Saturday 4 August 2018

NSW Libraries - Take a Minute to help #renewourlibraries


By now you have probably heard about or seen actions from the Renew Our Libraries organisation, a joint initiative between the NSW Public Libraries Association and Local Government NSW. If not, you should have a look at their material at renewourlibraries.com.au and consider signing their petition, or following them on twitter @renewlibraries.

I urge you to also telephone or write to your NSW State MP.

It doesn't take long, less than one minute, and ensures that your MP knows that her or his constituents are concerned about these cuts. I love a good letter, sent by post, because this usually prompts a written response and in my experience Members of Parliament have some very nice stationery. However, a phone call or an email can be just as effective, and you can request a written response. Many people don't take time to contact their Member directly on issues of concern, but as more individuals do so on any issue the more attention an MP needs to give to responding to that issue.

Here's a script you might like to use. It's better if you customise it to reflect your own feelings. Library staff know the importance of stories. Perhaps you are angry that NSW provides the lowest State government funding for public libraries of any in Australia. Ask them why funding has been cut at a time when library use and visits have increased. It might be that your area is seeing a greater density of residences as mandated by the NSW government and yet the social and educational facilities that public libraries provide are already being reduced as a result of this decision. It could be that you think if a government commissions a report about the funding needs for NSW libraries, they might follow the recommendations or at least provide reasons why they have done the reverse. Maybe you love using free wifi and having space to work, study, or meet without being expected to make a purchase. Personally I am cheesed off that many NSW councils merged at the behest of the NSW government, and now the same government is cutting funding for one of the services those councils are mandated to provide, putting more costs back on the local governments. Whatever your reasons, take the time to call or write, let your MP know that you personally are concerned about it. Also, request people you know to do the same.

I enjoy the vulgar Australian expression "Piss or get off the pot." Friends in NSW, do your bit, and get your friends do the same.





Monday 16 July 2018

#IRLLibChat - Real Life, Real Talk


ALIA Sydney together with ALIA Students and New Grads would love you to join us in a social discussion on pay, conditions, and working life.



Over a few drinks we'll get real about contracts and awards, pay rates, and the realities of working in the LIS industry in Sydney. So that we can talk more freely, we ask that there be no social media generated on the night during the discussion. We hope you can make time to join us there.

But even if you can't make it, you can still help to make this event a success by completing our survey and by sharing it with others in Sydney and NSW. This anonymous survey will help to form the talking points for the evening, and those attending #IRLLibChat will get the first look at the survey results.

Find the survey here:    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3JNMMX8


Event details

IRL Lib Chat

Tuesday 21st August, 6:00pm for 6:30pm start

Edition Book Bar, 181 Harris Street, Pyrmont

RSVP to  aliasydneygroup@gmail.com

$5 ALIA members, please bring member number
$10 everyone else

To preserve anonymity and the chance for some frank discussion (and some fun photos), please bring a disguise.  Hosts will provide disguises for those unable to provide their own.






Saturday 30 June 2018

Tour University of Sydney Library spaces Saturday July 14 12pm

 
Come along on a tour through four of the University of Sydney Library’s spaces:

  • ThinkSpace- the University of Sydney Library’s experimental technology- driven creative MakerSpace

  • SciTech Library – for a brief introduction to the new frontline service model featuring our new standing pod desks

  • Fisher Library – for a quick tour of some new developments that have been enhancing student experience

  • The Quarter- for a tour of our most recently refurbished library space and an introduction to the Peer Learning Advisor service model

Be sure to bring your comfy walking shoes as we will be walking between the four locations.

Meeting point: Jane Foss Russell Plaza (outside Parma café)

12pm to approx 2pm, Saturday 14th July 2018

As spaces are limited the favour of a reply is requested. A wait list will be maintained.

Reply to book a spot or with any questions to  aliasydneygroup@gmail.com

Tuesday 24 April 2018

18 MAY : MYSTERY BOX NIGHT




ALIA SYDNEY & ALLIANCE FRANCAISE PRESENT: 
A MYSTERY BOX EVENT ON FRIDAY 18 MAY




Who: You! Teams of up to 8 people encouraged to book, or just grab a ticket and join in on the night. 

What: Tickets $25 and include a glass of wine on arrival BOOK NOW

Where: Alliance Francaise : 257 Clarence Street Sydney NSW 2000

When: 6.30pm. This event will run for up to 2 hours, including team set up, rules and discussion afterwards

Why: Mystery Box activities are getting more and more popular in Libraries around the world. Come and experience it for yourself and get ideas about how you could use this program in your Library.

This particular Mystery Box involves the haunting of one of Sydney's oldest houses. The lights will be off and the race against the clock will be on!


SaveSave

Tuesday 17 April 2018

18th May: Sydney Mystery Box Event






Teams of 8 are encouraged but everyone is welcome.

Alliance Francaise : 257 Clarence Street Sydney NSW 2000

SaveSave

Wednesday 24 January 2018

ALIA Sydney social event - Tuesday 13 February 2018


It's our first event of the year!

Come along and say hello and have a chat to the ALIA Sydney committee.
We have some shining new faces joining us in 2018 and we will also be welcoming Sally Turbitt as NSW State Manager.

We'll be there from 6pm onwards at the Edition Bookbar, and there's even be a special ALIA Sydney cocktail on the menu that night.

Please RSVP to Lauren at aliasydneygroup@gmail.com if you're coming along and we all look forward to seeing you there!