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

[Peer reviewed] This conference paper discusses the transformation of a workplace learning environment.

Abstract: We have all had experiences at work that we wish would just disappear. This paper will reflect on the authors’ journey to transform our workplace learning environment and experiences during 2011-2016 by embracing a collaborative and sustainable approach to bringing together a community of confident, responsive, and reflective learners. We encourage curiosity and lifelong learning, sharing skills and professional interests whilst managing expectations and shared responsibility for career-long and career-wide learning. This paper will form a case study and focus on our practical examples which will explore learning from unlearnings by a novel use of the social media network Snapchat to convene a reflective practitioner meshwork. The authors will reflect on seven themes of unlearnings we screenshot on Snapchat, including: What’s in a Name?, Be Your Own Hero, Winners Never Quit, Don’t Remind Me, Caustic Solutions and Stay in Your Own Lane.

The paper discusses how we achieved a transformation of our learning environment over five years and the key milestones we refer to as unlearnings. These unlearnings were learnt during the course of facilitating a range of workplace learning initiatives, namely, 23 Things; 23 Research Things; Innovations Forums; LEG Briefings; Lync Information Sessions; Library Staff Conversations; and ACU Library StaffShare. Resulting from our approach to an evolving workplace learning environment, colleagues have reported increased confidence in their use and application of emerging technologies for personal and professional purposes, motivation to return to formal tertiary study, benefits of multiple modes of mentoring, skills refresher opportunities, and the unifying affect of and effect on library staff as they up-skill and multi-skill together.

Learning from our unlearnings, we propose a reflective, transformative, bottom-up problem-solving approach to workplace learning in the Library context to bring about a change-ready library and information professional workforce. This paper will provide critical reflection on the broader context of the Library’s contribution to the knowledge economy by expanding on the notions of corporate memory and collective industry memory. These notions of memory, workplace learning and their vulnerability will be explored in the context of the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) workplace. Wherein there is robust bureaucracy and managerialism, alongside the amorphous and vulnerable memorisation of vital professional knowledge.

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.

This report, produced by ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) demonstrates how public libraries are supporting the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) agenda as centres of informal learning. It showcases what can be achieved through local government investment and public library staff skills and creativity.

It is based on presentations at the STEAM into Sydney Conference held at the State Library of New South Wales in March 2017 in conjunction with the mid-term meeting of the IFLA Standing Committee on Public Libraries. 

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. 

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. 

The fundamental principles according to which the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, is to be governed, as amended to 17 May 2017.

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.

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

The 2017/2018 edition of the ALIA LIS Education Handbook provides details of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) accredited courses run by higher education and VET providers across Australia. These courses provide newcomers with a gateway to their career and experienced professionals with opportunities for advancement. ALIA accreditation means that courses have passed rigorous assessment by senior leaders from the profession and it acts as a quality assurance for students seeking the best educational outcomes.

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

This conference paper discusses the challenges and opportunities for library and information professionals working in the GLAMR sector.

Libraries, archives and museums are merging in terms of management and often in terms of funding. Whilst this may be viewed as a negative merger by some information professionals, it is time to change this view and to see the convergence of the GLAMR sector as an opportunity for trained information professionals. Now is the time to view yourself not as a library technician or a library professional, but in terms of becoming an information professional with the skills, abilities and aptitude to work throughout the GLAMR sector and bridge the idealogical gap between all parts.

Explanatory statement for special resolutions 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 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. 

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

This paper (abstract) accompanied the keynote address at the conference on the changing role of libraries in knowledge management.

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

This conference paper identifies elements that need to be considered when creating a strategy to future-proof one’s LIS career. These elements include Experience, Networking, Attitude, Foresight, and ongoing, relevant Professional Development. Far from being something to fear, we feel that by embracing the enormous potential that lies before us, and taking steps to adapt and learn, library professionals can indeed flourish in a rapidly changing environment, and seize the enormous opportunity at hand. 

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.

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.

Minutes of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 29th Annual General Meeting held on 17 May 2017 at ALIA House, Canberra.

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.

This document provides a summary of how the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Australian special libraries serve clients in government, health, law, business, banking, consulting, research, science and technology, the arts, media and other industries by providing facts not fiction, decision-ready information, usable big data, tailored resources, 24/7 electronic delivery of information, a world view of cutting edge information theory and practice, access to the latest news, staff professional development, information and technology expertise, and preservation services.

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. 

ALIA Information Online 2017 Conference, 13-17 February 2017 Sydney: data information knowledge

Lunchtime Talk: Information Online wrap-up, April 2017

This report provides an overview of conference sessions which focus on enhancing the user experience and interaction with collecting institutions whether this is online, through public spaces, or through their collections.

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

This conference paper discusses initiatives to break down barriers among different age-groups in the community through collaborative programs.

Libraries have a unique strength within their communities, catering specifically to their local population as well as being of vital national importance. Through access to certain technologies, resources, and services, libraries contain an array of learning potentials. Coupling this with the patronage of a wide spectrum of demographics, a library has the capacity to improve a community's social cohesion. Of concern here are ways to improve the local digital literacy through partnerships between adults and youth. By utilising knowledge of the more technological savvy to teach those lacking such an understanding, libraries can assist others in engaging in an advancing, technologically dependent era.

The Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) is part of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and represents 94% of all public libraries across Australia.

This report was created in an interactive process in Victoria in 2017 where 12 library leaders participated in a conversation about how a united library field can tackle the challenges of the future.

This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) discusses copyright reform in Australia and recommended reform regarding fair use.

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.

In 2012, Australian libraries and library associations came together behind the National Year of Reading, linking together all the great things that are already happening around books, reading and literacy, and giving them an extra boost, with inspirational programs and events taking place across the country.

There were more than 4,000 events, $5.6 million in in-kind support, $26 million-worth of media coverage, much of it highlighting the fact that nearly half the population struggles without the literacy skills to meet the most basic demands of everyday life and work. There are 46% of Australians who can't read newspapers; follow a recipe; make sense of timetables, or understand the instructions on a medicine bottle.

Following on from the success of the campaign, the 15 founder partners decided to carry forward the Love2read brand into 2013, making the most of the momentum that had been created during the National Year of Reading. In 2017, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and book industry partners broadened the campaign into the Australian Reading Hour.

This is the fourth annual ALIA LIS education, skills and employment trend report. The report provides students, educators, employees and employers with an understanding of the national library and information science sector landscape.

The report shows that over five years from 2010-2015, there were fewer librarian, library technician and library assistant positions in the workforce. However, over the next five years there is expected to be a modest increase in the number of qualified positions available, but a decrease in the number of positions for staff without a library and information science qualification.

Statistics used in the report are derived from the Department of Education and Training, the Department of Employment and the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

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.