ALS has enjoyed continuous independent ownership. It was formed as part of Standard Book which commenced supplying Commonwealth Research libraries in the 1950's, then special and academic libraries from 1964. The focus on Public Libraries emerged in 1973 when ALS was formed as a separate division.
From the outset the company has been technologically innovative. ALS was the first Australian library supplier to offer new title data electronically state-wide to a Public Library system.
ALS conducts its business via
- Individual Public Library client relationships
- State Government Contracts
- Local Government Contracts
- Major regional multi-branch purchasing agreements
ALS’s technological innovation is matched with a commitment to maintaining truly personal service.
New Books, Audio, DVD and MultimediaALS provides a complete service from Electronic selection files, to fully catalogued and furnished delivery of books, Audio, DVD and multimedia materials. It offers an exceptionally comprehensive range of new books and multimedia from UK, USA, Australia & New Zealand, 2-3 months before publication, for online selection through its Website.
The ALS monthly pre-publication selection files offer the widest and most timely range of materials for Adult and Junior books, with 3,000- 4,000 titles offered per month.
As well as the main output from UK, USA, Australia & NZ of adult and juvenile fiction and non-fiction (both hardback and paperback), ALS listings incorporate a wide variety of audio, spoken word, DVD and multimedia products. Australian publications and Bestsellers are specifically identified to make selection easier.
ALS’s special services include complete book selection and supply for the opening of new libraries.
Wholly Australian OwnedALS is located at 12-14 Tooronga Avenue, Edwardstown SA 5039
The company has been guided since 1964 by Mr Len Woodley who has been a prime mover in the Australian book industry’s embracing of electronic technology. He was chairman of the committee which in 1984 initiated the first joint seminar with Australia’s librarians publishers & booksellers, (ALA, ABPA, ABA) to explore the implications and benefits of electronic technology and to encourage cooperation in its use.
As a guest speaker at the book industry’s major EDI seminar at Sydney University in March 1991 he correctly signalled most of the ensuing developments. A former federal president of the Australian Booksellers Association, he was instrumental in achieving changes to the importation conditions of the Copyright Act in 1989, and was convenor of the ABA’s Library Supply Group from 1995-1998. His extensive consulting experience has included work in Argentina, Egypt, India, Peru, Philippines, and the United Kingdom.
His nephew Simon Woodley, after graduating in 1996 with a BSc. (Mathematics & Computer Science) and with over a decade in the book industry, leads the team as General Manager. Simon Woodley is currently studying Business Administration via Deakin and manages major government contracts.
The economic benefits which flow from your library’s budget, remain wholly within the Australian economy when you use ALS’s comprehensive services.
Meet Some of The Team: Put faces to some of the people you are most likely to be in touch with
Simon WoodleyGeneral Managersimon@alslib.com.au Simon leads the staff and the management team, and focusses on business development and future thinking. He enjoys exploring conservation parks and the outback, reading and gardening. Reading preferences: Literature, Fantasy, Australian exploration, and contemporary fiction. |
Tracy Allingame New Titles Team Leader Tracy usually fronts our telephones as respite from chasing pre-release bibliographic information from publishers and bibliographers around the world. With over 6 years experience, Tracy compiles and enhances this information to produce the ALS New Title Files. Her out of office interests include craft, going to the gym and the beach. Reading preferences: Contemporary fiction. |
David J Seekamp Manager - Technology & Information Systems David keeps us on the technological cutting edge. His expertise has enabled ALS to provide expert advice and support to many of our clients. An avid fan of South Australian wines (and one particular Adelaide brewery) his interests include snorkelling, playing pool, music and Linux. He is also an excellent source of useless information. Reading preferences: Science fiction, thrillers, medieval history. |
Chris Swadling Team Leader - Cataloguing Chris’s wide experience includes Library Officer Australian National Bibliography Unit, National Library of Australia; Chief Cataloguer Canberra Public Library Service; (Convenor and Secretary SA Subgroup on Australian Subject Headings, 1980 1981); Tutor in Cataloguing, Graduate Diploma in Library Studies South Australian Institute of Technology; Cataloguer South Australian Centre for Manufacturing. At ALS her experience is well employed in meeting a wide variety of library specific needs. |