Emilia Bell*

Coordinator (Evidence Based Practice), Library Services, University of Southern Queensland

*Emilia is a candidate for General Director

What motivated you to seek election as an ALIA Director?

I am passionate about contributing to the strategic direction and governance of our professional association and the future of the profession. My work as a new graduate committee member of ALIA NGAC and my enthusiasm for professional development and collaboration have contributed to my passion for an inclusive and impactful LIS future. As we engage with change and issues of access and equity (at local, national, and global levels), I am motivated to continue the Board’s work fostering collaborative partnerships and addressing these challenges. This is with a commitment to strengthening inclusion and both evidence- and values-based decision-making.

What skills and experience would you bring to the Board?

With experience across school and university libraries, LIS research, and as a member of various LIS committees and groups, I maintain a comprehensive knowledge of library services and strategic and systemic challenges. My skills in evidence-based library practice bring an attentive and reflective approach to questions and decision-making, with creative and strategic thinking. Through this work, I have experience addressing continuous service improvement, leading professional development initiatives, and communicating value and impact. My library practice and research have brought collaborations with LIS practitioners, educators, and researchers, with relational and collegial approaches to meaningful change.

What are the three most important issues currently facing ALIA or the LIS workforce?

Many challenges for ALIA and the LIS profession share themes of equity and advocacy. They reflect the need to engage across local, national, and international levels and to understand how issues may intersect. Three key issues include:

  1. Advocacy across library sectors, such as for significant collections and infrastructure, school libraries, and the critical role of library and information professionals in this work.
  2. Accountability for inclusivity and diverse representation in libraries and the profession, including in support of new professionals and for future leadership.
  3. Advancing sustainable access to information by recognising barriers and ensuring structural equity so to reflect diversity in open scholarship. This includes building capabilities for new roles and practices.