July at ALIA
Well, what a month at ALIA. We of course received word from the IFLA Governing Board that IFLA2010 will now be in Goteborg, Sweden. <see Jan’s post> There were many and varied discussions on library e-lists - questions understanding the complexity of the Congress arrangements and agreements <Graham’s post explains more> and how the GFC is affecting all budgets, tourism and government funding, (e.g AustnUniLib examples ) and just a general feeling of disappointment. While the National Committee, ALIA Board and staff were also all disappointed too, we agree with the IFLA GB that it was a difficult, but necessary and financially sound decision to ensure the long-term viability of the International Association. We still need to operate as businesses to survive - I was also fortunate to be with a group of Not-for-Profits this July, and we considered trying to rename the sector “Not-for-Loss” as our sustainability in the long term depends on good financial decisions in order to support the communities, groups or professions we serve. ALIA submitted to the Productivity Commission’s Not-for-Profit review and we hope to engage further with this review.
ALIA heard the response too from members about ‘what next?’ for a 2010 event of some sort - and quickly established the ALIA2010 wiki which has seen some excellent comments and ideas and suggestions. Other phone calls, teleconferences and emails have also gathered ideas which will be presented to the ALIA Board. It is Board Meeting time again - and if you ever wonder what the agenda’s look like you can view them here and get summaries of the meetings here on the website.
Then the 30,000 copies of The Little Book of Public Libraries arrived just before the Summit and filled the ALIA House Conference room before all the staff helped shipped them out to all those who have ordered. Again, we received a variety of comments, but mostly people have appreciated the ‘different’ and bright cover and the subtle clear title on the cover. You can also get tips on what to do with the little book and how to use it as a great Advocacy tool on the website.
We met with the Public Libraries Associations in Parkes in late June to prepare and discuss the ALIA Public Libraries Summit. Thank you to our State Associations for their financial contribution to the day and also their support, including facilitating discussion groups on the main topics. Our thanks also to FOLA for their support. The ALIA Public Libraries Advisory Committee (PLAC) have provided great advice and input over the year of planning for the summit.
Jan Richards, Summit leader, ALIA President and public librarian was able to bring her experience and passion to the day. It was also the breadth of participants and enthusiasm from the invited guests that completed the day. We have only just started the work and further conversations that will result out of the Summit - there’s lots to be followed up on. The major recommendations from the day will continue to be reported on the Summit website.
We hope that more public librarians consider nominating for the ALIA Board of Directors - check out our Boardroom Bound page and we are also running another BB session at the upcoming ALIA Library and Information Technicians Conference coming up soon from 15-18 September in Adelaide.
Jan Richards and I presented to the Select Standing Committee on the National Broadband Network at Parliament House on 20th July and the transcript will be available here. The Senators opened their copy of The Little Book of Public Libraries with enthusiasm ( abit different to the examples of fibre cables and boxes with splitters shown around during the previous presentation at the Committee).
The Summit, Little Book, Ambassadors, Submissions, Senate presentations and related media interviews have all contributed to ALIA’s Advocacy for libraries this month.
Membership renewals are flooding in - thank you to all that have renewed so far. You can use the online payment system or give us a call on 1800 020071 to arrange your payment.
Our Web2.0/socialmedia extended to twittering, especially during Summit Day #Summit09 and #ALIA2010, Facebooking, blogging and wiki-ing.
Sue Hutley, Executive Director