ALIA West

July 2006

Media release

State Library of Western Australia launches Libraries Australia to all regional areas

The State Library of Western Australia is pleased to announce the provision of a state-wide licence to the enhanced version of the Libraries Australia database. The National Library of Australia describes Libraries Australia as a modern Internet-based service for all Australian libraries and their users by providing access to the national database of material held in Australian libraries. You can search for any item and locate which library in Australia holds it, then request that item delivered to your local library. Gateways to other major library databases are also provided.

In Western Australia, 239 local public libraries will have access to the enhanced version of the Libraries Australia service. The subscription incorporates additional features including advanced searching, alerts, personalisation (providing remote access for their users) and records for cataloguing.

Margaret Allen, CEO and State Librarian said that all Western Australians, whether in regional areas like Geraldton or suburbs like Girrawheen, would have the same access to the database. 'It's equity of access for all Western Australians, either at home using the internet or searching at their local Public Library. You even get an option to purchase through an internet based bookstore'.

Public libraries will be able to add details of the contents of their local studies collections, often containing unique items, onto the Australian National Bibliographic Database. This will enable access to these collections by libraries and individuals throughout Australia.

Through the provision of electronic infrastructure and resources like Libraries Australia, the State Library is providing an enhanced service to the people of Western Australia in partnership with local government. This is an exciting step in furthering the links between state and local governments for the delivery of public library services in Western Australia. This initiative will assist public library services that have to date been unable to afford access to this valuable resource.

Additional information about Libraries Australia can be found here. For more information regarding this media release please contact Doug George on (08) 9427 3150 or 0417 961 060.