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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.

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

Abstract:

Contemporary scholarly environments are subject to shifting technological, governmental, educational and legal drivers. There are new scholarly knowledge streams replacing traditional academic products - both outputs (publishing) and inputs (resources). The concept of a University Press is not new, however library-based electronic publishing is gaining momentum. There is a trend to link existing library skills and systems with institutional imperatives of deepening engagement and impact through curation and promotion of the work of their scholars and researchers. The barriers to entry in the electronic publishing market continue to drop and increasingly, the push for open access scholarship encourages Universities to offer publishing services.

The Griffith University ePress was established in 2009 to publish open access, peer-reviewed journals. In 2014, the ePress published five active titles, all of which have editors affiliated with the University. Resourcing is provided by the Division of Information Services (of which the library is a part). The aim of establishing the ePress was to increase open access to research findings and better serve scholars in research assessment exercises, especially in emerging disciplines. The time has come to gather the evidence: Has the Griffith University ePress met its aims? Can we quantify the value of the ePress? Is it sustainable? The business model relies heavily on being subsidised through existing library budget and staffing and service structures. What are the real economic and resource costs of the service? Are there emerging options and solutions that need to be considered? Can economies of scale be achieved?

A case study of the Griffith University ePress is used to determine contribution to institutional performance in the national research assessment exercise. The case study also establishes the total cost of ownership for the ePress; derives a per-unit cost to analyse the impact of scale; and compares the service cost with alternative library-based services: funding article processing charges and traditional journal subscriptions. While library as publisher would seem a good fit, evidence-based analysis is required to ensure the provision of a digital publishing service which is economically worthwhile, sustainable and adding value.

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

Abstract:

Introduction:

The James Cook University Library is heavily invested in online resources. In the 2012 Client Satisfaction Survey, a substantial number of respondents stated that they wanted to learn more about accessing databases, ejournals, and ebooks. There was a clear need to provide flexible delivery of training beyond the face-to-face sessions offered on campus. With three campuses across two countries and increasing numbers of off-campus students, it was important to develop outreach programmes to deliver information literacy (IL) support to students in perse locations. Using a Student Services and Amenities Fees grant, a suite of re-usable learning objects (RLOs) was designed to provide asynchronous learning opportunities for our multimodal learners.

Methods:

The first step, creating a team to carry out the project, was the most challenging. We began with a large, committee-like team, but found the workflow difficult to manage. A smaller team, given dedicated time and space for the project, proved more effective. An environmental scan included an audit of the Library’s current online tools and those used by other institutions. We selected a combination of tools which would give us the most flexibility, including LibGuides and Articulate Storyline, and chose to adapt a modular format that had previously worked well. We developed a story to provide coherent themes for each module – basing our story on the adventure of a "Road Trip" (http://libguides.jcu.edu.au/roadtrip). Each module became a town in a fictional tropical region, and activities were designed to follow that theme. Using the principles of gamification, we rewarded people for completing the module by giving them games to re-enforce the key messages and presented a "certificate" for completing the module – in this case, "postcards". We created and repurposed existing RLOs. Some were "out of the box" applications of the tools, and some were coded by the team. We also outsourced some IT development and graphic design – enabling us to create a professional look for the package. Real postcards were designed to market the suite. The package was trialled by a number of small focus groups, given a soft launch mid-2013 and then refined for 2014.

Results:

By mid-2014, the Info Skills Road Trip had received over 17,000 hits. This programme is completely voluntary, without any subject embedding. Given the size of JCU, this shows great potential. Feedback has been highly positive – and indicates the resource has been particularly useful for those returning to study: “I am brand new to this and have not studied for many, many years, I found this to be very informative and interesting.”

Conclusion:

We found three elements in particular contributed to the success of this project: the creation of a small, dedicated team, hiring professionals to assist with technology and graphic design, and the use of “Story” and gamification to create an engaging through-line for the content. The Road Trip has been quite a journey, and has informed practice for future projects.

Relevance:

Our experience with developing this project can assist other libraries in the creation of online Information Literacy packages.

This document sets out the structure of the relationship between the Special libraries Association (SLA) and the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

This document sets out the structure of the relationship between Health Libraries Inc (HLI) and the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), which includes Health Libraries Australia (HLA).

Abstract:

Advancements in technology and changing patron needs have generated serious reassessment by libraries of the services that they provide. The use of library resources has seen a considerable change in trends, with a growing number of users opting to use the virtual collection in preference to the physical collection. Recent Charles Sturt University surveys revealed that students overwhelmingly chose online resources as their preferred approach to research and study. This data reinforces that demand for online material from CSU Library users must be met, resulting in a reduction in the print collection. Along with this, the majority of users have embraced the option for virtual support and a consequent decline in the number of patrons seeking assistance at the circulation desk has been noted. Driven by a large cohort of distance education students the demand for help through services such as online chat sessions has required extensive staff training and technological upgrades to ensure that these popular means of communication are maintained.

This paper looks at how Charles Sturt University Library has addressed the challenges of providing a “right here, right now” library service and increased patron demand for the Library’s virtual services, by restructuring existing staff roles and creating new flexible Library Officer positions whose responsibilities include circulation, document delivery, virtual support, online resource maintenance and development. Initiatives such as the recent merger of the Access and Information Services sections, now under the umbrella of ‘Information Services’, has brought new opportunities for staff development; an evolution that is vital to ensure we uphold our reputation as an innovative, competitive and respected institution. Although some would regard this progression as a “devil of a time in libraries”, our purpose remains the same, which is to deliver streamlined and efficient access to information.

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.

In November 2013, ebooks were, metaphorically speaking, flying out of the door and ALIA made a bold statement that ‘library print and ebook collections will establish a 50:50 equilibrium by 2020 and that this balance will be maintained through to 2040, when the last print-only generation hits 50’. In less than two years, the initial ebook sales boom has settled and the book industry is predicting the ebook phenomenon will plateau at around 20–30% of books sales, with print books remaining the dominant format.

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.

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

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) supports the keynote address "The visitor information journey: changing the culture of visitor services at City of Melbourne" by the Manager, Business & Tourism, Melbourne

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

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.

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.

There were five themes that emerged specific to collecting institutions - National, State and Territory libraries. 1. National treasures direct to your device. 2. Linked data enriches the experience. 3. The need for new legislation. 4. Managing volume. 5. Cultural participation.

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

This conference presentation explains how driven by a need to reduce its operating budget, the State Library of New South Wales embarked on a Review Program to capitalise on its investment in technology, and position itself to tackle future needs and challenges – particularly in the digital environment.

Rather than 'tweaking' the current structure, the collection management function [CMF] review provided an opportunity to consider the management of our collections from a life cycle approach and align our branch structure to that cycle. It has considered the skills and knowledge required to undertake key activities, and reimagined that capability into a new structure supported by new governance and revised policies and procedures.

In reality, the CMF has achieved transformational change in how we manage our collections and represents the most significant realignment of staff ever undertaken within the SLNSW. The new structure has 23 roles: no role remains the same. And, this review has been undertaken in the context of an organisation undergoing broad change and implementing new enterprise systems.

This presentation outlines how one major Australian research library has responded to the challenges encountered by the sector. It will explain the review process undertaken to achieve the new structure, the outcomes and the way forward.

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. 

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

This conference presentation seeks to spark discussion, raise awareness and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the use of social networking for professional learning, the formation and fostering of professional learning networks and the future of the profession.

This report, commissioned by the Australian Digital Alliance, discusses the Australian Government proposed amendments to the Copyright Act 1968 which seek to broaden the circumstances in which an organisation or individual may be liable for someone else’s copyright infringement. Although the Government’s proposed amendment appears to be squarely aimed at ISPs, the amendments would apply with equal force to any other person who provides goods or services which may be put to infringing use. This includes all organisations which provide internet access to the public (including government bodies, libraries, schools and universities), online platforms which enable users to upload and display images and videos (such as eBay, Facebook and YouTube), providers of remote or ‘cloud’ storage (including commercial businesses like Dropbox, Microsoft and Google, as well as schools and universities), organisations which loan out or make available copyrighted content (libraries and video stores) and businesses which make and sell everyday consumer technologies like CDs, CD/DVD burners, USB keys, hard drives, digital video recorders and photocopiers.

The report sets out the existing law in its historical and global contexts, and, on the basis of extensive consultations with representatives from universities, schools, libraries and the technology sector, explores the legal and practical implications of the proposed changes for Australian intermediaries. It finds that:

• the proposed expansion of liability would potentially have significant deleterious effects for Australian institutions;
• the existing Australian law is already as broad as or broader than those of its counterparts overseas (and fully compliant with its international obligations);
• the proposal would use a ‘one size’ fits all approach contrary to a century of authority emphasising the necessity of determining liability with reference to all of the facts of each case;
• it would give copyright owners considerably broader rights against Australian individuals and institutions than those suffering economic loss because of torts committed in other contexts (without any justification of why they should receive such special treatment);
• the proposed amendments would likely result in persistent rightholder lobbying for new regulations that go further and do more, perpetuating uncertainty about the scope of intermediaries’ obligations and liability;
• it would oblige greater reliance on ‘safe harbours’, driving increased account terminations;
• the increased costs and uncertainty would make Australia less competitive and a less attractive place for investment; and
• there has been no clear analysis about the benefits likely to be obtained in exchange for these costs.

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

This conference paper discusses how the purpose of a Deakin University project was to examine the copyright and licensing knowledge gap of academic staff to identify their current understanding of, and attitudes towards, copyright, licensing and the open access movement in relation to the content they use, create, and share in their teaching and research practice.

The motivation behind this study was to gather information to assist the Library in creating and providing effective information resources and training for academic staff.

Results were largely consistent with other similar studies conducted around these topics. There is a clear role for librarians to continue providing such training and resources as the push for Open Access resources, publishing, and data only gains momentum.

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

This conference presentation discusses the purpose of a Deakin University project which was to examine the copyright and licensing knowledge gap of academic staff to identify their current understanding of, and attitudes towards, copyright, licensing and the open access movement in relation to the content they use, create, and share in their teaching and research practice.

The motivation behind this study was to gather information to assist the Library in creating and providing effective information resources and training for academic staff.

Results were largely consistent with other similar studies conducted around these topics. There is a clear role for librarians to continue providing such training and resources as the push for Open Access resources, publishing, and data only gains momentum.

Letter from Damian Lodge, the Australian Library and Information Association President following the ALIA 26th Annual General Meeting held on 21 May 2014 at ALIA House, Canberra.

The letter advises Members of the outcome of voting relating to special resolutions considered at the AGM with respect to amendments to the ALIA Constitution.

Explanatory statement for special resolutions considered at the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 26th Annual General Meeting held on 21 May 2014 at ALIA House, Canberra.

Appendix includes the ALIA Constitution effective to 30 November 2006 with the proposed amendments marked.

The changes aim to ensure the Constitution reflects a modern Association; provides greater efficiency and flexibility, and acknowledges the expanding role of technology.

The changes include the introduction of online voting options at the AGM; the reduction of the AGM quorum from 21 to 11; the removal of the requirement for a Director representing institutional members (all Directors act on behalf of personal and institutional members); and a change of title from Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer. It is proposed that the National Advisory Congress provisions be incorporated into the Association by-laws instead of the constitution, but there are no plans to discontinue the annual round of member gatherings. Further amendments tidy up the wording of the constitution, for example, Secretary becomes Company Secretary.

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.

There were five themes that emerged, specific to TAFE and RTO (registered training organisation) libraries. 1. Disruption. 2. A VET future. 3. Level playing field. 4. Professional support. 5. Our vision.

Notice of meeting, agenda and special resolutions of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 26th Annual General Meeting held on 21 May 2014 at ALIA House, Canberra.

Special resolutions to amend the ALIA Constitution.

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.

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.

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

The aim of this conference presentation is to examine the differences in information literacy (IL) practices for VET students from TAFE libraries across Vocational only and Vocational and Higher Education delivering, TAFE institutes.

It will examine the content, delivery methods and barriers of IL practices across these two types of TAFE institution with a view to identify the likely differences facing IL programs in different types of TAFE library, and to provide suggestions on how best to tailor the IL practices to suit the particular student and teacher cohort.