Respect and Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Cultures and Country in Australian Libraries

Course Overview 

This is a short, self-paced online training program for Australian library staff.

You have 6 months in which to complete the course.

This foundational course is a collaboration between ALIA and the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). It provides library workers with practical knowledge, real-world insights, and valuable resources for professional development. It is designed to help library workers build their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and connections to Country—and to embed cultural respect and recognition into everyday practice.

“Respect and Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Cultures, and Country” is a Core Domain of the ALIA LIS Workforce Framework. The knowledge, skills and ethics within this course are applicable for roles across the LIS sector, and across all professional knowledge domains. 

The self-paced online course combines text, videos, guided reflections, and short quizzes. Participants explore cultural protocols, Acknowledgment of Country, and the significance of Indigenous knowledges and histories in the library and information environment. Practical steps for further learning are woven throughout, supporting culturally safe practice, inclusive collections, and respectful community partnerships.
It is targeted at the Australian library workforce and overseas library staff who want to work in Australia and become an ALIA member.

Course Content 

The course is divided into three parts:

Part One – Country and Diversity

This forms the foundational topic from which all other parts build. Country is an essential concept for all Australian library workers to understand this land's diverse, rich and extensive histories. This course fosters recognition and respect for the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their continued connections to Country. Everyone working in the library sector in Australia is expected to develop capabilities in this domain to actively incorporate the acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into library practice.

Part Two – Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Libraries

This part explores the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and knowledge systems within library contexts. It examines these through an information sector lens, addressing key areas such as Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights when working with Indigenous content and the application of protocols in library practice. This part also critically examines how colonial collecting practices have influenced libraries, affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ access and use of Indigenous collections. It encourages reflection on the importance of respecting Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in library and information practices. 

Part Three - Libraries Engaging with Indigenous Peoples and Knowledges 

This part emphasises the importance of libraries in committing to ongoing, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. This section illustrates best practices and existing guidelines that can be used and readapted to various contexts. Topics include creating welcoming and culturally appropriate library spaces, and organising events and initiatives. This part also focuses on the importance of a library workforce that is culturally competent and aware of their own cultural perspectives and biases – a critical foundation for building meaningful relationships and trust with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations. 

The course provides:

• Accessible content – Diverse learning resources, including articles, videos, and interactive materials
• Real-life examples – Interviews with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including academics and library professionals, who bring these concepts to life through their insights and experiences
• Best practices across the sector – Practical guidance from industry leaders and professionals implementing Indigenous approaches in various library settings.

Right for you if...

If you would like to embed cultural respect and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Cultures, and Country into everyday practice in your library then this course is for you. You will learn from interviews with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples working in the library and information services sector, as well as have access to a range of learning resources and references for further reading. 

Course Delivery

This is a simple step-through course delivered on Moodle (the online Learning Management System used by ALIA for this course). A computer with internet access is required.

The course is unfacilitated, and may be completed at your own pace. Course content includes readings, videos, examples, questions for reflection, quizzes and further reading. 

Pricing

ALIA Members - $500; Non-Members - $665

Group enrolments are available for ALIA institutional members with 10% discount offered for 20 or more staff registrations and 15% for 50 or more staff registrations. Contact [email protected] for more information as discounts are not automatically applied.

CPD Hours

15 hours is the recommended time allowance for course completion, however this can be more or less depending on the individual.

 For more information:

Contact ALIA Training
1800 020 071
[email protected]