Special librarians

ALIA Asia Pacific Special Interest Group (ALIA APSIG) is a national group that aims to lead efforts in identifying new sources of support for the development between information professionals in the region, through two-way co-operation. It also aims to provide a forum for members to discuss regional professional issues and to communicate these to the appropriate forum; hosts public talks relating to relevant issues; and produce a membership newsletter three times per year.

Every special library is likely to experience the review process at some point, often triggered by changes in the parent organisation. It is important to remember that while a review is challenging, it is also an opportunity to reinforce messages about the role and value of the library and information service. The review process can result in the reduction of some library and information services, but others find themselves coming out of the process in an even stronger position.

ALIA Special Libraries Summit, 2 September 2016 Adelaide: a satellite event to the ALIA National Conference
 
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) invited leaders from special libraries in government, health, law, research and other fields to come together to discuss the issues affecting the sector, with the aim of developing the basis for a collaborative national action plan. This report summaries the outcomes of the summit.
 

This report, produced by Dr Katherine Howard and commissioned by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), is based on desk research carried out over the period of November 2016 to February 2017. It followed on from the Special Libraries Summit, held on 2 September, in Adelaide, alongside the ALIA National Conference.