FAQs

ALIA Library

GENERAL
 
Why have we created the ALIA Library?
 
Promoting the “free flow of information and ideas through open access to recorded knowledge, information and creative works” is a core value of the Association. We have made documents available on various ALIA websites in the past, but creating a central digital library means all this valuable information will be available in one place and with permanent URLs.
 
What does it contain?
 
The library contains conference papers, presentations, guides, workbooks, environmental scans, landscape reports, research papers, ALIA Group papers, advocacy documents, surveys, strategies, images, and so on, in multiple formats – pdf, Word, AV, jpeg, etc.
 
It does not contain ALIA Board minutes, detailed financial records, management and HR files, and other commercially sensitive materials relating to the business of the Association, nor does it contain member records.
 
While the library is a work in progress, you may find some older and local ALIA Group documents in the collections of the National, State and Territory libraries.  
 
Who can access the information?
 
While it is thanks to the payment of ALIA membership fees that the Association has been able to develop this repository and much of the content it contains, it is not only for Members. In line with our commitment to open access, anyone can access the resources and download the documents free of charge.
 
Where is the repository hosted?
 
The repository is hosted on the ALIA webserver. Drupal, a free and open-source content-management/web application framework, provides a back-end framework for the ALIA Library. The Drupal framework was choosen for the project due to its flexibility, accessibility and security.
 
FOR USERS
 
How do I find what I’m looking for?
 
If you know the title, use the search box to help you find it, or use a keyword search if you are not sure. A subject term can be chosen from the drop down list if you know the topic you are looking for.
 
Is there a limit on how much information I can access or download at one time?
 
No, there is no limit. You are welcome to access and download any information from the site.
 
What can I do with materials?
 
You can use them for general research, study, to inform best practice in your place of work or for any other purpose.
 
A Creative Commons licence allows you to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or form as long as you follow the licence terms. However, any works you have downloaded from the Internet which are protected by copyright cannot be shared with others.
 
How do I know if a resource is protected by copyright?
 
All works are protected by copyright, and if the term “copyright” is used on the record, standard copyright regulations apply. If a creative commons statement appears, the resource can be used according to the licence. The most common licence used in the ALIA Library is Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License which means the document can be used under the following terms: Attribution, Non Commercial, ShareAlike.
 
FOR CONTRIBUTORS
 
Who can upload resources?
 
ALIA Groups can upload resources if they are ALIA-owned or ALIA has the necessary copyright permissions. Please contact us through enquiry@alia.org.au if you have any questions.
 
Why can’t I see the document I have uploaded?
 
Documents uploaded are not automatically published, the administrator will verify the item is suitable for inclusion and complete quality checks before it is published.