Library science

Relevance 2020 was a joint initiative of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Charles Sturt University (CSU) to consider the need for further development of library and information science (LIS) research infrastructure in Australia to address gaps in LIS knowledge.
 
This report provides the results of six LIS research events in Australian capital cities in late 2016 that had the main purpose of connecting academics, researchers and practitioners in order to help align future research projects and activities in the Australian LIS profession.

This report concludes that Library and information science is an occupation with a relatively small, highly qualified workforce (representing approximately 0.2% of the Australian labour force) and an equally small education footprint (approximately 0.2% of VET students and 0.1% of higher education students).
 

National 2016 Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016 Adelaide: Engage Create Lead
 

National 2016 Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016 Adelaide: Engage Create Lead
 

This statement on ALIA's role in research supports the commitment to promoting and encouraging a research culture and research practice amongst library and information professionals in order to improve theory and practice.

An environmental scan of Australian Library and Information Studies (LIS) research was undertaken focusing on the period 2005–2013.
 
This was in response to a brief from ALIA that sought such an analysis to inform its decisions in relation to content of a future research agenda, support, advocacy, and future funding.
 

There were five themes that emerged, specific to TAFE and RTO (registered training organisation) libraries. 1. Disruption. 2. A VET future. 3. Level playing field. 4. Professional support. 5. Our vision.

There were ten themes that emerged, specific to libraries in Australia’s 39 universities. 1. Switched to digital. 2. Libraries, MOOCs and online learning. 3. Operating in the global market. 4. The best online experience. 5. Maintaining visibility in an online environment. 6. Subject matter experts. 7. Making space. 8. Patron driven acquisition. 9. Supporting research. 10. Libraries as publishers.

It is a requirement for all universities in Australia to have a university library service, and institutions take pride in their facilities, often seeing them as a symbol of the university’s investment in 21st century learning.

University libraries serve students and faculty on campus, and provide access to resources for the rapidly increasing number who study remotely. 

There were six themes that emerged, specific to libraries in primary, secondary, K–12, government, Catholic and independent schools. 1. The most important job in the library and information sector. 2. Deepening the divide. 3. Easy and rewarding. 4. Digital skills. 5. Parent power. 6. Competing for attention.