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ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
 
This conference paper discusses how the State Library of New South Wales has adopted the ATSILIRN protocols in its use of social media to engage with Indigenous communities and in sharing Indigenous material with the wider community. It provides case study examples of ways in which staff have built capacity and made informed decisions about utilising Indigenous content in social media. The paper aims to inspire others to deliver client services that incorporate the user needs of Indigenous people and communities.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
 
Abstract:
 
Introduction: Established in 1978, CAVAL is a not-for-profit consortium of eleven Australian academic libraries, offering a range of specialised products and services for the benefit of its members and for other libraries in the region. The CAVAL Reciprocal Borrowing Program, enabling higher education staff and students a simple and effective means of borrowing from the print collections of all participating libraries on a walk-in basis, has been coordinated by CAVAL for over 35 years. In addition, from its Melbourne base, CAVAL administers the purpose-built CARM (CAVAL Archival and Research Material) storage facility, preserving and providing access to over a million research volumes deposited into the CAVAL Shared Collection by member libraries, for the benefit of future generations of scholars.
 
Method: In recent years, the number of physical loans transacted between libraries in the Reciprocal Borrowing Program has declined, commensurate with similar declines in lending from their own collections, and partly due to new services such as the BONUS+ request and delivery service. Although these trends are expected to continue, it is anticipated that an ongoing need for physical books will continue in a reduced “long tail” manner. Libraries are buying less and less print, but a portion - particularly in some specific disciplines - remains available in print only. Additionally, as university libraries face continuing budget challenges, services and solutions which optimize access to print collections are needed to improve the cost-effectiveness of both past and ongoing investment in print resources. The use of sophisticated search and discovery systems can enable technical interoperability between disparate library systems to provide un-mediated identification and delivery of materials, and to promote their use in a collaborative resource sharing environment. In response to changes in the use of print both within and between academic libraries, CAVAL has initiated a pilot implementation of the Relais D2D (Discovery to Delivery) software, involving three of its member libraries, and incorporating access to the CAVAL Shared Collection. The pilot system offers un-mediated discovery and request from the collections of the participating libraries and delivery of physical print resources to eligible users via their home libraries. Similar to the service offered by some Australian libraries through the BONUS+ consortium, the Relais D2D software is operational at a number of large US library networks, including Uborrow and BorrowDirect. However, the D2D software is not based primarily on the use of a common library management system, but instead utilizes the NCIP protocol to enable interoperability between different library systems.
 
Results: This paper will describe the aims, implementation and outcomes of the CAVAL D2D pilot, from the experience and perspective of both CAVAL and the participating libraries. The paper will review the pilot process, its strengths and weaknesses, and examine the outcomes in terms of enhanced access to print materials and the potential benefits for both the libraries and their users.
 
Conclusion: The paper will conclude with a consideration of the pilot outcomes in the context of the changing landscape of the sharing of print resources between academic libraries, and will look at how discovery and request systems might not only displace traditional co-operative lending programs but also create potential for new service models and partnerships.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
 
Abstract:
 
In 2013, the University of Sydney Library invited Anne Melles and Yasmin Moore from Monash University Library to deliver a workshop on Design Thinking (DT) and its applicability to the academic library setting. DT draws on a diverse range of disciplines to provide a methodological framework for user-centred problem-solving. Following the workshop, a small group was formed to investigate the way in which users move through various spaces within the library (physical and virtual), and to track their experience, broadly described as ‘wayfinding’. Primary aims of the Wayfinding group were to:
 
A. Experiment with DT as a way of identifying user needs and propose user-driven solutions in relation to wayfinding, and
 
B. Develop tools and processes to help colleagues look at user behaviour from a fresh perspective.
 
The group conducted a series of surveys to find out what ‘wayfinding’ meant to library staff. This produced a working definition that guided later activities. A literature scan uncovered methods for uncovering user requirements (McGinn & Kotamraju, 2008; McQuaid, Goel, & McManus, 2003; Vyas, De Groot, & Van Der Veer, 2006). These methods included developing personas which are rich descriptions of users that allow ‘designers’ to step outside their own knowledge domain and see a situation from the user’s point of view. Personas were developed utilising several streams of data, including the University’s statistical reports, the recently completed University of Sydney Library Client Survey 2013 (Insync Survey),1 and focused observation of library users. Further analysis of the Insync Survey data guided the creation of ‘scenarios’ in which users attempt to 'find their way' to complete a task. Personas and scenarios were then brought together to create rich narratives of user journeys through library space. Common themes and issues were then extrapolated from these narratives.
 
In applying DT principles to wayfinding, the Wayfinding group was able to propose more intuitive services grounded in the user experience. The Wayfinding group shared insights with other library project groups, helping colleagues to employ DT in the development of their projects. One instance of such collaboration informed the composition and placement of touchscreens to enhance user navigation in the library.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
 
Abstract:
 
The focus on the student experience within the Australian higher education sector is more important than ever. The proposed shake up in university and student funding arrangements, increased competition from private providers and the proliferation in online courses means that a high quality student experience is a key factor in the decision of how and where to study. In this changing environment it is critical that libraries have the agility to innovate quickly, but strategically, and play a key role in the high quality student experience.
 
At the University of Western Australia Information Services, which comprises library and information technology services, has planned and implemented a range of new and improved services to enhance the student experience. This includes the repurposing of library spaces and service points, a campaign to communicate the improvement of services based on student feedback, a new model for improved student IT support and the development of a strategy for social media engagement.
 
This paper will focus on the development and implementation of a social media strategy in the context of these initiatives. The social media strategy was formulated via a survey of academic libraries in the world’s top 100 universities, student feedback, and analysis tools, such as Facebook Insights. The aim of the strategy is to improve student engagement by promoting resources and services more effectively and enhancing the library and IT image, while at the same time continually measuring and evaluating social media usage to ensure ongoing return on investment. The strategy includes a content plan, guidelines for content authors, resourcing requirements, promotion and most importantly, evaluation and review.
 
Within the first few months of implementation the amount of student engagement via social media doubled. In addition, potential new services, such as services to support researchers’ use of social media and collaboration with other sections of the university to enhance the student experience, have been identified. This has led to the need to up skill staff, the creation of new teams to author content for social media platforms and monthly reporting on social media channels, all within existing resources. The ongoing review and improvement of social media is central to the ongoing success of the strategy.
 
If academic libraries are to remain relevant in the changing higher education environment continual planning, innovation, evaluation and change are critical. The development of a social media strategy is an example of how planning and strategy can ensure library services remain relevant and effective.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
 
Abstract:
 
Like many academic libraries, the University of Wollongong Library became involved in eResearch with the opportunity of Government funding through Australian National Data Service (ANDS). Contributing to the ANDS Seeding the Commons projects provided the University with the opportunity to resource formative infrastructure development of eResearch services, however, without a resourced institution-wide framework in place, the UOW Library’s involvement in these initial activities failed to achieve the traction needed to enable these services to grow.
 
As libraries and information professionals look to secure their place in emerging research-focused industries, it is becoming increasingly important to identify our relevant strengths and unique skills when defining the role we will play. With motivators such as the emergence of citation information for research data, and changes to funding body requirements, research data is gaining traction as its own marker of research impact and success. The push for making data open, reusable, and accountable is increasing, with libraries, including those in the non-academic sector, now faced with opportunities to demonstrate the relevance and flexibility of their traditional skills in this space.
 
There has been much discussion on the re-skilling or redefining the roles of librarians, inevitably leading to the emergence of new Library roles and teams to support eResearch. Working within an academic environment in which research data has not yet achieved the same standing as scholarly publications; UOW Library took a pragmatic approach, integrating support for eResearch within established roles and skillsets. Leveraging existing experience with managing publications, authority control, application of metadata, persistent identifiers, copyright advice, repository management, training, academic outreach, and stakeholder relationships has allowed for the emergence of a sustainable support model that can be adapted by other libraries for their own context and assists with defining scale and service provision for both the organisation and staff.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
 
Abstract:
 
At the State Library Victoria we redesigned our service model. We used a design thinking approach so that our new service model would be customer centred and integrated. In redesigning our service model we considered elements such as changing customer needs and expectations and we looked at how people were actually using our library. We considered the physical library space, digital and mobile technology, customer self-help options, number and location of service points, and staff skills and development, as well as trends in service design in other organisations.
 
We ran a 12-week service design project with a joint team from the State Library and an external consultant. The project began with an intensive research phase and observation of our current services. We identified issues and opportunities with our current services and then developed responses to these through workshops with staff, and through consultation with library customers. These ideas were prototyped and tested to develop a new service model. Testing included redesigning the library after opening hours and inviting staff to walk through and experience for themselves how the new service model could work.
 
Our redesigned service model is based on eight foundation service principles. The new service model articulates a future state for us to work towards. We have designed service zones that are aligned to designated library spaces. We are redesigning our service processes to make them simpler for staff and easier for the customer. Our new service model brings together the physical and digital to create an integrated customer experience of the library.
 
We are in the beginning stages of implementing a series of phased projects that move us towards the objectives of our new service model. We expect implementation to be a multi-year, staged process.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
 
Abstract:
 
Over the last 12 months, makerspaces have become an important means for both public and academic libraries to engage with the community, providing additional services or programs to what is currently on offer. The next major step forward for library makerspaces is to incorporate more STE[A]M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) principles into their programs and services to help people develop important 21st century learning skills. This paper argues that library makerspaces play an important role in contributing to the library’s mission of supporting lifelong learning, in particular through STEAM-based activities. It demonstrates this with reference to “Light Makers”, a week long event facilitated by Curtin University Library Makerspace in 2015 during National Science Week. Reflections on the event highlight the importance of collaboration between academic and public libraries, university and community groups, to effectively engage the wider community in STEAM-based maker activities.

This advocacy document supports the #VoteLibrary campaign. As we head into the 2022 federal election, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) encourages candidates to adopt the library agenda. Fifteen policy, legislative and funding positions are outlined which support the values and goals of the library sector.

Libraries contribute to the university's competitive advantage by providing a central point of reference for students, award-winning spaces, digital access to the world's knowledge, understanding of new digital technology, copyright expertise, contributions to and dissemination of research output, open access and traditional publishing, business efficiency and the recruitment, retention and engagement of students.

This digital guide was produced by RMIT researchers to support Australian Public Libraries to develop and enhance digital literacy programs for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. The guide was produced as a result of a project conducted in partnership with Hume Libraries. The project was initiated in response to the 2019, Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) report, ’Services for Migrants and Refugees’, which examined the programs that were being implemented across Australian Libraries.
 
The research project extended ALIA’s work by partnering with Hume Libraries to explore, examine and document the pivotal role that library staff play in implementing and sustaining Digital Literacy Programs for CALD communities. The framework presented in this guide was informed by a literature review that identified good practice and lessons learned in developing, delivering and supporting digital literacy programs globally. It is also informed by the analysis of a series of interviews and a focus group with staff from Hume Libraries in Melbourne who have extensive experience developing and facilitating digital literacy programs to support their CALD community. The remainder of this guide features an introduction to Hume Libraries, followed by presentation.
 

ALIA Asia Pacific Special Interest Group (ALIA APSIG) was a national group that aimed to lead efforts in identifying new sources of support for the development between information professionals in the region, through two-way co-operation. It also aimed to provide a forum for members to discuss regional professional issues and to communicate these to the appropriate forum; hosts public talks relating to relevant issues; and produce a membership newsletter three times per year.

ALIA Asia Pacific Special Interest Group (ALIA APSIG) was a national group that aimed to lead efforts in identifying new sources of support for the development between information professionals in the region, through two-way co-operation. It also aimed to provide a forum for members to discuss regional professional issues and to communicate these to the appropriate forum; hosts public talks relating to relevant issues; and produce a membership newsletter three times per year.

ALIA Asia Pacific Special Interest Group (ALIA APSIG) was a national group that aimed to lead efforts in identifying new sources of support for the development between information professionals in the region, through two-way co-operation. It also aimed to provide a forum for members to discuss regional professional issues and to communicate these to the appropriate forum; hosts public talks relating to relevant issues; and produce a membership newsletter three times per year.

ALIA Asia Pacific Special Interest Group (ALIA APSIG) was a national group that aimed to lead efforts in identifying new sources of support for the development between information professionals in the region, through two-way co-operation. It also aimed to provide a forum for members to discuss regional professional issues and to communicate these to the appropriate forum; hosts public talks relating to relevant issues; and produce a membership newsletter three times per year.