Canberra, 6 November 2019: The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and ALIA Australian Government Libraries Information Network (AGLIN) have created, Not simple, not straightforward and not an instant cost saving, with information to assist government libraries which are threatened with closure. Additionally, the checklist Closing a government department library has been created to make clear the steps required to undergo this process.
These items highlights the difficulties, complexity and cost of closing a library; and the difficulties of continuing the provision of library services without a library and information science professional in place.
‘The decision to close a government library based on direct costs usually does not consider that someone, or in most cases multiple staff across the organisation, will be dealing with the repercussions and issues stemming from the library’s closure for many years to come’, Sue McKerracher, ALIA CEO, said.
About the Australian Library and Information Association
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector.
With 5,000 members across Australia, we provide the national voice of the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. www.alia.org.au