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ALIA Weekly Volume 8 Issue 33–19 August 2020
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 IN THIS ISSUE
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 JOIN NOW
Connect with the best, advance your career, and make a difference by getting involved. Become an ALIA Member today.
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 HEADLINES
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From the ALIA Board
The first meeting of the ALIA Board appointed in May took place on 18 August 2020, preceded by the Strategy Meeting on 17 August 2020.
ALIA Directors’ thoughts and sincere best wishes for a brighter future are extended to our Victorian colleagues and Members who are clearly experiencing a tougher time than others during this extremely difficult period. The ALIA Relief Fund is available to assist Members in need, and we thank the many Members who have personally donated to support their colleagues.
The Board formally acknowledged the significant efforts of all ALIA staff in continuing to promote the library and information services sector; as well as inform, effectively engage with, and support Members by providing a range of initiatives and forums for Members to connect, strengthen resilience, exchange ideas and foster creative alternative library service delivery models despite the challenging environment we are all living and working in at this time.
The Strategic Planning session held on 17 August 2020 was embraced by the new Board as an opportunity to view issues differently in an extraordinary “new normal” environment with contracting revenue streams, reduced staff training budgets, limited travel and face-to-face event opportunities, and increasing use of online forums to connect, learn and share.
Directors were united in their vision and commitment to strong governance and fiscal responsibility to ensure the long term sustainability of ALIA; enhancing Member value and engagement; advocacy; and future-proofing LIS education and the LIS profession. Four strategic priorities were endorsed:
- Supporting a resilient, diverse workforce
- Developing alliances and collaborative ventures
- Succeeding through advocacy
- Enhancing Member value
On a special note, we would like to thank the ALIA Information Online conference committee for creating an excellent program for our biennial event in February. We have to contract with exhibition centres well in advance for a conference of this size and we have a significant financial investment in space at the International Convention Centre, Sydney, which may not be refundable should we decide to cancel at this point. The COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving and we have postponed any decision about the format the event will eventually take until the first week of October.
Again, we extend our thoughts and best wishes to all Members, particularly our Victorian colleagues during this difficult time.
ALIA Board Directors
18 August 2020
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In Victoria, City of Melbourne Libraries, Hobsons Bay Libraries, Monash Libraries, Moreland Libraries, Yarra Libraries, and Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries were all acknowledged in the one Guardian article, 'When COVID closed the library: staff call every member of Victorian library to say hello'. This article was followed up by a cartoon from the Guardian's First Dog on the Moon, 'With coronavirus lockdowns many libraries (and librarians) have been more fabulous than ever'.
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Following representations from ALIA to the Minister for Education, we have received welcome confirmation from his office that 'teacher librarianship units of study will be funded in line with teacher education units of study’ if the proposed Job-ready Graduates Package is passed through Parliament. Teacher Librarian and Librarian students choosing units from teacher librarianship electives would pay significantly less than in 2020, should the legislation go through. However, ALIA continues to oppose the proposed rise in student fees for library and information studies units.
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ALIA, as a founder member of the Australian Libraries Copyright Committee, welcomes proposed copyright changes that will make it easier for libraries and archives to deliver services online. The changes were announced by the Hon Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts.
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ALIA | 2 September 2020
Time is running out for you to register for ALIA's inaugural online media literacy conference. Attendees will hear from experts including, Katie Costello (pictured right) from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, Annabel Astbury from ABC Innovation, and Samantha Yorke from Google. Registrations close 2 September 2020, check out the event program now.
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ALIA | 19 May 2021
We are so excited for next year's National Simultaneous Storytime. The book, Give me some Space! by Philip Bunting, will be read by an astronaut on the International Space Station.The books protagonist Una dreams of a life in Space. Life on Earth is just so so-so. But how will she get there? And will she complete her mission to discover life in Space? And did she remember to feed Neil the goldfish? Check out the webpage and pre-order your copy today.
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Australia Reads seeks partners for online events
Australia Reads | 1-11 November
Australia Reads would like to recruit authors, libraries and booksellers interested in creating virtual events in November to support the perhaps scaled back physical events (due to COVID-19). The four Ambassador children's books are also available for order - libraries can order these books through their Australian library supplier. For more information, read the Media Alert.
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ALIA | 18 September 2020
Do you know a library star working in any sector of the library and information profession in the Northern Territory? You can now register them for the ALIA NT Recognition Awards. Both individuals and teams can be nominated for this prestigious award. Nominations close 18 September 2020.
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National and State Libraries Australia
This new strategic plan sets the direction for the next three years until 2023, when NSLA will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. The plan was launched with a video introduction from NSLA Chair Marie-Louise Ayres, and Deputy Chair Vicki McDonald. Read the strategic plan online, or downloaded it in full (PDF) or as a one-page summary (PDF).
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Open Palace Programmes
Applications are now open for the Open Palace Programmes in 2021. A new bursary, worth £750 (approximately $1,350), has been announced to support an Australian GLAMR professional who is either a Personal Member or works for an Institutional Member of ALIA. For more information see the Open Palace Programme website.
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ALIA | 18 September 2020
The deadline for the final INCITE issue of 2020 is coming up soon. Get your article in by 18 September 2020, the theme is Calling for change. Please read the guidelines on how to submit to INCITE, we have also created a submission checklist that we recommend that contributors consult before sending their submissions.
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ALIA | 20 October 2020
ALIA is once again celebrating International School Library Day. This year it takes place on 20 October 2020 and there will be a host of online activities, from ALIA, as well as ALIA’s Children and Youth Services Group, and Students Need School Libraries. ALIA is also running a competition for school libraries to win some great crayons.To enter encourage your students to colour in this poster and email a picture/scan of it to ALIA at media@alia.org.au by 13 October 2020.
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ALIA | July 2020
In July 2020, ALIA submitted a response to the inquiry into the future of Australia Post’s service delivery. The submission highlighted the longstanding relationship between public libraries and Australia Post.
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Public libraries update
Public libraries across the nation have been busy. Yarra Libraries staff have been working hard to bridge the digital divide.
Meanwhile, in QLD, Brisbane City Council, has responded to a petition calling for all LGBTQIA+ literature from its public libraries to be removed, Cassowary Coast Libraries has launched the state's first chapter book club for people with disabilities, and Noosa Library Service is set to launch a seed library to assist patrons in growing their own food.
In NSW, Hawkesbury Library Service is encouraging its school aged patrons to enter its bookmark competition, and Wollongong City Libraries has worked hard to support its patrons during the pandemic.
In SA, Onkaparinga Libraries were interviewed on Connection Matters Radio about their online seminar series, Southern Deadly Yarns.
Several public libraries are either undergoing refurbishment or have just reopened post-upgrades including Oak Flats Library, NSW, and Sunshine Coast Council’s Maleny Library, QLD.
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National and state library news
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University and TAFE news
ALIA Board Member Clare Thorpe AALIA (DCP) is taking over as Director of USQ Library for six months, as of 24 August. In 2020, Charles Sturt University’s School of Information Studies expanded its professional placement program to include a virtual placement option in response to COVID-19. The school is currently sourcing both virtual and face-to-face placements for our students. If you have professional tasks and/or a suitable project that could provide an appropriate placement experience, please contact Suzanne Pasanai, Professional Placement Subject Coordinator on spasanai@csu.edu.au or 02 69332120.
South West TAFE’s Warrnambool campus may soon have a new library worth more than $20 million if plans go ahead. The proposed designs feature an indoor-outdoor café, public computers, exhibition and display areas, places to study, meeting rooms, and a games and digital media zone.
In other news, former ALIA President Robert Knight OAM AALIA was featured on page 20 of Thrive, Charles Sturt University's twice-yearly Alumni magazine.
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Children's literacy and the importance of reading
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Online safety news and media literacy
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Arts and media updates
Following on from the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications has created a report on the outcomes of the year. For the first time, Middlemarch will be published under the author, George Eliot's, real name of Mary Ann Evans. It is one of 24 works by women whose writing has only ever previously been in print under their male pseudonyms which will be published under their real names.
In book awards news, the Ngaio Marsh Award 2020 shortlists, the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults winners and the 2020 Australian Book Review winner were all announced.
Hachette Australia have announced a full-time paid summer internship program for anyone interested in a career in publishing. Applications close on 30 September 2020.
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 INTERNATIONAL
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IFLA update
For the last few months IFLA has been publishing its ongoing 10-Minute International Librarian PD series. The latest encourages participants to check out an IFLA Standard. You can can find all the current IFLA Standards on the website. Since the start of the pandemic, IFLA has been tracking how library associations across the world are responding, (including ALIA).
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International library news
In the UK, there are calls for library design to change to following the safety precautions required by the pandemic. Architects in Haikou, China, are building a new public library and its shape is designed to be reminiscent of a wormhole. Colombian libraries have received more than 300 anonymous letters as part of a campaign organised by libraries.
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 PEOPLE
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Do you have a photograph from ALIA Group online events or gatherings? We would like to feature it in ALIA Weekly. Email a high resolution image, a description of the event and the names of people in the photograph to media@alia.org.au.
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 WHAT'S ON
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What's On lists ALIA events, ALIA group events and free library and information sector activities for the benefit of ALIA Members.
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ALIA Students and New Graduates Group (SNGG)
The latest book for the ALIA SNGG online book club has been announced, participants will be reading My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin. For more information see the website.
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MS Readathon | August 2020
The MS Readathon is once again running for the month of August. The campaign aims to encourage children to read and to raise money for an important cause. For more information see the website.
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 State Library Victoria | Various dates
The State Library Victoria is hosting six free webinars on topical matters including the future of work and the future of schools. The last webinar is on 21 August 2020.
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Scams Awareness Week | 17-21 August 2020
ALIA is pleased to once again support National Scams Awareness Week, 17-21 August 2020. This year’s campaign will focus on scams and identity theft, and is run by the Scams Awareness Network. As part of the week you can also listen to the special podcast, This is Not Your Life.
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National Library of Australia | 26 August 2020
Trove was recently upgraded, and to assist new and old users accustom themselves to the new platform the National Library is running a series of free webinars. The next one is on using Trove to access newspapers to research family history and runs at 1:00pm AEST on 26 August 2020.
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ALIA QLD | 26 August 2020
ALIA QLD is pleased to announce its webinar program beginning on 26 August at 5pm. The first webinar kicks off the series where you will hear about experiences of being distanced but connected and we will be joined by a very special guest and real-life Australian Survivor. Email aliaqldgroup@gmail.com by 24 August to register and receive a Zoom link.
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NGAC | 1 September 2020
The ALIA New Generation Advisory Committee are back with #AusLibChat in September. Join in for a Twitter chat about Personal Collections on Tuesday 1 September at 9:00pm AEST. Discussion questions will be posted online soon.
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Indigenous Literacy Foundation | 2 September 2020
This year, Indigenous Literacy Day will take place online, with events streamed on the Indigenous Literacy Foundation's YouTube channel. The Premiere will be broadcast live at 12:30pm, featuring ILF Ambassadors Anita Heiss, Andy Griffiths and Jessica Mauboy, to name a few. At 2pm, watch a special 30-minute celebration of Indigenous language, and literacy for preschool to primary students. Subscribe to the YouTube channel to connect to these events.
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Adult Learners Week | 1-8 September 2020
Adult Learners Week is running from 1-8 September 2020. The week encourages participants and communities to promote the benefits of adult learning.There are also three scholarships worth $1,000 each available for outstanding adult learners to enable them to continue learning either by taking a new learning pathway or continuing on an existing one.
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Alannah & Madeline Foundation | 6-12 September 2020
National eSmart week is running from 6-12 September 2020, and it focuses on the smart, safe and responsible use of digital technology.
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Writers Victoria | 16 September 2020
Register to attend the free online specialised training for the publishing industry on how to work with Deaf and Disabled writers on 16 September 2020. This training is hosted by Writers Victoria. For more information see the website.
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UN | 28 September 2020
The International Day for the Universal Access to Information has been formally added to the United Nations calendar. The first official celebration of the day will take place on 28 September 2020.
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Love Your Bookshop Day | 3 October 2020
Celebrate Love Your Bookshop Day on 3 October 2020. You can mark the day by physically, or virtually, visiting your favourite local bookshop.
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Get Online Week | 19-25 October 2020
Get Online Week, running 19 - 25 October 2020, is an international digital inclusion campaign organised by Good Things Foundation. Network Partners are eligible to apply for one $1,000 Get Online Week Event grant in 2020. For more information see the website.
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ABC Education | 26-30 October 2020
You can run Media Literacy Week events, running 26-30 October, in your library the theme is 'fake news', for more information see the website. This week is organised by ABC Education.
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NAIDOC Week 2020 | 8-15 November 2020
NAIDOC Week is running from 8-15 November 2020, the theme is 'Always was, always will be'. You can learn more on the website.
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 ALIA TRAINING
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ALIA | 20 August 2020
Acquisitions is the process of selecting and procuring materials in a range of formats to meet the needs of the community the library serves. For libraries and information services to remain relevant they need to be proactive in developing collections that are accessible and relevant to the community. This is applicable to all types of libraries and information services. Registrations close 20 August 2020. For more information see the website.
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ALIA | 26 August 2020
Develop and enhance your existing reference and searching skills. The focus of this course will be on the core practises of this fundamental library skill, as well as searching in the web-based world. Consideration will be given to advanced searching skills – more than just Google - plus the possibilities and challenges that advancements such as artificial intelligence and metadata provide. Registrations close 26 August 2020. For more information see the website.
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ALIA | 6 October 2020
The need to address the challenges of the digital world and metadata users has resulted in the development of the new cataloguing record standard, RDA: Resource Description and Access, to replace AACR2. Registrations close 26 August 2020. For more information see the website.
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 FEATURED JOBS
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Employer: Snowy Valleys Council
Location: NSW
Type: Full time
Closing date: 28 August
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To advertise your job in ALIA Weekly contact employment@alia.org.au.
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 FREE PD
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This post shares why librarianship is the perfect profession for helping people navigate the various literacies. The post contains numerous links to resources and references.
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ALIA | Ongoing - register and commence at any time
This tutorial explores the need to capture, evaluate and communicate GLAM impact in new and different ways, given the impact of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This tutorial is available to ALIA Members only, who must be logged in to register. For more information see the website.
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ALIA | Ongoing - register and commence at any time
ALIA Members can access ALIA's free tutorial on Working with software vendors which will help you get the most out of your working relationship with vendors in the library and information sector, including how to perform basic software testing, and write useful issue reports. ALIA Members can register and commence at any time. For more information see the website.
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ALIA Members can access more free PD in PD Postings, which comes out on the first Thursday of each month and provides quick access to selected, free learning activities. PD Postings features information specific to each PD specialisation. For more information contact pd@alia.org.au.
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Text and logos are Creative Commons
Photos are copyright protected.
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The Australian Library and Information Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters, cultures and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
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