Goal and history

An outline of the history and goals of Library and Information Week (formerly known as Australian Library Week, or ALW)

Library and Information Week aims to raise the profile of libraries and information service professionals in Australia.

In May every year, libraries and information services throughout Australia showcase their many and varied resources and services through different programs and events targeted to a cross-section of the community. 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.

Library and Information Week 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;
about emphasising the significance of libraries in the maintenance of our history and culture at community and national levels;
about recognising 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, work and personal life.

Australian Library Week
Australian Library Week was first celebrated in 1968 under the auspices of the Australian Library Promotion Council. The Council folded in the late 1980s. After an intermission of some years the Australian Library and Information Association assumed responsibility for Australian Library Week and activities and promotion of the event have steadily gained momentum.

In 2000, the name of the week was changed to Library and Information Week to reflect the broader coverage of the sector represented by the Library and Information Association. Library and Information Week will promote all types of library and information services, the expertise and skills of the profession, and the key issues that need to be addressed to secure access to information.

For further information contact the ALW representative (please remove the '.nospam' from the address) at ALIA National Office, ph 02 6215 8222.

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