Libraries and Aboriginal Australians

This report outlines insights gathered from the Dialogue Session: Libraries and their intersection with Indigenous knowledges held in Ocotber 2024. The Dialogue Session was organised by ALIA, CAUL, NSLA, and presented by Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education & Research. The Dialogue Session provided an opportunity for members of the library and information sector to reflect on and discuss both the progress towards and priorities for Indigenous knowledges in the library sector in the near and mid-term future. 

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) endorses the vision of a united Australia which respects this land of ours; values the Indigenous heritage; and provides justice and equity for all.
 
This document identifies four key areas to be addressed by the library and information services sector in providing services to Indigenous peoples, and in managing information relevant to Indigenous cultures and communities.

Article by Lesley Acres, CSLP Project Officer and Program Officer, Indigenous Services, State Library of Queensland and Aimee Said, NSLA Program Coordinator, National and State Libraries Australia from INCITE September/October 2020 Volume 41 Issue 9/10 - Professional Growth.
 
This article discusses the Culturally Safe Libraries Program (CSLP), a collaborative effort by national, state and territory libraries to provide a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island clients and colleagues.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge
 
This conference paper discusses the development of an interactive interface to connect communities with indigenous collections.
 

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge
 
This conference paper explores the development of a new framework to combine Indigenous knowledge systems and linked data to enable greater accessibility and culturally appropriate use of collection items within the GLAM sector.
 

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is supportive of the proposed implementation plan’s structure, vision, foundations and focus areas. In summary:

ALIA 2016 National Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016 Adelaide: Engage Create Lead
 
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) provides a summary of the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) approach to developing a working partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Shire Councils to establish and sustain Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs).

The project was initiated by the National Year of Reading 2012 founding partners, with the Australian Library and Information Association as the auspice body. The project concept was prompted by recognition that there were many challenges being faced by providers of early literacy programs in remote Indigenous communities.

Article by Desert Peoples Centre Campus Library staff, from INCITE March/April 2019 Volume 40 Issue 3/4 - Indigenous Matters.
 
Desert Peoples Centre Campus Library staff, from the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in Central Australia, provide a range of services to Indigenous Australian people every day. Each team member came to the job via a unique path. In this article they share the story of their growth as library service providers.

Libraries across Australia are focused on improving services for people identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, whether they live in cities, towns or remote communities.
 
This document has examples of initiatives that are already underway, while highlighting opportunities for further improvement. It shows that libraries are maximising the use of their facilities, developing thoughtful programs, taking a more respectful approach to collections and expanding professional development opportunities for library and information professionals.