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

This conference paper discusses using Design Thinking (DT) as an innovative way to approach the issues that arise with varied and changing situations currently facing libraries. DT draws on discourse from a range of disciplines to provide a methodological framework for user-centred problem solving (Dorst, 2011).

It is the responsibility of the researcher and ALIA to ensure that any research funded by the Association meets national ethical guidelines.

This document outlines requirements to meet ethical standards when conducting library and information research.

Contents: Membership -- Meetings -- Activities -- Alignment with ALIA Strategic Plan -- Plans for the next year -- Concluding remarks.

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.

To raise awareness of the copyright law in Australia and lobby for change, FAIR (the campaign for Freedom of Access to Information and Resources) has announced Cooking for Copyright Day on Friday 31 July, using vintage Aussie recipes from unpublished letters, diaries and manuscripts for lamingtons, canteen biscuits and carrot marmalade to drive the copyright reform agenda.

This poster promotes Cooking for Copyright Day and ways to participate, sized to A3 dimensions.

To raise awareness of the copyright law in Australia and lobby for change, FAIR (the campaign for Freedom of Access to Information and Resources) has announced Cooking for Copyright Day on Friday 31 July, using vintage Aussie recipes from unpublished letters, diaries and manuscripts for lamingtons, canteen biscuits and carrot marmalade to drive the copyright reform agenda.

This poster promotes Cooking for Copyright Day and ways to participate, sized to A4 dimensions.

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

Contents: Australasian Cochrane Symposium -- Convenor's focus -- Rare Book Week at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons -- Award impetus for innovation: the first Advanced Australian EBP Librarians Institute -- MLA News -- INETDIN: improving nursing's access and engagement with electronic theses and dissertations -- Be connected in 2016: guide to joining ALIA HLA online community -- HLA Evidence Summary: Canadian university health science librarians and systematic reviews -- Great investment: how HLA works for you -- Professional development diary dates.

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

Abstract:

Libraries are frequently at the forefront of innovation and uniquely positioned to develop and deliver new technologies. This paper evaluates the benefits of one such innovation, digital badges. It will explore how badges can be applied in the library and higher education environment by examining the potential of badges to provide verified credentials to students for completing ‘soft skills’ programs, using a case study from the Australian National University. The paper will discuss the challenges involved in implementing a cohesive credential issuing system within a university and suggest areas for future investigation on digital credentials will be explored.

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

This conference paper discusses how the State Library of New South Wales has adopted the ATSILIRN protocols in its use of social media to engage with Indigenous communities and in sharing Indigenous material with the wider community. It provides case study examples of ways in which staff have built capacity and made informed decisions about utilising Indigenous content in social media. The paper aims to inspire others to deliver client services that incorporate the user needs of Indigenous people and communities.

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

This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) discusses the Digital Excellence program at the State Library of New South Wales.

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

Abstract:

Introduction: Established in 1978, CAVAL is a not-for-profit consortium of eleven Australian academic libraries, offering a range of specialised products and services for the benefit of its members and for other libraries in the region. The CAVAL Reciprocal Borrowing Program, enabling higher education staff and students a simple and effective means of borrowing from the print collections of all participating libraries on a walk-in basis, has been coordinated by CAVAL for over 35 years. In addition, from its Melbourne base, CAVAL administers the purpose-built CARM (CAVAL Archival and Research Material) storage facility, preserving and providing access to over a million research volumes deposited into the CAVAL Shared Collection by member libraries, for the benefit of future generations of scholars.

Method: In recent years, the number of physical loans transacted between libraries in the Reciprocal Borrowing Program has declined, commensurate with similar declines in lending from their own collections, and partly due to new services such as the BONUS+ request and delivery service. Although these trends are expected to continue, it is anticipated that an ongoing need for physical books will continue in a reduced “long tail” manner. Libraries are buying less and less print, but a portion - particularly in some specific disciplines - remains available in print only. Additionally, as university libraries face continuing budget challenges, services and solutions which optimize access to print collections are needed to improve the cost-effectiveness of both past and ongoing investment in print resources. The use of sophisticated search and discovery systems can enable technical interoperability between disparate library systems to provide un-mediated identification and delivery of materials, and to promote their use in a collaborative resource sharing environment. In response to changes in the use of print both within and between academic libraries, CAVAL has initiated a pilot implementation of the Relais D2D (Discovery to Delivery) software, involving three of its member libraries, and incorporating access to the CAVAL Shared Collection. The pilot system offers un-mediated discovery and request from the collections of the participating libraries and delivery of physical print resources to eligible users via their home libraries. Similar to the service offered by some Australian libraries through the BONUS+ consortium, the Relais D2D software is operational at a number of large US library networks, including Uborrow and BorrowDirect. However, the D2D software is not based primarily on the use of a common library management system, but instead utilizes the NCIP protocol to enable interoperability between different library systems.

Results: This paper will describe the aims, implementation and outcomes of the CAVAL D2D pilot, from the experience and perspective of both CAVAL and the participating libraries. The paper will review the pilot process, its strengths and weaknesses, and examine the outcomes in terms of enhanced access to print materials and the potential benefits for both the libraries and their users.

Conclusion: The paper will conclude with a consideration of the pilot outcomes in the context of the changing landscape of the sharing of print resources between academic libraries, and will look at how discovery and request systems might not only displace traditional co-operative lending programs but also create potential for new service models and partnerships.

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

This conference paper discusses the challenges involved in making big data accessible. The authors ask: How could we take the hundreds of thousands of program descriptions from the RN website and make them available to Trove users in a meaningful way – so they can discover the one little record in that big data set that is of relevance to them? How do we help digital historians find the answers, before they know what the question is? There are many more collections like that of RN – trusted, completely online and highly valued. This is one example of thinking beyond the edge of our system and the huge benefits it brought.

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.

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

Abstract:

In 2013, the University of Sydney Library invited Anne Melles and Yasmin Moore from Monash University Library to deliver a workshop on Design Thinking (DT) and its applicability to the academic library setting. DT draws on a diverse range of disciplines to provide a methodological framework for user-centred problem-solving. Following the workshop, a small group was formed to investigate the way in which users move through various spaces within the library (physical and virtual), and to track their experience, broadly described as ‘wayfinding’. Primary aims of the Wayfinding group were to:

A. Experiment with DT as a way of identifying user needs and propose user-driven solutions in relation to wayfinding, and

B. Develop tools and processes to help colleagues look at user behaviour from a fresh perspective.

The group conducted a series of surveys to find out what ‘wayfinding’ meant to library staff. This produced a working definition that guided later activities. A literature scan uncovered methods for uncovering user requirements (McGinn & Kotamraju, 2008; McQuaid, Goel, & McManus, 2003; Vyas, De Groot, & Van Der Veer, 2006). These methods included developing personas which are rich descriptions of users that allow ‘designers’ to step outside their own knowledge domain and see a situation from the user’s point of view. Personas were developed utilising several streams of data, including the University’s statistical reports, the recently completed University of Sydney Library Client Survey 2013 (Insync Survey),1 and focused observation of library users. Further analysis of the Insync Survey data guided the creation of ‘scenarios’ in which users attempt to 'find their way' to complete a task. Personas and scenarios were then brought together to create rich narratives of user journeys through library space. Common themes and issues were then extrapolated from these narratives.

In applying DT principles to wayfinding, the Wayfinding group was able to propose more intuitive services grounded in the user experience. The Wayfinding group shared insights with other library project groups, helping colleagues to employ DT in the development of their projects. One instance of such collaboration informed the composition and placement of touchscreens to enhance user navigation in the library.

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

Contents: Steps to successful searching -- HLA Professional Development Day -- Convenor's focus -- What type of review? -- Peer review of electronic search strategies (PRESS) -- HLA/Medical Director Health Informatics Innovation Award winners -- Certified Professional Health Specialisation: ALIA (CP Health) -- MLA update -- Member spotlight: Sarah Hayman -- Missing HLA information: can you help? -- HLA Evidence Summary: effects of librarian-provided services in healthcare settings.

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

In 2014 the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) recommended the introduction of an American-style fair use, an architecture of non category-based permissible exceptions to the exclusive rights of copyright owners. The conference presentation discusses the ALRC report and possible futures for Australian copyright law.

Copyright in Australia generally lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. However for unpublished works copyright is perpetual – copyright never expires. 

The document discusses the problem for copyright and proposed solutions.

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.

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

Contents: Encouraging the use of ebooks in hospital libraries -- Convenor's focus -- Gratisnet update -- Essentials of Health Librarianship: online course now available -- Book review -- HLA Evidence Summary: 10 online evidence based medical texts -- Member spotlight: Catherine Voutier -- HLA Evidence Summary: factors affecting successful collaboration in interdisciplinary research -- Smart Searching: call for feedback.

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

Abstract:

Using one subject class as a case study, this presentation will discuss the value of innovation in constructively aligning the teaching of information literacy skills into a subject in terms of student engagement and outcomes. In the context of reimagining an existing subject, the library lecture was completely redeveloped. The results of the first assessment, an annotated bibliography, showed that all students found relevant scholarly resources and all passed.

The foundation BA subject has been taught for 4 years with lectures video conferenced across 2 campuses in a traditional format of 2 hour lectures and a 1 hour tutorial. Library staff taught a 1 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial. The format changed to a 1 hour lecture followed by a 1 hour lectorial focused on skill building and assessment – a blended leture room; and a 1 hour tutorial focused on discussing the lecture content.

The teachers requested a lecture demonstrating specific skills. They requested and participated in a practice run of the class. The library lecture and resources demonstrated, set the foundation for the following lectorial. Students were engaged and actively participated in tasks and demonstrated sound understanding of information literacy concepts demonstrated in the lecture in terms of credibility, authority, audience, bias and usefulness.

The redeveloped library lecture took about 40 hours to prepare. This included the development of a detailed run sheet and an assessment question analysed using a People, Events and other Considerations (PEC) methodology. A themed 13 slide PowerPoint presentation used to conclude the lecture was also prepared.

At all times the process was a true collaboration between library and teaching staff. Student outcomes were at the centre of planning. The teaching staff, were integral to developing an effective library lecture which was constructively aligned with assessment questions and assessment tasks. The library in class time commitment for the subject was reduced from 7 hours to just 3 hours making this innovation in learning support more sustainable.

The reimagined library lecture was made possible by a willingness to accept constructive criticism; a willingness to work at the edge of comfort zones; a willingness to devote a large amount of time at a very busy time of year; and a willingness to take risks. As Librarians we need to embrace new ideas and practices to facilitate emerging teaching methodologies.

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

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.

Document presents information regarding TAFE library budgets in New South Wales, including the need for further funding based on learning outcomes and principles of equity and social justice.

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger

This conference presentation discusses how the Memorial’s major digitisation, data and web development project ANZAC Connections, launched in December 2013, brings historic documents from the Memorial’s archive to all Australians and has delivered an appropriate platform to integrate and make available a substantial collection of rich data that exists from a variety of sources.

The 2014/15 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.

ALIA responded to the Inquiry into the role of Technical and Further Education system and its operation, with the aim of: (1) encouraging acknowledgement of the important role of Australian TAFE libraries in supporting VET students, and (2) explaining the importance of a VET entry point for library and information professionals.

National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger

ALIA National Conference provides the platform as a meeting point for all Library and Information professionals, from all sectors and all areas of Australia and the international community. 

Australian Library and Information Association is responding to the Early Childhood Learning element of the Productivity Commission Issues Paper, with the aim of: securing explicit acknowledgement of the role of Australian public libraries in early childhood development in the final report to Government (31 October 2014), and encouraging discussion to identify further opportunities for the national network of 1500 public libraries to be used by federal, state and local government to support early childhood learning provision.

The Australian Library and Information Association's submission in response to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) Higher Education Standards Panel call for comment.

Ten themes emerged from our consultation relating specifically to special libraries, including government, law, health, corporate, engineering, science, art and others. 1. Radical transformation. 2. Value proposition. 3. DIY information. 4. Ready to use. 5. A seat at the top table. 6. Centralise and embed. 7. Big data. 8. Digitisation. 9. Subject specialisation. 10. Space.