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July 2009
ALIA submission to Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network
Submission from:
Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) on behalf of:
Public Libraries Australia (PLA)
ACT Library & Information Service
Public Libraries NSW - Country (PLC)
Public Libraries NSW - Metropolitan Association (PLM)
Queensland Public Libraries Association (QPLA)
Public Libraries Victoria Network (VPLN)
Public Libraries South Australia (PLSA)
Local Government Librarians' Association of Western Australia (LocLib)
Introduction
The Australian library and information services sector operates in the local, state, territory and federal government, school, TAFE, tertiary, research, health and business sectors. As a major player in Australia in delivering access to electronic information to the community, the sector is strategically placed to ensure that all Australians have fair and reasonable access to broadband and its benefits, particularly with regards to price and location barriers. Library and information professionals have a great depth of expertise in providing access to electronic resources and services, building electronic resources content, and developing users' skills.
We believe that, with its high usage of electronic information services and public access points, the library and information services sector is a major stakeholder in the national broadband strategy.
The role of public libraries in the national broadband strategy
The goal of connecting 90 percent of all Australian homes, schools and workplaces must recognise the role of public libraries in providing vital infrastructure for Australia's digital future.
Located in every local government area across the nation and at the heart of their local communities, public libraries are perfectly positioned to deliver results in Australia's digital future. Australia's public libraries continue to address the need for equitable community access to a wide range of educational, information, cultural and recreational services which are dependent on online information services.
Recommendations
- that the Australian library and information services sector, and in particular public libraries, is recognised as a major stakeholder in the national broadband strategy in providing vital infrastructure for Australia's digital future for the following reasons:
- recognised as trusted, friendly, neutral and non-threatening spaces for individual or group social inclusion
- huge increase in usage of electronic information services and public access points
- exponential increase in community expectations of internet assistance
- existing network of over 1500 public libraries across the country
- ongoing budget streams and infrastructure
- qualified and experienced staff
- delivery of skills training and assistance to users
- libraries are attended more frequently and by more people than any other cultural and sporting venue [ABS 4172.0 2004]
provision of access to e-government services and publications.
- the development of a new model for minimising broadband data transmission costs for public information accessed through public institutions such as libraries and for non-commercial purposes
- the development by government agencies of effective actions to ensure that the Australian public has enduring access to electronic government publications
- the establishment of a new federally-funded model to provide Australians with equitable access to quality online resources in health, news and current affairs and encyclopaedias at a competitive price
- the development of an appropriate program with continuing funding to support internet education and skills training for users.
Click here to view the ALIA submission [ pdf 142 KB ]
Senate Select Committee on National Broadband Network
- Terms of reference
- Submissions
- Public hearings and transcripts
ALIA at Public hearing, Canberra 20 July 2009 Transcript
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