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The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is a signatory on a letter to the Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Mitch Fifield, expressing strong support for the Productivity Commission's recommendation that Australia should introduce a fair use exception into the Copyright Act 1968.

The letter is signed by 47 stakeholders who believe a fair use exception is a critical reform to ensure that the Australian economy is best placed for a strong digital future.

The benefits that fair use reform would provide for libraries, and other cultural institutions, are significant. The reform would allow them to open up collections and digitise historical works where copyright owners cannot be found. Australians could take advantage of this cultural heritage to use these work in projects from family histories to memes.

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

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

Special resolutions to amend the ALIA Constitution.

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

The ALIA Information Online Conference has been held since 1990 and attracts over one thousand influential professionals from all sectors of the library industry. The conference gives access to key library and information service professionals from Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, and beyond. The 2017 Conference will be an opportunity to connect over common interests, challenge each other, and engage with some of the most creative and exciting thinkers and innovators from our industry.

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.

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

This conference paper discusses the collaboration between libraries and other collecting institutions through the development of shared services and technical infrastructure.

Abstract: The National Library of Australia leads the library sector through providing national collaborative services such as Libraries Australia and Trove, and by collecting and preserving print and online legal deposit material on behalf of the nation for long-term access. In partnership with others, the Library has also digitised an unprecedented quantity of historical newspapers, transforming the way historical enquiry can be undertaken. The success of these activities and the rapidly changing nature of the economic, social and technological context in which we operate has triggered the need for the Library to re-examine its national leadership role and the unique value it can deliver, the long-term sustainability of these services for the nation, especially as new legal deposit legislation will expand legal deposit collecting to all digital and online material, and the potential for building on existing collaborative relationships within particular sectors and with the wider community.

Between November 2015 and June 2016 the National Library embarked on a project to review existing digital services and collaborations, re-examine the value propositions offered by the Library and develop new coherent business and governance models for its digital business. A web-based literature review completed in March 2016 revealed that despite some significant work overseas, there was very little evidence that similar research and business thinking has been undertaken in Australia. In April 2016, Deloitte Australia was engaged to assist with developing a framework under which to establish business and governance models that will guide the long-term development paths for the Library’s digital services. Deloitte submitted its report Digital Services Business Model and Governance Review in June 2016.

In October 2016, the National Library established a small project team to build on the recommendations of the Deloitte report. This work is well underway, with a new membership agreement, fee structure, governance framework and implementation plan expected to be in place by June 2017. The new model will strengthen the influence of contributing partners, provide a formal mechanism for member input into future development planning and better guarantee the long-term viability of our shared investment. The paper outlines the long history of library collaboration and the benefits to be gained by extending this collaborative approach to how we manage our digital collections.

With the support of National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) and other key partners, the National Library is developing new digital business models from which to nurture a new phase of close collaboration with the cultural sector. This collaboration aims at delivering value and efficiencies to all partners by sharing services and technical infrastructure. In this current era of digital publishing and technology-driven disruption, closer collaboration leveraging the capacities of all partners will ensure long-term sustainability of national services.

This form is no longer in use. Please contact education@alia.org.au for further information.

A form provided for an Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) accredited institution or registered training organisation (RTO) which wishes to apply to amend a course that is currently accredited.

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 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.

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

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 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

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.

Relevance 2020 was a joint initiative of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Charles Sturt University (CSU) to consider the need for further development of library and information science (LIS) research infrastructure in Australia to address gaps in LIS knowledge.

This report provides the results of six LIS research events in Australian capital cities in late 2016 that had the main purpose of connecting academics, researchers and practitioners in order to help align future research projects and activities in the Australian LIS profession.

This report summarises the content and outcomes of the consultations, providing an overview of the six events, a list of priority research areas, and recommendations for building a richer research culture in the Australian LIS field.

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

[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 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

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.

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

This conference paper discusses how digital humanities mapping tools can be effectively used to collate and present library collections and links to related content via an interactive map. 

Abstract: Taking a geohumanities approach to telling the story of Geoscience Australia and its predecessor organisations’ involvement in the geographical place names of Antarctica, an interactive web map was created to complement a written article. The map showcased related digital items from the library’s collection, Geoscience Australia’s image database, as well as links to the Australian Antarctic place names Gazetteer. Over 110 Antarctic geographical features were identified as being named for former employees of Geoscience Australia and its predecessor organisations. Using the free online mapping tool ESRI Story Maps, pins were placed on an Antarctic map to show the location of each geographical feature. Pop up boxes were then created containing basic information such as latitude and longitude, a brief biography of the former employee and a link to the full Antarctic Gazetteer entry. Where possible, links to the digitised full text copies of the scientist’s Antarctic Reports, Records and Bulletins from the library’s collection, as well as photographs from Geoscience Australia’s image database were included.

The written article “Geoscience Australia’s Antarctic heroes” was published in Geoscience Australia’s online newsletter insights with a link to the accompanying Story Map. The map has been viewed over 600 times and has successfully linked related information which was previously unconnected. Anecdotal feedback from users indicated that they found the map to be an easy access point to discover the Antarctic collection without having to interact with a text based catalogue search screen. The interactive Antarctic map allowed connections to be made in an easily accessible and visual manner between items in the library’s collection as well as to other collections within Geoscience Australia and the broader Antarctic community. This map has led to a digitisation and crowdsourcing transcription project of Geoscience Australia’s Antarctic field notebooks to enable the future linking of related library resources and to increase online access to our Antarctic collection.

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

This conference paper discusses a project facilitated by the UTS Library to introduce online learning modules.

Abstract: In March 2016 UTS Library launched a series of online learning modules called HeadsUp, which was the culmination of a year of intensive work by librarians in the Information Services Department in collaboration with support and academic staff in the University. HeadsUp is a series of nine modules which are made up of short animations, screencasts and quizzes intended for students’ individual learning, as well as a tool academics can use for students’ formative learning. They cover a variety of academic literacies and study skills relevant to first year students. Rather than hiring someone external to make these modules, we decided to take a more ambitious DIY approach.

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

This conference paper 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. 

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.

Public libraries are highly regarded institutions and leaders in the community, with significant influence on local government. The purpose of this report is to support leaders in the Victorian library sector to leverage their relationship with local government and policy makers; and to share their stories and contribute to federal reporting on the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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

This conference paper discusses new methods of information dissemination to encourage engagement with content.

Abstract: In the minds of many, dense text and limited photos equals boring - yet numerous libraries and content providers use this format to present the valuable information that is burrowed away in their databases and catalogues. Innovative new methods of information dissemination are required to pique public interest, capture attention, and enticing people to engage with content. Digital humanities tools can make content go from zero to hero, just by changing the aesthetic.

The Find & Connect web resource (Commonwealth of Australia, 2011-2017) is a government-funded initiative, which provides information for individuals raised in Australian out-of-home care from the beginning of the last century. Anecdotal feedback, and formal usability testing, regarding the site suggested it relied too heavily on text to deliver the content. To alter this perception, the pre-existing plain text hyperlinked timeline was transformed into a visually engaging and interactive experience for the user - using TimelineJS software by Knight Lab (Northwestern University, 2015). The new format brings together otherwise disperse content into an easily navigable, intuitive interface.

Modifying the timeline code template to create a well-referenced robust tool, that was also visually appealing, was not always simple and required the resolution of several broader issues. A fundamental shift in the design process involved moving away from the Google Spreadsheet provided, and into JSON files. In addition, the hosting of the timeline was relocated to internal servers to remove the reliance on external providers.

Large images, limited text, and interaction are three points of variation of the newly created timeline on the Find & Connect web resource. Initial feedback suggests this timeline version vastly improves user experience. The new timeline engages the user, encourages exploration of the content on the site, and showcases certain elements of the collection reviving a story that was otherwise lost and forgotten.

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

Abstract:

Introduction and Context:

The University of Sydney Library launched the inaugural ThinkSpace in early 2016. By attending this presentation you will be taken on a journey from dead space to ThinkSpace, outlining the strategic thinking, challenges and successes in prototyping this new concept.

The Challenge:

The University of Sydney Library inherited an area above one of our main libraries that came with issues such as size and the location. We have been able to turn these challenges into an opportunity to maximise the utilisation of the space so that it aligns with the strategic objectives of both the Library and University in helping to future proof the Library in a fun and exciting way.

The Solution:

In line with current thinking on future academic library trends we knew that makerspaces were on the short term horizon as an emerging trend (Johnson, Adams Becker, Estrada, & Freeman, 2015). After reviewing existing makerspaces in public libraries we decided to establish a slightly different model that provided more opportunity to experiment and collaborate with the ultimate goal of driving innovation.

The library had also spent some time rethinking our strategy in order to better position ourselves to contribute to University-wide institutional goals (University of Sydney, 2016) and to our profession as a whole. Two of the main pillars of the Library’s strategic plan are to “Provide a thinkspace” and “Facilitate collaboration & creation” (University of Sydney Library, 2016). We decided to create a hybrid makerspace that combined these two objectives and “ThinkSpace” was born.

The Concept: ThinkSpace;

1. Introduces people to new and existing technologies and ideas they may not have experimented with before in order to support innovation,

2. Facilitates collaborative opportunities between disciplines,

3. Acts as a showcase for experimental design.

The space has a 3D printer, 3D scanner, high end Mac computers equipped with Adobe Design Suite and drawing pads, a BB8 programmable droid, Google cardboard VR viewer and a Carvey tabletop 3D carving machine. In development is a small one button recording studio.

Results:

ThinkSpace is a new and growing initiative aimed at inspiring and encouraging creativity. The space is still growing but already we have garnered the interest of many students, student clubs and academics alike. Students are excited about the space and using play and experimentation as a way to learn and share knowledge.

We’ll share insights from attendance at workshops as well as some of the fabulous things we’ve created along the way.

The Library has taken an unloved, underutilised space and turned it into a vibrant ThinkSpace to help future-proof the library in a fun, creative and collaborative way, so come along and be inspired!

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

This poster presentation discusses the Griffith University trial of eText resources as well as future licensing, cost and access models.

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

This conference paper discusses establishing a successful Business Studio at State Library of Queensland (SLQ ) that can be adapted to use within Queensland Public Libraries.

Abstract: In 2014 research for SLQ 2020 identified strong interest within the Queensland community for State Library of Queensland (SLQ) to make available a centre of excellence for new entrepreneurs and innovators. The research outcome aligned strongly with the State government Advance Queensland initiative. Queensland is boosting our entrepreneurial culture by improving access to finance, new business opportunities, and management support for startups and small to medium enterprises. Brisbane City Council also declared a strategic intent of developing Brisbane as the Start-Up capital of the world.

From this background emerged SLQ's transformational innovation - our very own Minimum Viable Product - SLQ Business Studio.

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

[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.