We built this section of the website to host a range of information about the ALIA Future of the Profession initiatives and projects from 2013, including the result of forums and submissions, and reports and information about the projects and activities that have evolved since then. We produced updates in May 2017, reviewing the themes, the activities arising as a result, and the lessons learned.

The ALIA Future of the Profession project aligned with IFLA's Trend Report, launched in 2013 and updated in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

In 2013, we set out to investigate the big questions about our future.

How will libraries remain relevant for users?

What changes will institutions and individuals in the sector experience?

Will ‘library and information professional’ continue to be a necessary and desirable occupation?

We received challenging, insightful, inspiring responses to our request for feedback at events held all around Australia. As a result, we have been able to identify themes and develop actions that will support positive outcomes. The findings from the project have been produced as seven reports:

Future of the Library and Information Science Profession Report | Action List | 2017 Report Update

Future of the LIS Profession: Professionals Report | 2017 Report Update

Future of the LIS Profession: Collecting Institutions Report | Summary | 2017 Report Update

Future of the LIS Profession: Public Libraries Report | Summary | 2017 Report Update

Future of the LIS Profession: Special Libraries Report | Summary | 2017 Report Update

Future of the LIS Profession: School Libraries Report | Summary | 2017 Report Update

Future of the LIS Profession: Tertiary Libraries Report | Summary: University | Summary: VET | 2017 Report Update

To download all the 2013 reports as a single PDF, click here.