A free, online, community event for research support professionals
Visit the event page for more information (including Program)
While waiting, you can view recordings from the 2025 event or other health library videos on the HLA Videos page
This session explores the diverse and evolving roles health librarians play in Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) from formal committee positions to advisory, governance, and quality‑improvement functions.
Speakers will share real‑world perspectives on how librarian expertise strengthens ethical research practice and supports researchers across health and academic settings.
⏲️ When: Thursday August 13th – 1-2pm (VIC/NSW/TAS/ACT/QLD); 12:30-1:30pm (SA/NT); 11am-12pm (WA); 3-4pm (NZ)
🗺️ Where: On Zoom – link sent day prior
💸 Cost: ALIA members – Free; Non-members $30 (another reason to consider HLA Membership)
⌨️ Register: ALIA HLA: Librarians and HRECs: Where Our Expertise Makes a Difference
🦉 Who:
Daniel McDonald – Librarian, Darling Downs Health, Editor, JoHILA.
Kathryn Ritchie – Health Sciences Librarian, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service. Secretary (Interim) CQHHS HREC.
Nikki May – Manager Library Projects and Planning, SA Health Library, Co-Convenor AEBPLI.
Joanna (Asia) Dziedzic – Research Data Librarian, Charles Darwin University.
Daniel McDonald has been librarian for Darling Downs Health since 2006. He has twice received the HLA digital innovation award, and in 2021 was named Queensland Library Achiever of the year. He is editor of the Journal of Health Information and Libraries Australasia, and host of the podcast Shoosh. He is currently acting chair of the Darling Downs Health Human Research Ethics Committee.
Last Friday he conceded four goals 😄 at Friday night football ⚽, but did get his hands to three of them. He yells at his kids too much, but also gives them chocolate milk 🍫. The two may be linked.
Kathryn Ritchie is a Health Librarian at Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CQHHS) in Rockhampton, committee member of the Australasian Evidence Based Practice Librarians’ Institute (AEBPLI), UQ Research Fellow, and CQ HREC Secretariat/Co-ordinator. Kathryn blends her clinical insight and research expertise to empower healthcare professionals. Kathryn is dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice, supporting clinicians in discovering and applying the best available evidence through the design and execution of systematic type search strategies, and guidance in the development of quality and research projects.
Nikki May is a Library Manager with the SA Health Library Service (SAHLS). She is responsible for the Research, Reference, Training, and Outreach library portfolios. As a part of the SAHLS management team Nikki’s role is currently focused primarily on strategic planning and service improvement projects. Nikki is also co-convenor of the Australasian Evidence-Based Practice Librarians’ Institute.
Joanna (bio to come).
🏄 ALIA Competencies:
CA6 – The health environment, communities and stakeholders
CA7 – Health research
🐛 Health Professional Development Scheme (HPDS)
This session contributes 1.0 hours towards CPD.
View details on the HPDS
🎞️ Recordings
This event will be recorded and sent to attendees following the session.
The Australasian Evidence Based Practice Librarians’ Institute is entering an exciting new chapter in 2026, marked by fresh leadership, an innovative learning model, and a vibrant updated identity. Reflecting the Institute’s growing reach and engagement across the Asia/Pacific region, AEBPLI has formally transitioned from the Australian Evidence Based Practice Librarians’ Institute to the Australasian Evidence Based Practice Librarians’ Institute, recognising the strong participation and collaboration from colleagues across Australasia.
In response to evolving learning needs, AEBPLI is transitioning to a fully online delivery model in 2026. The program incorporates both synchronous and asynchronous components, providing flexibility for participants to engage with content at their own pace while still benefiting from live sessions, collaborative discussions, and real-time support from tutors and peers. This approach has been carefully designed to maintain the interactive, supportive environment that AEBPLI is known for, while expanding access across Australasia.
AEBPLI 2026 is designed for a broad range of participants, from those who are new to evidence-based practice through to experienced librarians looking to refresh or strengthen their skills. The Institute is ideal for health librarians wanting to build confidence in evidence-based practice concepts, searching, critical appraisal, and teaching, as well as those seeking a contemporary update on current approaches and best practice. The new online format also creates opportunities for people who may previously have been unable to attend due to travel costs, time away from their workplace, or other commitments, making AEBPLI more accessible than ever before.
At the same time, AEBPLI has a refreshed look and feel. This updated identity reflects a modern, engaging aesthetic while preserving the Institute’s core spirit—its sense of community, collaboration, and commitment to excellence in evidence-based practice. The result is a contemporary learning experience that remains true to what participants have always valued about AEBPLI.
We are delighted to introduce our new Convenor team, led by Co-Convenors Nikki May (SA Health Library Service) and Janene Batten (Yale University), supported by Kathryn Ritchie (Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service), Rosie Glynn (Queensland University of Technology), and Tony Courtenay (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service). Bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for evidence-based practice, this team is committed to building on AEBPLI’s strong foundations while guiding the Institute into its next phase.
Working alongside them is an exceptional team of tutors, Blair Kelly (Deakin University), Mina Nichols-Boyd (Austin Health), Kathryn Rough (Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine/Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists), Jeph Ko (Flinders University), Mario Sos (Monash University), and Dawn Carlisle (University of Auckland), who are central to the AEBPLI experience. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to participant learning ensure that the Institute continues to deliver high-quality, practical, and engaging education.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) for AEBPLI 2026 are now open and will close on 30 June 2026. Registration offers will be sent to the first 24 participants on the EOI list. Successful applicants will have six weeks to complete their registration and submit payment. Any remaining places will then be offered to those on the waiting list, with all remaining waitlisted participants receiving first offer for the 2027 Institute.
The Institute will be held every Thursday from the week commencing 19 October through to the week ending 23 November 2026.
Sessions will commence at 12:00 pm AEST, 9:00 am WA time, and 2:00 pm NZ time, with each session running for 3 hours for each session, with approx. 2 hours prep time for each session”.
Registration costs are:
AEBPLI 2026 represents an exciting evolution—honouring its legacy while embracing new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. We look forward to welcoming participants to this next chapter.
If you have any questions or would like further information on the institute, please don’t hesitate in emailing us at aebpli.convenor@gmail.com
Evidence based healthcare methodology for the future
Visit the website for more information
🗓️ Date: Thu 12th Nov, 12:30pm – 2:30pm AEDT
⌛ Duration: 2 hours
⌨️ Register: Canva for Librarians: Easy Video Creation for Promotion & Training
👩🏫 Trainers:
💸 Cost: $40 ALIA members; $75 Non-ALIA members (another reason to consider HLA Membership)
✍️ Description:
This hands-on workshop will show you how to use Canva to create engaging and professional videos for library promotion and education resources, and give you guided hands on practice creating your own videos. This session covers:
People who have prior experience with Canva will get the most out of this session. There will be hands-on activities. Participants will need access to a Canva account prior to the webinar and have use of a laptop or PC, preferably with a mouse.
✔️ HLA Competency Areas:
C3 Health information literacy and educating for evidence-based inquiry
C8 Health leadership and management
2026 HLA Competencies can be accessed in the footer of the HLA site (Useful Resources column)