9 May 2003

ALIA celebrates LIW 2003 with launch of 5th-generation website

Library and Information Week 2003 at the Australian Library and Information Association
Libraries and information services around the country will be celebrating Library and Information Week from 12 to 18 May 2003. The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) will be celebrating LIW2003 by launching its 5th-generation website, its new web-based membership system, and a new partnership program which will support and encourage research in the sector. The launch will take place on Thursday 15 May at the ALIA National Office in Deakin.

Major website revamped
Through ALIAnet's 5th-generation website, ALIA members will find members-only content, and a range of services that are either entirely new or completely revamped. The site will load much faster, is simpler, accessible, and standards-based. A new members-only chat server offers a much wider range of features. Members will now be able to sign up for a web-based e-mail account and access their e-mail from around the world.

Of equal significance is the launch of ALIA's new membership database, which will be fully-integrated into ALIAnet. This database, built by Vital Links, will allow visitors to ALIAnet the ability to join ALIA online, and handles membership renewals in the same manner. Members and customers will also be able to make secure online payments for membership renewals, general merchandise and conference bookings. The website will be continually improved with more services built into the system to allow greater member access to information, communications and reports.

Librarians to REAP the rewards
ALIA's Research Exchange and Partnership (REAP) initiative encourages and supports research and innovation in library and information services. REAP is a network of peers working together to exchange ideas and information about doing research and using the results of research. Features of REAP include an electronic discussion list, annual REAP meetings, resources and links covering topics such as developing a research proposal and finding funding support, ALIA's awards and grants and other sources of funding, research organisations and research interest groups (some resources are available only to ALIA members), and an ALIA e-prints repository: an electronic archive for loading of and access to research output relating to library and information services.

Launch details
When: 5:30pm Thursday 15 May 2003
Where: ALIA National Office, 9-11 Napier Close, Deakin 2600