Digital literacy in libraries has changed a lot. It is not just about helping someone use a computer, send an email or find something online anymore. Now we are talking about artificial intelligence, online safety, accessibility, digital inclusion, emerging technologies and how people can keep learning in a digital world that is changing very quickly. That is really what the ALIA Digital Literacy Group is about.
Throughout 2026, we have been growing the group and bringing together library and information professionals from across Australia who are interested in digital literacy, curious about new technologies and happy to share what they are doing in their own libraries. For us, it is not about pretending everyone needs to be an expert. Actually, quite the opposite. We want to create a space where people can ask questions, share ideas and learn from each other, whether they are very confident with technology or just starting to explore some of these areas.
One of the things we have really focused on this year is our webinar series. We started with Carlo Iacono from Charles Sturt University and his session Well Positioned Is Not a Plan. It gave us a chance to think about how libraries respond to digital change and what we actually need to do to keep building capability across our sector. Our second webinar was with Hugh Kingsley, Founder and Director of The Brainary, presenting Meet ABii: Rethinking Learning with AI in Libraries. Hugh introduced the ABii Smart Robot Tutor and shared how AI robotics can support learning, inclusion and community programs. It was something a little different and gave people plenty to think and talk about.
Our third webinar features Tom Eason from Vision Australia, focusing on print disability, accessibility and the role technology can play in creating more inclusive library experiences. Tom shared practical ideas, tools and support that libraries can use to better assist people with print disabilities and help make services more accessible. And there is plenty more to come over the coming months, with different speakers, topics and perspectives across digital literacy. Our aim is to keep the program varied, practical and relevant to the many different challenges and opportunities libraries are seeing in their communities.
For me, one of the best parts of these sessions is not just how many people register or attend. It is seeing the questions and conversations happening during and after them. People join from different types of libraries and from different parts of Australia. Everyone brings something different. Some libraries are already experimenting with AI, virtual reality and emerging technologies, while others are focused on helping people with basic digital skills. Both are important, and that mix is what makes the group interesting.
We have also introduced the ALIA Digital Literacy Quiz, a short monthly Kahoot quiz covering a different topic each month. We have explored internet safety and artificial intelligence, with more topics to come. The idea is simple. Learning does not always have to be formal. Sometimes a 10 minute quiz, a bit of friendly competition and maybe even a laugh can be enough to get people thinking about something new.
Behind all of this is a group of people giving their time, ideas and energy to make it happen. We work together to organise speakers, create professional development opportunities, share resources and hopefully make digital literacy feel a little less overwhelming. That teamwork is something I really value. Everyone contributes in a different way, and that mix of experience, knowledge and ideas is what keeps the group moving forward. It is very much a shared effort rather than the work of one or two people. Because at the end of the day, digital literacy is really about people, not technology. The technology will keep changing. The platforms we use today may be completely different in a few years. What matters is that library professionals keep learning, keep asking questions and keep supporting each other and our communities along the way.
The ALIA Digital Literacy Group is still growing and we would love more people to join us. Whether you work in a public, academic, school, special or state library, come and be part of the conversation. You can follow the ALIA Digital Literacy Group on LinkedIn and Facebook to keep up with upcoming webinars, quizzes, resources and other opportunities to get involved. There is always something new to learn, and it is much better when we learn it together.
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