Explore key resources, groups and campaigns for your chosen sector.

About Special Libraries

Special libraries include libraries in a broad range of sectors including government, health, law, corporate, arts, community and not-for-profit.


Sector specific resources

Special libraries directory 2021, 5th edition

ALIA’s Special Libraries Working Group has put together this directory of special libraries to support collaboration. The directory is not a comprehensive listing, but it does identify like-minded individuals working in similar situations. The aim is to enable people to share non-competitive information, insight, expertise, ideas and resources; to improve the sense of connectedness in a sector with many one-person libraries, and to strengthen special libraries’ advocacy network.

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ALIA guidelines for special libraries experiencing service reviews

Every special library is likely to experience the review process at some point, often triggered by changes in the parent organisation. It is important to remember that while a review is challenging, it is also an opportunity to reinforce messages about the role and value of the library and information service. The review process can result in the reduction of some library and information services, but others find themselves coming out of the process in an even stronger position. How you and your colleagues approach the review can significantly impact on the outcomes for your library and information service. This guidance, based on the experiences of other libraries, suggests ways to navigate the process.

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ALIA minimum standard guidelines for library services to prisoners

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Minimum Standard Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners provide guidance on the establishment, operation, and evaluation of library services to prisoners in Australia.

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First Nations Collection Description Guidelines Training Resources

These seven training videos accompany the Guidelines for First Nations Collection Description. They are designed to support and inspire library and archive staff as they transition to implement the Guidelines into their descriptive practice at the item level, into updated team workflows, and as they review policies and content management systems. There are a number of illustrative case studies that highlight best practice and are useful for Indigenous people and library and archive users to be aware of to support their use of library and archive services. The videos were created and are narrated by Tui Raven, author of the Guidelines. Guidelines for First Nations Collection Description: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/10010699. © Tui Raven 2023. This work is released under a CC BY-NC-ND licence

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Guidelines for Australian health libraries 5th edition (2022)

The Guidelines for Australian Health Libraries (the Guidelines), provide a framework for health librarians to deliver the best possible health library and information services to their clients.

The fifth edition of the Guidelines builds on the solid base of previous versions, retaining the same four broad Guideline Areas, divided into more specific criteria against which individual libraries may be assessed. This edition contains a number of important revisions and improvements.

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Guidelines for Australian special libraries

These guidelines support the operations of special libraries, information services or corporate research units and their respective staff. They recognise the changing landscape for special libraries and the opportunities and challenges presented by digital content, delivery platforms and communications. They are designed to inform senior management about the role and value of special libraries, provide library managers with a benchmark, and guide staff in the delivery of programs and services.

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Guidelines on dispersal of collections in government agency libraries

These guidelines are intended for all Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies, as a guide to what to do in situations where agency libraries plan to dispose of material. The guidelines provide for the orderly disposal of library collections when the parent organisation has decided not to retain them. Such circumstances may arise where a government library is closed, merged with another library, moved to another location, or where a library is reduced in size or scope.

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Journal of Health Information and Libraries Australasia (JoHILA)

JoHILA publishes articles about health library and information research and practice in the Australasian region.

JoHILA aims to record and showcase developments, progress, and achievements of health librarians and health library and information services in Australasia. JoHILA recognises that we are part of an international community, and seeks to advance knowledge about health library and information research and practice to improve health and wellbeing in our region.

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Campaigns & initiatives

Latest News

2/06/2026

How libraries can support the 2026 Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is looking to work with libraries across the country to host information and fill-in-the-form sessions.

19/05/2026

ALIA and SBS Team Up to Bring National Simultaneous Storytime to Millions Ahead of FIFA World Cup 20

ALIA has partnered with SBS, bringing Australia's premier national reading event — National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) — to the SBS On Demand platform.

14/05/2026

‘Holding the National Story: Truth, Memory and Social Cohesion in a Fractured Age’ or ‘Why Libraries

Read the keynote address by Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO - first presented at ALIA National 2026.

6/05/2026

ALIA and PressReader publish new report on media literacy in Australian public libraries

ALIA and PressReader have released a collaborative report examining how Australian public libraries are supporting media literacy in their communities and where opportunities remain.

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