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Welcome to the March edition of aliaPUBNEWS. aliaPUBNEWS is an initiative of the Australian Library and Information Association's Public Libraries Advisory Committee http://www.alia.org.au/governance/committees/public.libraries/

aliaPUBNEWS is a free monthly electronic bulletin for those concerned with supporting and promoting the further development of Australia's public library services. aliaPUBNEWS spans the policy and strategic issues and service developments having an impact on public libraries in Australia. All our list members are encouraged to send in their comments to 'Feedback' at the end of this newsletter.
aliaPUBNEWS: March 2009
[permission is granted to re-broadcast, in part or full]

In this aliaPUBNEWS broadcast:


NEWS FROM ALIA STATE NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL WEB RESOURCES CONFERENCES
NEWS FROM ALIA

ALIA Public Libraries Summit

The ALIA Public Libraries Summit, originally intended to be held in Canberra on 26th March 2009, will now be held in June/July 2009.  Submissions for the Summit are still welcome and the deadline has been extended until 31 March 2009. The submissions already received are now available on the Summit website.

The Ambassador program is also in full swing and we encourage public libraries to continue to develop and confirm local ambassadors around the country.

http://www.alia.org.au/summit09

ALIA Disaster Recovery Program

A dedicated disaster recovery support role has been developed, aimed at supporting not only bushfire victims in Victoria but also Queensland's flood affected communities and victims of disaster nationally into the future. The decision to create a national coordination position is the result of a meeting convened by the ALIA and included representatives from public libraries in the Victorian bushfire region, public and school libraries and associations, local government, the State Library of Victoria and booksellers. Jane Grace, currently Outreach Manager for Yarra Plenty Library Service, is acting in the position of ALIA Disaster Recovery Support Manager.

http://www.alia.org.au/disasterrecovery/

ALIA Board of Directors elections 2009 – vote by 9 April 2009

If you are an ALIA member and you have not received an email (check your spam folder) or a ballot paper in the post, contact Australian Election Company, who are conducting the election, at http://www.austelect.com/. Visit the ALIA website for details on the 2009 candidates. Candidates have again responded to four questions and linked to a website or blog.

http://www.alia.org.au/governance/elections

inCite theme reminders for May and June 2009 issues

May's feature topic is 'Volunteers'. Contributions on this theme and stories of interest from individuals and libraries are welcome. Please include a high-resolution photo if you have one. Send your articles by 30 March 2009 to inCite@alia.org.au. You can find all the 2009 themes and deadlines here.

June's feature topic is 'Industrial Relations/Professional Development'. Contributions on this theme and stories of interest from individuals and libraries are welcome. Please include a high-resolution photo if you have one. Send your articles by 1 May 2009 to inCite@alia.org.au.

You can find all the 2009 themes and deadlines by visiting: http://www.alia.org.au/publishing/inCite/

ALIA launches online LIS journal package for members

How much would you pay for online, full-text, 24/7 access to over 130 scholarly library and information science journals? ALIA is excited to offer all ALIA members access to the ProQuest Library Science journal package as a benefit of membership - at no further cost. Not a member? Imagine online LIS journals becoming an essential work resource and an important part of your professional development tool kit.

http://www.alia.org.au/LISjournals/

Not a member of ALIA? Join now!

Membership of ALIA gives you an advantage from the moment you join. With networks of more than 5,000 library and information professionals, discounts on events and professional development opportunities and access to services such as IR and Copyright advice, you will benefit right away. ALIA's personal and institutional membership packages can help you build an edge in today's challenging information environment. Join ALIA online or use our print form to access these great benefits.

http://www.alia.org.au/LISjournals/

ALIA Public Library Ambassadors

We know Australians love their libraries. With such latent goodwill in the community, why do we want to appoint Public Library Ambassadors? ALIA recognises that we need a more active appreciation of public libraries; a surge in popular appeal to support our position as a vital service. Library Ambassadors will be the public face of their local library, publicise their library and influence public opinion about libraries.

Our goal is to create a Public Library Ambassador program with approximately 100 active Ambassadors around the country from all walks of life. Every public library in the country will identify library champions in their community and choose one or more local Ambassadors.

http://www.alia.org.au/summit09/public.library.ambassadors.html

ALIA internet access in public libraries survey 2008

This 2008 report of internet services in public libraries in Australia is available on the ALIA website and is an important source of information in the current debate on internet filtering. ALIA thanks the participation of a significant number of public libraries across Australia without whom the survey would not have been possible.

The media release for the survey Public libraries provide vital infrastructure for Australia's digital future is also available on ALIA's online content regulation webpage.

http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/internet.access/

Membership survey results now available

The ALIA Board of Directors and staff wish to thank members for participating in the member survey. The results of the survey are available on the ALIA website.

http://www.alia.org.au/membersurvey2008/

How was your Library Lovers Day?

ALIA would like to thank all those who participated in Library Lovers Day in 2009! This year was another big year with library lovers all over Australia declaring their love of libraries. Some libraries even had a combined Library Lovers and Friday 13th theme. If you have some great stories or photos from your Library Lovers Day celebrations and would like to see them published in ALIA's monthly magazine, inCite, send them through to incite@alia.org.au by 30 March 2009.

STATE

Public Libraries NSW - Metropolitan Update

Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan has recently launched its new association website. The Association represents and supports the interests of public libraries in the greater Sydney region of the state of New South Wales (NSW) Australia.

http://www.plmnsw.org.au

Public Libraries NSW – Country is Turning 20!

On 21 and 22 June 1989 Parkes Shire Council hosted the first ever Country NSW Libraries Conference, where the organisation "Country Public Libraries Association of NSW" was born.

To celebrate this milestone PLNSW – Country will be holding a Symposium - Looking Back to Move Forward on Thursday 25 June, 9am to 4.30pm. The Symposium will address:

  • Where to for the next 20 years?
  • What should the Association's future vision be?
  • What strategic targets should the Association aim for?
A black tie Celebration Dinner –'Viva Las Vegas' will be held on the evening of Thursday 25 June from 6.30pm until late so pull out your blue suede shoes and find out why Parkes is mad keen on Elvis!

The evening will include:
  • The launch of "History of the CPLA"
  • Presentation of the Colin Mills Scholarship
  • Fabulous "Elvis" entertainment
  • Dancing
  • Cake cutting and official birthday celebrations
http://www.cpla.asn.au/

Expanding Horizons: positioning Queensland public libraries for the future 2008-2012

Expanding Horizons - Positioning Queensland public libraries for the future 2008-2012 is a collaborative positioning statement co-developed by the State Library (SLQ) the Queensland Public Libraries Association (QPLA) and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).

The document is an advocacy tool for Queensland public libraries, which can be used within your own Council, or to develop partnerships within your community, or used as a strategic resource to showcase the value and potential for libraries in Queensland. The document aims to:

  • Advance the vision and opportunities for public libraries
  • Provide a resource, which demonstrates the nature, value and potential for public libraries
  • Increase community and Government understanding of the role of public libraries
  • Identify the critical issues facing public libraries
  • Reflect national and international trends in library best practice
  • Increase community and Government engagement with libraries
  • Support libraries to position themselves strategically within Council and the community
  • Increase the sustainability and profile of public libraries
A copy of this document in PDF can be downloaded from: http://tinyurl.com/5bnqyw

NATIONAL

Library and Information Week - 25-31 May 2009

ALIA organises Library and Information Week on behalf of all libraries in Australia. It is a valuable opportunity to use this week as a focus for advocacy and for reinforcing the message about the value of libraries - both for ALIA at a national level and for public libraries in their communities.

The theme for Library and Information Week 2009 is: Libraries: Your Passport to Discovery. Order your merchandise now for LIW. Downloadable images are also available on the website.

http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/liw/

National Simultaneous Storytime - 27th May 2009 at 11:00am

We are pleased to announce that this year's National Simultaneous Storytime book is Pete the Sheep written by Jackie French! This is a sheepish tale about Sean, a shearer, who, instead of a sheepdog to help him, has a sheep-sheep – Pete. For more information about registration and merchandise, visit the website.

http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/storytime/2009/

Significance 2.0

Significance 2.0: a guide to assessing the significance of collections (2009), is a useful tool for managing cultural and scientific collections, wherever they are held. Significance 2.0 will be available in print and web forms. To be in the running for a free hard copy of Significance 2.0 for your collecting organisation, send an email to info@collectionscouncil.com.au with your collecting organisation's name and contact details.

if you would like to pre-order a personal copy of Significance 2.0 (estimated RRP $AUD29.95) – offer now extended to 31 March 2009. The Collections Council will contact you during April to confirm your order.)

Look for Significance 2.0 at http://www.collectionscouncil.com.au from May 2009.

Australian Copyright Council's 2009 training program

Everyone uses copyright-protected material, but not everyone understands their rights and obligations under copyright law in Australia.

Australian Copyright Council training will help you work out when you're faced with a copyright issue and what to do about it. Some sessions deal with certain activities, and others are targeted at certain organisations, such as educational institutions and libraries. A program overview is available at http://www.copyright.org.au/training2009

Dates
Perth: 17-20 March 2009
Melbourne: 12-15 May 2009
Sydney: 23-26 June 2009
Brisbane: 18-21 August 2009
Adelaide: 8-11 September 2009

http://www.copyright.org.au/training2009

Research to inform cyber-safety policies

A major review of Australian and international research on cyber-safety will be undertaken by Edith Cowan University.

"The Rudd Government has committed to a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to cyber-safety policies and it is important that this is informed by a sound understanding of the risks facing children in the online environment," said Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications, and the Digital Economy.

The research project will be undertaken through the Child Health Promotion Research Centre at Edith Cowan University and overseen by Professor Donna Cross, one of Australia's leading researchers in the field of child health. The project will review current research on matters such as the nature and prevalence of cyber-safety issues, such as cyber-bullying, online predators and the disclosure of personal information.

"The Government has always recognised that there is no silver bullet to improve cyber-safety and this research will help us to implement the range of measures put forward in our comprehensive cyber-safety plan," Senator Conroy said.

At the last Budget the Government announced a comprehensive $125.8 million cyber safety plan including:
  • Education and information measures;
  • Law enforcement, including 91 extra Australian Federal Police officers;
  • Resources such as help-lines and websites;
  • ISP-level content filtering;
  • Consultative arrangements with industry, child protection bodies and children; and
  • Research to identify possible areas for further action.
Media release: Research to inform cyber-safety policies http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/009

For further information on the Government's cyber-safety policy, visit http://www.dbcde.gov.au/cybersafetyplan

ALIA has a long-standing and active interest in the public debate on the regulation of internet content in Australia. In particular, the Association has an interest in policy and legislative issues relating to the provision of public access internet services in public libraries.

http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/internet.access/

Productivity Commission to Review the Contribution of the Not-For-Profit Sector

The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens, announced on 18 March 2009 that the Productivity Commission will examine the contribution of the not-for-profit sector to Australian society.

The Productivity Commission (the Commission) has been asked to assess how the not-for-profit sector's contributions to Australian society are currently measured and whether these measures can be improved.

The Government has also asked the Commission to identify ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of community organisations, and to consider options for improving the delivery of government-funded services by these organisations.

To read the full media release and terms of reference please visit: http://tinyurl.com/cgcwnr

INTERNATIONAL

Borrow a ukulele!

Have you always wanted to learn a musical instrument, but didn't know where to start? Now you can borrow a ukulele and instructional DVD from Forbes Library in Northampton Massachusetts! The owner of local music store has donated the traditional Hawaiian instrument for circulation to library patrons.

http://www.forbeslibrary.org/news/Ukulele.shtml

Eight recipients announced for 2009 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards

The Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) , and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have announced the eight recipients for the 2009 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards. Biennially, representatives from the AIA and the American Library Association gather to celebrate the finest examples of library design by architects licensed in the U.S. The 2009 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards honour eight separate projects.

http://tinyurl.com/c4la65

Nebraska auditor cries foul on gaming in libraries

A 10-minute YouTube video posted by the Nebraska Library Commission on January 18, 2008, to announce the Commission’s purchase of Rock Band and Dance Dance Revolution has resulted—roughly a year later—in an audit issued 24 February 2009. In it, Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Foley concluded that "the purchase of gaming equipment is a questionable use of public funds," and that "using social websites and gaming equipment on State time and with State computers . . . appears to be an inappropriate use of public funds."

http://tinyurl.com/cpbbdz

WEB RESOURCES

Library value calculator

The Denver Public Library has developed a Library Value Calculator for their web page. This calculator provides information to the library user on how much value they receive in return for each $1.00 of their taxes allocated to the library.

http://denverlibrary.org/news/dplnews/roi_calculator.html

CONFERENCES

ALIA National Library and Information Technicians Conference 2009

ALIA National Library and Information Technicians Conference 2009 The ALIA National Library and Information Technicians Conference will be held 15-18 September 2009 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The conference program is currently being developed to focus on the themes of Technology Technique Unique. Registrations are due to open in mid April 2009. For information and registration details, visit the conference website.

http://conferences.alia.org.au/libtec2009/

ALIA Biennial Conference 2010/2012

The ALIA Biennial Conference will not be held in 2010 as Australia will host the World Library and Information Congress 76th IFLA General Conference and Council in Brisbane. ALIA invites all of its members to join us and 4,000 other professional colleagues from around the world, for a week of networking and professional development. ALIA will be calling for Expressions of Interests from ALIA groups in late 2009 for the opportunity to host the 2012 ALIA Biennial Conference.

http://www.alia.org.au/ifla2010/

PLA/QPLA Conference 2009

Public Libraries Australia and the Queensland Public Libraries Association (QPLA) are happy to announce will be holding a joint conference of national significance. The conference will be held in Townsville, Queensland from 11-14 October 2009 with the theme being Change and Challenge.

In the near future a conference web page will be set up that will provide you with more information such as the program, sponsorship opportunities and registration details.

In the meantime pencil this event into your diaries and please contact the undersigned if you have any questions.

Roger Henshaw [rhenshaw@pla.org.au Tel: 0414 190 133]
Ron Store [ron.store@townsville.qld.gov.au / Tel: 07 4773 8819 or 07 4778 2424]

LIANZA Conference 2009 - Call for Abstracts

The LIANZA 2009 Conference Committee invites the submission of abstracts for this year's conference at the Christchurch Convention Centre, New Zealand, October 12-14 2009.

Our theme this year is "he tangata, he tangata, he tangata", and we are looking for contributions that celebrate the importance of people, both within and outside our profession. The Conference will "Acknowledge the past, Embrace the present, and Advance the Future".

In 2009 we are encouraging participation from all parts of our profession:
  • Young and not so young;
  • First time presenters and seasoned campaigners;
  • Recent graduates;
  • Those new to the profession and experienced librarians;
  • Representatives from all aspects and sectors of librarianship and related fields.
Please visit the call for abstracts http://www.lianza.org.nz/events/conference2009/abstracts.html for more details on:
  • Oral presentations (30 minutes is standard length, but let us know if you'd like shorter or longer);
  • Posters (especially suited to recent MLIS & BAppSci graduates and other research presentations);
  • Workshops (90 minute interactive learning opportunity - let us know if this will require access to a computer suite)
  • Other (this is your chance to design your own format)
Important dates
  • Now - abstract submission is now open
  • Friday 22 May - Deadline for abstract submission
  • Monday 15 June - Notification of abstract acceptance
http://lianza-redev.edit.katipo.co.nz/events/conference2009/contact.html

FEEDBACK

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 Australian Library and Information Association
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