We thank Joey Chung (ALIA Multicultural Group) & Amy Rake (ALIA Disability Group Convenor) for sharing your #ALIANationalConference24 presentation with ALIA SNGG.

ALIA Multicultural Group & ALIA Disability Group collaborated for their ‘From Stereotypes to Empathy to Inclusion How Diversity Can Bring Strength to the LIS Workforce as a pre- #ALIANationalConference 24 workshop on Monday, 6th May. 36 people attended the workshop.

What was the workshop about?

  • The workshop aimed to explore the topic of  diversity in the LIS workforce.
  • The importance of learning from the Multicultural and Disability sectors to strengthen inclusion in the LIS profession.

Topics explored included: 

  • What are hidden disabilities or unconscious bias?
  • What are the daily challenges/stereotypes that library staff from diverse backgrounds face?
  • Or those of us with hidden disabilities?
  • Or perhaps both?

The workshop had a “Put yourself in my shoes” role play game for attendees. Who were divided into groups to respond to two scenarios.

  • Scenario one: an attendee orders a drink from a café where English is not a proficient language (or any common languages between the attendees).
  • Scenario two: an attendee wears specially made spectacles, which simulates the experience of limited vision, and then searches for an item according to the other attendee’s instructions.

This was followed by a short video “Let’s Talk Diversity”.

Speakers included:

  • Ennis Chen (ALIA Multicultural eNewsletter Coordinator)
  • Emily Shumborski (ALIA VIC Group Treasurer)
  • Adiriene Rodrigues (Former ALIA SNGG Regional Coordinaror, VIC)
  • Amy Rake (ALIA Disability Group Convenor) 

 

In the video four library professionals speak about the benefits of diverse backgrounds for the library information sector workforce.

Questions discussed:

“What are the positive/ negative aspects of having a diverse background in the library sector?”.

“What are the common stereotypes (visible or invisible) towards disability and multiculturalism?” 

“What is the impact of these stereotypes on the workforce?”

“How can the library sector improve diversity, equity, and inclusion?”

Attendees futher shared their experience regarding diversity. Focusing on workplace, cultural and political influences that impacted diversity.

 

Reference:

Chung. J. (2024). From Stereotypes to Empathy to Inclusion How Diversity Can Bring Strength to the LIS Workforce. ALIA Multicultural Group.

Multicultural ALIA (May 12, 2024) Let’s talk diversity. (YouTube).

ALIA Multicultural Group (2024) About.

 

 

You can now view the Draft Program for ALIA Information Online 2025 – Transformation & Disruption.

Interested in attending? Register via this the ALIA Information Online Event link.

RSVP Date: 17th March

Cost:

Members $400 | Non-Members $500| Institution  5 attendees $1800 | Institution 10 attendees $3500 | Unlimited $6000

 

One Day ALIA Member Price (includes ALIA personal members and institutional staff members): $150

One Day Non-Member Price: $200

Two Day ALIA Member Price (includes personal members and institutional staff members): $275

Two Day Non-Member Price: $375

 

 

When  is this on?

Tuesday 18th March – 20th March

Location: Online via Zoom 

Time Zoom begins: 9am AEDT

 

Program Summary:

Day 1: Tuesday, 18th March – Indigenous Knowledges (Program highlights Dialogue Session: Libraries and their Intersection with Indigenous Knowledges held on 13th October 2024).

Day 2: Wednesday, 19th March – Greening GLAMR

Day 3: Thursday, 20th March – AI

Download the Draft Program for more info.

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Poster reads draft program for Alia information online is available.

The Truck Cat Simultaneous StoryTime

Now is the time to find yourself a copy of The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel from your local book shop, library or department store.

Save the date for #librarystorytime on May 21st from 12pm – 1pm (AEST).

A man pats a cat on the head. A truck is behind him.

ALIA CPD Scheme Skills Audit Focus Group EOI

Are you an ALIA Student or Graduate Member?

Add to your ALIA CPD Scheme hours by joining the ALIA CPD Scheme Skills Audit Focus Group.

ALIA are in the process of reviewing the ALIA CPD Scheme to meet the ALIA Skills, Knowledge and ethics Framework.

As a member of the ALIA CPD Scheme focus group you can provide feedback on gaps in library skills in the Library and Information Service Workforce.

The Focus Group will begin in March. You can add the 2-3 hours contributing to the Focus Group as ALIA CPD Scheme hours.

Interested?

Email education@alia.org.au with the subject line ‘Skills Audits Focus Group’ to let the team know your interest in participating.

The front of the Ngutungka Henley library. South Australia's newest library.

RSVP by 12 February to join ALIA SA on their library tour of Ngutungka Henley Library.

When: Thursday, 13 February 2025

Location: 

Ngutungka Henley
378 Seaview Road
Henley Beach, SA 5022

Time: 6pm – 7pm (ACDT)

Cost: ALIA Members & Non – Members: FREE

Stay updated on ALIA SNGG, ALIA Special Interest Group (SIG) & ALIA News by bookmarking our ALIA SNGG Newsletter WordPress page.

Help promote ALIA SNGG by following  us on Facebook, Instagram, X and Linkedin.

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