A special project of the Australian Library and Information Association
Power your mind! 12-18 May 2003

Reference group for Library and Information Week 2003

Background

One of the main aims of Library and Information Week (LIW) is to raise awareness of the value of libraries and information services and information professionals in Australia. The week provides the opportunity to introduce new services and professional skills to the community, and to publicly canvas issues of importance to the provision of library and information services in Australia.

LIW provides the Australian community with:

• a chance to find out about the wide range of services which local public and school libraries offer;
• an opportunity to recognise the vital role which libraries and information agencies play for research and education;
• an opportunity to recognise the contribution of specialist libraries for the work outcomes in corporations, government departments, hospitals, and other institutions;
• a chance to debate our information future and government approaches to it and to associated issues, such as equity of access to information;
• an opportunity to emphasies the significance of libraries in the maintenance of our history and culture at community and national levels;
• an opportunity to recognise the importance of library and information services as providers of services for people who, due to personal disadvantages have no other alternatives for accessing and using information;
• an opportunity to think about the role which libraries play in our local community.

Reference group

ALIA established the Library and Information Week reference group to advise it on a program for LIW2003 which will be relevant to libraries and information services in all sectors. The group assists with the development of ideas for support resources and merchandise to help libraries and information services in all sectors to capitalise on this promotional opportunity, and advise on the development of media promotions and ratification of potential sponsors.

Representatives on the reference group have been invited from key bodies within the profession and ALIA membership representatives from public libraries and special libraries. The reference group will meet by teleconference and communicate through e-mails.