Founded 1937 | ||
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Location Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Area served Australian librarians, library technicians, libraries and related organisations Key people Patricia Genat (2016-17 President), Sue McKerracher (Chief Executive Officer). Similar American Library Association, Special Libraries Association, Children's Book Council o, Association for Library and Infor, Friends of Libraries Profiles | ||
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the peak professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector.
Contents
History
In August 1937 fifty-five librarians meeting at the Albert Hall in Canberra formed the Australian Institute of Librarians, the foundation president was William H. Ifould the Principal Librarian at the Public Library of New South Wales. John Metcalfe, Deputy Principal Librarian at the Public Library of New South Wales was the first honorary general secretary and drafted much of the original constitution.
The Association assumed the title of the Library Association of Australia in 1949, and in 1989 adopted the new name of the Australian Library and Information Association in recognition of the broadening scope of the profession.
Governance
The Association is governed by a Constitution and is guided by its vision, mission, objects and values. Their policy statements are developed by an elected Board of Directors and implemented by the ALIA National Office.
Membership of ALIA is open to individuals and organisations alike: the only membership requirement is an interest in the sector. Members of ALIA can belong to as many groups as they wish. These groups actively participate in Association activities.
ALIA Awards, national and regional, are presented each year to reward members of the library and information community and to celebrate their achievements.
ALIA publishes several journals, including ALJ (the Australian Library Journal), AARL (Australian Academic & Research Libraries) and inCite, their monthly news magazine to members. Selected articles from these journals are available on the ALIA website.
ALIA National Office staff are based in ALIA House in the nation's capital, Canberra.
Conferences
ALIA hosts a number of conferences which are rotated around Australia and New Zealand including: