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Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
 
Abstract:
 
As the implementations of web-scale discovery services (WSDS) like Primo, Summon, EDS, and WorldCat Discovery Services proliferate, and as libraries continue to make significant investments to purchase, implement, and maintain these services, it is increasingly important to understand if these investments are helping libraries achieve the impact they originally anticipated. What was the original rationale for these services? What were the impacts that were expected? How are those impacts being measured? What are the early results? Are the results supporting the investments? Are there other options?
 
At the same time, many content providers are making similar investments to make their content discoverable in these services and to support libraries in leveraging these investments on behalf of their faculty, students, and researchers. The promise, of course, is greater discoverability and increased usage for the content provider. What, exactly, are the investments that these content providers are making? Given that there is a culture of providing content for indexing for free to these services, how are these investments being recovered by the content provider? Are these investments resulting in the expected outcomes?

Journey maps and customer hacks: redesigning services at the State Library Victoria

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.

"Just Dance" with digital literacy

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.
 
This conference paper shares a new approach to digital literacy development and is divided into four dance elements: Getting Fit for the Dance (digital literacy concept, contexts and definition as used at Deakin University); First steps of the Dance (building liaison librarian capacity; the digitally literate student); Practicing the Dance ( the Case Study and results); and the Dance Finale (Conclusion).

Library as place: make the space

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.

Vote library: How libraries support you and your electorate

This advocacy document for the #VoteLibrary campaign discusses the services and impacts of libraries in Australia. When people think about libraries, they think about public libraries, but across Australia there are some 13,000 public, school, university, TAFE, health, law and other special libraries, serving more than 10 million people. There are government department and parliamentary libraries, assisting researchers and policy makers. And there are our National, State and Territory Libraries providing access to heritage materials which document the living history of the nation. The goal of all libraries is for a smarter, more literate population, with universal access to information, leading to increased civic engagement. Libraries comprise collections, physical and virtual spaces, technology, programs and services, expert staff and are shaped around the needs of their 10 million-plus users. 

Vote library: 2022 library agenda

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.

10 reasons why library and information professionals are essential

The values and activities of library and information professionals which make them essential include trust in the profession, freedom of information, evidence-based practice, digital expertise and inclusion, respectful work with indigenous knowledge, support to freedom of expression, equitable access to information, support of the right to privacy, open access principles and cross-sector collaboration.

10 ways libraries contribute to the university’s competitive advantage

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.

10 ways TAFE libraries improve the lives of students

Library services at VET education providers improve the lives of students by supporting every student, providing 24/7 access to resources, acting as a welcoming space, facilitating digital inclusion and independent learning, widening horizons, providing copyright expertise, business efficiency, education equity, and the recruitment, engagement and retention of students. 

Digital literacy programs for culturally and linguistically diverse communities

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.
 

APSIG Newsletter No. 82/83, July/November 2013: Special IFLA Conference Issue

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 86, November 2014

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 87, March 2015

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 88, July 2015

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 89, November 2015

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 90, March 2016

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 91, July 2016

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 92, November 2016

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 93, March 2017

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 94, July 2017

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 95, November 2017

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 96, March 2018

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 97, July 2018

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.

APSIG Newsletter No. 98, November 2018

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.

Special libraries directory 2021, 5th edition

ALIA’s Special Libraries Working Group has put together this directory of special libraries to support collaboration. The directory is not a comprehensive listing, but it does identify like-minded individuals working in similar situations. The aim is to enable people to share non-competitive information, insight, expertise, ideas and resources; to improve the sense of connectedness in a sector with many one-person libraries, and to strengthen special libraries’ advocacy network. 
 
This directory is an update of the 4th edition published in early 2021.

National survey on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment in Australian libraries: Research report

This report provides outcomes of the research project National Survey on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment in Australian Libraries conducted in the period of 2020 to 2021.
 
The research aimed to find out more about the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed in Australian libraries and identify the current employment types across a range of library settings. It also sought to find out more about the location of libraries with Indigenous staff across states, territories, and public, academic, and school, or other specialist libraries. By conducting the study, we have been able to identify the trends in current employment roles, identify gaps, and understand more about the experiences of Indigenous people working in these libraries.
 
The report provides an outline of the demographic information provided by participants to the online survey and a summary of the major themes identified from data collected in the semi-structured interviews.
 
The research has shown there are unique opportunities for the library sector to support the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian libraries and develop new pathways for current staff to access leadership roles and others to enter the profession. It has also identified significant gaps in support in this area and provided recommendations for future action and research.

University funding for Australian teaching hospital libraries, 1993 to 2001

9th Specials, Health and Law Libraries Conference, 26–29 August 2001 Melbourne: Rivers of Knowledge
 
Abstract:
 
The funding relationship between universities and their teaching hospitals is fundamental to the developmentof the larger teaching hospital libraries. Such funding therefore affects the quality of library service touniversity staff and students in teaching hospitals and flows on to influence hospital library development generally throughout Australia. Very little is known nationally about this relationship, and so an extensive study of CAUL libraries was undertaken across Australia in 1993, 1995 (follow-up only) and 2000 byMonash University Library and Southern Health Library Service, Melbourne with additional comments tobring the study current to June 2001. The questions posed in the survey included: the nature of funding provided; whether such funding was provided by university faculty, library or both; any formal agreements between universities and their teaching hospital libraries; the nature of what was purchased with the funds provided; the details of any on-site access by teaching hospitals to university databases. The results of these surveys are given in detail, indicating that: funding is provided by universities around Australia; both university libraries and faculties provide funding; curiously, most universities do not have formal agreementswith their teaching hospitals; funding is spent on a variety of resources and staff; access is generally provided to University electronic resources for teaching hospital libraries. A brief comparison is offered between the results of the 1993 and 2000 surveys. It is hoped that this study will provide the background of information needed for rational planning and decision-making by university and hospital library staff and administrators in developing teaching hospital libraries in Australia.

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