ALIA Board Blog

I had to write a post to commemorate today - a day that I thought I may not see in my lifetime - with the investiture of Australia’s first female prime minister. One of my favourite photos is a part of this gallery where Julia Gillard is signing alongside our first female Governor General Quentin Bryce.

A good day for Australian libraries too, as we share with Kevin Rudd in his farewell speech comments about how proud we all are of libraries.  Today he said : “I’m proud of the fact that new libraries are springing up right across the country, often in schools which have never had a library before in their lives, or in some places, have never had a new building built in their schools since the War.”    

Slightly ironic that he was making this speech around the exact same time that Karen Bonanno from ASLA was booked to be in a parliamentary committee room making another public hearing witness session to the House of Representatives Inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher Librarians (with the hearing delayed of course due to today’s news).   We look forward to continuing to work with the Government on ensuring that the school libraries being established and improved are made into truly useful and wonderful places and spaces of learning.  Keep up-to-date with it here http://www.alia.org.au/schoollibraries/

As a female-dominated profession, in Librarianship we are very fortunate to have many female leaders amongst our ranks.  Although some libraries take longer than others to get their first female librarian.  But as we know, for many other professions and in politics, a woman in the job is rare.   I know that with so many women as members of ALIA, you might share with me in acknowledging the significance of the bit of history that was made today.

ALIA will continue to work on our Advocacy with government to ensure that issues that relate to keeping a democratic society what it should be, will be a part of Australia’s future (including equality).

What a day.

Sue Hutley,  ALIA Executive Director

This week in Geneva, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Standing Committee on Copyright and Related matters are meeting to discuss Protection of broadcasting organizations, Protection of audiovisual performances, and Limitations and exceptions.

It is the limitations and exceptions area that is my focus, The World Blind Union (WBU) prepared a Treaty for Improved Access for Blind, Visually Impaired and other Reading Disabled Persons which was tabled at WIPO in 2009. Twelve months later the treaty is still the main focus of discussion in Geneva, as there has been much opposition as critics claim that a treaty is not needed, and that a Trusted Intermediary (TI) approach would achieve the desired results.The WBU claim that a treaty is needed to ensure that all countries across the world regardless of their copyright Act can lend or borrow from other agencies.  Over ninety-five percent of printed works are in formats inaccessible to people with a print disability.

WBU are arguing that an international treaty could address this “book famine” by removing copyright restrictions on translation of works into accessible formats and on sharing of these translations across national boundaries.

The latest news is the introduction of a proposal by the US.The US proposal which is a non binding alternative to the WBU treaty does not cover all the issues and is inadequate because of the following: at least it is not a legally binding instrument, it does not create a legal obligation for countries to make exceptions, meaning if either an exporting or importing country lacks an exception the transfer cannot be made; it discriminates against different kinds of media and does not seem to cover works shared online, it does not address the contractual restrictions on needed exceptions, and it doesn’t express the specific needs of developing countries.

Further reading:

• http://keionline.org/node/851

• http://www.ip-watch.org/weblog/2010/05/28/wipo-proposals-would-open-cross-border-access-for-print-disabled

• http://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/details.jsp?meeting_id=20200

• http://www.visionip.org/portal/en/index.html

Julie Rae

I took some personal ‘time out’ for the past few days to do some things that have been on my wish-list for awhile, involving activities that weren’t directly work-related, but professional and personal development nonetheless.

First thing was to visit the recently established Brisbane operations of The Footpath Library which is also in Sydney and Melbourne. Congratulations to all the volunteers that are using their skills and time to put books and other reading materials into hostels and into the hands of many homeless individuals and families. 

I also got to catchup with many Queensland Aurora Alumni at an informal gathering.  Those who have attended the Aurora Leadership Institute either as a participant or mentor (or both) will know that it is an intense and unique learning experience. It was great to re-connect with colleagues to talk about library leadership.

But the main reason for my visit home was the CEO Sleepout.  Last year after meeting a Vinnies staffer, I committed to joining in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout. One night sleeping outside on cardboard to experience it first hand. Homelessness is something we all see in our communities, but there are often lots of misconceptions surrounding it all.
The CEO Sleepout is an opportunity to raise awareness of homelessness and the circumstances relating to it, and to raise funds for Vinnies to improve the lives of those in need. With over 105,000 homeless Australians there’s much to be done. As leaders of corporates and not-for-profits we have the ability to use our influence, networks and skills to help.  Here is my profile page and you can still donate online.

I really liked seeing how other CEO’s went through the night with the Bench Diary video’s from Sydney  (including David Lampert, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Asia Pacific talking about considering becoming a NFP CEO!)
Some of the most memorable elements of the Brisbane event was Paul Pisasale  (Ipswich Mayor) and his spotted PJ’s and red carpet fundraiser, Malcolm Snow (CEO of Southbank) settling down with his book just before lights out, thank goodness for the great Merlo’s Coffee, the soup from the Rosies volunteers and then there was the general snoring at 3am. The after effects of sore hips and wearyness from the hard cardboard and concrete lasted a couple of days, and I will be appreciative of my comfy bed each night from now on.

Some other media to hear about it from ABC Radio Fran Kelly here,  Twitter messages, and other videos.

The CEO Sleepout was a huge logistical event, in every state capital. Vinnies did a great job looking after the 685 CEO’s on the night - so that we could help to raise $2.7million over the past few days. Thanks so much to all of my donors. I really appreciate your support.

I am not sure if I can put the CEO Sleepout as part of my ALIA PD Points this year (informal learning for CEO’s maybe?) but it certainly was an experience that I will never forget, and feel privileged to be involved in.

I hope that all of you will take some time to do a few things this year that will challenge you, take you out of your comfort zone, renew your spirit, and contribute to your personal and professional development.  I am so pleased I have

Sue Hutley, ALIA Executive Director

It’s wonderful to see the success of another Library and Information Week, with library activities, celebrations and events held across the country.

Last Saturday, wearing my ALIA Board “hat”, I headed off to the ALIA SA Quiz Night, a traditional event on the LIW calendar in South Australia.  While making my way to the venue on a cold Adelaide night, it struck me that this successful event had been running for 6 years now - how time flies!

I was on the organising committee for the first ALIA SA Quiz Night back in 2005, where some things worked, some things didn’t work, but everyone had a lot of fun!  Since then, I’ve been involved every year as a volunteer.  I’ve even co-opted my husband…in the past he’s moved tables, arranged balloons, and acted as our official Quiz Master (He’s pretty good, if I do say so myself!)  And every year I’ve enjoyed working with a group of passionate, organised and enthusiastic ALIA members who volunteer their time and energy to ensure the event is a success.

Sitting at a Quiz Night table and watching the crowd have fun got me thinking about the value of ALIA’s volunteers, and the contribution they make to the Association.  It’s a conversation that I have been having with different people for some time now, and as a dedicated volunteer myself, an issue that is close to my heart.  Most recently, we’ve been talking about it on the ALIA Membership and Awards Standing Committee as we work through some of the results and detailed comments from the ALIA Member Survey.

For me, volunteering has always gone hand-in-hand with “being an ALIA member” - in fact it almost seems inseparable.  Even now, my role as a Director on the ALIA Board is as a volunteer, with the support and understanding of my employer and my family. Over the years, I have given back to the association by volunteering my energy, skills and personal time…but I have also gained immeasurably in friendships, experience and professional knowledge.

But I can also recognize my experience in some of the comments in the ALIA Member Survey  that talk about the problems with volunteering.  Being an ALIA volunteer can sometimes lead to “burnout” and disillusionment ; be demanding on time already committed to work and family priorities ; or be seen by other members as exclusive and “cliquey”.

Feedback like this is really useful for an Association that relies so heavily on local volunteers when providing services and events to members.  Without the hard work of ALIA volunteers across the country, there would be fewer workshops, seminars, library tours, social events and conferences for ALIA members to enjoy. And importantly, ALIA volunteers have tremendous power to affect local membership and recruitment, as they represent “the ALIA brand” at a grassroots level.  

This is why one of the major projects the ALIA Membership and Awards Standing Committee is working on is a Volunteer Review to look at a range of issues around volunteering for our Association.  This will include a survey of current ALIA Group officebearers, to be conducted in the next few months.

The outcomes from the Volunteer Review will be used to inform the discussions at this year’s National Advisory Congress (NACs) in September.  The NAC topic this year is “Volunteering with ALIA”  and we want to hear from members on this issue, especially those of you who have experience as volunteers.  Let us know your suggestions, ideas and feedback on how we can effectively encourage, support and reward volunteers in their contribution to the Association.  I look forward to the discussion!

Kate Sinclair - ALIA Board of Directors

The ALIA Every Member an Advocate national roadshow kicked off last week with workshops held in Darwin. Northern Territorians gathered at the Charles Darwin University library to hear Sue McKerracher present ALIA’s recommended approach to advocacy and lobbying and workshoped with participants on their local issues and individual library needs. The reason for the Every Member an Advocate workshops is that we all need to advocate on behalf of our own libraries and the profession.  At a national level, ALIA lobbies the federal government on a number of issues, working with the DEEWR (School Libraries, VET & PPP), Social Inclusion (Public Libraries), DBCDE (Broadband and Cybersafety), FAHCSIA (Access and Disability) and DEWHA (Libraries, the arts and literacy) and Innovation (BISG) on specific issues and programs or involved in Inquiries or Groups reporting to government.  http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy

Last week was also the launch of the Safer Internet Group’s website http://www.saferinternetgroup.org

ALIA is also there to lobby on behalf of libraries where a local team is unable to do so because of the constraints of their position.  There have again been recent reports of many restructures and industrial relations issues in public libraries around Australia.  Members are encouraged to contact us by email with your initial request for assistance regarding such matters or phone the MembersLine 1800 020071.

The workshops show just how easy it can be for everyone to become an effective advocate, without having to step too far outside their own comfort zone.  It’s such an important skill to have, we have made the advocacy workshops free for ALIA members, Please make the time and be a part of these events when they are held in your state or territory.   The feedback from the Darwin workshops has been positive with 26 people sharpening their advocacy skill-set - now there’s just a few more thousand to go!

Dates and locations for the workshops are on the ALIA PD calendar – visit http://www.alia.org.au/education/pd/pd.services/training.calendar.html 

Sue Hutley, ALIA Executive Director

I was reminded about  how librarianship has changed in my professional life  when I attended the  ALIA West 2009 FA Sharr Medal presentation (Monday 25^th May). The deserving winner was Catherine New who spoke eloquently on the role of a librarian in the age of social networking, e-resources and to quote Catherine – the Googlerisation of the Internet.  Not sure if Catherine invented the word but it has a certain ring to it. 

Catherine spoke about librarians (with emphasis on the academic librarian) being available at the “point of need” and getting out and meeting students where they feel comfortable.  Her message was about getting rid of the “gatekeeper” image of librarianship and “get out there and break free – you won’t regret it.”   I wholeheartedly agree with her views. 

When I was studying Library & Information Science at Curtin University the Sharr Medal was awarded for the first time in 1976 to the top graduating student  (I’m really showing my age now).  The winner that year was an exceptional student – Jean Ryding.  My only claim to fame in that graduating class was that I was one of 2 male graduates in a class of around 50.  When I think back to my studies it was all about the librarian as a gatekeeper, card catalogues, delving through massive backruns of the printed Chemical Abstracts or Engineering Index, the history of printing and the book, library management 202.  The closest we came to social networking was the Curtin Tavern.

I spent most of the ‘70s and early ‘80s working at the State Library of WA as a reference librarian. It was the book, serial and printed index/abstract era.   I guess like most of my colleagues I was a gatekeeper to knowledge but in those days not too many members of the public knew how to use a card catalogue – I was qualified and I struggled - or which books or journals stored away in the massive stacks were of interest to them for their particular need.  

The introduction of online searching in the late 70s created a whole new breed of librarian/gatekeepers and I loved the new technology, but it certainly wasn’t user friendly.  I loved sharing my knowledge with our customers and couldn’t do enough to help them.  We were certainly proactive in promoting the services of the State Library of WA to the broader community and our services made a real difference. 

Librarianship has certainly come along way since I started out on my professional career.  I think that by necessity librarians from my generation were gatekeepers in the nicest possible meaning of the term.    If by gatekeeper we imply that the keeper has control over who can enter through the gate at their whim, then that sort of librarian needs to change or find another job.  My view is that they are a very small minority in librarianship and like everything in life there’s always a minority who don’t get it quite right. Andrew Hocken – ALIA Director  

Happy Library and Information Week to you all.  This year there are so many events for the week, we can’t keep track.  http://www.alia.org.au/liw/ We have been very pleased to see so many libraries issue media releases, and our first day of the week has included quite a few radio interviews. We know that many libraries are taking the opportunity to have photo opportunities with local media.  ALIA National Office staff have also referred media contacts to library locations in your region.  There is still time to fax off to your local radio or newspaper a quick media release http://www.alia.org.au/liw/media.html (examples here).  If you cannot undertake interviews, then please contact ALIA to assist with finding people to speak.

This year we have a new partner - Palliative Care Australia - as we share the week with Palliative Care Week   http://www.alia.org.au/liw/palliative.care.week.html .  We know that many Australians seek information about death and dying at their library.  Information kits for libraries are assisting to spread the word about a difficult topic - but one that we all need to face.

There are many gatherings for National Library Technicians Day http://www.alia.org.au/liw/tech.day.2010.html  (Tuesday) and please take the opportunity to acknowledge the ‘techs’ in your organisation. 

Hope you are following us on Twitter http://twitter.com/alianational and using the #LIW2010 tag to talk about the week.

Wednesday is of course National Simultaneous Storytime.  Even if you don’t have a copy of the book, you can follow along at 11am on 26th May with a copy of the book online (only available for this week at http://www.alia.org.au/storytime/ ) to see how the adventures of Smudge - the little white dog that can’t jump - work out in the end, with a little red sports car.  Tell us how your group of the 140,000 kids that are joining in have fun with the story with a tweet at #2010NSS or email us your photos and stories to events@alia.org.au

Sue Hutley, ALIA Executive Director

Each year as Executive Director I reflect on this week - it’s the biggest week of the year at ALIA National Office.  I’ve realised that I have not summarised the activity of the ‘third week of May @ ALIA’ before on the blog.  Here is abit of an insight ….

Monday starts with the induction of new Board members.  This year we welcome Margaret Allen, John Bayliss, Andrew Hocken and Julie Rae.     You can find more about the new directors here.   The incoming President and outgoing President assist with the induction. We spend the day going through ASIC Duties and Responsibilities, matters relating to being on a Board of a Company Limited by Guarantee, talking through many induction and company documents, meeting the National Office staff and answering questions from our new board members.   The day concludes with the new board members being introduced to other board members over dinner.

Tuesday is an all-day board meeting where outgoing board members hand over their Standing Committee responsibilities and we cover off any financial and legal requirements for the changeover of the board.  Both current and future board members are all present, as well as Executive Staff members.  Further audit reports and other financial matters are tabled. Strategic matters and the strategic plan are discussed with outgoing board members offering their perspective from their time as directors, sharing of knowledge, updates on recent ALIA projects and initiatives in-progress, and often some good tips and advice for ongoing board members.  We are usually cramming to complete the 20-or-so Agenda items for the day by 5pm.  There is then a ‘quick change’ as the staff ready ALIA House for 6pm on Tuesday when we welcome many more members to the Annual General Meeting.  It is presided over by a distinguished member, and again this year it will be Averill Edwards, past president.  We must have 21 members as quorum for the AGM (so we always hope that the May Canberra weather won’t be too cold).  The President and Executive Director give reports, we confirm the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements as well as our Auditors for next year and discuss any questions that the members in attendance may have.  Jan Richards (ALIA President 2009/10) summarised 2009 here on the blog and also in our Annual Report.   The AGM is also a time to celebrate the year with ‘a glass of something’.  The Board concludes the night with a smaller farewell gathering for outgoing board members, this year being Michelle Brennand, Helen Partridge, Philip Keane (all of whom have served four years on the board) as well as Jan Richards.    My sincere thanks to Jan, Helen, Michelle and Philip - for all that they have contributed to ALIA during their terms as board members.

On Wednesday the ongoing board members ‘the new board’ re-convene to start planning and discussing future board matters.  There are the standing committee confirmations and discussion on way forward for the Strategic Plan.  This year, with new Executive Staff and the new structure in place, we are also planning staff activities relating to board planning.  This Wednesday will also have reports on the project plans for the National Year of Reading 2012 and our many advocacy initiatives, and how our board and members will be a part of this.  During this board meeting we also confirm the National Advisory Congress theme and dates for August - October.  This is again an all-day meeting.  Most board members depart late at night, and after three full days & nights they welcome the peace of the aeroplane to home.  Being on the ALIA Board is a significant commitment and responsibility - not just for the first three days of inductions and meetings, but for all that the company’s directors undertake in their duties.

This year we are also hosting the ALIA Roundtable 2010 meeting on Thursday 20th May 2010. Graham Black as incoming ALIA President will chair this full-day meeting.  This meeting of peak library associations and groups is an opportunity to discuss the compelling issues for our profession (and in an election year, it’s an important time to be speaking with one voice).  The outcomes of this meeting will be reported on the ALIA Roundtable 2010 webpage in coming weeks. 

It is always a very exhausting week for everyone ; the staff who manage all the logistics, agendas&papers, presentations&reports, and every other detail both before and after the meetings ; and our volunteer board members. 

There is only then a weekend to recover however before Library and Information Week is upon us.   [More on that in my next posts].

To the ALIA staff and the Board - my sincere thanks again for all that goes into making this coming ‘Marathon Week in May’ a reality  ….

Sue Hutley, ALIA Executive Director

ALIA continues to be a leading partner in the Safer Internet Group on moving the cybersafety debate back to what really works - education and policing as our top priorities (see our Core Principles documents).   If you have been following the media this last week, there was the flip ‘Rudd retreats on internet filter’, then the backflip ‘Govt committed to internet filter’, and now we wait for the next move ’Internet censorship part of Conroys agenda’ and news that the legislation may be tabled in parliament next month.  There has been lots of media identifying the gaps in the filter proposals - just one is ‘Relax: conroys filter can safely be ignored’.

We will be watching with interest the Four Corners  ’Access Denied’  piece on ABCTV Monday night 10th May  [ALIA’s stance is also clearly stated through our Library and Information Week theme this year - ‘Access All Areas’]  as well as the Q & A following Four Corners. 

And then there’s just abit of fun … with the Cleanternet Youtube  (surprising how satire seems so much like the real thing)

Send us your comments after you watch Four Corners and Q&A, and join us as an ALIA member in setting the debate on actions and initiatives that are going to make an impact to improve cybersafety, rather than us moving towards censorship.

Sue Hutley, ALIA Executive Director

Today was the first day of public hearings for the Inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher Librarians.  Submissions are to be made publicly available on the website soon.

ASLA presented in Sydney this morning and more info and comments can be found here http://aslaonline.ning.com/

Other state-based TL groups, the Australian Society of Authors, the Hub, and representatives from the NSW Education Department also gave their statements and answered questions from the committee.

Presenters indicated that a school library is the centre of the school, a safe haven and hub for students.  One TL commented that she would like the government to recognise that libraries and TL’s “are an asset, rather than a cost”.

The committee engaged with the witnesses with keen questions, demonstrating that they are thinking of other ways that the school community (including parents, children and teachers and principals) can engage with school library staff and the library industry to improve the situation.

Witnesses told of their passion for their profession, described the experiences of being a TL and how they contribute to the vitality and educational outcomes of their schools.  They also told of their innovative situations and their best practice examples showed how an enthusiastic and resourced teacher librarian can create a wonderfully rich learning environment for students.

The Australian Society of Authors representative also reminded the committee that “Librarians can inspire a love of books and reading”.

A committee member commented on the demographics of our aging profession and expressed the challenges that the shortage of teacher librarians will present.  Then further questioning asked the TL’s how is the best way to promote and market the career of teacher librarianship.  

ALIA will be presenting at 10am on Thursday morning in Melbourne and this session will also be webcast.  More at http://www.alia.org.au/schoollibraries and http://asla.org.au/schoollibraries/

And some other related links from today’s questions that came up :

ALIA Library Salary Scales - http://www.alia.org.au/employment/salary.scales/ 

ALIA Career Links - http://www.alia.org.au/education/qualifications/careers/ (and organisations can order a library career promotional pack here)  & the http://destinationlibrary.pbworks.com/

Electronic Resources Australia -  http://era.nla.gov.au/ - national electronic resources for all Australians 

Public Libraries info - http://www.alia.org.au/publiclibraries/ (public library vs school library resourcing)

Sue Hutley, ALIA Executive Director