International Relations Committee
The International Relations Committee last met on 16 July 1999. In the context of the move towards incorporation under Corporations Law the committee noted the importance of international relations as a program within the Association and that the policy statement ALIA and International Relations will remain relevant within the new organisation. It was agreed a submission would be put forward to the Renewal Working Group identifying international relations as a strategic priority for the new organisation because of ALIA's involvement with IFLA, in research and in providing assistance for the development of librarianship in the Asia-Pacific region.
The committee discussed the IRC program and how its aims and objectives could be most effectively achieved. Consideration was given to formulating guidelines for providing assistance to countries in the region, seeking sponsorship to aid developing country librarians and developing a range of relevant materials to assist library associations in the region.
A report on IFLA activities was received. These included a workshop held at IFLA 1998 which had considered reciprocal recognition of LIS qualifications, the IFLA 1999 conference in Bangkok and a workshop on the management of library associations to be held during the 1999 conference.
The convenor of APSIG presented a report on the group's activities including the successful library panel held at the Asian Studies Association of Australia Conference in September 1998 at the University of New South Wales. The panel had been organised by APSIG in conjunction with the East Asian Library Resources Group of Australia.
A brief report from IDP Education Australia noted that IDP is not currently active in developing programs in library and information services for countries in the region although
opportunities may well arise through programs contracted with appropriate agencies in the future.
A publication schedule for inCite for the remainder of 1999 was developed. Subjects to be covered included a report on the July 1999 IRC meeting, the China-Australia electronic information project, a report on IFLA 1999 and regional activities.
A copy of the draft notes of the meeting is available from the manager, policy development and support.
