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Friends of Libraries Australia Inc (FOLA) was launched at a function in Queen's Hall, State Library of Victoria on 9 December 1994, by FOLA's patron, the Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC, CMG (Judge of the High Court of Australia).
FOLA's purpose is:
- the establishment, promotion and support of Friends of library groups throughout Australia
- to provide a representative voice for FOL groups and library users
- to encourage the use and improvement of library and information services
FOLA represents some 160 Friends of Library groups, who in turn represent some 8,000 members who are supporters of libraries in Australia. These members support services representing some 6 million Australians.
FOLA produces a quarterly newsletter - News Update, a comprehensive resource book, undertakes a biennial national conference, workshops, and presents the Baker & Taylor Best of Friends Award annually. FOLA undertakes lobbying at the state and national levels of government on behalf of library users and Friends. FOLA maintains links to the worldwide movement of FOL groups in New Zealand, Canada, United States and the United Kingdom.
The Executive Director and founder of FOLA is Daniel Ferguson.
Mission
- Fostering Friends of Library groups as library supporters and advocates
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- The establishment, promotion and support of Friends of Library groups throughout Australia
- To provide a representative voice for Friends' of Library groups and Library users
- To encourage the use of library and information services
- To be a recognized and respected voice in the library world
Aim
Our aim is to support the important work being achieved by Friends groups nationallyon behalf of libraries and the service they provide, recognising that libraries have obligations to administrative and funding authorities as well as to their user community.
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Goals
- To encourage and assist the formation and development of Friends of Library groups in Australia
- To promote the development of excellence for all people residing in Australian states and territories
- To provide a means for Friends of Library groups to have access to information and ideas that prove useful to them in the operation of their organizations
- To provide a means for Friends of Library groups to have access to information
and ideas that will prove useful to
- them in the operation of their organisations
- To promote public awareness of the existence of Friends of Library groups, and of the services they support and provide
- To liase with bodies with similiar aims to achieve goals
Charter
The aims of a Friends of Library group are:
- To encourage the use of library and information services by the community
- To support and assist library management in the promotion and development of excellent library services
- To represent library users
- To undertake other activities appropriate to the interests of particular groups
These aims are achieved by:
- Promotion:
to act in a public relations role while promoting and/or organising cultural, educational and leisure facilities and/or activities in the library in question
- Fundraising:
to raise funds and grant monies to support specific projects as requested by the library manager or as initiated by the Friends in co-operation with the library manager
- Lobbying:
to bring pressure to bear on local, state and federal politicians in matters of library policies and funding for library services
Friends of Libraries - Community Voice, Council Partner
A guide to the role of Friends of Libraries groups for Australian local government, state governments and regional library corporations
Friends of Libraries groups for public libraries are increasing throughout Australia, and number over 160. Their role is to support, help resource, and to inform the investment required of local and state government in the most heavily used and valued 'cradle to grave' community service - public libraries.
Friends of Libraries Australia encourages Councils to
- Foster Friends of Libraries groups as valued, independent, voices of the community about library services and needs.
- Specify the fostering of Friends of Libraries groups in the role statements and performance indicators of Library Managers.
- Support the development of Friends of Libraries as independent incorporated bodies.
- Provide public liability insurance for the activities, programs and library fund raising of Friends groups.
- Support the development of Young/ Junior Friends of Libraries.
- Include a nominee(s) of Friends of Libraries groups on council/regional library advisory committees.
- Provide Friends of the Library rooms or lounges in new/rebuilt libraries.
- Provide publicity opportunities for Friends of Libraries groups.
- Follow the Australian Library and Information Association's Statement on voluntary work in library and information services.
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