‘Edgy, grungy and a little rock and roll’ is how ALIA describes the look for
its Library and Information Week promotional material. The event takes
place from 24 to 30 May. Download images at www.alia.org.au.
7 years ago
Showing posts with label alia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alia. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Grunge graphics for week-long celebration
‘Edgy, grungy and a little rock and roll’ is how ALIA describes the look for
its Library and Information Week promotional material. The event takes
place from 24 to 30 May. Download images at www.alia.org.au.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Banned Book Week in the United States
The last week of September marks banned book week in the United States.
This year's American Library Association list of books which were challenged, restricted, removed, or banned in the US in 2008 and 2009 includes "Twilight", "The Catcher in the Rye", "The Kite Runner" and "The Golden Compass". And while classics such as "The Book of Bunny Suicides: Little Fluffy Rabbits Who Just Don't Want to Live Anymore" add a somewhat ridiculous note to the list, it will make you think about freedom of speech, the press, censorship and the library's role in the free flow of information. You can download it now at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/ideasandresourc
es/free_downloads/ - and see how many you've read!
It's worth noting that ALIA's first core value for the sector is "Promotion of the free flow of information and ideas through open access to recorded knowledge, information, and creative works."(http://www.alia.org.au/policies/core.values.html).
If you would like to read ALIA's Statement on free access to information, please see http://www.alia.org.au/policies/free.access.html.
Your membership supports ALIA's valuable advocacy work in this area. More information about ALIA's advocacy work is available here http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/
This year's American Library Association list of books which were challenged, restricted, removed, or banned in the US in 2008 and 2009 includes "Twilight", "The Catcher in the Rye", "The Kite Runner" and "The Golden Compass". And while classics such as "The Book of Bunny Suicides: Little Fluffy Rabbits Who Just Don't Want to Live Anymore" add a somewhat ridiculous note to the list, it will make you think about freedom of speech, the press, censorship and the library's role in the free flow of information. You can download it now at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/ideasandresourc
es/free_downloads/ - and see how many you've read!
It's worth noting that ALIA's first core value for the sector is "Promotion of the free flow of information and ideas through open access to recorded knowledge, information, and creative works."(http://www.alia.org.au/policies/core.values.html).
If you would like to read ALIA's Statement on free access to information, please see http://www.alia.org.au/policies/free.access.html.
Your membership supports ALIA's valuable advocacy work in this area. More information about ALIA's advocacy work is available here http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/
Thursday, October 29, 2009
New ALIA e-list
A new e-list has been set up: aliaIR.
This list aims to provide a vehicle for informed discussion on issues relating to libraries in employment law, industrial relations and the world of work, to encourage the sharing of information and ideas and to provide a facility to solve impossible reference queries.
Industrial relations is a highly specialised subject area. This list may help to unlock IR expertise for the benefit of our colleagues.
While this will be primarily of relevance to Australian IR libraries, overseas libraries are also encouraged to join. I welcome any suggestions with regard to developing and expanding this list, and hope you will pass this information on to likely members.
To join, follow this link: http://lists.alia.org.au/mailman/listinfo/aliaIR/
This list aims to provide a vehicle for informed discussion on issues relating to libraries in employment law, industrial relations and the world of work, to encourage the sharing of information and ideas and to provide a facility to solve impossible reference queries.
Industrial relations is a highly specialised subject area. This list may help to unlock IR expertise for the benefit of our colleagues.
While this will be primarily of relevance to Australian IR libraries, overseas libraries are also encouraged to join. I welcome any suggestions with regard to developing and expanding this list, and hope you will pass this information on to likely members.
To join, follow this link: http://lists.alia.org.au/mailman/listinfo/aliaIR/
Friday, July 31, 2009
More ALIA information
The first summary of the ALIA Public Libraries Summit held last week can be found at Summit
The opening address by Senator Ursula Stephens, photos, reports and more information are being uploaded to the Summit website over the coming days and weeks
Presentation
ALIA's presentation to the Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network and the transcript from 20/7/09 should also be available soon at
Broadband presentation
I just happened to be flicking channels on Austar and saw this presentation by Jan Richards and Sue Hutley on the aPac channel. It was really interesting and I enjoyed watching Jan profile Public Libraries so well. She really is a wonderful national advocate for our Library Services.
ALIA's other useful advocacy links - Advocacy
The opening address by Senator Ursula Stephens, photos, reports and more information are being uploaded to the Summit website over the coming days and weeks
Presentation
ALIA's presentation to the Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network and the transcript from 20/7/09 should also be available soon at
Broadband presentation
I just happened to be flicking channels on Austar and saw this presentation by Jan Richards and Sue Hutley on the aPac channel. It was really interesting and I enjoyed watching Jan profile Public Libraries so well. She really is a wonderful national advocate for our Library Services.
ALIA's other useful advocacy links - Advocacy
Thursday, July 30, 2009
***Australian Public Libraries Summit Update****
The inaugural Australian Public Libraries Summit was held in Canberra on Thursday 16 July 2009 (10am to 4pm) at the National Library of Australia. The Summit was organised by ALIA (the Australian Libraries and Information Association). I represented PLM at the Summit.
Summary comments of the Summit are presented below. I will report fully on the Summit at the 31 July 2009 PLM Quarterly General Meeting.
The goals of the Summit:
* To develop a stronger relationship with the Federal Government in achieving its agendas in a range of portfolios. Ideally, the country's 1,522 public libraries will be regarded as 'national champions' advancing social, educational, cultural, broadband and digital programs and policies.
* To engage with all three levels of government to develop a framework that supports libraries across Australia to better deliver services to their communities especially in disadvantaged and remote areas advance COAG (Coalition of Australian Governments) and the Social Inclusion reform agendas.
* There were ~40 delegates at the Summit. Please refer to the PLM website PLM Websiteand "Submissions" page for PLM's Summit Submission, the Summit Program and Papers, and the Summit Delegates list.
* Senator Ursula Stephens (Federal Government) opened the Summit. Senator Stephens is the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and Parliamentary Secretary for the Voluntary Sector.
* Jan Fullerton, Director General of the National Library of Australia welcomed delegates, and in her opening remarks, commented directly to Senator Stephens that "the only public library in Australia directly funded by the Federal Govt is the National library....this must change".
O* ther than the Summit Opening presence of Senator Ursula Stephens, there was no presence of any current Federal Government or State/Territory Government politicians.
* Other delegates present at the Summit included Australia's State Librarians (eg Regina Sutton, CEO SLNSW), Australian Government Department representatives eg Policy Advisers, socially oriented groups eg Philanthropy Australia and Adult Learning Australia, and major vendors eg OCLC and NEC Australia (NEC is involved with the Australian Internet Kiosk project).
In the morning session, there was a series of presentations (please refer to the Summit Program).
In the afternoon session, there were small group workshops that focussed on "continued or new, nationally focussed public library sector initiatives/projects/programs associated with the themes of":
* Children, early reading and a literate Australia
* Encouraging the digital economy and digital citizenship
* Social inclusion and community partnerships – safety, fairness, participation
* Health and ageing.
* There was also a small group working on ideas for the National Framework for Australia's Public Library Sector.
The critical next step following the Summit is the development and implementation of the Strategic National Framework for Australia's Public Library Sector:
* A vision, goals and outcomes for the sector
* Key stakeholders and stakeholder engagement and management strategies, including strategies to engage all three levels of government, and with the state and territory public library sectors
* Major nationally focussed public library sector projects/initiatives/programs
* Identification and pursuit of sustainable funding sources for the sector
* Relevant timelines to develop and implement the Framework and for all projects/initiatives/programs
* The Framework's governance and review processes.
Robert McEntyre
Executive Director
Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan Association (PLM)
Summary comments of the Summit are presented below. I will report fully on the Summit at the 31 July 2009 PLM Quarterly General Meeting.
The goals of the Summit:
* To develop a stronger relationship with the Federal Government in achieving its agendas in a range of portfolios. Ideally, the country's 1,522 public libraries will be regarded as 'national champions' advancing social, educational, cultural, broadband and digital programs and policies.
* To engage with all three levels of government to develop a framework that supports libraries across Australia to better deliver services to their communities especially in disadvantaged and remote areas advance COAG (Coalition of Australian Governments) and the Social Inclusion reform agendas.
* There were ~40 delegates at the Summit. Please refer to the PLM website PLM Websiteand "Submissions" page for PLM's Summit Submission, the Summit Program and Papers, and the Summit Delegates list.
* Senator Ursula Stephens (Federal Government) opened the Summit. Senator Stephens is the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and Parliamentary Secretary for the Voluntary Sector.
* Jan Fullerton, Director General of the National Library of Australia welcomed delegates, and in her opening remarks, commented directly to Senator Stephens that "the only public library in Australia directly funded by the Federal Govt is the National library....this must change".
O* ther than the Summit Opening presence of Senator Ursula Stephens, there was no presence of any current Federal Government or State/Territory Government politicians.
* Other delegates present at the Summit included Australia's State Librarians (eg Regina Sutton, CEO SLNSW), Australian Government Department representatives eg Policy Advisers, socially oriented groups eg Philanthropy Australia and Adult Learning Australia, and major vendors eg OCLC and NEC Australia (NEC is involved with the Australian Internet Kiosk project).
In the morning session, there was a series of presentations (please refer to the Summit Program).
In the afternoon session, there were small group workshops that focussed on "continued or new, nationally focussed public library sector initiatives/projects/programs associated with the themes of":
* Children, early reading and a literate Australia
* Encouraging the digital economy and digital citizenship
* Social inclusion and community partnerships – safety, fairness, participation
* Health and ageing.
* There was also a small group working on ideas for the National Framework for Australia's Public Library Sector.
The critical next step following the Summit is the development and implementation of the Strategic National Framework for Australia's Public Library Sector:
* A vision, goals and outcomes for the sector
* Key stakeholders and stakeholder engagement and management strategies, including strategies to engage all three levels of government, and with the state and territory public library sectors
* Major nationally focussed public library sector projects/initiatives/programs
* Identification and pursuit of sustainable funding sources for the sector
* Relevant timelines to develop and implement the Framework and for all projects/initiatives/programs
* The Framework's governance and review processes.
Robert McEntyre
Executive Director
Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan Association (PLM)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Ever wondered???
Ever wondered how ALIA sets its direction? Ever wish you had a say in it?
ALIA is your Association and you do have a say by attending ALIA's National Advisory Congress.
All financial personal and institutional ALIA members are invited to attend Your Voice: the ALIA National Advisory Congress at a location near you. This informal meeting will provide an opportunity for members to participate in discussion with an ALIA representative on the 2009 NAC focus Lobbying and
Advocacy: working together to make a difference.
For more information, including the ALIA Planning paper, position papers (more will be uploaded over the coming weeks) and NAC dates visit
ALIA governance
ALIA is your Association and you do have a say by attending ALIA's National Advisory Congress.
All financial personal and institutional ALIA members are invited to attend Your Voice: the ALIA National Advisory Congress at a location near you. This informal meeting will provide an opportunity for members to participate in discussion with an ALIA representative on the 2009 NAC focus Lobbying and
Advocacy: working together to make a difference.
For more information, including the ALIA Planning paper, position papers (more will be uploaded over the coming weeks) and NAC dates visit
ALIA governance
Monday, July 27, 2009
***Productivity Commission recommends repeal of the Parallel Importation Restrictions for books***
The Productivity Commission report, released on 14 July, recommends that the Government should repeal the Parallel Importation Restrictions (PIRs) for books.
Whereas the Commission's draft report had proposed a partial liberalisation of the import restrictions, the final report recommends their repeal, and that:
Three years notice should be given to facilitate industry adjustment.
Current financial assistance for encouraging Australian writing and publishing should be reviewed immediately, and any changes implemented prior to the repeal of the PIRs. The new arrangements should be reviewed after five years.
To assist in monitoring the impact of these changes, the ABS should undertake a revised version of its 2003-04 industry survey as soon as possible and update it prior to the five year review.
Australia's restrictions on the parallel importation of books result in higher local book prices, according to this report. While this is a cost to consumers, the benefits to publishers and authors are not well-targeted.
The Commission undertook extensive analysis of international book prices and concluded that the current restrictions create material upward pressure on book prices in Australia.
By removing the restrictions, local booksellers and libraries would have the option of accessing better value books from overseas. Local publishers would have a strong incentive to make their prices more competitive and to look for greater efficiencies in their operations.
The Commission found that the support to Australian authors provided by the restrictions is poorly targeted. 'One of the Commission's concerns is that consumers pay higher prices for books, regardless of their cultural significance' the Commission's Deputy Chairman, Mike Woods, said. 'A second concern is that these costs to consumers generate greater benefits for overseas authors and publishers than they do for our local writers. In effect, Australian consumers are subsidising foreign book producers.'
The report reflects more detailed analysis by the Commission about the costs of the PIRs. While still acknowledging the substantial cultural benefits of the restrictions, the Commission has decided they have significantly greater costs.
In particular, the Commission found that the bulk of the benefit of the PIRs was going to foreign authors. The Commissions draft report had found that the benefits of the PIRs were about equally shared between Australian and foreign authors and publishers, but further analysis revealed that foreign companies and authors get approximately 50% more benefit from PIRs than Australians, amounting to a substantial leakage directly from Australian consumers overseas.
ALIA made a joint submission (with the Australian Digital Alliance and the Australian Libraries Copyright Committee) arguing for the removal of these restrictions. It is available at:
ALIA submission
Whereas the Commission's draft report had proposed a partial liberalisation of the import restrictions, the final report recommends their repeal, and that:
Three years notice should be given to facilitate industry adjustment.
Current financial assistance for encouraging Australian writing and publishing should be reviewed immediately, and any changes implemented prior to the repeal of the PIRs. The new arrangements should be reviewed after five years.
To assist in monitoring the impact of these changes, the ABS should undertake a revised version of its 2003-04 industry survey as soon as possible and update it prior to the five year review.
Australia's restrictions on the parallel importation of books result in higher local book prices, according to this report. While this is a cost to consumers, the benefits to publishers and authors are not well-targeted.
The Commission undertook extensive analysis of international book prices and concluded that the current restrictions create material upward pressure on book prices in Australia.
By removing the restrictions, local booksellers and libraries would have the option of accessing better value books from overseas. Local publishers would have a strong incentive to make their prices more competitive and to look for greater efficiencies in their operations.
The Commission found that the support to Australian authors provided by the restrictions is poorly targeted. 'One of the Commission's concerns is that consumers pay higher prices for books, regardless of their cultural significance' the Commission's Deputy Chairman, Mike Woods, said. 'A second concern is that these costs to consumers generate greater benefits for overseas authors and publishers than they do for our local writers. In effect, Australian consumers are subsidising foreign book producers.'
The report reflects more detailed analysis by the Commission about the costs of the PIRs. While still acknowledging the substantial cultural benefits of the restrictions, the Commission has decided they have significantly greater costs.
In particular, the Commission found that the bulk of the benefit of the PIRs was going to foreign authors. The Commissions draft report had found that the benefits of the PIRs were about equally shared between Australian and foreign authors and publishers, but further analysis revealed that foreign companies and authors get approximately 50% more benefit from PIRs than Australians, amounting to a substantial leakage directly from Australian consumers overseas.
ALIA made a joint submission (with the Australian Digital Alliance and the Australian Libraries Copyright Committee) arguing for the removal of these restrictions. It is available at:
ALIA submission
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Little Book of Public Libraries
ALIA announces The little book of public libraries
ALIA is at the final design stage of producing a quick, simple summary of why public libraries are so important; giving library supporters the words and ideas they need to champion our cause. This isn't a throwaway leaflet - it's a lively little book that people will love to pick up and flick through. It's light on words (less than 1500 in total) and heavy on content - every line is a zinger.
The Little book of public libraries is based on the English version by the same name. You can check out the English version online at:
English Little Book of Public Libraries
Further information will be available via the ALIA homepage next week:
ALIA Website
ALIA is at the final design stage of producing a quick, simple summary of why public libraries are so important; giving library supporters the words and ideas they need to champion our cause. This isn't a throwaway leaflet - it's a lively little book that people will love to pick up and flick through. It's light on words (less than 1500 in total) and heavy on content - every line is a zinger.
The Little book of public libraries is based on the English version by the same name. You can check out the English version online at:
English Little Book of Public Libraries
Further information will be available via the ALIA homepage next week:
ALIA Website
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Public Library Ambassadors Program
ALIA names Australia's first public library ambassadors
ALIA is delighted to announce the appointment of the nation's first two Public Library Ambassadors: Barry Heard, the award-winning Australian author, and Bruce Miller, one of New South Wales' most active local government leaders.
The Public Library Ambassador program is in full swing with further resources to assist libraries to get their program underway. We encourage public libraries to continue to develop and confirm local ambassadors around the country.
ALIA Public Library Ambassadors can be grass-root members of the community or celebrity advocates who will use their talent or fame to promote the value of public libraries in their lives, especially attracting media attention. Similar in concept to UNESCO's goodwill ambassadors, an important difference is that ALIA Public Library Ambassadors come from a broad cross-section of the Australian community.
Amabassador Program information
Media release: ALIA names Australia's first public library ambassadors
Media Release
I am delighted to announce that Jean Nicholson has graciously accepted to be the Blue Mountains Public Library Ambassador. It was felt that Jean is one of the Library's biggest advocates. We will also be recuiting a "high profile" ambassador - watch this space!
ALIA is delighted to announce the appointment of the nation's first two Public Library Ambassadors: Barry Heard, the award-winning Australian author, and Bruce Miller, one of New South Wales' most active local government leaders.
The Public Library Ambassador program is in full swing with further resources to assist libraries to get their program underway. We encourage public libraries to continue to develop and confirm local ambassadors around the country.
ALIA Public Library Ambassadors can be grass-root members of the community or celebrity advocates who will use their talent or fame to promote the value of public libraries in their lives, especially attracting media attention. Similar in concept to UNESCO's goodwill ambassadors, an important difference is that ALIA Public Library Ambassadors come from a broad cross-section of the Australian community.
Amabassador Program information
Media release: ALIA names Australia's first public library ambassadors
Media Release
I am delighted to announce that Jean Nicholson has graciously accepted to be the Blue Mountains Public Library Ambassador. It was felt that Jean is one of the Library's biggest advocates. We will also be recuiting a "high profile" ambassador - watch this space!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
ALIA Public Libraries Summit - new date confirmed!
The ALIA Public Libraries Summit will now be held 16 July 2009. We are delighted that Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, and Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Prime Minister for Social Inclusion, will open the Summit.
Submissions already received are now available on the Summit website. Check out the blog for more information.
ALIA summit blog
Submissions already received are now available on the Summit website. Check out the blog for more information.
ALIA summit blog
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
ALIA News
I wish you a happy Australian Library and Information Week for 2009. With the theme of Libraries your passport to discovery there is a world of potential to showcase the many ways in which your library makes a difference. Remember to send us stories and photos of what you've done to promote LIW 2009. It's also important that you and your colleagues take time to celebrate your contribution to our industry, whether this be a slap up morning tea, a glass of bubbles after work or maybe a lamburger after National Simultaneous Storytime!
Last week was a big week for ALIA with meetings of the outgoing and incoming boards and our Annual General Meeting neatly sandwiched in the middle. It was a time for us to farewell outgoing ALIA President, Derek Whitehead and Directors Katy Watson and Damian Lodge and welcome incoming Vice President/ President Elect Graham Black and new Directors Kate Sinclair and Gill Hallam. A huge thanks to Derek, Katy and Damian for their commitment, professionalism and insights. The "take home" messages from our meetings are available on the ALIA website - please take time to have a look at them and stay in touch with the diversity of issues before your Association.
ALIA Reports here
I look forward to meeting and working with many of you over the next 12 months
Best wishes
Jan
Jan Richards
President
Australian Library and Information Association
ph: 61 2 63938126 or 0418234827
jan.richards@alia.org.au
www.alia.org.au
Last week was a big week for ALIA with meetings of the outgoing and incoming boards and our Annual General Meeting neatly sandwiched in the middle. It was a time for us to farewell outgoing ALIA President, Derek Whitehead and Directors Katy Watson and Damian Lodge and welcome incoming Vice President/ President Elect Graham Black and new Directors Kate Sinclair and Gill Hallam. A huge thanks to Derek, Katy and Damian for their commitment, professionalism and insights. The "take home" messages from our meetings are available on the ALIA website - please take time to have a look at them and stay in touch with the diversity of issues before your Association.
ALIA Reports here
I look forward to meeting and working with many of you over the next 12 months
Best wishes
Jan
Jan Richards
President
Australian Library and Information Association
ph: 61 2 63938126 or 0418234827
jan.richards@alia.org.au
www.alia.org.au
Thursday, February 26, 2009
ALIA and PLVN Presidents Message to Members
A message to all ALIA members from Derek Whitehead, ALIA President and John Murrell, Public Libraries Victoria Network President reporting on the meeting held in Melbourne on 20th February 2009 to discuss bushfire and other disaster recovery initiatives can be found at:
ALIA blog
ALIA blog
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