membership -- National advocacy campaigns -- Conferences and events -- Education, professional development and training -- Awards -- ALIA House property and IT -- Communication channels -- Financial statements.

ALIA welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to online safety for children but we are concerned that creating a new position may not achieve as much as investing in existing programs and activities.

Over the last 20 years, public libraries have increased their role in the digital space, enhancing people’s online experiences, helping people connect to this new virtual world, and providing a safety net for those who are in danger of being left behind.

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

Contents: Australasian Cochrane Symposium -- Convenor's focus -- Rare Book Week at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons -- Award impetus for innovation: the first Advanced Australian EBP Librarians Institute -- MLA News -- INETDIN: improving nursing's access and engagement with electronic theses and dissertations -- Be connected in 2016: guide to joining ALIA HLA online community -- HLA Evidence Summary: Canadian university health science librarians and systematic reviews -- Great investment: how HLA works for you -- Professional development diary dates.

This summary for the library and information sector, including GST on digital products; public service; arts; communications; education; health; infrastructure and regional development; Prime Minister and Cabinet.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015 Sydney : at the edge.

This conference  paper provides an analysis of a case study in which liaison librarians collaborated with science academics to develop innovative digital literacy activities and assessment tasks for undergraduate units related to ‘Judging Reliability and Accuracy of Information’.

The case study reveals that engaging students in meaningful learning activities and assessment tasks creates dynamic and powerful learning experiences for first and second year students. In addition, the leadership that the liaison librarians demonstrate in activities that capitalise on problem based learning, elements of gaming, peer assessment, and new ways of communicating has prompted open conversations and collaborations with academics about further opportunities.

This report is a snapshot of the ebook situation in Australian public libraries in January 2013, May 2014 and May 2015, created by the ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is committed to promoting and encouraging a research culture and research practice amongst library and information professionals in order to improve theory and practice.

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

Contents: Steps to successful searching -- HLA Professional Development Day -- Convenor's focus -- What type of review? -- Peer review of electronic search strategies (PRESS) -- HLA/Medical Director Health Informatics Innovation Award winners -- Certified Professional Health Specialisation: ALIA (CP Health) -- MLA update -- Member spotlight: Sarah Hayman -- Missing HLA information: can you help? -- HLA Evidence Summary: effects of librarian-provided services in healthcare settings.

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

Contents: Being Healthwise: a health information literacy resource for patients and carers -- Convenor's focus -- Taking flight as first-time presenters on our first year of health librarianship -- A feast of inspiration: EBLIP8 report -- Smart searching: search filters and expert topic searches -- When economists meet librarians -- Cost-effective analysis for health librarians -- PubMed Train the Trainer preview -- Join the ALIA HLA community -- Those clever librarians and their Bookface -- Health Librarianship Essentials course review -- HLA Evidence Summary: does library and information services use impact patient care?

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February Sydney : at the edge

This conference presentation discusses the redesign of services, service design approach, staff ideas and input, customer ideas and inputs, service principles and making changes to library services.

ALIA supports the development of a new model for minimising broadband data transmission costs for public information accessed through public institutions such as libraries and for non-commercial purposes.

It was also noted that there is a need for assistance from public library staff for users of electronic services, both for accessing government information and for everyday online tasks.