ALIA Academic and Research Libraries (WA) [arlwa]

January-December report

The Academic and Research Libraries Group of WA aims to promote the exchange of ideas and information effecting libraries and information services, particularly Academic and Research Libraries as our name suggests. During the last year we held 4 events and an Annual General Meeting. These events were as follows:

12 March - our 2001 student award winners gave presentations of their research papers;

8 May - we held a panel discussion about wireless network technologies;

23 July - Education for the future of the profession;

17 September - Phil Teece Visit discussing "Relativities: industrial issues in the academic and research library environment."

12 March 2002 - Student award papers held at Curtin University of Technology, Bentley Campus.
As outlined in our promotional flier, this event was the first for 2002. Recent graduates who studied Library and Information presented research papers. At this event the group aimed to promote our activities to students, and involve them in ARL activities. We also aimed to involve a broad range of people as part of our committee. The success of this event is one reason we wish to keep the student award.

8 May 2002 - Panel discussion titled 'What is the future of wireless networks in academic and research libraries?' held at Edith Cowan University, Mount Lawley.
For this event we had two guest speakers. Trevis Lawton from City of Joondalup presented a paper about the wireless web. The wireless web is able to create a dynamic hook-up between the library system and a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) device. He discussed these technologies in both a public library and academic library environment. Matthew Turany from Integrity data systems presented a paper on WILAN (Wireless Local Area Networks) and microwave technologies. We were pleased to have attendance from a wide group of people, particularly students studying information technology.

23 July 2002 - Education for the future of the profession
We received an excellent turnout for the event "Education for the future of the profession". Our guest speakers included:

Karen Anderson - Karen is currently co-ordinating the Master of Information Services course which encompasses three streams - Information Science, Teacher-librarianship and Archives and Records at Edith Cowan University;

Imogen Garner - Imogen Garner is the Associate Librarian of the University of Western Australia. She is also a representative for the LISEKA group (Library and Information Science Education for the Knowledge Age);

Paul Genoni - Paul Genoni is a lecturer in the School of Media and Information at Curtin University of Technology;

Belinda Tiffen - PhD (Literature) graduate from the University of New England, and library studies student at Curtin University of Technology.

Issues concerning higher education, library education for technicians and librarians, LISEKA and education were discussed. A summary of this event appeared in the September issue of Biblia.

17 September 2002 - Phil Teece Visit discussing 'Relativities: industrial issues in the academic and research library environment.'
On the 17 of September, the Academic and Research Libraries Group held a discussion titled 'Relativities: industrial issues in the academic and research library environment'. Speakers included Phil Teece, industrial relations and employment advisor at ALIA, and Union Representatives from CSA (Civil Service Association). Issues concerning pay equity and work value were discussed, in particular the New South Wales Pay Equity Inquiry and the recent NSW Test Case. A summary of this event appeared in the November issue of Biblia.

Annual General Meeting and Planning for 2003
The Annual General Meeting was a dinner held at the Brass Monkey. Julia Gross (convenor) gave a rundown on the ARL events of 2002, what our committee has achieved. Paige Luff (secretary) gave a report on the 3rd National Policy Congress. Jenny Golding (treasurer) explained our budget, and formally stepped down as treasurer, but we are looking forward to having Jenny Smith as treasurer for 2003.

We have been fortunate to receive prizes for the Student Awards from DA and Blackwell's. Our first event for 2003 will be presentations from the ARL Student Award winners. Our first committee meeting for 2003 is being held on Tuesday 4 February.

Budget

Notes

1. We commenced the year with an opening balance of $70.00
2. We carried over expenses from 2001 of $92.70 (pre GST) and the two prizes totalling $300.00. These amounts were paid in 2002.
3. Therefore our closing balance at 30 June 2002 was -$213.80
4. Our closing balance at 30 September 2002 is $55.60

Conclusion
2002 was a successful year. We held four events and one Annual General Meeting, and the committee met regularly during the year. Jenny Golding stepped down as treasurer, and Jenny Smith is taking up this position.

Further documentation such as minutes, publicity and transcripts can be obtained by contacting the ARL secretary. Current e-mail luff@ses.curtin.edu.au.nospam (please remove '.nospam' from address).