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The future of LIS education

Viv Barton, ALIA Vice President (President-elect) has chosen education as the theme for her Presidential year, from May 2020 – May 2021. It is a topic which goes to the very heart of ALIA, as the professional body for the library and information sector.
 
In 2018, the ALIA Board appointed the ALIA Education Advisory Committee, comprising leaders from education and institutions across the sector, to provide advice to the Board on ALIA’s education policies and guidelines. We currently work with LIS educators to shape quality contemporary courses in library and information science; we accredit higher education and vocational education institutions to deliver these courses; we provide a framework for ongoing learning through our PD Scheme; we offer a range of opportunities through ALIA Training; and we encourage professionals to include a relevant specialisation in their annual professional development commitment, as they work towards becoming a Distinguished Certified Professional. What might the future hold for us?
 
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is undertaking a survey in order to assess our current education position and the size of the gap between where we are now and our vision. 

The nest: a national plan for child and youth wellbeing

Australian National Early Literacy Summit, 7-8 March 2016 Canberra
 
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) from the summit provides an overview of a national child and youth well being program 'The Nest'.
 
The aim of the National Early Literacy Summit is to spark debate about what a National Early Literacy Strategy for Australia might include and how it would help deliver the best results, building on existing work such as the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association’s "Declaration of Literacy in 21st Century Australia" and Victorian Libraries' "Reading and Literacy for All". 
 
Government, educators, researchers, libraries and early years service providers will break new ground in collaborative engagement around this most vital national priority – future generations with the literacy skills to fight disadvantage, and advance Australia’s interests in the global knowledge economy. 

The library and information sector: core knowledge, skills and attributes

The library and information sector has a distinctive area of knowledge and skills which is required for effective professional practice. Library and information specialists need to acquire the relevant disciplinary expertise, demonstrate employment related skills and be prepared for a challenging and dynamic future in many diverse environments. 
 
This document was superceded by "Foundation knowledge for entry-level library and information professionals (2020)".

The new UX at State Library Victoria

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge
 
This conference paper examines the thinking and planning behind the re-imagined SLV, including developments to the physical spaces, external drivers for change, and the impacts these changes will have both for people using the Library as well as for the staff working in it.
 
Abstract: State Library Victoria (SLV) has a proud history of innovating and adapting to change throughout its 160 years. In the latest reinvention, SLV has embarked on a major 5-year building redevelopment project. The $83m capital works project will see key heritage spaces transformed, restored and in some case reopened to the public for the first time in decades. The project will see the development of new library spaces, services and programs targeted at specific user groups, including children and families, and start-ups and SMEs. Running concurrently with the capital works project, SLV is redesigning its strategy, operations, service model and workforce plan. This organisational transformation is responding to shifts in community expectations of 21st century libraries, powered by the growing focus on the knowledge and creative economy, and ongoing digital disruption.
 
This paper will look at the opportunities and challenges in refreshing an established and well-loved institution to ensure it is relevant and contemporary for a diverse range of users and stakeholders now and in the future. We will give a behind-the-scenes view into running a project of this scale, from getting it off the ground and securing funding, through to the competing priorities given consideration in the planning and design stages, and initiating project management and procurement. We will delve into some of the pragmatic issues we are tackling to prepare for operating a reimagined library service.
 
While still in the middle of the project, we have many useful reflections and learnings to date that will give an insight into the many facets of a project of this scale and complexity. At the ALIA Online Conference 2015, we shared our findings from our Future Service Model project. This paper builds on those findings and takes them to the next stage of implementation. The State Library Victoria is on an exciting path of setting its future direction and exploring new frontiers. This paper will share some of our journey so far.

 

The devil’s in the detail – operating a 24x7 library

Abstract:
Curtin University clients have been interested for many years in the Library providing more access to the physical building along with services. In 2013 the Library building underwent a major refurbishment to cater for these needs. Once complete it was possible to position the Library towards a stage by stage progressive journey to a 24x7 model. At the beginning of 2015 we have achieved what was once considered unattainable, a Library open 24 hours a day.
 
This presentation follows the journey from the traditional Full Service model to the flexible 24x7 Limited Services model in use today and highlights the opportunities and challenges faced, resulting in an overwhelmingly positive reception.
 
When considering the changes necessary to achieve our objective we had to take into account the issues of an aging building; the staffing considerations (who, what, when, where and why) and also the traditional mindsets of what a library is there for.
 
While the student experience is providing an environment conducive to their study needs, casual spaces to relax and recharge are also available. Library staff support their overnight needs and a security officer provides the safe and secure surrounds.
 
Over the last 18 months we have implemented and reviewed our model, and while it will be ever evolving we think that we have achieved best practice.

TAFE Libraries National Reciprocal Borrowing Scheme

The TAFE Libraries National Reciprocal Borrowing Scheme is managed by the ALIA VET Libraries Advisory Committee. It allows students and staff of participating TAFE libraries to register and borrow materials in person from any other participating host TAFE library in any other state, in addition to their own library. The scheme is designed to assist students and staff who may be enrolled with or employed by a TAFE institution in one state but who find it more convenient to access TAFE library services in another state. The reciprocal borrowing arrangements between TAFE libraries within a state are not covered by this scheme.
 
An updated list of participating institutions can be found at Mapping of TAFE Libraries: Updated 2021.

True or False: Media literacy for capable, confident, critical-thinkers

True or False: Media literacy for capable, confidence, critical-thinkers virtual conference was held on 3 September 2020. 
This document provides a conference program summary. Featuring presentations:

  • Media literacy – the national and international picture
  • Advancing the media literacy of young Australians: what the research tells us
  • We trust TV news – social media, not so much
  • Equipping young people to use digital platforms constructively
  • eSmart moves into digital media literacy
  • How will you use the ABC’s Media Literacy Week?

Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK) Fact Sheets

The Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK) campaign ran throughout 2019. The campaign focused on why librarianship is one of the most trusted professions in Australia and how people working in libraries (whether LIS qualified or from another discipline) promote the free flow of information and ideas in the interests of all Australians.
The series of fact sheets address poverty in Australia, homelessness, gender equality, and early literacy, language and learning.

The British Library in a globalised world

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger
During this conference presentation, Roly Keating considers the role of the British Library as a national library on the international stage. 
He reflects on the changing nature of the Library’s services as it adapts to the evolving needs of its users, both at home and abroad.  A number of innovative partnerships have been developed, particularly to enable parts of the Library’s collection to be shared online, drawing in new audiences. 
 

Transcribing the past

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger

This conference paper discusses how European War Collecting Project initiatied in1918 the Principal Librarian of the Public Library of NSW evolved into the digitisation of this collection of diaries and correspondence which has been a major component of the Library’s Centenary of WWI program. A key tool in providing access to the digitised material has been the development of a web based transcription tool which will elevate the transcription process from a boutique in house activity using volunteers to a web based crowd sourcing model which can be adapted for a range of transcription projects.

 

Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK) Fact Sheet Template

The Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK) campaign ran throughout 2019. The campaign focused on why librarianship is one of the most trusted professions in Australia and how people working in libraries (whether LIS qualified or from another discipline) promote the free flow of information and ideas in the interests of all Australians.
The template has been used to create a series of fact sheets address poverty in Australia, homelessness, gender equality, and early literacy, language and learning.

Talking Together INCITE

INCITE article by Kate Furguson about Yarra Plenty Regional Library's program 'Talking Together', a project that aims to build trust with the local Somali Australian community in Melbourne’s north.

Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK): 10 ways library and information professionals promote truth, integrity and knowledge

The Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK) campaign ran throughout 2019. The campaign focused on why librarianship is one of the most trusted professions in Australia and how people working in libraries (whether LIS qualified or from another discipline) promote the free flow of information and ideas in the interests of all Australians.
The series of promotional posters address "10 ways library and information professionals promote truth, integrity and knowledge".
Headings: TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS -- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION -- EVIDENCE-BASED -- DIGITAL EXPERTISE AND INCLUSION -- INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE -- FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION -- EQUITY -- PRIVACY -- OPEN ACCESS -- COLLABORATION.

Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK): 10 ways library and information professionals promote truth, integrity and knowledge summary (black text)

The Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK) campaign ran throughout 2019. The campaign focused on why librarianship is one of the most trusted professions in Australia and how people working in libraries (whether LIS qualified or from another discipline) promote the free flow of information and ideas in the interests of all Australians.
This promotional poster summarises "10 ways library and information professionals promote truth, integrity and knowledge". The poster is designed with black text.
Headings: TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS -- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION -- EVIDENCE-BASED -- DIGITAL EXPERTISE AND INCLUSION -- INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE -- FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION -- EQUITY -- PRIVACY -- OPEN ACCESS -- COLLABORATION.

Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK): 10 ways library and information professionals promote truth, integrity and knowledge summary

The Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK) campaign ran throughout 2019. The campaign focused on why librarianship is one of the most trusted professions in Australia and how people working in libraries (whether LIS qualified or from another discipline) promote the free flow of information and ideas in the interests of all Australians.
This promotional poster summarises "10 ways library and information professionals promote truth, integrity and knowledge". The poster is designed with white and black text.
Headings: TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS -- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION -- EVIDENCE-BASED -- DIGITAL EXPERTISE AND INCLUSION -- INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE -- FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION -- EQUITY -- PRIVACY -- OPEN ACCESS -- COLLABORATION.

There and back: a story of how an idea grew beyond expectations

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger
In 2013 the ANZ 23 Mobile Things programme took over the Southern Hemisphere as the professional development programme of choice.  Over 6 months, 770 people learnt how to use their mobile device to enhance their life, their libraries and their patrons’ ability to connect.  
This conference presentation goes through the process of how one tweet of an idea turned into a MOOC, what the successes were, what the challenges were, what worked and what didn’t.

The road goes ever ever on

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger

This conference presentation draws from the professional experiences of the presenter, who has worked across a range of library sectors in Melbourne and Darwin, and participated in Australian International Development projects in Papua New Guinea and Vietnam.

It will particularly focus on three strategies for unconventional career development: relocating to a regional centre; working as an International Development volunteer; and working in non-library industries. He will also draw from the experience of other information professionals who have pursued these non-conventional career paths.

The online campaign: building the 2013 Australian federal election web collection

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger

This conference paper discusses how  the National Library of Australia and its participant agencies built the largest collection of online Australian election material to date in 2013. The election was notable in a number of ways, the new platforms being used to disseminate a political message, the amount of material that was produced and how much of this we could and could not collect.

Candidates and political parties have also embraced the online world and used it increasingly used as a means of spreading their campaign message. This election Pandora collected more than it has in any previous election, but content was missed. This was for a variety of reasons, lack of permissions, technical limitations and constrained resources. But what was collected will form the basis upon which future researchers can look back at what drove the election campaign online. 

The road goes ever on and on: a librarian's unexpected journey

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger

This conference paper draws from the professional experiences of the presenter, who has worked across a range of library sectors in Melbourne and Darwin, and participated in Australian International Development projects in Papua New Guinea and Vietnam.

It will particularly focus on three strategies for unconventional career development: relocating to a regional centre; working as an International Development volunteer; and working in non-library industries. He will also draw from the experience of other information professionals who have pursued these non-conventional career paths.

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