Library and Information Week

The information and collections contained within our government, parliamentary and special libraries and archives is essential to upholding democracy at the day-to-day level. They are the ‘roots’ that support our systems, activities and institutions: not always seen, but everywhere felt. What does this work look like in practice? What kinds of information do these libraries and archives curate and for whom? What are some of the most interesting requests they’ve received? In this first session of the week, we’ll get answers from representatives from libraries and archives around Australia to these questions (and many more) and get their view on why freedom of and access to information is so essential to a strong a thriving democracy. Free for ALIA members, $25 for non-members. Register here.

Get to know LIS professionals and peers a networking breakfast to be held at CG Emporium on 202 Flinders Street, Townsville. The group looks forward to welcoming you during Library & Information Week. Register here.

The SALIAs is an annual merit prize which celebrates and recognises the work of an individual working in any sector of the library and information profession in South Australia. The award aims to promote innovation and excellence within the library and information profession. The winner will receive a trophy and a voucher to attend an ALIA conference or symposium in the year ahead, as well as formal recognition on the ALIA website and via ALIA News. Nominations close 22 September, full details here. 

Ensuring that individuals of all ages are equipped with media and information literacy skills is core business for those working in the library and information sector. This is particularly prescient in the context of elections, referendums, political conflicts and the mis and dis information that can surround them. For democracy to not only function but also to endure, we must have a citizen-base that can successfully navigate the information ecosystem to make informed decisions about their future. In this session, we will hear from media literacy leaders from the library, GLAM, higher education and media sectors on what they are doing to combat mis and dis information in this context.

A list of resources for people to use will be made available after the webinar. Free for ALIA members, $25 for non-members. Register here.

Libraries across Europe are now running democracy strengthening activities focussed on the idea that libraries should be pushing for ‘plurality not neutrality’. This webinar will feature two international library leaders who have been involved in these initiatives and who will share examples of how supporting pluralism can strengthen social cohesion. Free for ALIA members, $25 for non-members. Register here.

Join us for more exciting competitions and games at this year’s annual ALIA Queensland Trivia Night. With plenty of raffles and an assortment of prizes provided by our generous sponsors, put your team to the test! The theme of this year’s Trivia Night is ‘On Your Bookmarks’, so get out your favourite sports gear as a prize will be awarded to the best dressed table. ALIA members $30 and $40 for non-members. Register here.

Many libraries and archives around the country have collections of political and cultural ephemera, giving all Australians insight into our political history. In this webinar we’ll hear from representatives involved in these collections, explore some of the challenges of digitisation, and make links between seemingly temporary items and the strengthening of a democratic society. Free for ALIA members, $25 for non-members. Register here.

Guided by Library Manager Jayne Webster, tour Tiwu Kumangka, the new Blackwood Public Library and Community Centre in Blackwood South Australia, on the traditional lands of the Kaurna People. Stay for food and drinks (at own cost) after the tour and get to know fellow LIS enthusiasts and professionals. Free event, register here.

The F A Sharr Award celebrates the potential of an early career librarian, teacher librarian, or library technician in Western Australia with a $500 grant towards any professional development. The award will be presented at a Library & Information Week awards night at the State Library of WA, in the Great Southern Room. Self-nominations are currently open until 30 June, full submission details here. More information about the awards night coming soon.

Access to information is a pillar of democracy  and a core value of library and information services in Australia. But what is the impact on democracy when information is controlled by social, technological and economic factors? With growing movements towards censorship, the rise of AI authorship, information increasingly kept behind paywalls or just disappearing from non-permanent homes, our panellists will the mechanisms they’re using to keep as much information as possible in the light. Free for ALIA members, $25 for non-members. Register here.

Get to know LIS professionals and peers a networking dinner to be held at Canto Kitchen and Bar, Ground Floor JCU Townsville Student Accommodation, Mount Stuart St, Douglas. The group looks forward to welcoming you during Library & Information Week. Register here.