The objectives of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) are to: promote and improve services of libraries and other information agencies; improve the standard of library and information personnel and foster their professional interests and aspirations; represent the interests of members to governments, other organizations and the community; and encourage people to contribute to the improvement of library and information services by supporting the ALIA. This annual report for 1996 contains the following information: membership; education and training; industrial relations; awards; publishing; association finances; ALIAnet; indigenous people in the sector; branch reports; ALIA Centennial Conference; Australian Library Week; and 1996 calendar of ALIA events. Financial statements for 1996 are also included and an appendix provides detailed income and expenditure by program. Included inside the front cover are 1996 achievements and highlights. (AEF)