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ALIA Multicultural e-News
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The ALIA Multicultural e-News is a platform to share news with a Multicultural focus relevant to the Library Information Sector (LIS). It is open to people across LIS to contribute information of relevance. If you have some news to distribute broadly you can contact us via email. If you are interested in contributing a blogpost to our website you can also reach out via email to discuss ideas.
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And the theme for this eNewsletter is...
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On improving multicultural collections, programs and services.
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In line with this theme, we wanted to share a blog entry by Ester de Jong from the University of Colorado, Denver and Marianne Turner from Monash University. In their blog post for Leveraging Languages, de Jong and Turner advocate for approaching multilingualism as a journey, not a destination.
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As a group dedicated to improving the way library communities access information that is culturally and linguistically meaningful, the blog post is a great reminder that our work at ALIA Multicultural, or even as individual library professionals and education professionals, should rely less on finding a one-and-done solution in championing linguistic diversity, but instead reflect a continuous and deliberate effort to multilingualism "the norm for everyone".
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You can read this brilliant blog post and stay up to date on the Multilingual Stance series here.
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Thank you Mare for sharing!
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We have a new submission form!
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ALIA Multicultural now has a handy online form for anyone wanting to submit their ideas for our eNewsletter or blog. It can easily be reached through our website here or at the bottom of each eNewsletter.
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We are hoping this change will streamline the submission process and make it easier to contribute to the ALIA Multicultural publications. If you have any feedback or questions about this process as we get the ball rolling, please email multicultural@alia.org.au.
Thank you to Mare, Joey, and Ennis for putting this together.
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Cultural Diversity Week 2026
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This week Victoria celebrates Cultural Diversity Week, with many ways to get involved from a multicultural festival to a a digital competition to share stories, experience, ideas and beliefs on cultural diversity and inclusion.
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For other ways to participate and celebrate Cultural Diversity Week, click on the link here to see a list of all the local events happening throughout the Victoria.
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On May 21, local and international writers will come together and share the valuable moments when libraries played a pivotal role in their lives for the 200th anniversary of State Library of NSW.
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To find out more and to purchase tickets head on over here.
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Images source: Victorian Multicultural Commission
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Image source: State Library of NSW
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NSW Federation of Community Language Schools Annual Conference 2026
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On April 18, the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools will hold their annual conference at the University of Sydney.
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As avid supporters of lifelong learning and education, particularly of multicultural education, libraries are encouraged to participate in, and promote amongst their circles professional development that builds upon improving our multicultural programs and services.
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The FCLS 2026 Annual Conference is set to bring together hundreds of educators from more than 60 language communities, reaffirming the Federation’s role as a key contributor to multilingual education in New South Wales.
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This year’s program focuses on strengthening classroom practice, enhancing digital capability, and supporting the governance needs of community‑run schools. Attendees will have access to practical workshops, sector updates, and opportunities to connect with colleagues and partner organisations.
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As community language schools continue to grow in both reach and recognition, the 2026 conference offers an important platform for collaboration, professional learning, and celebration of NSW’s rich linguistic diversity.
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See here for more information and to register for the event.
Thank you Lúcia for sharing!
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ALIA National Conference 2026
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The ALIA National Conference is back again this year between May 11-14 at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney.
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There is still time to reserve a spot, so expect engaging keynotes, thought-provoking sessions, hands-on workshops, and meaningful conversations that reflect the strength and diversity of our sector.
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To find out more and to register, visit the official website here.
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Image source: Yan Krukau: https://www.pexels.com/photo/professor-standing-in-front-of-his-students-8197551/
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ALIA Multicultural is excited to welcome the following members to our group:
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- Prin Stroppe | Mareeba Shire Council | Library Programs and Outreach Officer
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We are always looking for more members to join us in our advocacy efforts, professional discussions and to participate in project work that contribute towards our ongoing journey of diversifying Australian library spaces. Read on to the end of the eNewsletter to find out how you or someone you know can join ALIA Multicultural.
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Image source: Mabel Amber: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-standing-near-brown-welcome-on-board-printed-floor-map-128299/
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Feel good stories
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Last week the ABC published an article that asked the question, “what is a library worth?”.
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In a recent report commissioned by the State Library of NSW, it is revealed that “every dollar invested in the State Library of NSW returns $4.25 in community benefits”. Although that is a fantastic number, most of us in this sector and as library lovers probably agree that the value libraries provide, particularly to our multicultural communities, is priceless.
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You can read the wonderful article in full here.
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Image source: Element5 Digital: https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-books-on-book-shelves-1370295/
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IFLA Journal [Special Issue: Indigenous Knowledge]
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This month the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) published a special issue of their quarterly publication, looking at the enduring expertise that Indigenous knowledges continue to provide in shaping professional library practice.
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The issue draws diverse perspectives from authors from around the world to pose valuable ideas and discussions on Indigenous librarianship, copyright, cultural heritage law, and community-engage scholarship.
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You can read the full journal issue here.
To explore Indigenous librarianship further, you might be interested in these presentations happening at the 2026 ALIA National Conference:
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AI Corner
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As AI adoption gains more traction within our libraries, the ALIA Multicultural Committee believes it would be useful for our members and readers to share some of the latest news, opinions, insights or happenings in the AI and library space!
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This edition of the eNewsletter we have:
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How libraries and publishers are shaping the future of AI in research
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This blog post by Springer Nature highlights key insights from those working at the intersection of research, publishing and library services in the report — Perspectives on AI in scholarly communications: A discussion with libraries and publishing professionals.
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The report brings together library leaders and publishing professionals to share their perspectives on the ethical implications of AI in scholarly communications, and how libraries are well positioned to drive innovative and responsible AI use in research.
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You can access the full blog post and report here.
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Image source: Igor Omilaev via Unsplash
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Join ALIA Multicultural
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Join the committee and actively participate in advocacy and key projects.
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ALIA Multicultural is a group of passionate people committed to working collaboratively on advocacy with a multicultural focus specific to the Library Information Sector in Australia. You can join our committee and be part of a dynamic collaborative group committed to information sharing, Professional Development and special projects. Visit the website to learn more about us and send us a message if you would like to be part of the group.
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If you are interested in being an active member of the ALIA Multicultural Committee send us an email to express interest.
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Connect with us
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Access key multicultural research and resources via the ALIA Multicultural website
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ALIA Multicultural curates key research and community resources with a Multicultural focus for the Library Information Sector.
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This information can be accessed via our Resources tab on the ALIA Multicultural Website.
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Do you have some research or resource to suggest as an addition? You can contact us via email with your suggestions.
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Contribute to the ALIA Multicultural website blog
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Do you have an idea to contribute to the ALIA Multicultural blog or eNewsletter? If you or someone you know would be interested in contributing a post, discussion about research, an opinion piece, celebration of multicultural programs and services with our community send us an email expressing areas of interest or articles. The ALIA Multicultural website is a collaborative initiative and we are seeking your voice.
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ALIA Multicultural committee members share news regularly via a number of platforms including Instagram and Facebook and Linkedin.
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Anyone can subscribe to our website and eNews.
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We welcome ideas for content to our website and news too.
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ALIA Multicultural plans and delivers PD twice a year and you can watch our PD webinars via our YouTube channel.
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