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ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger
During this conference presentation, Roly Keating considers the role of the British Library as a national library on the international stage. 
He reflects on the changing nature of the Library’s services as it adapts to the evolving needs of its users, both at home and abroad.  A number of innovative partnerships have been developed, particularly to enable parts of the Library’s collection to be shared online, drawing in new audiences. 
 

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger
In this conference presentation, Michael and Holger investigated the way in which people’s expectations of becoming a librarian match their lived experiences. Is a day working as a librarian full of reading books, constructing Dewey numbers and avoiding eye contact with people? Or is it a dynamic, rapidly changing vocation that calls upon highly developed communication skills and a strong connection to contemporary society?

Layers of support for members of the Association.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has been proudly representing the Australian library and information sector as the peak body for professionals, staff, institutions, vendors, educators and other stakeholders since 1937. 

Special libraries provide a client focused library and information service. Special library staff obtain, organise and provide access to selected relevant, current and authoritative information sources for their organisation.
 
This document was superceded by "Guidelines for Australian special libraries (2019)".

The challenge, particularly with a prescriptive document such as this, is to produce guidelines which are broad enough to encompass all health libraries but which detail an acceptable and achievable level of practice across those same libraries. To this end the Guidelines need to be flexible, adaptable and applicable irrespective of the size and makeup of any individual library service. It is hoped the fourth edition of the Guidelines for Australian Health Libraries achieves this desired outcome. 
 

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Minimum Standard Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners provide guidance on the establishment, operation, and evaluation of library services to prisoners in Australia.

Vocational education and training (VET) libraries provide essential support for educators and students. They provide print materials and electronic resources; individual and group study spaces; computers and fast internet connection; information and digital literacy support, and expert assistance from qualified library and information professionals. VET libraries make a significant contribution to learning outcomes and to the employability of students.
 

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) recognises that new forms of work have developed in response to the need for increased labour market flexibility. ALIA believes an appropriate, legal and fair employment policy balances the need for flexibility with protection for employees.

As the standards body for the library and information profession in Australia, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) establishes the formal qualifications required as a basis for entry to the profession. It is vital therefore that the Association promotes the principle that staff appointed to librarian and library technician positions hold qualifications appropriate to those positions. Where formal librarian or library technician qualifications are required for a particular position, this requirement should be articulated in the job description for the position.