• Charles Sturt celebrates 50 years of library and information science (LIS) education
• A range of events including public lectures and conferences form part of the celebration
• Charles Sturt will host the Research Applications in Information and Library Studies (RAILS) 2025 Conference in November at its Sydney campus as the main event

Charles Sturt University is celebrating its golden jubilee of 50 years of library and information science education with various events and achievements.

The Charles Sturt School of Information and Communication Studies is celebrating the milestone under the theme ‘50 Years and Beyond’, recognising not just the work of the University, but its predecessor institutions.

Head of the School of Information and Communication Studies Professor Tina Du said the golden jubilee offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the rich history, recognise achievements, and look ahead to a dynamic and evolving future.

“Our story begins with the Riverina College of Advanced Education and the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education, predecessor institutions of Charles Sturt University, which laid the foundation for excellence in LIS education,” Professor Du said.

“From these early beginnings, we have grown to become Australia’s leading provider of LIS education and one of the largest globally in the information field.”

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the School is hosting a range of events throughout 2025, both on campus and online, bringing together students, alumni and industry professionals.

“We just celebrated the LIS 50th Anniversary Gathering at the Wagga Wagga campus and online in April,” Professor Du said.

“Some of the other exciting events and activities include publishing an invited article in InCite, which is the magazine of the Australian Library and Information Association.

“We also had a special issue on LIS education in the Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, to be published in December.”

A public lecture series will also form part of the celebrations, featuring internationally renowned speakers across the fields of information science, school librarianship, communication and media, and archival studies throughout the year.

Two conferences are also scheduled. The next will be held online from Tuesday 1 to Thursday 3 July, focusing on public libraries research.

The main event is the Research Applications in Information and Library Studies (RAILS) 2025 Conference, which is the premier Australasian conference on Library and Information Science.

“Charles Sturt is excited to be hosting this year’s conference at our Sydney campus from Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 November,” Professor Du said.

These events and celebrations are also representative of the evolution of LIS, according to Professor Du.

“In 2021, the School welcomed academics from communication and media studies through the University’s Sustainable Futures Program,” she said.

“This interdisciplinary focus positions us to lead research and education that addresses pressing global challenges and shapes the future of information and communication practices.

“Our teaching and research programs continue to adapt to the ever-changing digital era, transforming how people interact with information, technology, media and society.”

Professor Du said Charles Sturt’s LIS courses set graduates up for a successful future career.

“We prepare graduates to navigate complex, technology-driven environments while fostering skills that enhance information equity, community well-being and societal resilience,” she said.