This paper looks at the challenges presented for the Australian Library and Information Association by its role as the professional association responsible for ensuring the quality of Australian library technician graduates. There is a particular focus on the issue of course recognition, where the Association's role is complicated by the need to…

The President of ALIA writes about expectations for the Public Libraries Summit, and provides an account of what took place on the day of the meeting, and what has taken place since. In funding terms, the most likely areas of productive engagement with the federal government are considered to be: children, early learning and a literate Australia;…

This article acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of Margaret Trask to education for beginning professionals in library and information work. It identifies four concepts or themes which underpinned the award courses developed and taught under Margaret's leadership, and examines how these themes have evolved over thirty years. Margaret…

Uses the context of Odysseus' wanderings as a metaphor for the library profession returning to fundamental customer-centric issues. Presents recent information on library use, technology in libraries, the quantifiable value of library services, and participation in professional activities. (Author/LRW)

Yearbook Australia 2003 reports that in August 2001 there were 9596 schools in Australia (2003:305). It can be claimed with confidence that each of these has a library and that a member or members of the school staff have specific responsibility for its operation. That this is so is primarily an achievement of the Library Association of Australia…

Drawing on recent experience and observation in New South Wales, this paper describes issues facing authorities, planners and librarians who are working on public library building projects. The author emphasises the need for all involved to focus not just on traditional good design principles, but also on user needs, consulting the community,…

The needs and expectations of members of the Library Association of Australia are explored in four articles. Highlights include fee requirements, lobbying by the association, the inclusion of information professionals in the membership, the possible role of trade unions, and the distribution of women in leadership positions. (CLB)

The "Victorian Free Library Service Board Act" of 1946 was the culmination of a long campaign to replace the mechanics' institute model of library provision with free libraries funded by state and local government. Given that library reform required legislation by the state government, this paper is mainly concerned with the political…

Examines physical deterioration of library collections as result of acidic content of books published since mid-nineteenth century. Dimensions of problem, solutions being developed by libraries, and professional challenges posed by preservation (collection management, organizational structures, technical processes, educational programs) are…

The role of libraries within the virtual university is unclear, and the danger exists that students will be expected to rely solely on the Internet. This article argues that librarians must reinvent the library and their role as information providers. Examines virtual universities in Australia and North America and the roles of librarians and…