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The New Generation Advisory Committee (NGAC) is a committee of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). The key objectives of NGAC are to increase new graduate participation in the Association and contribute to the development and delivery of services for new library and information services professionals and student members of ALIA.

From 2014-2016, NGAC undertook a review to better understand the use of Twitter by NGAC members to determine how well tweets engage with the target audience and reflect their concerns and interests. The review also sought to identify opportunities for improved online engagement.

The report includes five recommendations to improve Twitter engagement amongst new LIS professionals. 

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

This poster presentation discusses the use of open access at University of Queensland.

This submission by the Australian Library and Information Assocation (ALIA) is in response to questions posed by the National Research Infrastructure Capability Issues Paper July 2016.

The Australian Government requested the development of the 2016 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap to determine Australia's national research infrastructure needs to underpin research efforts over the next decade.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

This conference paper discusses the development of an interactive interface to connect communities with indigenous collections.

Abstract: In 2016, the State Library of NSW launched an exciting new interactive interface, that uses 100 year-old survey data to map the location and meaning of Indigenous Australian place names across the country. The project called Weemala, which means ‘a big lookout’ in the Sydney language, places historic survey information from the State Library’s collection relating to Indigenous Australian communities in a digital landscape.

This paper will discuss the development of Weemala and explore the collaboration that took place build the platform, drawing on expertise from within the Library’s Indigenous team and the Library’s DX Lab. The collaboration drew on a range of skills, including input from Library staff, volunteers, an internship program (UTS Masters of Information Management) as well as engagement with a data specialist. Developer and data enthusiastic Chris McDowall worked with the DX Lab as a ‘Digital Drop In’ to create the test platform for the data using transcribed survey forms and correspondence received by the Royal Anthropological Society of Australasia between 1899 and 1903.

In developing Weemala, the Library was able to further expand the work of its Rediscovering Indigenous Languages project, which sought to make available the significant collections of Aboriginal language materials and word lists held within the Library’s collections. Weemala extends this work, using data to create new ways of engagement. The focus of exposing collections, and connecting the wider public to Indigenous Australian people was a core component of the project. As well as the commitment to engage Indigenous Australian communities with the Library’s collections to spark conversation and discussion about the nature and accuracy of the material that was historically collected.

The paper will demonstrate ways in which Libraries can effectively open up their data and build platforms that inspire curiosity, and in this case, connection with Indigenous Australian languages and place name meanings. It will also encourage participants to think about ways in which collections can be made more discoverable to enhance search and discovery of historic collections. It will also inspire others to think about respectful ways of opening up Indigenous Australian collections to deepen our understanding of place and history.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

Abstract:

Introduction:

Call it what you will, Maker Space, Hacker Space, Creative Space the movement in public libraries to be more than just purveyors of books and literacy has grown considerably over the past few years with Creative Spaces in all shapes and forms opening across the country.

From high tech labs to knitting circles the desire to unlock creativity and to share this with other people is strong within our communities

Along with this world-wide movement the Victorian Public Libraries 2030 strategy posits two future scenarios for public libraries. The Creative Library and the Community Library within which the creation of these spaces fits well.

Results:

At Bayside Library the role of designing technology programs for the community rests with the Community Technology Support Coordinator, from overseeing the IT training program to being eSmart this role has been responsible for all our programming.

In 2013 we began with a 3D printer and a small craft paper cutter in a small space in Sandringham library. This project was evaluated and the interest in technology from the community lead us to devising a bigger set-up in Beaumaris, a branch library where there was enough room to create a reasonable area and space to store equipment. We had access to a very helpful Public Libraries Victoria Shared Leadership Program manual Creative Libraries. At the same time we were able to reconfigure a part-time vacant position in order to employee a person with multi-media skills.

Conclusion:

It seems that creative spaces are here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future, and the set-up and ongoing staffing and management are all important considerations when reviewing the development of such as space in your Library. The conference paper will discuss the setting up of a creative space at Beaumaris Library and the outcomes of our Create, Play, Learn space.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

Abstract:

It can be invaluable for library staff at all levels to visit other libraries and gain first-hand knowledge of a service concept in action, or to experience a new or redesigned library space in person. Over the past 18 months, Justine Hyde (State Library Victoria, Melbourne, Australia) and Stephanie Chase (Hillsboro Public Library, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA) traveled together and separately to visit libraries in Australia, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands, Canada, and the United States to investigate what libraries at the cutting edge are offering and implementing.

Through these visits, as well as opportunities to meet with library staff and key leadership, it quickly became clear that libraries around the globe are grappling with similar issues, and are looking toward the implementation of similar trends to respond to these issues. Time and time again, the work of these innovative libraries was focused on the same six areas. Those areas are:

• Emphasis on reading
• Spaces for doing and learning
• Responsive, multi-use spaces
• Co-located services
• Shift to self-service
• Urban regeneration.

Through the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, implementation suggestions, and a significant number of images of the concepts in place in spaces, libraries around the world can take advantage of the innovations of our colleagues.

Australian health libraries and their staff comprise an important part of the health information workforce, alongside health information managers and health information specialists by providing quality information to improve patient care, evidence based practice and research support, specialist resources, outstanding value and return on investment, information literacy training, and decision ready information.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

[Peer reviewed] This conference paper discusses using gaming to teach traditional library information literacy and evidence-based medicine content can be a fresh and pedagogically sound way to engage learners with this material.

Abstract: As US medical education shifts towards competency based education, the methods in which we teach certain topics need to be reexamined. Our evidence based medicine (EBM) curriculum was created several years ago and had been taught with little revision. A period of transition afforded the library an opportunity to step back and reimagine how that content was being delivered during the inaugural session of what has been a 3 part series starting in Quarter 1 (Q1). With a delayed introduction to basic EBM concepts (Q4 vs. Q1) how to best address the gap between current and future needs was a pressing concern. The answer to our dilemma was found in the burgeoning area of educational gaming. Instead of a traditional case-based lecture, the authors decided to develop a game (BINGO) highlighting need to know tools and concepts. This activity was then paired with a previously presented case to provide both context and direct application of the student’s newly acquired knowledge.

To reimagine the session, the authors met with the course leads to get logistical and contextual input. Based on experience, feedback, and emerging educational theory, the librarians decided to make the session as student driven as possible. Utilizing a game provided an opportunity to flip the student learning experience. Instead of receiving a lecture/demo and taking notes, students had the opportunity to engage in team-based learning, using tools already familiar to them (Google), while identifying new resources and concepts related to EBM/research. Direct application of the game content followed when students were asked to identify and use appropriate resources to a known case.  Where students are traditionally focused on solving their cases to get a correct diagnosis, our activity required them to think through and document their search process.

The game itself was well received. From observation, most students seemed actively engaged and eager to compete.  The fact that the activity was team based, timed and incentivized (winning team got to pick prizes from a grab bag) likely helped to drive participation. Prepping the game with a mini-activity, developing a team name, helped to get students in a team mentality. To successfully run this type of activity with 2 groups of 45, a minimum of 4 facilitators are needed to handle logistics. A mid-quarter evaluation will elicit student perception of the activity.

Gaming taps into motivations such as belonging and esteem. Using a gamified approach is an effective method to deliver library content that can be perceived as dry or heavily theoretical.  The camaraderie and focused energy gaming brings can generate engagement at the beginning of a session, which can then be carried through to other activities. Short, targeted games (20 minutes or less), lend themselves perfectly to the adult learner’s attention span. By partnering a game with more traditional forms of teaching (case based scenario) students have the opportunity to both participate in and apply the learning process.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

[Peer reviewed] This conference paper discusses the introduction of a suite of online library orientation resources for new university students.

Abstract: Monash University Library (MUL) has for the first time incorporated an innovative online space for commencing students into its Orientation 2016 program. This pilot adopted a student-centred approach and unified the Library’s online orientation message across the seven branch libraries in Australia. The orientation period represents an important opportunity for the Library to connect with new students. However, it can be challenging to compete with other university services also vying for students’ attention. It is imperative that the Library ensures that, along with face to face contact, it has an intuitive and consistent online presence during orientation that enables students to access information about the Library and its services in a way that is adaptable to students’ needs and technology use. This paper reflects how we set out to create a virtual space to orientate students, and what we learnt along the way.

Results of a survey conducted in 2017 to elicite views on how a united library field can tackle the challenges of the future. Respondents were ALIA personal members or work for libraries that are ALIA instutional members. The report is a contribution to the International Federation of Library Association and Institutions (IFLA) Global Vision conversation.

National Library and Information Technicians Symposium, 27-29 September 2017 North Sydney: bridge to knowledge

This paper discusses the resource description skills library technicians need to acquire to remain relevant in the workplace.

Library cataloguers have a strong tradition of meeting user needs through the use of consistent and robust cataloguing tools unique to the library industry. More recently, there is an emphasis on breaking down the barriers between library bibliographic repositories (library catalogues) and the World Wide Web (WWW). Discussion has focussed on using Linked Data, with its applicable data structures and metadata languages. It is timely to consider how important it is for cataloguers to become familiar with standards and structures outside the traditional library bibliographic universe and thereby be considered metadata specialists in an online, digital world.

ALIA HLA professional development day, held 13 - 14 July 2017 at Building 410, Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley. Featuring presentations:

• Which review is right for you? Scoping the scope of an evidence synthesis.
• A Librarian’s experience searching for evidence for the Western Australian Group for Evidence Informed Healthcare Practice WAGEIHP.
• Creating sustainable and engaging partnerships.
• Systematic support for systematic reviews: supplementing research consultations with workshops and online tools.
• Systematic overflow: a matrix-like toolkit for sustainable support for Systematic and Systematic-Like Reviews.
• Managing Systematic Review Search Results using EndNote.
• HLA/Medical Director Health Informatics Innovation Award.
• ALIA Fellowship award.
• ALIA PD Scheme Health Specialisation: presentation of certificates to Certified Professionals (Health).
• Gold sponsor presentations.
• Defining Scope: More than Bibliometric Measures (filter for integrated care).
• Stretching past our roles, building and developing true partnerships.
• Differences in MeSH mapping between Ovid Medline and Ebsco Medline.
• Using text-mining tools for search filter development and designing search strategies.
• PubMed searching for systematic reviews – advanced concepts.
• Recent changes to PubMed.
• Searching for grey literature.
• Top 10 Medical and Health Research Data Things.

Formally established in 2015, the Advisory Committee provides advice to the ALIA Board and Executive about all issues relating to ebooks and the book industry. These include copyright, lending rights, parallel importation, GST on books, elending, promotion of Australian books and authors, and other issues requested by the Board.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

This poster presentation discusses the use of Skype to create training opportunities.

ALIA Universities and Research Libraries (URLs) ACT, 14 September 2017 Canberra: Strange bedfellows - partnerships and collaborations in the age of digital disruption

The ALIA URL group provides a networking and information-sharing forum for all levels of library staff interested in issues and trends affecting the development of university and research libraries. 

This seminar provides an insight into the ways information professionals in academic and research institutions are working with a broad range of partners to apply their skills in new and creative ways to demonstrate value and impact, curating research data, managing repositories and building online collections. 

National Library and Information Technicians Symposium, 27-29 September 2017 North Sydney: bridge to knowledge

This paper (abstract) outlines the adoption of flipped learning techniques as an approach to professional development.

HLA News: National News Bulletin of Health Libraries Australia - The national health group of the Australian Library and Information Association

Contents: Librarians and research: the ethics committee -- Convenor's focus -- Let's talk in 2018: Twitter chat series and questions about this issue of HLA News -- Whither resource sharing -- Applications open: HLA/Medical Director Digital Health Innovation 2018 Award and the Anne Harrison 2018 Award -- Opinion piece: attribution and acknowledgement -- Holiday challenge: take the Chief Scientist's storytime pledge -- Conference report: HIMAA/NCCH Conference -- Member spotlight: Taryn Hunt -- Professional development diary dates.

HLA News: National News Bulletin of Health Libraries Australia - The national health group of the Australian Library and Information Association

Contents: Reviews in focus: report from HLA Professional Development Day in Perth -- Convenor's focus -- HLA PD days: reflections by a new graduate -- ALIA Professional Development specialisation achieved by Geraldine Stevens -- Ann Ritchie awarded ALIA Fellowship -- HLA/Medical Director Health Informatics Innovation Award presented to Barwon Health Library -- Discovering the evolution of health librarianship in Australia through an interactive open access digital repository and ALIA HLA wiki -- Health Librarians and research services: journal policies for data sharing -- 2017 HLA Professional Development Day program and abstracts plus link to presentations.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

This conference paper presents a case study of the process used by La Trobe University Library to develop and implement an interactive orientation activity to encourage student engagement with library services and programs.

Abstract: Capturing the imagination of students and engaging them in everything the library has to offer is particularly important for university libraries at the start of each new academic year and during orientation week. The challenge for library staff is working out how to renew orientation activities so that they stay fresh and relevant to new students. In 2016, the La Trobe University Library piloted an engaging and interactive new orientation activity to help students to get to know the library. Our new approach brings together the digital and physical environments by capitalising on the internationally popular game, Escape Rooms. Escape Rooms are a live puzzle game where players are locked in a room, and need to find clues and solve puzzles to ‘escape the room’. Escape rooms’ popularity around the world is reflected in their consistent #1 ranking in the TripAdvisor ‘Fun Activities’ category. La Trobe University Library took the Escape Room concept and transformed it into a blended online and physical orientation game for teams of students to learn about key library services. Escape Room at the Library is an example of how game design has potential for increasing student engagement with the library in online (Walsh, 2014) and physical spaces (Angell & Boss, 2016). To implement Escape Room at the Library, the Library team:

• Used examples of current Escape Rooms in Melbourne
• Investigated existing online and physical puzzles
• Developed design brief with the following consideration:
• risks associated with live action/online gaming
• success measures/criteria
• ways to capture data
• Developed learning outcomes to integrate into game design
• Executed creative game design and data gathering metrics – graphic design/online development/ analytics/ physical game pieces
• Tested and amended draft game design
• Implemented communications and final game design
• Gathered raw data and measured against success criteria

The popularity of Escape Room at the Library completely exceeded the Library’s expectations. The game continued after O-week and ran for a total of four weeks with 714 registered participants. The popularity of this orientation activity was an unintentional by-product of making learning fun and interactive. The success of Escape Room at the Library was also demonstrated in the post-game survey:

• 96% of respondents stated they learnt a lot or learnt something
• 99% of respondents stated they found the game enjoyable or very enjoyable
• 99% of respondents stated they would recommend the game to a friend

In addition, of the 20 learning outcomes addressed, 16 were met by over 80% of respondents.

The goal of Escape Room at the Library was to design an intrinsically-motivated activity similar to a library tour, that required minimal staff facilitation, that immersed students in the digital and physical worlds, that could be done at any time and which would maximise student engagement. This case study demonstrates how the principles of game and puzzle design can be used to enhance discovery of library services and programs in a blended environment. It is an approach that could be applied to a range of library settings.

National Library and Information Technicians Symposium, 27-29 September 2017 North Sydney: bridge to knowledge

This paper discusses the tools developed by a Tasmanian secondary school to improve student ICT literacy skills and meet the Australian Curriculum’s ICT Capability requirements.

The majority of the current generation of school students displays a high level of technological capability. However, the digital native epithet is an over-generalisation. There are significant differences in ICT literacy associated with socioeconomic background, indigenous status and geographic location in Australia. 

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) recognises that library services can be enhanced by well supported volunteers, and providing volunteers with meaningful community roles is a legitimate function of a public library service.

Use of volunteers in library and information services for specific purposes is acceptable but must never compromise the quality of service provision, nor replace paid employment in any way.

National Library and Information Technicians Symposium, 27-29 September 2017 North Sydney: bridge to knowledge

This conference paper discusses how the University of Sydney Library, in its traditional model, was no longer meeting all the needs and expectations of students. As libraries everywhere are adapting their public face to providing more inclusive, collaborative services, the University Library looked for new ways to engage with and support its community. 

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

This conference paper discusses the implementation of a library data visualisation platform.

Abstract: Singapore Management University (SMU) Libraries embarked on its ‘Culture of Assessment’ journey in 2013, geared towards demonstrating fiscal accountability and driving a higher degree of stakeholder engagement. With more than 80% of library staff trained in the use of Lean Six Sigma for business process improvements, it was only natural that the library started putting in place procedures and systems to continuously assess and improve services. For effective decision making, the challenge lies in the normalisation, consolidation and visualisation of data from the varied library services into a single coherent platform that could be used for making decisions that are timely.

This paper will share SMU Libraries’ experience in implementing a QlikView based dashboard for the visualization of operational data. It will discuss some of the challenges encountered in the following areas:

• Data Scope – Identifying appropriate data sources and designing metrics
• Data Collection – Operationalizing timely information
• Data Quality – Ensuring accurate facts and figures

Contents: About ALIA -- President's report -- Chief Executive Officer's report -- Director Corporate Services' report -- Director of Learning's report -- Assistant Director of Conferences and Events' report -- How we performed against the ALIA Board's strategic plan -- Our membership -- Advocacy campaigns -- Government and stakeholder relations -- Special projects -- Conferences and events -- Education, professional development and training -- Awards -- Communications -- ALIA Board handover -- Financial statements.

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: Data Information Knowledge

This conference paper explores the development of a new framework to combine Indigenous knowledge systems and linked data to enable greater accessibility and culturally appropriate use of collection items within the GLAM sector.

Abstract: The authors will discuss how incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems and understanding the complexities of linked data is important when classifying, cataloguing, and preserving knowledge for use by various audiences, from Indigenous community members to the general public. Through using case studies from the AIATSIS collection, this paper will also highlight how these systems can be used to better access and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge when combined with linked data.

Indigenous peoples have a wealth of intergenerational cultural knowledge passed verbally through the generations. This knowledge manifests in both intangible forms and material culture, including traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, oral traditions, dance, language, medicine, as well as tools and artworks. As a living culture, Indigenous peoples have knowledge systems that provide a greater understanding of their culture.

It is important that Indigenous communities maintain control over their cultural knowledge in order to preserve and share their knowledge in a culturally appropriate way. The GLAM sector would benefit through an arrangement with Indigenous custodians to incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems when determining linked data.  Developing a better understanding of Indigenous knowledge and wider education of these cultures improves accessibility of connected resources to a wide range of audiences, in a culturally appropriate manner.

In addition to providing an overview of Indigenous knowledge systems, this paper also explores the description, retrieval and access to bibliographic and authority data using linked data principles in a GLAM environment. An introduction to linked data and the associated web standards, leads into discussion of the emerging BIBFRAME model. Linked data, with its basis in the semantic web, has the potential to deliver significant advances in discovering and sharing authoritative information to wider communities.

Possible benefits of using linked data for publishing descriptions and resources are explored, such as the ability to retain contextual relationships between items and collections. In addition, Linked data technologies can be used to expose the value added information about resources and their creators, such as bibliographic and authority data, to web search engines.

BIBFRAME is different to USMARC as it will provide a new way for collecting institutions and its users to annotate data by tagging and adding their own content. While online public contribution to content yields powerful results, un-moderated crowdsourcing can have consequences. Cultural protocols and practices, such as the ATSILIRN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library, Information and Resource Network) protocols and the AIATSIS Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies, are examined as an informed way to work with material with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content. 

ALIA celebrated its 80th anniversary throughout 2017, and with a celebration at ALIA House in October. This document provides an overview of the campaign.

National Library and Information Technicians Symposium, 27-29 September 2017 North Sydney: bridge to knowledge

This conference paper discusses how library technicians enhance our relationships with people with a disability and their carers. Library Technicians’ roles include training front of house staff in the use of assistive and adaptive technologies and testing compatible assistive technology hardware and software products that provide essential accessibility to computers. Library technicians also advocate on behalf of clients with a disability, meet with internal and external stakeholders to improve services and offer a one-on-one appointment service.

Frequently asked questions relating to the changes proposed in the special resolutions to amend the ALIA Constitution considered at the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 29th Annual General Meeting held on 17 May 2017 at ALIA House, Canberra.

The ALIA Board proposed adding the term 'environment' to the first object of the Constitution and the inclusion of an additional object to endorse the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Article 19 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in response to the many challenges faced by the world today and into the future.

National Library and Information Technicians Symposium, 27-29 September 2017 North Sydney: bridge to knowledge

This conference paper discusses an approach to effectively managing photographic digitisation projects.

Many libraries today possess a wide range of digital content that is available 24/7. There has been a move to digitise specialist local history and cultural heritage sources and it is not uncommon for users to stumble across low resolution local history images embedded into library catalogues. The provision of inferior quality sources results in missed opportunities to present exciting, engaging, immersive and interactive content associated with their digitised special collections.

National Library and Information Technicians Symposium, 27-29 September 2017 North Sydney: bridge to knowledge

This paper (abstract) accompanied the keynote address which explored how library technicians and other staff have led and survived transformations and ensured that the library services that are of enduring value are preserved. It provides an overview of the changing pattern of skills and capabilities required, and some strategies that can be used, to meet the challenges of this ever changing world.