Internet access

This submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) discusses how investment in libraries can be expected to generate economic as well as social, cultural and environmental benefits. Libraries sustain the community in social, cultural and environmental terms and contribute positively in terms of economic value, benefit and activity. ALIA advocates the development of an informed society that can partake and participate in skilled decision-making.

This joint submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and eight other library associations supports the development of an information infrastructure with libraries as the conduit for a sustainable knowledge economy.

Australian libraries – especially public, State and Territory Libraries – have found the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) to be an invaluable source of data about the levels of digital inclusion nationally, regionally and locally. The information gained from the ADII reports has enabled libraries to advocate successfully for investment in technology, programs and services to meet the needs of their communities and users. It has identified specific target groups requiring greater assistance, and it has helped guide program and service development.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) welcome the opportunity to respond to the Regional Telecommunications Review 2018. ALIA and APLA recommend that consideration be given to a new funding stream to support libraries and enable them to provide digital programs and services, particularly in regional, rural and remote locations. Introducing a sustainable funding model would ensure equity of access to the benefits of new technologies for all Australians and help bridge the widening digital divide.