Cohesion - the ALIA 2001 National Policy Congress

ALIA core values statement

1. Assurance of free and open access to recorded knowledge, information, and creative works We recognise unfettered access to ideas across time and across culture is fundamental to society and to civilization
2. Connection of people to ideas We guide and educate the seeker in defining and refining the search; foster intellectual enquiry and freedom; and nurture communication in all forms and formats.
3. Commitment to literacy, information literacy and learning We foster independent lifelong learning by providing resources that meet the differing needs of all learners and entertain and delight the human spirit.
4. Respect for individuality and the diversity of all people We honour each request without bias, and meet it with the fullness of tools at our command. We respect privacy, confidentiality, and the right of access to library and information services and resources regardless of race, creed, national origin, age, ability, gender, or sexual orientation
5. Preservation of the human record We seek to preserve the cultural memory of humankind and its many families. its stories, its expertise, its history, and its evolved wisdom so it may illuminate the present and make the future possible
6. Excellence in professional service to our communities We are committed to integrity, competence, personal growth, effective stewardship, and service to our profession and to our public
7. Partnerships to advance these values We believe in the interdependence of libraries and library staff and advocate collaboration between all types of libraries an information services for the public and private good.