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 /Special Interest Groups and library 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 and visible disabilities to join our group.

Values

  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Diversity
  • Freedom, Openess and Access
  • Connection
  • Curiosity to learn skills and knowledge
  • Sustainability
Group of people are siting together waiting for a GLAMR meeting.

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 SNGG Team

Elizabeth Heck

Elizabeth Heck

ALIA Students and New Graduates Group/Site WordPress Blog Coordinator

 

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, Instagram

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.

Queena Chen

Queena Chen

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, Facebook

 

Queena is completing the TAFE Digital NSW, Diploma of Library and Information Service – focusing on accessibility and education.  Interested in learning how libraries can support education and accessibility. She values the role libraries play in connecting people with resources and creating inclusive spaces for learning and creativity. What interested  Queena to the ALIA SNGG team, was the opportunity to contribute to a valuable student and early career resource. Studying her course online, the ALIA SNGG Facebook page has helped make the industry less intimidating and allowed her to explore connections and interests she might not have identified. By sharing diverse perspectives—not just from professionals, but also from students and new graduates—the page creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, which she is eager to help sustain and enhance. Spending her free time with family, friends, dog Chleo and cats Ares and Rob.

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.

Louise W.

Louise W.

ALIA Students and New Graduates Group Site/WordPress Blog Coordinator

 

Louise(she/her) is a recent Bachelor of Information Studies (Librarian) graduate from Charles Sturt University, with previous educational achievements in the LIS field.

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.

Eleni

Eleni

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator, Instagram

 

Eleni completed a Master of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University.

She transitioned to working in libraries from a career as a speech pathologist. Eleni is currently working at Gold Coast Libraries as a librarian.  A former librarian at Bond University Library with  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.

Ailish Hallinan

Ailish Hallinan

ALIA Students and New Graduates Group Site/WordPress Blog Coordinator

 

Ailish (she/her) is currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Science at Curtin University.

After several years of working in the media and communication sectors, she recently decided to turn her life-long love of libraries into a career.

In her free time, you’ll find Ailish curled up in her favourite chair with a strong cup of tea and a fantasy book.

Annalyce Wiebenga

Annalyce Wiebenga

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator Facebook

Annalyce graduated from a Master of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University.

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 Learning Resource Advisor at ACAP University College.    

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-term career progression.

Her passion and interest towards books and libraries encouraged her to attain qualification towards becoming a librarian. She is glad to get this opportunity to work with these amazing people.

Richard Menkens

Richard Menkens

ALIA Students and New Graduates Group Site/ WordPress Blog Coordinator

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.

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!

 

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!

Jacqui  O'Mara

Jacqui O'Mara

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator Facebook

Jacqui is originally from Melbourne. 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 previosly taught ESL (English as a Second Language) 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.

Sheeni Mutheeu

Sheeni Mutheeu

ALIA SNGG Social Media Coordinator

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.

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

April graduated from 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 completed her professional placement at a university library 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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