ALIA submission to Productivity Commission Issues Paper on the Contribution of the Not for Profit Sector

Introduction
Through ALIA's leadership, advocacy, education and professional development activities for and on behalf of its members, there is a well-educated library and information workforce whose contributions to libraries enhance the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of Australian society.

The Association and our members operate in a challenging world characterised by rapid social, economic and technological change, far-reaching changes in the information environment and challenges to the core value of the free flow of information and ideas.

The Association is established as a not for profit company limited by guarantee, governed by an elected Board of Directors. The Association's income comes mainly from membership fees and conferences. The Association is supported by a National Office based in Canberra.

ALIA has a well-developed member network of state, regional and sectoral groups who are the grassroots of the Association. These members are all volunteers who freely give their time and effort to support the goals of the Association by providing mutual support and professional development events.

Measuring the contribution of the not for profit sector
Any measurement of ALIA's contribution as a not for profit professional association should recognise the following roles:

Supporting educational standards and professional development
Contributing to the government's agenda: social inclusion
Contributing to the government's agenda: democracy and citizenship
Contributing to the government's agenda: literacy
Contributing to the government's agenda: cybersafety
Contributing to the government's policy development
Generating economic benefit and economic activity
Advocating for the free flow of information and ideas in the interests of a thriving culture, economy and democracy

Ways of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the sector
ALIA has suggested several ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the sector:

Communication with government
Staffing and staff training
Donations
Regulatory framework

Click here to view the ALIA submission [ pdf 154KB ]

All submissions in response to the Productivity Commission's issues paper are available here: http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/study/not-for-profit/submissions

Contribution to the Not for Profit Sector research report http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/study/not-for-profit/report

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