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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

The symposium will provide an opportunity for library technicians from around Australia to meet together in the formal setting of a structured program, to hear prominent members of the profession, as well as their peers, speak and debate contemporary issues relating to the profession, professionalism and library work in general. In addition, there will be many opportunities for networking including the symposium dinner, opening and closing events and daily breaks as well as the opportunity for networking at the ad hoc gatherings that this event supports and encourages.

This survey was conducted in 2017 to elicite views on how a united library field can tackle the challenges of the future.

This document outlines the Australian Library and Information Association's position on ebooks and elending. It includes ALIA's values, goals and objectives and guiding principles for ebooks and elending. ALIA's overaching principles and operational principles are also stated.

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

This conference paper discusses how library technicians and their IT colleagues can work collaboratively to the benefit of staff, the organisation and most importantly, library patrons. 

Information technology is vital to ensuring the smooth running of all library systems and services. However many libraries face challenges with IT staff to implement new projects and provide a responsive service to library patrons. Improved interpersonal relationships between library staff and information technology workers achieve positive outcomes for library patrons and the organisation as a whole. This issue is important for library technicians in particular, as they often have increased contact with IT staff through the nature of their roles. This paper will recommend measures that establish a good foundation for library technicians to successfully collaborate with IT. 

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.

Letter from ALIA President, Vicki McDonald, to members of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) highlighting recent activities and initiatives.

Letter from ALIA President, Vicki McDonald, to members of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) highlighting recent activities and initiatives.

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

This conference paper discusses the implementation of electronic legal deposit at the National Library of Australia.

Abstract: In February 2016 the legal deposit provisions in Australia’s Copyright Act were expanded to include digital publications and the public .au web domain. The result of twenty years of advocacy, the new provisions marks a dramatic shift in how Australia collects, preserves and makes accessible the full online publishing landscape.

Legal deposit has been at the core of the National Library’s collections and services since it was introduced in Australia in 1912. It remains the most important mechanism by which national and state libraries can preserve the published record of their countries or states. But since the emergence of electronic publishing in the 1980s and online publishing in the 1990s, the Australian legal deposit scheme has been only performing half its role.

This paper will demonstrate the transformational innovation employed at the National Library to apply this legislative intent in a digital world. It will describe our collaboration with major Australian book and serial publishers as well as the small and independent publishing sectors to build the innovative edeposit service for books, serials, music scores and maps and develop bulk deposit for the ingest of large publishing outputs and metadata sets.

It will outline the redevelopment of our digital library infrastructure from digital object storage through digital collection management and preservation systems, the automation of publisher data and access agreements into the catalogue and delivery of digital publications in the reading rooms and Trove.

It will examine how large-scale technological redevelopment has synthesised with stakeholder consultation, digital upskilling of staff and multi-modal communication to create a contemporary streamlined deposit platform, a publisher-driven model of collecting and an overhaul of how the traditional library service is perceived by the publishing sector and Australian public.

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

[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.

This Code of Conduct has been drawn up with regard to the responsibility entrusted to the elected members of the Australian Library and Information Association's (ALIA’s) Board of Directors. It outlines fundamental principles to guide the Board to act in a way that is fair, ethical and beneficial for ALIA and its members. Every member of the Board of Directors is expected to comply with the spirit and letter of this code.

The Code of Conduct was endorsed at ALIA Board meeting on 3 July 2017 and will be reviewed every four years.

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.

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

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. 

Contents: Membership -- Meetings -- Summary of main activities -- Brief comments about how this work has aligned with the ALIA Strategic Plan -- Forward plans -- Summary of the sector/topic.

Australian Libraries Copyright Committee (ALCC) and the Australian Digital Alliance (ADA) joint submission on the Copyright Regulations 2017 responds to questions set out in the consultation paper and provides additional suggestions for small changes to the regulations. Issues raised relate to unpublished works, the safe harbour scheme, technological protection measures (TPM), fair dealings for students and researchers, regulations governing photocopier notices, and document delivery and interlibrary loan provisions.

This report was created following a meeting of eight staff of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) in Canberra who participated in a conversation about how a united library field can tackle the challenges of the future. Together we represent 395 years of library experience, as all of us have been library users from an early age.

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.

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

Australian Library Design Awards and Conference, 19 June 2017 Melbourne

This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) discusses global trends in library design.

The Australian Library Design Awards have been created to showcase the best in contemporary library interiors and exteriors in Australia, and to celebrate the investment in libraries made by our nation's institutions, corporations, local, state and territory governments. They have been developed in the context of other competitions internationally, including the American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Building Awards and the Danish Agency for Culture Model Programme for Public Libraries Public Library of the Year Award. The entries, shortlisted and winning designs provide case studies in excellent library design for the 21st Century. 

The awards are organised by the Australian Library and Information Association in partnership with the Australian Public Library Alliance and Council of Australian University Librarians. The organising committee includes senior library leaders from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, acting on behalf of colleagues nationally. More than 30 libraries were entered for the inaugural Australian Library Design Awards 2017. Public, school, academic and special libraries all featured in the entries, and there was a special award for the library voted for by ALIA Members.

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

In 2013, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) set out to investigate (1) How will libraries remain relevant for users? (2) What changes will institutions and individuals in the sector experience? (3) Will ‘library and information professional’ continue to be a necessary and desirable occupation? Three years on, we have reviewed the themes, actions and what we have learned since the original investigation. This is the May 2017 update of the Future of the LIS Profession: Library and Information Professionals report.

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 report, produced by Dr Katherine Howard and commissioned by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), is based on desk research carried out over the period of November 2016 to February 2017. It followed on from the Special Libraries Summit, held on 2 September, in Adelaide, alongside the ALIA National Conference.

The report is structured as follows: a recap on what we already know that special librarians do now, through literature reviews, projects and commissioned research, and how this role may be extended. Secondly, the report identifies competitors in the marketplace in terms of both job classifications and information providers, with areas of overlap between them and the librarian role highlighted. This in turn identifies the unique selling points (USPs) of the librarian in the Special Library domain.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is supporting the Chief Scientist's Storytime Pledge, launched on 14 December 2017, asking people to read a book to a child this holiday season.

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 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 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.

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.