Facing the Future Together - Strategy and Partnership across the Industry

A panel of experienced library leaders from ALIA, CAUL and NSLA discussing the big issues and how their organisations are planning to tackle them.

Each panelist will talk about their organisation’s purpose and how the strategic plan will help them achieve it. From this you will understand the different roles played by ALIA, CAUL and NSLA.

There will then be a facilitated discussion about collaboration and partnerships. The panelists will reflect on previous collaborations and opportunities to work together in the future for maximum impact.

Author Bio

Jane Cowell is a known innovator and speaker on trends in the Public Library industry with over 25 years of experience working in Public Libraries across Australia and is the President of ALIA. Currently Jane is the CEO of Yarra Plenty Regional Library which serves the communities in the northeast of Melbourne. In her previous role she worked at the State Library of Queensland and delivered significant research projects to support library advocacy efforts such as The Impact of Libraries as Creative Spaces in 2016 and was instrumental in the development of a fully funded ($20 million) early literacy programme for every Queensland public library, First Five Forever. Jane also serves on the International Library Federation Association Public Library Section as Secretary and enjoys this global collaboration to advance Public Libraries across the world. She blogs at Medium and you can follow Jane on Twitter @janecowell8

Author Bio

Carmel O’Sullivan is the current Chair of Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) as well as program lead for CAUL’s “From Decolonisation to Indigenisation” strategic program. She is the University Librarian at the University of Southern Queensland and has significant experience in the library and information sector across academic, public and corporate libraries. Carmel led the Digital Dexterity program for CAUL, resulting in a Digital Dexterity Framework, and a network of Digital Dexterity Champions which remains an active community.

Author Bio

Geoff has spent much of his career working in, or providing support to libraries.  Prior to being appointed Director of the State Library he led Public Library Services (a division of the Libraries Board of South Australia) for 10 years.  During this time he led significant changes in the South Australian public library network, including the establishment of a Statewide public library consortium – colloquially known as the One Card Network.  

He is a Board member of the National & State Libraries of Australasia (NSLA) consortium, has chaired a national advisory committee for the National Library and chairs the ALIA LIS Workforce Advisory Board.  Prior to working for the Libraries Board Geoff was Manager, Libraries, Arts and Cultural Development at the City of Onkaparinga.

Author Bio

Vicki McDonald AM FALIA, State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer, State Library of Queensland
Vicki McDonald is a key player in the transformation of the library sector in Queensland. As State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of State Library of Queensland she understands the need for a strong, relevant and innovative library service.

Her national and international experience led to her appointment as State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of State Library of Queensland in 2016.

Vicki has also held leadership roles at State Library of New South Wales and Queensland University of Technology. Her career includes roles at public, academic and state libraries.
Vicki is a Past President of the Australian Library Information Association. Vicki is currently IFLA President for 2023-2025.