by Fei Chang
I recently had the privilege of presenting at the ALIA New Librarians’ Symposium XI this September, a national event that brings together LIS students and new practitioners from across Australia.
My presentation, “From Isolation to Interconnection: Weaving a Network as a CALD Emerging LIS Practitioner”, explored how building meaningful professional networks can empower new practitioners by creating learning opportunities, fostering collaboration and professional support, strengthening resilience to navigate change, and ultimately contributing to inclusive and equitable library services.
Key messages from my presentation
Why connection matters
CALD practitioners often face additional barriers when building professional connections, including language and cultural differences, limited local knowledge, and confidence challenges.
Creating networks across knowledge domains, professional peers, evolving trends, and the broader community forms a strong foundation for belonging, growth, collaboration, and meaningful contribution.
Linked to Knowledge
Through study, research, and professional development activities, I have gained valuable knowledge, best practices, and insights. My IT background enables me to confidently explore digital trends and library technologies, strengthening both my learning and professional practice.
Growing Networks and Relationships
Engaging with the ALIA Mentoring Scheme, ALIA groups, volunteering, and online communities has allowed me to learn, connect, and contribute across diverse areas within the LIS sector.
These experiences have broadened my professional network and deepened my understanding of the sector’s divers roles and responsibilities.
Navigating Change through Connection
LIS practitioners can address complex challenges more effectively through connected and coordinated action.
Diversity & Inclusion
In May, ALIA launched the “ALIA Principles for Multicultural Collections and Services”, led by ALIA Multicultural. This national framework demonstrates the power of collective action to advance inclusive practices.
I have contributed articles sharing my experiences as a CALD LIS student and my firsthand perspectives as a customer of inclusive library services.
Digital Divide
More than 6.6 million Australians are digitally excluded, even though digital engagement is now embedded in almost every aspect of daily life.
As Secretary of ALIA Digital Literacy, I help facilitate discussions aimed at bridging this gap and promoting digital inclusion.
Local LIS Developments
To stay informed and connected, I actively participate in ALIA SA events, local library activities, and GLAM sector initiatives.
Connecting Communities Through Practice
Hands-on experience in both public and school libraries has allowed me to engage directly with diverse communities.
My contributions include:
● Supporting people from multicultural and multilingual backgrounds
● Contributing to the selection of community language collections
● Translating resources, such as a Toy Library guidebook, into Chinese
● Assisting with Storytime sessions and Home Library Services
These experiences highlight how inclusive and multilingual engagement can bridge gaps and strengthen community connections.
Highlights from Other Presentations
I was inspired by many sessions at NLSXI. Three presentations stood out for their relevance to inclusive library services for indigenous and multicultural communities.
Reflections from the International Indigenous Librarians Forum – Carl Buttler
Carl highlighted the importance of Indigenous data sovereignty, culturally safe library spaces, and valuing lived experience.
His powerful statement, “Identity is either erased or upheld in libraries”, emphasised the critical role libraries play in representation and equity.
He encouraged libraries to build relationships, not just collections; and to advocate for inclusive metadata and cataloguing.
These messages apply to CALD communities as well.
Shifting the Lens: Bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Worldviews into Library Practice – Raelee Lancaster
Raelee guided participants through reflective activities about connecting with communities, identifying moments when we feel respected or empowered, and exploring what makes library spaces truly welcoming.
Her case study demonstrated how co-design and culturally respectful engagement can transform library services and spaces, providing a valuable model for embedding diverse worldviews into everyday library practice.
3 Successes and a Failure – And What They Taught us About Inclusive and Accessible Library Services – Jemma Bowman
Jemma shared how the University of Newcastle libraries support their diverse student and staff communities through practical, inclusive, and accessible initiatives:
● Free essentials (e.g. fruit, cutlery, stationery, phone charging adaptors, condoms) to bridge gaps, reduce stress, foster s sense of warmth and inclusion
● Makerspaces that encourage creativity, wellbeing, and cultural inclusion
● User experience testing to ensure services reflect real needs and feedback from users
These initiatives demonstrate how small, practical changes can have a profound impact on inclusion, wellbeing, and connection.
Reflections and Personal Growth
Participating in NLSXI was a transformative experience.
It helped me:
● Build confidence in public speaking in English
● Gain inspiration and insights from diverse perspectives
● Expand my professional network across different library sectors
Moving forward, I am motivated to continue contributing to ALIA groups and local library initiatives to advance equity and inclusion within the LIS sector.
Most importantly, this experience reaffirmed my belief that collaboration and collective action are essential for building libraries that truly reflect and serve diverse communities.
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