ALLA (WA) News Blog

Can it be that after only a few Calls to the Bar that I have stumbled across the best small wine bar ever? That is a big claim, and who can say that on any other night Bar Lafayette may have not been that wonderful, but even on a bad night I dare say this place has got a lot going for it. Tuesday 16 July was wet and wintry so there were not many out and about and even fewer willing to make the trip to this place hidden in Brookfield Place. Yet the grimness outside was not continued within. Does no-one bring the chairs in when it rains? One of the two serving barmen greeted me as soon as I entered. He proceeded to offer me either a spot at the bar or to locate a spot somewhere within to take advantage of the table service. I have been going to a lot of small wine bars since their explosion in Perth but I can’t remember when I last got table service at one. Encouraged by the novelty of the situation I went looking for a table. I left the bar area and went down a corridor to...

Our former President, Lei Lin, has a new challenge ahead. She has a wedding to organise as she recently became engaged. On behalf of the membership Lei, we wish you much happiness in the future.

The ALLA (WA) Annual General Meeting was held in the Central Park Theatrette on 14 August. Seventeen people attended. Lei presented her final President’s Report, outlining the many initiatives of the previous year and the challenges that have been faced. Justin presented the Treasurer’s Report then Lei announced the new Committee for 2013/2014. This was followed by wine, nibbles and a fair amount of conversation. Apparently, the cheese selection was pretty good which is, of course, the main thing at any meeting! Well done to Lei and the previous Committee, as the reins are passed over to Mawghan. Jenny Lucre

What is the IFLA Trend Report? In the global information environment, time moves quickly and there's an abundance of commentators trying to keep up. With each new technological development, a new report emerges assessing its impact on different sectors of society. The IFLA Trend Report takes a broader approach and identifies five high level trends shaping the information society, spanning access to education, privacy, civic engagement and transformation. Its findings reflect a year’s consultation with a range of experts and stakeholders from different disciplines to map broader societal changes occurring, or likely to occur in the information environment. The IFLA Trend Report is more than a single document – it is a selection of resources to help you understand where libraries fit into a changing society. http://trends.ifla.org/

This was published in today's Australian Financial Review http://www.alia.org.au/sites/default/files/documents/advocacy/Letter%20to%20the%20Editor%20of%20the%20Financial%20Review.pdf

Geoff Hanmer has his say - Last hurrah for the traditional university library http://www.afr.com/p/national/education/last_hurrah_for_the_traditional_CQI1R9IvIeaaG7IL4y5axH Stay tuned for ALIA's response tomorrow!

It's a girl! Lori and Mike welcomed baby Penelope Frances Frazier into the world on 2 August at 12.29am, weighing 2.98kg and 46cm long. All are doing well. Cindy Duong Herbert Smith Freehills