Six exceptional ALIA members have been shortlisted for the South Australian Library & Information Awards (SALIAs) for dedication to the advancement of the LIS sector, successful collaborative ventures, creative approaches to library promotion, and leadership.
Launched in 2023 by the ALIA SA Group, the SALIAs shine a spotlight on individuals shaping library and information services in South Australia. They are designed to acknowledge the dedication, innovation, and excellence demonstrated by library personnel, and celebrate the achievements of those who have made a significant impact.
The judges faced a challenging task in evaluating the award due to the high quality of entries and the passion expressed by the respective nominators. The submissions showcased dedication and creativity, and the judges extend their congratulations to all nominees, not only those who were shortlisted
The SALIAs winner will be announced at the ALIA SA End of Year Celebration to be held at the State Library of South Australia on Friday 21st November (book your tickets now!).
Jon Bentick – Public Library Services, State Library of South Australia
As the key coordinator for Firstival 2025, Jon Bentick from the State Library of South Australia's Public Library Services played an instrumental role in bringing this initiative to life. Jon led the coordination of administrative and creative work, ensuring seamless collaboration across the LibrariesSA Marketing and Events Group and supporting staff from all councils. Jon facilitated meetings, guided strategic planning, and provided clear direction to the team, enabling the delivery of a cohesive, branded experience across diverse library services.
Firstival demonstrated how cross-council collaboration with strong coordination, strategic planning, and community-focused innovation can transform public library engagement across South Australia. Through inclusive programming, and integrated marketing, Firstival not only met but exceeded its goals— strengthening communities, growing public library membership, and redefining the role of libraries in South Australia. The aim of Firstival remains to drive public library rediscovery, visitation, engagement and membership, affirming through in-person experience that today’s libraries are thriving, open-access community places where everyone is welcome to come and connect, and encouraged to learn and share skills. Its success even inspired international adoption, with South Dublin Libraries in Ireland hosting their own “Firstival” in January 2025.
Dr Jo Kaeding AALIA - University of South Australia
Dr Jo Kaeding's work in disability access and outreach has highlighted practical opportunities for libraries to remove barriers and create more inclusive environments. Her research in this space has had a tangible impact on practice. Jo has worked directly with public libraries to develop inclusive programs, advocating for universal design principles and outreach activities that engage those who have traditionally been excluded from library participation.
On the international stage, Jo represents Australian librarianship as a member of the IFLA Library Services to People with Special Needs Section Committee, where she works with colleagues worldwide to advance inclusive practice. Through these roles, she amplifies local professional issues in global conversations while also bringing international perspectives back to South Australian practitioners. Jo’s leadership is characterised by a consistent focus on the values of equity and social justice, which she integrates into every aspect of her professional work.
Jo has shown unwavering dedication to advancing the profession through her leadership; she has significantly improved disability access and outreach in libraries; and she has contributed influential research that shapes both professional practice and academic scholarship.
Kerryn McDonald & Julia Orlowski – Charles Sturt Library Service
. 
Nominations were received for both Kerryn McDonald and Julia Orlowski, for their individual contributions to the design and delivery of “Virtual Book Week”.
Their goal was to develop a sustainable, inclusive model that would deliver high-quality Children's Book Week experiences to schools and libraries regardless of location, budget, or access to physical infrastructure. The focus was on creating an offering that could support children beyond the City of Charles Sturt local government catchment, while building meaningful connections across the broader library sector.
Julia and Kerryn designed and led Virtual Book Week, a collaborative statewide initiative bringing well-known authors directly into classrooms and libraries via live-streamed sessions. The format allowed schools and public libraries across South Australia to participate in real-time, eliminating travel barriers and reducing the cost burden that typically restricts access to in-person events.To maximise participation and affordability, Julia and Kerryn implemented a shared-cost model across Councils and were granted funding from Public Library Services at the State Library of SA and Children's Book Council of Australia's SA Branch. The strength of this initiative lies in its collaborative nature - partnerships with authors, local government, library teams, and schools formed the foundation of its success.
Hajnalka Molloy – Concordia College / School Library Association of SA
Hajnalka Molloy has over 25 years of experience working as a teacher librarian in school libraries across all educational sectors from early learning through to Year 12. She exemplifies leadership in school libraries through her advocacy, research, and innovative practice; and combines empirical understanding with creative pedagogies and technology integration. Hajnalka is currently serving as President of the School Library Association of South Australia (SLASA), playing a leading role in promoting and advancing school library services across the state. She is a founding member of the Students Need School Libraries campaign and has remained on its leadership team since inception. She currently drives the campaign's social media and website.
Hajnalka facilitated a census that revealed that only 15% of all South Australian schools have a dual qualified teacher librarian, most employed well below the recommended time; that 57% of schools only have non-librarian qualified staff; and that 20% fewer had a library manager compared to 2019. These insights underpin her ongoing advocacy for better staffing, funding, and professional recognition of school library services.
Zoran Opacic AALIA - Public Library Services, State Library of South Australia
Digital literacy skills are a requirement for all modern librarians, and this highlighted the need for staff training to build on these core competencies, especially relating to AI. Digital Literacy Programs Officer at Public Library Services, Zoran Opacic was tasked with expanding the reach of digital literacy programs to regional communities, delivering high-quality training to both library staff and community members. The goal was to ensure that all South Australians, regardless of location, could build essential digital skills and engage confidently with emerging technologies.
Zoran delivered in-person sessions covering topics such as AI, misinformation and disinformation, and other digital essentials. These sessions included “train the trainer” opportunities for library staff and interactive workshops for community members. Despite logistical challenges such as travel coordination, remote work, technical issues, and time away from family, Zoran was always professional - promoting the positives of connection, community togetherness, lifelong learning and being digital citizens. All things that are important for modern public library services.
Zoran is passionate about equity in access, learning opportunities for library staff, and supporting digital skills for all South Australians no matter their location or background.