The Australian Library and Information Association's most-recent media releases, taken directly from our website. http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/ 15 February 2010 - [ pdf 132KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has joined with the Inspire Foundation, Google and Yahoo! to again urge Senator Conroy to rethink his ISP internet filtering plan. They are today issuing a joint statement to support this call, titled 'Core Principles for Effective Action for a Safer Internet.' http://www.alia.org.au/internetfiltering "The Australian Library and Information Association has a responsibility to the Australian community to protect the free flow of information for all," said ALIA Executive Director, Sue Hutley. "The research, including results from the Government's own trials, also shows there are massive technical issues to be overcome and that the current proposal will block legitimate and important information, along with the Refused Classification material the Minister is targeting," Ms Hutley said. "We are not against ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2010.02.15.html Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:19:54 +1100 1 February 2010 - [ pdf 48KB ] Library people were out in force at the launch of A Stronger Fairer Australia, a new report detailing the Federal Government's social inclusion strategy. The launch, by the Hon Julia Gillard MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Inclusion, took place during the Social Inclusion Conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 28 January. Jan Richards, President of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), attended the event, along with Victorian library colleagues. She said, "It was a high level conference, attended by many senior government figures, including the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens. Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, and Patricia Faulkener, Chair of the Australian Social ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2010.02.01.html Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:45:58 +1100 28 January 2010 - [ pdf 159KB ] A recent online survey conducted by the Swedish furniture giant IKEA reported that one in three Aussies, if given extra time in the day, would prefer to get stuck in a novel than spend one-one-one time with their partners. There will be similar heart-warming stories in libraries across Australia this Valentine’s Day, when lovers of libraries across the nation will once again claim February 14 as Library Lovers Day. This is the fourth year that the Australian Library and Information Association will host this national celebration in which Australians are encouraged to get cosy with their library. "Library Lovers Day is a chance for the 12 million Australian library users to celebrate the special relationship that they have with their local library," said Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association. "Library lovers ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2010.01.28.html Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +1100 16 December 2009 - [ pdf 252KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has again raised concerns about internet filtering following the Government’s announcement yesterday that they will proceed with plans to implement mandatory ISP level filtering. While supporting the moves to resource education and fight cyber-bullying, the Association still has questions about broader access issues for public libraries and censorship. "Since the proposal to filter the internet was first presented by the Government, we have been calling for clarification of some of the issues arising from putting such a policy in place," Executive Director Sue Hutley said. "According to the Untangling the Net  report released by the University of NSW, Edith Cowan University and CCI today, the proposal to use the current RC classification as a basis for blacklisting sites is very likely to result in a ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009-12-16.html Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +1100 9 September 2009 - [ pdf 225KB ] CAVAL Ltd and the Australian Library and Information Association Ltd (ALIA) are pleased to announce the transition of CAVAL's Public Training Program in February 2010. The Public Training Program has been a highly successful activity for CAVAL over a number of years, but with a company strategy to focus on business-to-business relationships, CAVAL decided earlier this year to transition the service to a more appropriate environment. Sue Hutley, Executive Director of ALIA, said, 'This ground-breaking deal has been identified by the ALIA Board of Directors as a very good 'fit' for our service to members. ALIA will use the Public Training Program as a basis for further enhancing professional development opportunities to its 6,000 members.' Janette Wright, CAVAL CEO, said that the transition of the Public Training Program to ALIA represents 'a positive ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.09.09.html Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:37:31 +1000 5 August 2009 - [ .pdf 259KB ] ALIA Offers Online LIS Journals Service for Members Cambridge, United Kingdom, July 28th, 2009 – The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), in partnership with ProQuest, is pleased to announce the success of the implementation of an important new member benefit: access to Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA) and ProQuest Library Science, which offers bibliographic coverage of over 450 LIS journals including full-text access to over 120 scholarly journals. Members of ALIA receive access to these ProQuest library science databases at no further cost. Sue Hutley, Executive Director of ALIA, said, 'This ground-breaking deal is just one way ALIA is contributing to our library profession's continuing research and professional development. The ProQuest journal package helps ensure library professionals continue to effectively meet the evolving ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.08.5.html Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:46:36 +1000 21 July 2009 - Media Release PDF (77kb) Delegates at the ALIA Public Libraries Summit, held at the National Library of Australia on 16 July, presented ALIA with the mandate to develop a national framework for Australia's 1500 public libraries. In her opening address, Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion, talked about public libraries as 'hubs of community life', neutral spaces for learning, access to the internet and e-learning. She said, 'They will remain a vital part of the future … a neutral third place, with the capacity to connect people with the outside world.' She confirmed, 'ALIA has a huge role in all of this', describing the existing ALIA public campaigns, Library Lovers Day and National Simultaneous Storytime, as clever initiatives, and the Summer Reading Club as 'a valuable way of drawing in young people.' The Summit was the first time ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.07.21.html Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:21:52 +1000 15 July 2009 - Media Release PDF (44kb) The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) will welcome 50 politicians and public officials, their advisers and senior figures from the library world to the first ever ALIA Public Libraries Summit on Thursday 16 July at the National Library of Australia in Canberra. The event brings together all three levels of government – local, state and territory, and federal – at a time when public libraries in Australia, and indeed around the world, are experiencing unprecedented levels of demand. ALIA Executive Director Sue Hutley commented, "The global financial crisis means more people are using public libraries more often, in more ways. As well as borrowing books, job hunters are using the libraries’ free internet access and resources to search for vacancies, attend sessions such as resumé preparation, submit online applications and fill in ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.07.15.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:11:07 +1000 19 May 2009 - Media Release PDF (116kb) The Australian Library and Information Association, host of the annual National Simultaneous Storytime, encourages all libraries, schools, pre-schools, child care centers and bookstores around Australia to join in and not to be sheepish for the simultaneous read of Pete the Sheep at 11:00am on Wednesday 27 May 2009. This year's book is Pete the Sheep written by celebrated author, Jackie French, illustrated by Bruce Whatley and published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia. The story is about Shaun, a shearer, who doesn't have a sheepdog to help him - he has a sheep sheep, Pete! Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, says that National Simultaneous Storytime is a fun way to encourage children to participate in storytime activities across Australia. "I always look forward to National Simultaneous ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.05.19B.html Tue, 19 May 2009 11:01:15 +1000 19 May 2009 - Media Release PDF (160kb) Library and Information Week 2009 gets underway next week around the nation with the theme Libraries: your passport to discovery! Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, says libraries offer every Australian a chance to discover, access and connect to a much wider world - and in these tough economic times, it's a lot cheaper too! Launching the week's festivities which will run from 25-31 May, Ms Hutley said that libraries are a critical element in today's communities. "Libraries are a valuable cultural resource. They perform a critical role in providing information for education and training, government and business decision-making, and business development," Ms Hutley said. "Libraries connect people to ideas. Whether it's to a new career, to realise a new business venture, or changing your whole way ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.05.19A.html Tue, 19 May 2009 10:25:08 +1000 18 May 2009 - Media Release PDF (116kb) The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has announced 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.  It is a strong beginning for ALIA's national Public Library Ambassadors campaign, which is similar in concept to UNESCO's goodwill ambassadors.  By seeking out high profile champions for the role of libraries in the community, ALIA aims to influence public opinion about this vital service and keep libraries at the forefront of discussions about community, resources, education, services and funding. Barry Heard, the author of Well Done, Those Men; The View from Connor's Hill, and Tag, has been chosen to be the public face of East Gippsland Shire Library.  He said that his favourite ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.05.18.html Mon, 18 May 2009 11:41:09 +1000 11 May 2009 - Media Release PDF (116kb) The results of two new research studies are showing that Australia's school children are in danger of not getting what they need to support development of critical skills in information and reading literacy. The studies reveal that 50% of Australian school libraries surveyed are trying to do their job on an annual materials budget of under $10,000 per year, while teacher librarians are under pressure to spend more and more time outside the school library. Australian Library and Information Association Executive Director, Sue Hutley, says the two studies, just completed by Edith Cowan University – 'Snapshot of Australian School Libraries' and Snapshot of Australian Teacher Librarians' show that Australian teacher librarians are highly committed with over half actively involved in further professional development, but infrastructure is failing to cope with ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.05.09.html Mon, 11 May 2009 12:22:32 +1000 11 March 2009 - Media Release PDF (327kb) As calls for coordinated support increase in the wake of the devastating bushfires, the national body representing Australia's library community has taken action to create a dedicated  Disaster Recovery Support role, aimed at supporting not only bushfire victims in Victoria but also Queensland's flood affected communities and victims of disaster nationally into the future. A new paid position has been established with the aim of providing practical, coordinated support. The position will be coordinated by the Australian Library and Information Association and has the backing of representatives of the  library community and the book trade. "Libraries are very much at the heart of their communities, and library staff are generous people, but we are also practical," Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, Sue Hutley, ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.03.11.html Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:10:57 +1100 27 February 2009 - [ .pdf 109 KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) announces the release of the latest Internet access in public libraries survey 2008 which demonstrates the vital role of Australian public libraries in addressing the need for equitable community access to online information and services. The survey, the fourth conducted by the Association since 2002, shows that since 2005 there has been a 41% increase in the number of public access internet terminals in public libraries. The increase since 2005 in the number of users each week is 91% – that means that an estimated 147,000 users access the internet via their local public library each week. The survey shows that public library users are happy with the services they receive. Overwhelmingly, their issues relate to shortage, rationing, and resource limitations. The extremely small number of complaints ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.02.27.html Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:47:49 +1100 28 January 2009 - [ .pdf 78.9KB ] There will be heart-warming stories in libraries across Australia this Valentine's Day, when lovers of libraries across the nation will once again claim February 14 as Library Lovers Day. This is the third year that the Australian Library and Information Association and Public Libraries Australia have joined forces to present this combined national celebration. "Library Lovers Day is a chance for the 12 million Australian library users to celebrate the special relationship that they have with their local library," said Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association. "Library lovers are truly passionate about all that libraries offer. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 95% of Australians consider libraries to be very important or important – even non-users are avid supporters of ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.01.28.html Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:31:03 +1100 22 January 2009 - [ .pdf 123KB ] The prestigious Australian Library and Information Association IOG Excellence Award recognises excellence and/or innovation in performance by information professionals. The award carries a prize to the value of $10 000 and the winner shares their experiences with the information community via Online On Tour. 'The panel congratulates the nominees for the variety of applications, which highlighted the diversity of projects happening within the profession', said Marian Morgan Bindon, Conference Marketing Coordinator for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) IOG committee. Marian, on behalf of the ALIA IOG committee, also said, 'We want to thank the panel for the time and consideration that went into their evaluation.' The panel reviewed 22 nominations and shortlisted six finalists. The final six were evenly distributed, with two ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.01.22.html Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:04:26 +1100 21 January 2009 - [ .pdf 77.8KB ] Southern Scene, after a long association with libraries, has joined forces with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to help celebrate Library Lovers Day on the 14 February 2009. "Southern Scene is committed to the great value of libraries and their unique role in the communities they serve every day of the year," said Cecil Churm, Chairman of Southern Scene. "Library Lovers Day gives everyone the opportunity to say thank you for the way libraries have changed and enriched their lives." "Southern Scene is pleased, indeed proud, to support ALIA on its third Library Lovers Day. We have had 38 years of support from libraries, and we know from this long association the value of libraries and the many ways that people of all ages love libraries and love books," Mr Churm said. Southern Scene’s delightful ‘I love books’ merchandise ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.01.21.html Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:44:37 +1100 19 January 2009 - [ .pdf 80.0 KB ] DA Information Services, Australia’s full-service library supplier, has again joined forces with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to spread the word about libraries on Library Lovers Day, Saturday, 14 February 2009. DA Executive Chairman, Richard Siegersma says, “We are an enthusiastic sponsoring partner of Library Lovers Day because libraries are central to the digital transformation of information delivery, and we love that.” “What a great opportunity to fall in love with something new in your library, like one of our new eBook Readers. We believe the future of portable reading has arrived. At DA, we work hard to adopt the best of what the world has to offer and we are delighted that many libraries are discovering that the versatility of our open access eBook Readers makes it simple for library lovers to access ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2009.01.15.html Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:30:18 +1100 27 October 2008 -        [ pdf 160KB ] School libraries around the world are celebrating International School Library Month (ISLM) during October, and on Monday 27th October, Australian teacher librarians will use the day to highlight the important role of school libraries. "This year's theme is 'Literacy and learning at your school library' and school libraries around the country will be celebrating", announced Rob Moore, President of the Australian School Library Association (ASLA). "Teacher librarians play a vital role in students' literacy and learning", said Mr Moore. "Through their comprehensive understanding of literacy, literature and how to promote and foster reading, they are able to help students develop a deep understanding across the curriculum. This transcends basic literacy in the traditional sense, extending into the growth of students´ cultural ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.10.27.html Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +1100 19 August 2008 - [ pdf 63KB ] Ian Hildebrand, Manager of Mt Barker Community Library, was named the 2008 South Australian Library Achiever of the Year at an award ceremony at the State Library of South Australia on Tuesday 5th August. This annual award is organised by the ALIA SA Group of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Ian's prize included an inscribed plaque and $500 cash and was very proudly sponsored by RAECO. National Sales Manager Trevor McCann said, "we all appreciate and acknowledge the importance and responsibility that beholds those who dare to be different". Ian was nominated for innovative program development and creation of local business and community links for Mount Barker Community Library. ALIA SA Group co-convenor Benita Wheeler said Ian demonstrated dedication to the advancement of libraries, creative approaches to marketing, and successful ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.08.19.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 30 July 2008 - [ pdf 240KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is concerned that proponents of the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) are rushing to finalise a treaty by the end of the year, without giving Australians much of a chance to comment on it or even see it. In particular, ALIA is concerned that measures in the treaty may impede Australians’ access to information and ideas, and lead to a surveillance culture in which the monitoring of ordinary citizens’ information-seeking behaviour is undertaken more widely than is permitted now. “We do not want to see an agreement that punishes ordinary consumers and hinders innovation and Australia’s digital economy”, said ALIA President, Derek Whitehead. In alliance with the Australian Digital Alliance (ADA), CHOICE and the Internet Industry Association (IIA), ALIA urges the Department of ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.07.30.html Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:30:24 +1000 22 May 2008 - [ pdf 240KB ] It's Library and Information Week this week and the release of the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics facts and figures on Australian libraries yesterday proves the truth of the week's slogan: libraries really are "for everyone". ABS figures show that over half the Australian population are members of a library and almost two thirds of us who visit libraries did so more than six times each in 2006. Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, Sue Hutley, says this just proves that Australians love their libraries. Libraries outstrip zoos, art galleries and botanical gardens amongst the other cultural options surveyed. In fact, the only cultural/leisure activity more popular than the going to the library is going to the movies.  "Libraries have stepped up to meet the needs of an increasingly information savvy audience," Ms ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.05.22.html Thu, 22 May 2008 09:48:18 +1000 21 May 2008 - [ pdf 251KB ] With Library and Information Week under way across Australia, two peak groups in the sector have joined forces to add their support to a national focus on literacy and numeracy following last week's budget announcements about a National Action Plan. The Australian Library and Information Association and the Australian School Library Association both welcomed the Government's intentions to work more closely with schools, governments and non-government school systems but added that it is essential future action plans take note of the pivotal role of school libraries in delivering literacy skills. Australian School Library Association President, Mr Rob Moore, said the ever-widening range of forums for communication available to children and young adults only increases the need for effective skills in resourcing and evaluating information. He said the role of ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.05.21.html Wed, 21 May 2008 16:47:28 +1000 19 May 2008 - [ pdf 36.7KB ] Library and Information Week gets underway this week around the nation and Australian Library and Information Association Executive Director Sue Hutley says it's time to remember that libraries really are for everyone, in all walks of life and to help with every need. Launching the week's festivities, Ms Hutley said Australians love their public libraries – over half of the nation are registered borrowers at a public or community library, while specialist information services support new developments in business and students, researchers and educators at every level keep academic libraries busy to the tune of around 26 million loans each year. "Information literacy is critical to a thriving nation," Ms Hutley said. "Technology has brought us so much information via resources such as the internet that it can be overwhelming. It's important to remember ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.05.19.html Mon, 19 May 2008 09:51:13 +1000 15 May 2008 - [ pdf 49.3KB ] A 'tail' of belonging brings 70,000 children together Never before has one dog attracted so much attention! Arthur is an "ordinary brown dog" who just wants to belong. And he will get his wish next week when he, and his story, will belong to some 70,000 Australian children when they settle down at almost 900 different locations at 11am on Wednesday May 21st for this year's National Simultaneous Storytime event. Ms Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, says the event has grown steadily since it began in 2001 and is now a feature event in hundreds of libraries across the nation. "National Simultaneous Storytime offers children a chance to share in the magic of a wonderful story and in a moment in time with thousands of other children nationally," Ms Hutley said. "The event also focuses attention on fantastic ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.05.15a.html Thu, 15 May 2008 12:14:21 +1000