May 2006

In this aliaPUBNEWS broadcast:

Copyright reforms will benefit libraries; Revised Interlibrary Resource Sharing Code launched; National Simultanous Storytime 2006; National study of local government financing; Cultural diversity award; Digital Content Industry Action Agenda forums; Auslib Conference 2007 call for papers; Joint use libraries: an international conference; Strategic framework for New Zealand public libraries; Library stars: best of the best forum, 19 September; New lifestyle benefits and savings for ALIA members; Winners of the LIW Maisy competition; Federal Budget 2006 summary for members; Power Searching with the Pros goes north; Special offer for new members who join ALIA before 5 June; NT Libraries and Knowledge Centres evaluation; Towards the Future of Libraries forum in Queensland; Queensland's online database challenge; Katherine Library's flood recovery

Copyright reforms will benefit libraries
The federal government has announced an overhaul of the current copyright exceptions that will benefit libraries and archives. The reforms, which will respond to the 'Fair use and other copyright exceptions review' are expected to remove undue and unreasonable copyright restrictions that relate to the sector and to make it easier for libraries to preserve their collections and make them accessible to the public. The library sector is eagerly awaiting the release of the draft Bill to be able to assess the proposed copyright amendments in detail. The Australian Libraries' Copyright Committee is monitoring developments.
http://www.digital.org.au/alcc/

Revised Interlibrary Resource Sharing Code launched
Following extensive consultation across the library sector, a revised Interlibrary Resource Sharing (ILRS) Code was launched on 18 May 2006 for adoption by Australian libraries from 1 July 2006. The Code has been simplified and takes into account the changes over the past few years in automation and services relating to interlibrary lending. The new ILRS Code features: three service levels; four-day supplier turnaround for the Core service level (reduced from 5 days); a recommended minimum loan period of 3 weeks. There are no changes to recommended fees, except for the introduction of a recommended charge for colour copies of $2.20 per page copied. The new ILRS Code is available online in HTML and PDF versions. Print copies are available on request from ALIA National Office.
http://alia.org.au/interlibrary.lending/

National Simultanous Storytime 2006
In 2006, National Simultaneous Storytime will take place during National Literacy and Numeracy Week, on Friday 1 September 2006 at 11:00am AEST. And the book this year is...'Good Night, Me' written by Andrew Daddo, illustrated by Emma Quay and published by Hachette Children's Books. ALIA invites all public library services, primary and pre-school libraries, early-childhood centres and pre-schools to participate in reading the picture book 'Good Night, Me' simultaneously throughout the country. Information on how to register will be available shortly, as will the details and online order form for the book and activity packs.
http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/storytime/2006/

National study of local government financing
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to undertake a major study of local government financing, with a report due later this year. Announcing the study, ALGA President Cr Paul Bell said it would provide a sound rationale and model for appropriate and targeted support to local government for consideration by other spheres of government. Importantly, it will build on the excellent work undertaken by state associations on the financial sustainability of local government. "The study will review and strengthen our case for fair federal funding for local government," Cr Bell said. The results of the study will form the basis of submissions by ALGA to the major parties later this year, well in advance of the 2007 federal election. [ALGA News, 26 May 2006]

Cultural diversity award
All councils are encouraged to enter the 'strength in diversity' award, part of this year's National Awards for Local Government. This Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs-sponsored award recognises local initiatives that respond to, and promote benefits arising from migration, settlement and Australia's cultural diversity. The awards continue to reveal examples of how government can and does make a difference at the local level across Australia every day. Entries close on 13 June. For further information ph 1800 065 113 or email awards@dotars.gov.au.nospam or contact Malgosia Anczewska, ph 02 6264 2914. [ALGA News, 26 May 2006]
http://www.immi.gov.au/multicultural/diversity/strength.htm

Digital Content Industry Action Agenda forums
The federal Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts is hosting a series of forums in most capital cities, from early June to early July 2006, on strategies to harness the potential of the rapidly expanding digital content industries in Australia. The aim of the forums is to brief participants on the Action Agenda Report and strategic plan, and to establish a network for national implementation. The forum is for firms and organisations working in the creative and digital content industries, such as film, advertising, games, broadband, mobile content, broadcasting and ICT. Registration is free but numbers are limited. For details of the schedule of forums and to register online:
http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/forums/

Auslib Conference 2007 call for papers
Following the success of its March 2006 library buildings conference, Auslib Conferences is planning its second Adelaide conference for 9-10 March 2007. 'Learning futures: public libraries for the new generations in Australia and New Zealand' will profile the achievements and potential of public libraries from both sides of the Tasman for babies, children and young adults 0-18. A call for papers is being mailed to all public libraries, and is also available online. For further information, email the conference convener Dr Alan Bundy, alan.bundy@auslib.com.au.nospam, ph 08 82784363, fax 08 82784000.
http://www.auslib.com.au

Joint use libraries: an international conference
As in Australia and New Zealand, the number and variety of joint use libraries worldwide is increasing. In recognition of this the first international conference on them is being held in Manchester, UK, on 19-21 June 2007 as an initiative of the University of Central England. A call for papers is open until 1 December 2006. Joint use libraries specialist Dr Alan Bundy says 'this conference will be an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the outstanding and innovative joint use libraries we now have in Australia and New Zealand'. An information sheet on the conference is available from Alan, email alan.bundy@auslib.com.au.nospam, or from the conference organiser Professional Briefings, email london@profbriefings.co.uk.nospam, 37A Star St, Ware, Hertfordshire UK SG12 7AA.

Strategic framework for New Zealand public libraries
The Strategic Framework, launched on 2 May 2006, is the result of consultation and collaboration between libraries, local government, central government and other stakeholder groups in New Zealand. It emphasises the vital role that public libraries play in community life, and addresses the challenges that public libraries face in meeting the demands of the future. The publication can be downloaded. ['Public libraries of New Zealand: a strategic framework 2006-2016' March 2006, ISBN 0-477-101107-0]
http://www.lianza.org.nz/news/newsroom/news1146527265.html

Library stars: best of the best forum, 19 September
Watch out for the special issue of aliaPUBNEWS coming soon to announce the program and registration details for the 'Library stars' forum. 'Library stars: best of the best' forum will showcase libraries, projects and successes to recognise outstanding achievements in the public library sector and to inspire public library practitioners. The program will feature a keynote address by Rolf Hapel, Library Director, Aarhus Public Libraries, Denmark, which won the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ‘Access to Learning’ Award in 2004, and presentations on seven outstanding public library services and programs from around Australia.

New lifestyle benefits and savings for ALIA members
ALIA has a new partnership with Member Advantage that delivers great discounts to members for products such as insurance, car hire, buying a car or electrical goods, home loans, or airline lounge membership. ALIA also partners with the HotelClub for generous discounts on hotel accommodation.
http://alia.org.au/membership.benefits/affinity.html

Winners of the LIW Maisy competition
Winners of the Maisy Mouse party were Port Stephens Library (NSW), Raymond Terrace Branch, and Waikiki Primary School Library (WA). Congratulations to the winners and enjoy the party!
http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/liw/maisy/index.html

Federal Budget 2006 summary for members
Families and tax cuts; these were most assuredly the major focus of this year's federal budget. Nevertheless there are some initiatives of significance to the library and information sector and more broadly to cultural institutions.
http://www.alia.org.au/publishing/budget.analysis/2006.html

Power Searching with the Pros goes north
ALIA is pleased to be working in partnership with Web Search Pacific and Information Edge to take Power Searching with the Pros workshops to Northern Australia. This is a rare opportunity to update your web searching skills. Don't miss out - make sure you register now for these exciting and extremely useful workshops.
http://alia.org.au/education/pd/workshops/

Special offer for new members who join ALIA before 5 June
Any new members joining ALIA before 5 June 2006 will receive membership through to 30 June 2007 - that's 13 months membership for the price of 12. To take advantage of this offer please download and complete a membership form and fax or post it back to us.
http://alia.org.au/membership.benefits/

NT Libraries and Knowledge Centres evaluation
Libraries and Knowledge Centres are focal points for communities in the Northern Territory, built on the services that the Northern Territory Library (NTL) provides. They aim to contribute to the development of sustainable comunities through the provision of appropriate library, knowledge and information services. In 2005, NTL commissioned Professor Martin Nakata and a team of academics to review the Libraries and Knowledge Centres model. The report of the evaluation and NTL's response are now available. In its response NTL has commented that the evaluation report has provided a credible foundation for further growth and development of the Libraries and Knowledge Centres.
http://www.dcdsca.nt.gov.au/dcdsca/intranet.nsf/pages/ntl_lkc

Towards the Future of Libraries forum in Queensland
On 29 March 2006, the State Library of Queensland hosted a one-day forum to explore the issues and opportunities that are facing public libraries over the next five to ten years. The day consisted of a morning forum of speakers, a discussion panel and two afternoon workshops. Presentations to the forue by Mal Bryce, AO, Adjunct Professor at Edith Cowan University and Executive Chairman of the Australia Centre for Innovation and International Competitiveness, and Kim Harrington, Business Support Manager, Queensland Tourism Industry Council and convenor of the 2006 Learning Communities conference are now available.
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/serv/publib/policy/horizons/collaboration

Queensland's online database challenge
The Online Database Challenge for 2006 is currently running. The challenge is open to Queensland residents and the first four correct entries drawn will each win an iPod. Contestants must answer four questions by searching the Thomson Gale Shakespeare Collection. By promoting the challenge, Queensland public libraries are eligible to win a digital video camera. One Qeensland public librarian will also win an all expenses paid trip to attend the Information Online 2007 conference (value of $2000) in Sydney by telling how he/she uses the State Library’s free statewide databases to be a more effective librarian.
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/serv/publib/events/challenges06

Katherine Library's flood recovery
Helen Edney, Manager, Katherine Library Services, writes about her library's recovery from recent floods in the May 2006 issue of 'Interface', the newsletter of ALIA Top End. She writes that many good things have resulted from a rather terrible situation. About ten per cent of the collection was lost, but it could have been much worse. Among other things, the Library has taken the opportunity to redesign it use of space, to stocktake the collection and to trial new ways of using service desks.
http://alia.org.au/groups/topend/interface/

A a