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ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.

This conference paper details how SLQ has endeavoured to make registration and account management easier for clients and staff. Our new membership model, launched late January 2015, has challenged us to remove barriers by implementing a user-centric approach. This involved simplifying services offers across the whole library, iteratively designing a seamless and unmediated membership package. The final product makes registration, access and engagement with our systems and services easier, more convenient and personalised for our members.

Abstract:

Public libraries today face the challenge of educating and bridging the knowledge gaps of those patrons in their communities who have limited experience with information technology, and few related skills. Connecting people with information, fostering digital skills in the community, and enabling participation in online environments have become core functions of the library. These functions, which are lacking in other public and private spaces, are increasingly relied upon by library users to socialise, develop themselves and conduct their business.

A lack of basic IT skills and familiarities can result in frustration, depression and feelings of helplessness with respect to the use of computers. At Cambridge Library, the Digital Services Team (two library technicians and me) first provided small group classes teaching library clients basic computer skills. On review it became apparent that the students attending had such diverse needs that a group teaching program was no longer the most effective option. To provide a better service to library clients, we developed a specialised IT teaching program in which we tailor one on one classes to each individual's needs.

My paper will outline why these tailored IT teaching classes can be the best option for community libraries, the strategies our team used to research, structure and implement our teaching program, and how the team manages and resources the program on a day-to-day basis. The paper will provide a model, or blueprint for the design and implementation of such a program in other public libraries.

Abstract:

Just when you thought you had your cataloguing standards all under control, there’s a new development lurking in the wings … BIBFRAME.

Two years ago, the cataloguing community embraced Resource Description and Access (RDA) as a new cataloguing standard. The dust is settling, workflows have evolved to accommodate RDA standards; Machine Readable Cataloguing (MARC) has been adapted to carry RDA data and library management systems have been updated.

Meanwhile, the Library of Congress has been working on the Bibliographic Framework Initiative, BIBFRAME. BIBFRAME is being developed to replace MARC as the standard to represent and exchange bibliographic data in the digital information environment. In conjunction with RDA, BIBFRAME will ensure that bibliographic data is able to integrate with and engage in the wider information community.

This paper will raise awareness of BIBFRAME, explaining its underpinning concepts and explore the benefits and implications for resource discovery systems and standards. BIBFRAME is still under development, but it up to everyone who is interested in resource discovery to be aware of what is happening. By being informed, all information workers can be a part of the evolving cataloguing and information discovery landscape.

Abstract:

“Maybe libraries need to employ marketers #alialibtech13”

This paper will address a tweet posted on 30 October 2013 which drew a range of responses (both on and offline) about the place of marketing in libraries. It will provide a brief overview of key concepts of services marketing as they apply to the library and hospitality sectors. A variety of operational models will be considered with attention to the University of Tasmania (UTAS) model of calling for expressions of interest from all levels of the library. The author will draw on experiences in this and other industries to demonstrate surprising similarities between a Tasmanian vineyard and an academic library.

It certainly is a devil of a time in libraries! Over the last three decades the rapid advancement of Internet Communication Technologies (ICT) has radically transformed the way we live, work, play, communicate, think and learn. These changes have impacted greatly on libraries, threatening the traditional concept of the library. Libraries face a myriad of challenges in an ongoing quest to meet the incessantly changing learning and social needs of their communities.

In order to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced, information driven world, of which people are time-poor and source instant gratification, library and information services need to engage library users in both physical and online spaces. How do we ‘wow’ customers and attract new clients?

In a library career spanning 15 years, passion, dedication and enthusiasm have been my key to achievement and success. My passion for my work and libraries has taken me on an incredible professional journey. This paper shares that journey - the highlights, the challenges and those serendipity moments.

It may be a devil of a time in libraries, however, it is professional passion that drives results in engaging library users, connecting communities and making a difference. Passionate library staff and engaged users is a win-win situation for 21st century libraries.

ALIA Asia Pacific Special Interest Group (ALIA APSIG) was a national group that aimed to lead efforts in identifying new sources of support for the development between information professionals in the region, through two-way co-operation. It also aimed to provide a forum for members to discuss regional professional issues and to communicate these to the appropriate forum; hosts public talks relating to relevant issues; and produce a membership newsletter three times per year.

ALIA Asia Pacific Special Interest Group (ALIA APSIG) was a national group that aimed to lead efforts in identifying new sources of support for the development between information professionals in the region, through two-way co-operation. It also aimed to provide a forum for members to discuss regional professional issues and to communicate these to the appropriate forum; hosts public talks relating to relevant issues; and produce a membership newsletter three times per year.

ALIA Asia Pacific Special Interest Group (ALIA APSIG) was a national group that aimed to lead efforts in identifying new sources of support for the development between information professionals in the region, through two-way co-operation. It also aimed to provide a forum for members to discuss regional professional issues and to communicate these to the appropriate forum; hosts public talks relating to relevant issues; and produce a membership newsletter three times per year.

ALIA supports the development of a new model for minimising broadband data transmission costs for public information accessed through public institutions such as libraries and for non-commercial purposes.

It was also noted that there is a need for assistance from public library staff for users of electronic services, both for accessing government information and for everyday online tasks.

This report is a snapshot of the ebook situation in Australian public libraries in January 2013, May 2014 and May 2015, created by the ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance.

In support of the Australian book industry, the Australian Library and Information Association welcomes the extension of GST to ebooks and related digital products for consumers. However, we would have concerns if any future amendment were to propose an extension to businesses.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Minimum Standard Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners provide guidance on the establishment, operation, and evaluation of library services to prisoners in Australia.

The Reading Hour is one of the most celebrated annual reading initiatives in Australia, and supports individuals, families and communities to discover and rediscover the joy of reading. The Reading Hour emerged from the National Year of Reading 2012, and is an ongoing campaign from Love2Read, funded by the ALIA Australian Public Library Alliance and in partnership with the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

In order to maximise the potential of libraries to support the international student experience, on campus and remotely, funding must be made available for the very latest resources and we ask the Australian Government to recognise this in its final report detailing the national strategy for international education.

ALIA would like Australian Standards to be freely available through libraries to the citizens who have effectively funded their development, and we hope this Inquiry will be able to identify measures that will indeed improve public access.

ALIA welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to online safety for children but we are concerned that creating a new position may not achieve as much as investing in existing programs and activities.

Contents: About ALIA -- President's report -- Chief Executive Officer's report -- How we performed against the ALIA Board's strategic plan -- The review of the ALIA constitution -- Our membership -- National advocacy campaigns -- Conferences and events -- Education, professional development and training -- Awards -- ALIA House property and IT -- Communication channels -- Financial statements.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge.

The national network of university librarians and their interactions with colleagues in research, government, law, health and corporate libraries provides an opportunity to support data access, information sharing and collaboration across all sectors.

This degree of connection between library and information professionals enhances their already valued contribution to the research agenda in universities. 

Over the last 20 years, public libraries have increased their role in the digital space, enhancing people’s online experiences, helping people connect to this new virtual world, and providing a safety net for those who are in danger of being left behind.

Minutes of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 27th Annual General Meeting held on 20 May 2015 at ALIA House, Canberra.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February 2015, Sydney: at the edge

Abstract:

The International Librarians Network (ILN) began as a way to help librarians develop an international professional network without having to travel overseas. Focusing on openness and relying entirely on freely available technology and volunteer time, the program was designed to reinforce the idea that ideas can cross borders and make us better at what we do. The ILN launched in 2013, free and open to anyone in the profession, and has facilitated connections for over 1500 people in 103 countries.

Unfunded and completely independent, the ILN was established using a suite of freely available technology to create and maintain an online profile. This included Gmail, Google Drive, Google Forms, Dropbox, Wordpress, Twitter, Facebook and AnyMeeting. In the development stage of the program these tools were sufficient, and their ease of use allowed the ILN founders to focus on the content and rapid development of the program, rather than requiring advanced technical skills. Combined with a network of volunteers, the ILN was able to have a positive impact on librarians around the world.

By early 2014, with the rapid growth of the program, the no-cost model that had served the ILN well started to hinder the growth of the program. As additional time was being spent to find and implement work-arounds to technical limitations, the ILN realised that free was no longer enough. The program needed to move beyond the limitation of free web-based tools and an informal business structure, but there was still no budget to do so. Early efforts to identify pathways forward were hampered by financial restrictions, a lack of transparency by service providers, and a confusing abundance of small scale commercial providers of services.

This paper will outline how the ILN used freely available technology to establish and grow, and what was achieved from this base. The paper will then explore the steps the ILN took to identify planning and development strategies for small organisations and projects that need to ‘do more with less’. It will pragmatically explore the limitations of ‘free’ and what to do when free is not enough, and show the role that small-scale strategic planning can play in helping small organisations or projects manage growth in a scalable and sustainable way.

ALIA HLA professional development day, held 9 July 2015 at Queensland University of Technology. Featuring presentations addressing:

• Smart Searching: Search Filters and Expert Topic Searches.
• PubMed Train the Trainer.
• Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Health Librarians.
• Research Data Management for Health Services Librarians.

ALIA Universities and Research Libraries (URLs) ACT and Australian Government Libraries Information Network (AGLIN) ACT Seminar, 9 September 2015 Canberra: change, challenges and opportunities - recasting your library skills

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 presentation investigates the future skills and competencies required by health librarians.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is committed to promoting and encouraging a research culture and research practice amongst library and information professionals in order to improve theory and practice.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) conducts, commissions and contracts, supports, encourages and promotes research to move library and information services profession and industry forward.

This summary for the library and information sector, including GST on digital products; public service; arts; communications; education; health; infrastructure and regional development; Prime Minister and Cabinet.

ALIA Schools Professional Development Seminar, 21 March 2015: Be the change - promoting your school library

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) supports the session from Yarra Plenty Regional Library on their approach to managing change.

ALIA Schools Professional Development Seminar, 21 March 2015: Be the change - promoting your school library

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) supports the session from Westbourne Grammar School on their approach to managing change.

ALIA Information Online 2015 Conference, 2-5 February Sydney: at the edge

This conference paper discusses the future library trends outlined in the 2014 NMC Academic Library Horizon Trends report and how they apply to Australian academic libraries.