The Australian Library and Information Association's most-recent media releases, taken directly from our website. http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/ 27 October 2008 -        [ pdf 160KB ] School libraries around the world are celebrating International School Library Month (ISLM) during October, and on Monday 27th October, Australian teacher librarians will use the day to highlight the important role of school libraries. "This year's theme is 'Literacy and learning at your school library' and school libraries around the country will be celebrating", announced Rob Moore, President of the Australian School Library Association (ASLA). "Teacher librarians play a vital role in students' literacy and learning", said Mr Moore. "Through their comprehensive understanding of literacy, literature and how to promote and foster reading, they are able to help students develop a deep understanding across the curriculum. This transcends basic literacy in the traditional sense, extending into the growth of students´ cultural ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.10.27.html Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +1100 19 August 2008 - [ pdf 63KB ] Ian Hildebrand, Manager of Mt Barker Community Library, was named the 2008 South Australian Library Achiever of the Year at an award ceremony at the State Library of South Australia on Tuesday 5th August. This annual award is organised by the ALIA SA Group of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Ian's prize included an inscribed plaque and $500 cash and was very proudly sponsored by RAECO. National Sales Manager Trevor McCann said, "we all appreciate and acknowledge the importance and responsibility that beholds those who dare to be different". Ian was nominated for innovative program development and creation of local business and community links for Mount Barker Community Library. ALIA SA Group co-convenor Benita Wheeler said Ian demonstrated dedication to the advancement of libraries, creative approaches to marketing, and successful ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.08.19.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 30 July 2008 - [ pdf 240KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is concerned that proponents of the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) are rushing to finalise a treaty by the end of the year, without giving Australians much of a chance to comment on it or even see it. In particular, ALIA is concerned that measures in the treaty may impede Australians’ access to information and ideas, and lead to a surveillance culture in which the monitoring of ordinary citizens’ information-seeking behaviour is undertaken more widely than is permitted now. “We do not want to see an agreement that punishes ordinary consumers and hinders innovation and Australia’s digital economy”, said ALIA President, Derek Whitehead. In alliance with the Australian Digital Alliance (ADA), CHOICE and the Internet Industry Association (IIA), ALIA urges the Department of ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.07.30.html Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:30:24 +1000 22 May 2008 - [ pdf 240KB ] It's Library and Information Week this week and the release of the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics facts and figures on Australian libraries yesterday proves the truth of the week's slogan: libraries really are "for everyone". ABS figures show that over half the Australian population are members of a library and almost two thirds of us who visit libraries did so more than six times each in 2006. Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, Sue Hutley, says this just proves that Australians love their libraries. Libraries outstrip zoos, art galleries and botanical gardens amongst the other cultural options surveyed. In fact, the only cultural/leisure activity more popular than the going to the library is going to the movies.  "Libraries have stepped up to meet the needs of an increasingly information savvy audience," Ms ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.05.22.html Thu, 22 May 2008 09:48:18 +1000 21 May 2008 - [ pdf 251KB ] With Library and Information Week under way across Australia, two peak groups in the sector have joined forces to add their support to a national focus on literacy and numeracy following last week's budget announcements about a National Action Plan. The Australian Library and Information Association and the Australian School Library Association both welcomed the Government's intentions to work more closely with schools, governments and non-government school systems but added that it is essential future action plans take note of the pivotal role of school libraries in delivering literacy skills. Australian School Library Association President, Mr Rob Moore, said the ever-widening range of forums for communication available to children and young adults only increases the need for effective skills in resourcing and evaluating information. He said the role of ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.05.21.html Wed, 21 May 2008 16:47:28 +1000 19 May 2008 - [ pdf 36.7KB ] Library and Information Week gets underway this week around the nation and Australian Library and Information Association Executive Director Sue Hutley says it's time to remember that libraries really are for everyone, in all walks of life and to help with every need. Launching the week's festivities, Ms Hutley said Australians love their public libraries – over half of the nation are registered borrowers at a public or community library, while specialist information services support new developments in business and students, researchers and educators at every level keep academic libraries busy to the tune of around 26 million loans each year. "Information literacy is critical to a thriving nation," Ms Hutley said. "Technology has brought us so much information via resources such as the internet that it can be overwhelming. It's important to remember ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.05.19.html Mon, 19 May 2008 09:51:13 +1000 15 May 2008 - [ pdf 49.3KB ] A 'tail' of belonging brings 70,000 children together Never before has one dog attracted so much attention! Arthur is an "ordinary brown dog" who just wants to belong. And he will get his wish next week when he, and his story, will belong to some 70,000 Australian children when they settle down at almost 900 different locations at 11am on Wednesday May 21st for this year's National Simultaneous Storytime event. Ms Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, says the event has grown steadily since it began in 2001 and is now a feature event in hundreds of libraries across the nation. "National Simultaneous Storytime offers children a chance to share in the magic of a wonderful story and in a moment in time with thousands of other children nationally," Ms Hutley said. "The event also focuses attention on fantastic ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.05.15a.html Thu, 15 May 2008 12:14:21 +1000 15 May 2008 - [ pdf 340KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Softlink have partnered to promote free access to knowledge, information and creative works through ALIA's upcoming annual Library and Information Week. During the week of May 19th, Softlink and ALIA are to host to a range of events that highlight the importance of securing free-flow of information and the contribution public, corporate and school libraries make to the progression of communities across the nation. "In this age of broadband access and tendency to 'Google it', it is critical that the information management industry works to promote the importance of libraries in Australia's educational, cultural and business successes," said Softlink's CEO Bob Dunne. Both ALIA and Softlink work to facilitate access to information by supporting libraries – Softlink, an Australian company, ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.05.15.html Thu, 15 May 2008 09:15:50 +1000 1 February 2008 - [ pdf 104KB ] Southern Scene, after a long association with libraries, has joined forces with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to help celebrate Library Lovers Day on the 14 February 2008. "Southern Scene is committed to the great value of libraries and their unique role in the communities they serve every day of the year", said Cecil Churm, Chairman of Southern Scene. “Library Lovers Day gives everyone the opportunity to say thank you for the way libraries have changed and enriched their lives", Mr Churm said. "Southern Scene is pleased, indeed proud, to support ALIA on its second Library Lovers Day. We have had 38 years of support from libraries, and we know from this long association the value of libraries and the many ways that people of all ages love libraries and love books", Mr Churm said. Southern Scene‟s delightful "I love books‟ ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.02.07.html Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:00:53 +1100 30 January 2008 - [ pdf 329.5KB ] DA Information Services, Australia’s full-service library supplier, has joined forces with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to spread the word about libraries on Library Lovers Day, 14 February 2008. DA Executive Chairman, Richard Siegersma says, "We are an enthusiastic sponsoring partner of Library Lovers Day 2008 because libraries are central to the digital transformation of information delivery, and we love that". "What a great opportunity to fall in love with something new in your library, like the Iliad, the new generation portable device that lets you read and write as you do on paper everywhere you go. At DA says, we work hard to adopt the best of what the world has to offer and we are delighted that many libraries are discovering that the Iliad’s connectivity and versatility make it ideal for library lovers to access multiple ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.01.30.html Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:45:50 +1100 23 January 2008 - [ pdf 329.5KB ] Passions will be running hot in libraries across Australia this Valentine’s Day, when it is claimed as a day for lovers of libraries to celebrate their particular special relationship. This is the second year that the Australian Library and Information Association and Public Libraries Australia have joined forces to present this combined advocacy event. "Library lovers are truly passionate about all that libraries offer", said Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association. "According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 95% of Australians consider libraries to be very important or important – even non-users are avid supporters of libraries", Ms Hutley said. “The access that Australians have to information, collections and services through their libraries, particularly public and school libraries, is ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.01.23.html Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:07:51 +1100 9 January 2008 - [ pdf 96 KB ] On 31 December 2007, Senator Conroy made a statement about the mandatory ISP clean feed which is to be provided to all Australian domestic, school and library internet users. In response to this statement, ALIA has developed a set of questions and looks forward to the Government's response. 1. What does "clean feed" mean? Is there a definition of the term? Does it have the common meaning people understand? Does it mean what the UK and Canadian proponents mean? 2. What exactly will be filtered out? Is there a definition or is this yet to be developed? The current language is vague and alarming - "inappropriate content", for example. We know child pornography and "violence" will be filtered out; what other "undesirable" content? Will the filter cover websites, chat rooms, blogs, game sites - or just some of these? 3. What rules will be used? How will ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2008.01.09.html Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:30:04 +1100 27 November 2007 - [ pdf 76.6 KB ] 50,000 children across Australia will be flying into their local library to be part of the national Summer Reading Club over the summer holidays. Public libraries from Broome to Hobart will be participating in the club this year and it is expected that this year's theme of 'superheroes' will really take off when the Program begins on Saturday, 1 December 2007 with launches happening in public libraries across Australia. The Summer Reading Club 2007 program, coordinated by the Australian Library and Information Association, is the first time the program is a national event. It has grown out of the traditional state-based programs held over the last several years and is based on significant input from dedicated children's librarians who volunteer to develop resources to promote the value of reading and literacy. The 2007 program is also supported by Encyclopedia ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.11.27.html Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:38:03 +1100 15 November 2007 - [ pdf 79.5KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association supports the campaign for funding for New South Wales public libraries and the Day of Action planned on 29 November 2007. "It is critical for Australia's national development that Australians have high quality library services", said Roxanne Missingham, President of the Australian Library and Information Association. "Public libraries support all aspects of Australian life", she said. "Libraries support education, community activities, children's reading, literacy, research and business. They are an essential part of the services supporting the development of the nation, particularly for rural and remote communities where there is limited access to information and community services." In New South Wales, the funding for public libraries has declined over the past 25 years. State government funding has ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.11.15.html Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:22:44 +1100 30 October 2007 - [ pdf 52KB ] The new ABC series, The Librarians, hits Australian television tomorrow night on the ABC and librarians everywhere will be poised on the edge of their couches, waiting to see what some of Australia's top comedy writers have made of their world. Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, Sue Hutley, says the series has ignited interest amongst the profession all around the country and around the world. "It's been fascinating to watch the interest develop and most of us have been intrigued and amused by the idea of the public library as the setting for a comedy," Ms Hutley said. "Some librarians overseas have even asked how they can view the series or get a copy. "We're all waiting to see what the writers, Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, make of the library environment as a backdrop to their latest foray into social satire," she ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.10.30.html Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:50:20 +1100 19 October 2007 - [ PDF 80KB ] School libraries around the world will celebrate the 9th International School Library Day on Monday 22nd October 2007. "This year's theme is 'Learning - Powered by your school library' and school libraries around the country will be celebrating," announced Anette Ainsworth, President of the Australian School Library Association. "Australian teacher librarians are an integral part of the teaching and learning process within every school community," said Ms Ainsworth. "They are information mediators and managers, information service providers and curriculum leaders. A vibrant school library program that is well-resourced, adequately staffed and funded has a strong impact on student learning and achievement." "All schools need to consider the impact of having an effective library to support students, staff and the wider community. Research has shown the ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.10.19.html Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:40:29 +1000 14 September 2007 - The Australian Library and Information Association believes that the current NetAlert - Protecting Australian Families Online initiative raises significant and unresolved problems for public libraries, and for the free flow of information in our communities. Minister Coonan continues to target public libraries for 'failing' in their duty to provide standards of access that protect children from unsavoury internet content, conveniently ignoring the long-established and comprehensive policies of local governments and library services covering access to online content, our sector has always had a professional commitment to the protection of the free flow of information in our communities. There are technical difficulties that remain unresolved for the effective use of filters in networked library environments. DCITA staff has now advised that the NetAlert website will be expanded to ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.09.14.html Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:20:07 +1000 3 September 2007 - Hon Bruce Chamberlain AM honoured posthumously for outstanding contribution to the promotion of library and information services The Redmond Barry Award is the Australian Library and Information Association's premier award for non-librarians and will be presented tonight to the family of the Hon Bruce Chamberlain AM in a ceremony in the Victorian Parliamentary Library. The Hon Bruce Anthony Chamberlain AM (1939-2005) is the former Member of the Parliament of Victoria for Dundas and then Western Province, and former President of the Victorian Legislative Council and Chairman of the Parliamentary Library Committee. "Bruce Chamberlain was an effective and passionate champion and leader on behalf of libraries for almost thirty years," said Roxanne Missingham, President of the Australian Library and Information Association. "His dedication to libraries went far beyond his public ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.09.03.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 12:51:58 +1000 31 August 2007 - media release it's time for a story! It's always a good time for a story, but on Thursday 6th September it will more magical than most, as thousands of Australian children sit down at 11am to share the same good book across the nation. That's when the 7th National Simultaneous Storytime gets underway in hundreds of libraries, schools and early-childhood centres across Australia. Over 40,000 children in 620 locations around the country participated last year, and this year National Simultaneous Storytime promises to be even bigger. This year, they will all be sitting down to the delightful tale of The Magic Hat written by one of Australia's most celebrated and best-loved children's authors, Mem Fox. The book is delightfully illustrated by Tricia Tusa and published by Scholastic, the major sponsor of National Simultaneous Storytime for 2007. Mem will read her book at her ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.08.31.html Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:41:18 +1000 24 August 2007 - The Australian Library and Information Association and the city of Brisbane have been selected to host the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress in 2010. Speaking today from this year's Congress in Durban, South Africa, President of the Australian Library and Information Association, Roxanne Missingham, said the Association is proud to have been chosen against strong international competition to host the congress which attracts several thousand delegates each year. "This is the premier global library and information conference," Ms Missingham said. "IFLA has led the world in advocating free access to information as a fundamental human right. It advances its work through bringing together libraries from around the world and setting the highest standards for professional education and ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.08.24.html Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:05:21 +1000 15 August 2007 - [ pdf 396KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association will officially mark its 70th anniversary next Monday, August 20th. Executive Director of the Association, Sue Hutley, says the day will be one of reflection and celebration around the nation's libraries. "It is amazing to think that, 70 years ago, librarians from around the country gathered in Canberra to form an Association specifically to describe and protect the highest standards for the budding profession in Australia, and here we are in 2007 with thousands of libraries and information professionals delivering on that promise," Ms Hutley said. "The proof of this success is visible in the statistics - more than nine out of ten Australians believe libraries are important - even if they don't use them," she said. "Over the last 70 years, we have seen the passing of the Libraries Act, the opening of the ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.08.15.html Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:12:58 +1000 10 August 2007 - [ pdf 396KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association has rejected the description of public library filtering efforts as an "abject failure" made by The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, the Hon Helen Coonan this morning in her announcement regarding new moves to enforce internet filtering through the 'NetAlert - Protecting Australian Families Online' program. "The role of libraries, first and foremost, is to promote the free flow of information. This is a core value of libraries and librarians everywhere," said Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, Ms Sue Hutley. "Libraries have a flexible strategy for dealing with undesirable online content because we have a diverse range of adult and child users. Australia's public libraries already have detailed policies and guidelines for internet access. Many ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.08.10.html Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:27:15 +1000 6 August 2007 - [ pdf 736 KB ] Onkaparinga is the largest council in South Australia, comprising some 55 suburbs, and is home to 10% of the state's total population. It's also home to Onkaparinga librarian and Coordinator of the City of Onkaparinga Community Information Service, Mary Ellis, who has been awarded the 2007 South Australian Library Achiever of the Year for her efforts to connect members of the community to the information they need in their daily lives. Ms Ellis was nominated for the award by her colleague, Rosalie Day from Community Information Strategies Australia Inc, who said she was impressed with Mary's "extraordinary dedication to her community". "Mary lives locally, works locally and is dedicated to helping her community work better," Ms Day said. State Convenor for the Australian Library and Information Association, Kate Sinclair, said the Award was made in recognition ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.08.06.html Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:22:56 +1000 6 June 2007 - [ pdf 112KB ] Announcing the release of the latest Internet Filtering in Public Libraries Survey, the Australian Library and Information Association welcomed recent statements by the Prime Minister on the role of parental responsibility in ensuring safe access to the internet, but has warned a one-size-fits-all solution for internet filtering could actively compromise legitimate research through the Australian public library network. The survey, the third conducted by the Association since 2002, shows respondents frequently reported experiences of, and concerns about, unreliability and inaccuracy of filtering software. "We understand that a number of Government ministers have expressed concerns about children's safety and the internet," Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Association, said. "The Association is continuing to work with national internet safety authority ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.06.06.html Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:09:24 +1000 29 May 2007 - [ PDF 532KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association and the Australian School Library Association have announced plans to work more closely together to promote information literacy. "The two Associations have a long history of collegiate and collaborative activity but rising concerns about information literacy amongst young people has prompted us to consider how we can leverage our professional expertise and resources to advocate more effectively for young Australians," Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association said. "Library and information professionals in all sectors believe information literacy is the key to breaking the poverty cycle and creating a brighter future for both the individual and the nation," she said. "The Australian Library and Information Association celebrates 70 years of professional best practice ... http://www.alia.org.au/media.releases/2007.05.30.html Tue, 29 May 2007 09:07:47 +1000