Inside ALIA Multicultural Group: A Q&A with Co-Convenor Hiba Kanj
How did ALIA Multicultural begin as an ALIA Special Interest Group?
The ALIA Multicultural Group was formed as a cross-sector group committed to advocacy and awareness of diversity and inclusion in the information sector.
Key areas of focus include:
- Information sharing of research and best practice.
- Advocacy for improved diversity and inclusion in the workforce including strong leadership pathways.
- Access to professional development and support across sectors for diversity focused professionals.
- Advocacy for improved services for multicultural communities.
- Professional development with a focus on Multicultural needs.
What made you join ALIA Multicultural as a Co-Convenor?
I felt a strong connection to ALIA Multicultural group as it was looking at raising awareness of diversity and inclusion through research, professional development and advocacy of improving services. Working in libraries you quickly appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion in the information sector.
What ways can ALIA Multicultural Group support professional development learning for students, graduates and ALIA Members?
- ALIA Multicultural Group holds 2x webinars throughout the year with a focus on diversity and inclusion topics.
- Another way is to get involved is by joining the committee and continuing to ensure that Multicultural issues are front and centre.
- Having the ability to contribute to research within the sector to further enhance the depth of knowledge available in the sector.
Would you encourage ALIA Members to add to their professional development learning by joining ALIA Special Interest Groups like ALIA Multicultural and ALIA Students and New Graduates Group?
Yes, it can be most rewarding to both learn and share your skills and experience with others in the industry. Groups such as ALIA Multicultural and ALIA Students and New Graduates exist because of the wonderful volunteers who contribute their time and skills to improving our sector on a daily basis.
What are the benefits of joining an ALIA Special Interest Group?
- Advocate for the specific interest group in a meaningful and impactful way
- Meet people from across different sectors interested in the same issues
- Learn more about the industry
- Develop skills in marketing, social media, running meetings etc.
- Possibility of presenting at conferences both nationally and internationally
In June 2023 you had your Stereotypes webinar. What did you learn from this webinar?
While I was researching for the webinar I learnt more about unconscious bias and how it permeates our daily lives included structurally within the workplace and it opened my eyes to ways that I can be more aware of my own unconscious biases when conducting interviews, inductions and staff trainings, developing programs for our community and while serving our visitors in the space and online.
I was heartened to see the conversations that took place during the questions and answer time and Joey and I took back many of those suggestions and thoughts to the committee to address in the hopes of continuing the conversations that were sparked during the webinar.
Our group enjoys your Instagram #visibilityasinclusion #showusyourshelves posts. How do you see library collections evolving to be more inclusive with multicultural communities?
Libraries are great at listening to our community. I would say to continue to listen and reflect on services, collections, programs and the workplace that reflects the community and ensures that we are valuing and enriching our community in a variety of meaningful ways.
What ways can ALIA SNGG & ALIA Members connect with the ALIA Multicultural Group?
Be sure to follow our social media, subscribe to our bi-monthly e-newsletter, join in the conversations through the webinar, and consider joining the committee.
https://multicultural.alia.org.au/
https://www.instagram.com/aliamulticultural/
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