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ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge
 
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) supports the paper outlining the key findings in relation to the differences and similarities of the French and British cases and their implications for an Australian process of linked data conversion, and suggests a best practice for implementing a linked data bibliographical release.
 
Abstract: Collection data locked in library catalogues can be released into the semantic web by transforming it into linked data thereby making it discoverable by anyone, anywhere. National bibliographies, comprising millions of bibliographic records and typically built over decades, contain a prime dataset ripe for transformation and exposure on the web. However, releasing a national union catalogue as linked data opens up a range of policy, procedure, organisational, infrastructure, training, financial, ownership and capacity questions that need to be addressed in order to create a sustainable data future for the national collection.
 
The British and French national libraries released their bibliographies as linked data in 2011, and their experiences provide valuable lessons for libraries considering adopting linked data for national collections. This paper will adopt a comparative approach in identifying the strategic and organisational drivers, enablers, and inhibitors to be considered in transforming a national bibliography into linked data. The study utilised a case analysis framework, with site visits, semi-structured interviews, informal discussions and document analysis employed in identifying and examining the key concepts and challenges involved in converting traditional national bibliographies into linked data platforms.  A comparative analysis of the French and British experiences was undertaken, with specific consideration given to the financial and organisational aspects of the process, in addition to policy and sustainability.

This document summarises how people who work in the library and information field want Australian Governments to engage with library and information services during their term of office. Throughout the political process, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) will be lobbying for The Library and Information Agenda – four themes and 10 items which we believe are essential for promoting literacy, enabling citizens to be well-informed, supporting socially inclusive communities and contributing to the success of Australia as a knowledge-based economy.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge
 
This conference paper discusses the role of new and emerging technologies in connecting people to library services. 
 
Abstract: Digital technology plays an increasingly major role in our lives. Greater access to information and the sharing of information is making us more informed citizens, giving us more control over our lives and how we create and develop our communities.  We are witnessing a change in the nature of work, people are living longer and healthier lives, and new kinds of tribalism and internationalism are emerging. In 2017, State Library of Queensland (SLQ) is exploring digital citizenship in all its forms through our Signature Program framework – a schedule of events and exhibitions. In partnership with communities and visitors, we are spending the next twelve months connecting, creating and exploring the changing digital nature of our economy, our political processes and our leisure activities. 
 
SLQ is committed to designing and delivering programs and services which, not only connect and engage with audiences, but are genuine collaborations with our audiences. In 2014 SLQ adopted an annual Signature Program framework focusing on a ‘theme’ of interest to the Queensland community through a range of activities, experiences and events. The Signature Program team engages with the community and partners to develop and deliver elements that are scalable and transferable for collaboration with regional communities. In 2017 this team will focus on digital citizenship, exploring meaning and experiences at the personal and state level to engage Queenslanders in conversation with experts and each other.
 
At SLQ we see technology as an enabler not a driver of our services.  We have a role in supporting the community to stay abreast of unprecedented changes resulting from the digitally enabled economy and society.  During our “year of living digitally”, we will engage with audiences to develop capabilities in data visualisation, big data and crowd sourced collaboration. Building on the groundwork laid by the National Year of Digital Inclusion (https://www.godigi.org.au/) and previous innovative SLQ-led projects, such as Tech Savvy Seniors and digital literacy resource kits for public libraries, our events and exhibitions schedule will allow individuals to explore their digital world and comprehend what the new Queensland will look like. SLQ’s aim is to co-create new knowledge and partner with others to undertake and facilitate research, and to support community-based research infrastructure. This paper will report on our planned schedule of engagement, document the community participation so far and invite partnerships and engagement from conference delegates.
 
The “year of living digitally” program explores how technology has given us new tools to question, understand, imagine, and better the world in which we live. The flow of big data and information now generates more economic value than the global goods trade.  Affordable and democratic access to communication technologies has resulted in a burgeoning creativity by diverse global voices. SLQ is leading the way in how libraries can explore the global and local benefits of sharing, disruption and convergence cultures with visitors and audiences.

This document was developed in the context of standards published by other Australian professional associations for educators. Its major aim was to achieve national consensus on what constituted excellent teacher librarian practice, to inform the profession and enhance student learning outcomes.

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. 

National Library and Information Technicians' Symposium, 13-15 November 2019 Melbourne: Discover, Diversify, Dive In
 
This presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanied the keynote address on the experience of a technical support officer at the University of Melbourne.
 
Session description: My job as a tech support officer is not just to fix things when they break. A more important aspect is to find ways of making things possible in the first instance, then practical and, eventually, efficient. “Can’t” is in my vocabulary but its usage is highly frowned upon. Standing in front of a white board for the first time to sketch out workflows for the newly formed University Digitisation Service was both exciting and scary at the same time. I wanted to incorporate the Embedded Metadata Manifesto and the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) together, and libraries had all this metadata stuff down pat… should be straightforward enough. An hour later I began to realise how naïve I had been. Ten years on and we’ve come a long way but we’re still not there.
 
Join me as we review the successes and failures of integrating library and “real world” tech in a nontraditional library service (digitisation) and explore library tech from new perspectives as we:

• evaluate the Library catalogue as a FAIR data source
• explore the benefits and limitations of hacking data from library systems
• compare studying a second language with library carpentries
• (dissect and) celebrate failed projects for the knowledge they provide
• acknowledge the limitations of our own skill sets and identify the values of our strengths

By showing you how library tech can be used in unexpected or unconventional ways I want to open your eyes to the possibility of approaching day to day tasks from alternative perspectives… to discover how to make the impossible possible, the possible practical and the practical efficient. Library carpentries and upskill programs can help diversify your skills and understanding of other technologies, but we can’t ignore their limitations. We also need to diversify the range of people we collaborate with (or employ) to move forward effectively.

But even if we have all the people with the necessary expertise, collaboration requires effective communication. Diving in and trying to learn and use different technologies will, at a minimum, help break down the language barriers that often prevent improvements to processes and systems. If you’re afraid of the high board, at least try the wading pool.

Promotional materials (poster) listing and stating support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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)".

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.

ALIA New Librarians' Symposium 9 (NLS9), 5-7 July 2019 Adelaide: collaborate deviate innovate
 
This presentation (PowerPoint slides) supported the talk on the work, achievements and influence of the Innovative Librarians Group. The group promotes innovation, forward thinking and technology within the library, breaking down barriers between functional work units in geographically dispersed locations, enabling rich, collaborative networks within a large organisation.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge
 
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) supports the paper which discusses an approach to strategic planning in a dynamic and rapidly-evolving university library environment.
 
A university-wide transformational restructure in 2014 provided a rare opportunity to change the organisational structure of La Trobe University Library, as well as the services offered and the way in which we worked. By mid-2015, the new structure was in place, but the library did not have a documented strategy to provide a clear direction for library staff or to articulate how the library contributes to the university’s strategy and goals. We needed to communicate the positive impact of the changes, and what the library could now achieve, to the university community. Therefore the strategy had to be meaningful, tell a compelling story and be easily understood by all stakeholders, particularly library staff. 

ALIA New Librarians' Symposium 9 (NLS9), 5-7 July 2019 Adelaide: collaborate deviate innovate
 
This presentation (PowerPoint slides) supported the workshop on collaborating and networking in a meaningful way with potential colleagues and peers.

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.

ALIA New Librarians' Symposium 9 (NLS9), 5-7 July 2019 Adelaide: collaborate deviate innovate
 
Recording (MP4 audiovisual) of the session on the basic core aspects of copyright and their relation to different library roles, as well as why having this knowledge is important and applicable to your work. The session also addressed strategies for engaging colleagues to get on board with managing copyright needs, while still being champions of open access and FAIR (Freedom of Access to Information and Resources).