For Global Goals Week (17-26 September 2021), ALIA and partner peak bodies for libraries have launched stretch targets for the sector to achieve by 2030, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
These targets have taken two years to finalise and have the support of the ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance, the Council of Australian University Librarians, and National and State Libraries Australasia. They will be monitored by the ALIA International Relations Advisory Committee (IRAC) and will help track our progress across ten areas of development, from literacy levels through to engagement with the Asia Pacific region.
ALIA IRAC Chair Vicki McDonald said, ‘This work began with an SDG roundtable at ALIA House in September 2019. It was strengthened through consultation with ALIA Members and other peak bodies, and we now have the confirmed targets.
‘If we can achieve these targets for literacy, open access, copyright reform, access to services, cultural respect, climate change, wellbeing, diversity, learning and international engagement, by 2030, we will have made an important contribution to a better future for all Australians.’
ALIA is also running a social media campaign to raise awareness of the SDG among the library and information community and further afield. By taking part, ALIA Members can show their support for the SDG and tell the world about how their library and information service is doing its bit for the planet.
There are downloadable posters, picture postcards and SDG cut-out glasses, all available on the ALIA website.