About

ALIA Students & New Graduates Group

The ALIA Students and New Graduates Group provides a space for students and graduates to communicate with ALIA, ALIA Regional /Specialist  Groups and colleagues from the GLAMR sector.  

Focus:

The group aims to promote library advocacy, networking and support professional development learning and skills for students, graduates and the LIS community. 

We welcome and support ALIA Members who identify as LGBTQIA+, from CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse), Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander group and members with Hidden, invisible disabilities to join our group.

Values

●Teamwork

● Creativity
● Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
● Freedom, Openness and Access
● Connection
● Curiosity
● Sustainability

Group of people are siting together waiting for a GLAMR meeting.
SNGG History
Executive
Committee
Prev Members

History of Student and New Graduates Group

The New Grads Group was the initiative of the ALIA New Generation Policy and Advisory Group, now ALIA New Generation Advisory Committee (ALIA NGAC). In 2003, Alison O’Connor (Convenor) and Kate Watson (Secretary) set up the ALIA New Grads Group. It was known as the ALIA New Graduates Group in 2003 and was renamed the ALIA Students and New Graduates Group in mid-2014.

Meet the Executive Team

Meet the Committee

Elizabeth Heck

Elizabeth Heck

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator X

Elizabeth is an interdisciplinary researcher and educator working across education, communications, and emerging technologies. She also has a background in community media arts and practice. Elizabeth has long had an interest in pursuing a career in the GLAMR sector and has embarked on her Master of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University. She is passionate about storytelling in all its forms, and lifelong learning, in addition to creative research practice, impacts and outcomes. More recently, she has been involved in creative research translation activities across various research projects. Elizabeth is an Advance Queensland Digital Champion, where she has been involved in activities that contribute to creating more digitally inclusive communities.

Ryan Siriwardene

Ryan Siriwardene

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, X

Ryan has worked in library land for over twenty years. His first great success was initiating a preschool storytime at Highett Community branch. Ryan has worked in libraries overseas and when he is not working in libraries, supports people with disabilities with day to day living and community engagement. Ryan has contributed to ALIA CYS Group Scoop Newsletter as a Contributing Writer Children since June 2024.

Sheeni Mutheeu

Sheeni Mutheeu

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator X

Sheeni, aka Sheeneez, completed her Master of Information Management from RMIT in 2020. She enjoys reading, watching TV shows and trying out new recipes in her spare time.

Sheeneez hopes to gain experience to further her understanding of the GLAMR sector and is excited to join ALIA SNGG as a Social Media Coordinator volunteer on the Twitter team.

Laura Doherty

Laura Doherty

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, Instagram

Laura (she/her) is a dedicated library professional from North Queensland. Soon to be graduating from TAFE with a certificate in Library and Information Services and plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at TAFE Queensland next.

With a background in the public mental health sector, Laura brings valuable insights and compassion to her library work.

A passionate advocate for reading and literacy, focused on bridging the digital divide, using social media skills to work on initiatives that boost digital literacy and confidence among library users. Laura views libraries as dynamic community hubs that foster learning and connection for everyone.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Laura enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with animals, regularly attending classes to improve her Auslan skills. Laura looks forward to building meaningful connections and enhancing the library experience for all community members.

Eleni

Eleni

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, Instagram

Eleni is completing a Master of Information Studies through Charles Sturt University.

She is transitioning from a career as a speech pathologist & therefore has a particular interest in public, academic & health libraries.

She loves encouraging reading to support early communication development & promoting careful evaluation of information sources. Her cup is filled thanks to family, friends, beach swims, good cheese & sci-fi.

Annalyce Wiebenga

Annalyce Wiebenga

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator Facebook & Instagram

Annalyce is completing her Master of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University and currently holds a student representative position.

She holds an Honours degree in classical music (voice and musicology) and previously completed the Diploma of Library and Information Services. They are interested in working with academic libraries, music and performing arts libraries, and associated special collections. Subject areas of interest include:  databases, and governance developments in the higher education sector.

A Library Officer at Melbourne Polytechnic & Assistant Library Cataloguer at Frontier Economics (Asia-Pacific).

Priya Jathes

Priya Jathes

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, Facebook

Priya, is completing a Diploma in Library  Management at TAFE NSW Digital. She previously graduated  with  a Mtech (IT) from Swinburne University  of Technology, Melbourne, with experience working in different industries.  She wonders if information technology and library management systems will bring a good combination for her long-termcareer progression. Her passion and interest towards books and libraries encouraged her to attain qualification towards becoming a librarian. She is glad to get this greatest opportunity to work with these amazing people.

Richard Menkens

Richard Menkens

ALIA Students and New Graduatees Group Site/ WordPress Blog Coordinator Blog

Richard is a Master of Information  Studies (Leadership) student at Charles Sturt University. Skilled in computer science & software engineering, EDRMS, ECM, information management, project management and business administration. A Membership Engagement Coordinator for Diabetes Australia. A fan on scifi, music travel & public libraries.

Acacia Beaumont

Acacia Beaumont

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, Instagram

Acacia Beaumont has recommenced a Diploma of Library and Information Services at Swinburne University.

Acacia is looking forward to increasing her connections within the GLAM sector, after being a keen observer of
ALIA New Generation Advisory Committee’s #AusLibChat.

She has previously completed work experience at Swinburne University’s Library and the Ballarat Library. Prior roles include working as a receptionist in the coastal Bellarine Peninsula’s Portarlington Beach Motel and as a counting officer in the 2022 Victorian State Election.

In her spare time, Acacia enjoys listening to pop music, collecting vinyl and watching TV dramas while hanging out with her cat Mortisya.

Jacqui O'Mara

Jacqui O'Mara

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, Facebook

Jacqui is a Melbourne-native. In 2023 she moved to the Red Centre to work at the Alice Springs Public Library as a Programs Officer. She now works as an Information Service Officer ( Library and Research Management) at the Central Land Council. She previously taught ESL abroad, but transitioned into the world of libraries in 2021. (Working in a mix of school, public and academic libraries in Melbourne and completing a Masters of Information Studies).
She enjoys hiking, baking and watching AFL.
Kirsty Fraser

Kirsty Fraser

ALIA Students and New Graduates Group Site/WordPress Blog Coordiator

Kirsty (she/they) is an experienced university research manager from QLD with 20+ years of higher education experience across technical communication, data analytics, research integrity, and library & research-related policy development.

She is in the final stages of the Master of Information Studies (Data Management) at Charles Sturt University & recently completed a professional placement at the Queensland Museum Research Library.

She also holds degrees in business communication, music and public policy.

She looks forward to transitioning into academic and special libraries.

Scholarly communication practices in research data management, open access, research impact & engagement and inclusiveness of library spaces for neurodiverse and queer communities are professional interests.

She has spent a lot of time obsessing over books and libraries!

 

Louise W.

Louise W.

ALIA Students and New Graduates Group Site/WordPress Blog Coordinator

viLouise is a recent Bachelor of Information Studies (Librarian) graduate from Charles Sturt University, with previous educational achievements in the LIS field. Louise is exploring avenues for employment to fulfill goals of being an information professional.

Louise is a Library volunteer at Woollahra Council in NSW and contributes to Digi Vol digitisation projects, teaching technical concepts to people. She further maintains connections with ALIA via the ALIA Mentoring Scheme.

 Louise has a background in event management, customer oriented roles.

Rachel Dowe

Rachel Dowe

ALIA Students and New Graduates Group Site/ WordPress Blog Coordinator

Rachel (she/they) is currently pursuing a Diploma of Library and Information Services at the University of South Australia. She also holds a Master of Philosophy (Classics), specialising in Ancient Greek theatre and mythology.
Rachel has been working in the higher education sector for nearly a decade and is currently working at an academic library. She is passionate about exploring how technology can enhance learning and information access.
Rachel is excited to be part of ALIA SNGG and looks forward to connecting with fellow professionals in the industry. She enjoys learning about innovative projects and research emerging from libraries across Australia.
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys experimenting with a 3D printer, creating knick-knacks to clutter her desk. She is also learning historical fencing and has found that many librarians share a passion for sword fighting. If you’re looking to meet other librarians, Rachel recommends checking out your local HEMA group!

Cameron Michel

Cameron Michel

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, Instagram

I am currently completing my Diploma of Library and Information Services and hope to continue my learning by completing a Bachelor of Information Studies (Specialising in Records and Archive Management) at Charles Sturt University. I have a background in customer service and love building relationships with the people I meet during my day-to-day life.

My passion for library work and information services started from the safe and relaxing environment they provided for me during my childhood. I have an interest and passion for rare books and archives and restoration. Coming across the ALIA Students and New Graduates and its resources will truly help me build and support my studies.

In my free time I am a huge fan of fictional podcasts, books (preferably sociology themed or thrillers if I’m needing a scare) and hanging out with friends and the community.

April Tate

April Tate

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, Facebook & Instagram

April is currently in her final year of the Bachelor of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University and holds a Diploma in Library and Information Services. Since beginning her library journey in 2017, April has worked in secondary school libraries, and for Yarra Plenty Regional Library. She is about to commence her professional placement at a university library where she is excited to be gaining experience working with rare books and special collections.

April is passionate about using creativity to engage people with libraries, supporting reading culture and literacy development in all of its forms. Being dedicated to ongoing professional growth, she is looking forward to collaborating with SNGG members and being part of the support network for new and aspiring GLAMR professionals.

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