Join researcher Kirsten Thorpe (Jumbunna Institute, UTS), ALIA Board Member Justine Hyde and ALIA President Vicki Edmunds for the launch of the ALIA funded report: National Survey on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment in Australian Libraries

This Indigenous-led study is the first pilot study to survey Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed in libraries across Australia. The combination of surveys and interviews provides us with both an overview of Indigenous employment, type and location, and the first-hand experiences and challenges for Indigenous employees. The seminar will present an opportunity to hear about the findings and ask questions about the research directly to the researcher. 

After presenting her research Kirsten will be joined by Lesley Acres, Ryan Stoker and Rebecca Bateman for a panel discussion and Q&A session. This is an amazing opportunity to hear first hand from First Nations people in the Australian library sector, to engage with the findings and take action on the recommendations.

About Kirsten:

Kirsten Thorpe (Worimi, Port Stephens NSW), Senior Researcher, Jumbunna Researcher, Jumbunna Research, has led the development of protocols, policies, and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in libraries and archives in Australia. Kirsten's research interests relate to Indigenous self-determination in libraries and archives.

Kirsten has contributed to numerous projects that have involved the return of historical collections to Indigenous peoples and communities and advocates for a transformation of practice to centre Indigenous priorities and voices concerning the management of data, records, and collections. Kirsten was previously the Manager, Indigenous Services at the State Library of NSW where she led the development of strategies supporting state-wide information services for Indigenous people. This included support for Indigenous priorities and cultural competency across NSW Public Libraries, the launch of the Library's first Indigenous Collecting Strategy, and projects that supported the documentation, return and revitalisation of Indigenous Australian languages through archival sources.

The ALIA Research Review Seminar Series provides a platform for academic and practitioner researchers to share and discuss their work and projects with the wider library and information sector community. ALIA endeavours to support the process of research being translated into practice by bringing researchers together with professional practitioners and on-the-ground workers in an engaging, informal setting. If you would like to discuss your research or have an idea for the series, contact: [email protected]