The Australian Public Library Alliance comprises representatives from the state-based public library associations, the territory libraries and Libraries Tasmania. APLA advises the ALIA Board on policy for its sector and has a highly active role in shaping our activities and campaigns.
The ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) is the peak body for public libraries in Australia. Our committee comprises the chair of every state-based public library association, a senior representative from the ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmanian library services, and expert members. We represent 94% of all the 1500 public libraries across Australia through membership subscription.
APLA was formed following a highly successful ALIA Public Libraries Summit in July 2009. At the summit, libraries leaders called for, “Australia’s public libraries, united behind common goals and ambitions, sharing best practice, contributing to strong communities, valued by people and government, continuing to provide universal free access to information, knowledge and ideas, and confirming the importance of their role for future generations.” A national alliance, supported by every state and territory, was the primary outcome of the summit and was ratified by the signing of a first Memorandum of Collaboration in July 2010.
The current members of APLA are:
APLA is chaired by former ALIA President Viv Barton AALIA (CP). The committee meets every two months by videoconference and once a year face-to-face.
Standards and Guidelines for Australian Public Libraries May 2021
For previous editions, view the ALIA Library
Australian Public Library Alliance National Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2022
Australian libraries support the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2018
Public libraries participate annually in ALIA's National Simultaneous Storytime, Library Lovers' Day and Library and Information Week
The ALIA Public Library Proficiencies program, an introduction for non-LIS qualified staff, is available, tailored to individual library services
Contact [email protected]
For more information about any of the projects mentioned and others pre-2016, email [email protected].
Public libraries contribute to at least 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, including:
1 No poverty
3 Good health and well-being
4 Quality education
5 Gender equality
8 Decent work and economic growth
9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10 Reduced inequalities
11 Sustainable cities and communities
16 Peace and justice, strong institutions
17 Partnerships for the goal
On Tuesday 16 November 2021 APLA President Viv Barton chaired the inaugural session of the ALIA Research Review Seminar Series. Charles Sturt University researchers Dr Jane Garner and Dr Simon Wakeling presented their team's insightful research project into Australian public libraries' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the recording here and download the slides from the session here.
Page updated 18 November 2021