Event Wrap-Up: ALIAwest “Trends, Challenges & Triumphs”
The recent ALIAwest event, “Trends, Challenges & Triumphs,” held at The Lantern, Curtin University Library, was a remarkable gathering of library professionals who shared their insights on the current state and future directions of library services. Here’s a recap of the sessions:
HCL Award Presentation
The evening started with the Presentation of the HCL Award to Gaby Haddow. ALIAWest is very proud to have been able to host this presentation in WA (Gaby’s home state) and also at Curtin University, where she has contributed so much to the library profession. With Geoff Strempel, the Co-Awardee and our 3rd F A Sharr Award Winner back in 1978, along with Margaret Allen award it in 2022, ALIAWest has much to celebrate in our 21st Birthday year!
Jane Cowell – ALIA President and CEO of Yarra Plenty Regional Library
Topic: “Book Challenges are on the Rise in WA” Jane Cowell opened the event with a critical discussion on the increasing number of book challenges in WA and across the country. She emphasized the importance of defending intellectual freedom and the role of libraries in providing access to diverse perspectives. She also presented to Freedom to Read Resources that can be found on the ALIA Website
Kylie Percival – University Librarian, Curtin University
Topic: “Management Material, Memes & Myths” Kylie Percival offered a humorous yet insightful look into the myths and realities of library management. Her presentation shed light on the challenges faced by library managers and the strategies to navigate them effectively, and how to encourage others to take up the mantle.
Dr. Nicole Johnston – ALIA Director and Associate University Librarian, Digital Literacy and Library Experience, Edith Cowan University
Topic: “AI Trends in Higher Education” Dr. Nicole Johnston discussed the latest AI trends impacting higher education. She explored how AI is transforming digital literacy and library experiences, and the implications for academic libraries in adapting to these advancements. It is a strange new world out there we need to know how to navigate it!
Sophie Farrar – Manager Collection Care, State Library of Western Australia
Topic: “From Digitisation to Digital Transformation: Challenges & Triumphs” Sophie Farrar shared her experiences on the journey from digitization to digital transformation at the State Library of Western Australia. She highlighted the challenges encountered and the triumphs achieved in preserving and providing access to digital collections. The highlight was being able to listen to a digitised poem from 1985 and know that so much more it out there waiting for us to rediscover!
Gaby Haddow – Discipline Lead for Libraries, Archives, Records & Information Science, Curtin University
Topic: “Qualifications and Professional Futures: Keeping Current and Keeping Informed” Gaby Haddow addressed the evolving landscape of qualifications and professional development in library and information science. She stressed the importance of staying current with industry trends and continuous learning to remain relevant in the profession and the satisfaction that it can give you.
Natasha Georgiou – Vice President, West Australian School Library Association (WASLA)
Topic: “Challenges & Triumphs in WA School Libraries” Natasha Georgiou focused on the specific challenges and triumphs faced by school libraries in Western Australia. Her presentation highlighted innovative solutions and the vital role school libraries play in supporting student learning and literacy. Her statistics on the lack of Teacher Librarians in the field is heartbreaking and hopefully new changes on the horizon can reverse this decline.
Atlanta Meyer – Learning Communities Manager – Community and Library Services, City of Swan | Public Libraries WA Executive | Chair, IFLA Literacy & Reading Section
Topic: “Trends from the IFLA Trend Report” Atlanta Meyer concluded the event with an overview of the latest trends from the IFLA Trend Report. She provided valuable insights into global trends affecting libraries, such as geographical inequalities and digital divides increasing, along with the strategic responses necessary to address these changes.
Conclusion
The event provided a platform for engaging discussions and valuable knowledge sharing among library professionals. The diverse topics covered by the speakers underscored the dynamic nature of the library sector and the continuous efforts required to navigate challenges and the need to celebrate triumphs. Thank you to all the speakers and attendees for making this event a success!
And a very special Thank You to Curtin University Library for allowing us to use The Lantern, and an extra special Thank you to Kylie Percival, Claire Murphy and Janice Chan for leading the Library Tours.
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