Canberra, 20 September 2021 As libraries and information services continue to support their communities in the provision of universal access to accurate information and safe services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ALIA Board makes the following statement, underpinned by the following two Objects of the Association.
Throughout the pandemic, ALIA has advocated for libraries as an essential service. Libraries must be able to provide information and resources to all users, including the most vulnerable in society.
In providing this service, we ask members to make COVID-safe and healthy environments for themselves, their colleagues and library users, their first priority.
As library and information professionals, we promote accurate information and work against the spread of mis and disinformation. Scientific research clearly endorses vaccination for those who are medically able to receive it. We encourage our members to be vaccinated but we recognise that some individuals may need to be supported with adjustments for their own personal situations.
As a sector, we can be proud of our achievements in supporting our communities over the last 18 months with innovative new approaches to physical and online services. There will be varying regulations in different jurisdictions and our members will need to adhere to their government’s requirements. However, ALIA will continue to collate and share information about how services are being provided by libraries around the country to support best practice during these challenging times.