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All of the ALIA members want to know what the future holds for library and information services. Of course, it is impossible to predict in exact terms, but using global trends, early indicators and futurist thinking to develop themes can guide the discussion about where it might be headed. For the purpose of this discussion paper, ALIA has looked at the broad role of library and information services, and specific circumstances relating to school, public, academic and special libraries, and collecting institutions.

This document summarises how people who work in the library and information field want the new Australian Government to engage with library and information services during its term of office. In the run up to the federal election, we will be lobbying for The Library and Information Agenda – four themes and 10 items which we believe are essential for promoting literacy, enabling citizens to be well informed, supporting socially inclusive communities and contributing to the success of Australia as a knowledgebased economy.

This summary for the library and information includes the defunding of the Get Ready program; consolidation of back office functions of collection agencies; enchancing online safety for children; Australian Insitute for Teachng and School Leadership funding; university fees; community heritage program; Medical Research Future fund; industry skills fund; restart programme to encourage the employment of older Australians.

This summary for the library and information sector, including GST on digital products; public service; arts; communications; education; health; infrastructure and regional development; Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) report highlights areas of good practice and provides a series of recommendations for enhancements to course content for the future. It also examines a number of critical issues that are likely to impact on library technician courses due to developments in the structure and funding of education in Australia, as well as changes within the Library Information Studies sector as a whole.

This guide should be used in conjunction with the ALIA guide to disaster planning, response and recovery for libraries.

This guide covers each of these eventualities and the four stages of a disaster: prevention, preparation, response and recovery.

Each library will be different, each situation unique, but using the approach outlined in this guide will help to plan a disaster response.

In December 2013, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) commissioned Brussels-based Civic Agenda to produce a worldwide elending landscape report, identifying public library-led initiatives to secure ebooks for borrowers.

The ALIA Interlibrary Lending Advisory Committee carried out research to find out if interlibrary lending and document delivery would still be important in the ebook world. This report highlights the findings and the information generated will help inform the work of the Advisory Committee. It will be of great value in discussions with library vendors, publishers, authors, government and other stakeholders.

This document provides an overview of how Australian libraries provide valuable support for Australian authors and publishers.