ALIA Victoria Executive Committee
Ellen Coates - Group Convenor
I’m the collections librarian at the Prahran Mechanics’ Institute Victorian History Library. The PMI is a specialist history library and I love being involved in actively preserving and protecting the history of Victoria. I'm also a casual academic at CSU.
I was on the organisational committee for NLS9 as well as Librarians for Refugees, and I joined ALIAVic because I believe interconnectedness across the GLAMR sector is essential (and I love meeting other GLAMR people).
I’m an historian (medieval history nerd) and a writer. I run the blog Historical Ragbag, it’s a mixture of medieval and Australian history, and I write fiction. I can be found on twitter at @BiblioEll.
Michael Barry – Group Secretary
I'm a primary school library technician working between two schools, one in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, and one in the Eastern suburbs. Prior to entering the library industry in 2016, I have worked in hospitality, retail, warehousing, a cardboard box factory, international quarantine compliance, sandwich assembly, and office management. I am fascinated by classification systems and ways to organise information, and passionate about children's fiction and picture books, and languages and linguistics.
Emily Shumborski – Group Treasurer
I currently work at State Library Victoria, where I lead statewide development projects in collaboration with Public Libraries Victoria and manage organisational initiatives for SLV. These projects involve substantial investments aimed at advocating for and supporting public libraries in meeting the diverse needs of their communities. I have a passion for the democratization of information and equitable access to libraries and am committed to advancing these principles in my work. I enjoy networking and collaborating with colleagues in the GLAM sector, seeking opportunities for professional development and knowledge sharing. My dedication to the libraries led me to join ALIAVic, where I will actively contribute to the development of the sector and promote the vital role of libraries in society.
Jade Koekoe
I have been working around libraries and museums since 2012, with my first volunteer gig at Melbourne museum as a gallery explainer. I love being in an industry where it’s almost a requirement to be curious and love researching!
I finished my Bachelor of the Arts (Librarianship and Corporate information Management) in 2018, but before I had even done that, I worked in the Australian Parliamentary Library in Canberra, been ALIA’s ACT State Manager, was part of the committee that put together the ALIA’s NLS9 conference, been the first ALIA Student and Newgrad representative in Canberra, revitalised the social media presence of Museums Australia ACT branch as a committee member, hosted and planned dozens of workshops and spoken at quite a few events too. All because of my involvement with ALIA and Museums Australia. Almost makes you think it’s a good idea to be in the loop eh?
Diane Johnston
As a recent graduate of the Diploma of Library and Information Services I am now working as a Library Assistant in a secondary school in my first paid library role. As a student, lifelong learner and a people’s person, I attended many online events to both ‘meet’ and find out more about both the incredible work and what the fabulous people who work in GLAMR do every day. In addition, I continue to volunteer as a Greeter at State Library Victoria and look forward to making a positive contribution to the work of the ALIA VIC Committee.
Court Joyce
I love working in libraries, and am passionate about effectively promoting library services. I've worked in the LIS sector since 2021, starting in academic libraries before moving to public libraries. I finished my Master of Information Studies (Librarianship) in 2025 and currently work in marketing in a public library where I spend a lot of time being silly on social media. When I'm not at the library, I can mostly be found volunteering in community theatre.
Dorothy Kapetopoulos
I’m a Liaison Librarian at Bendigo Kangan Institute, working with students to build confidence in research, information, and digital literacy. I enjoy supporting learners as they navigate information and reach those moments of understanding.
Alongside my library work, I’m also a Communication Designer and Educator, with over 20 years’ experience across higher education, academic leadership, communication design, and program coordination in the arts and cultural sector. My work has included leading projects in Australia and New York City, as well as collaborations in educational environments in Beijing, Denmark, and Venice.
I recently transitioned into librarianship through a Graduate Diploma in Information Management, and I’m particularly interested in where education, communication, and access to information intersect. I value collaborative and co-designed approaches that strengthen learning, connection, and engagement across the sector.