ALIA National 2014 Conference Wrap up

Caitlin Williams and Amy Croft both attended the ALIA National 2014 Conference: Caitlin via social media, and Amy in person. They compared notes on their experiences:

Attending from a distance...

From 15-19 September, information professionals from around Australia and overseas converged on Melbourne for the ALIA National 2014 Conference.

Attendees and spectators from social media sources are now left to digest the excellent debates, workshops and sessions they attended, and hopefully apply what they learnt to their workplace.

While I didn't have the chance to attend in person, I was able to follow the conference on Twitter, and catch a glimpse into sessions thanks to livetweets. Many people took the opportunity to showcase the notes they had taken through Instragram, which offered a personal touch to this event.

ALIA Sydney's very own workshop, focusing on careers and networking, was highly engaged with technology allowing an online audience to put forward questions on PD and interviewing, and even connecting with special guest speaker Julia Garnett all the way from Canada!

Here are some of my favourite tweets from the conference:

Which tweets did you find most memorable?

Attending in person...

I was lucky enough to be in Melbourne to enjoy the coffee, ubiquitous art and, um, changeable weather in person, as well as to soak up the atmosphere of the conference and meet some amazing library and information people. Actually being at the conference allowed for all sorts of opportunities to run into people, window-shop for new shiny things at the exhibitor's booths, and share ideas over lunch, dinner or drinks. Like Caitlin, though, I found the Twitter backchannel to be a valuable way to start or continue conversations sparked by some excellent keynotes, presentations and workshops. I will definitely be trawling the #national14 tweets, both for sessions I missed and those I attended, before reporting back to my colleagues.

The conference was such a whirlwind that I'm only just starting to slow down and reflect on some of the issues raised, but the main points which stuck with me about the theme 'Together we are stronger', and the daily (and overlapping) sub-themes of Content, Collaboration and Capabilities, were:

• We need to find a 'common language' for working together with other parts of our organisations, as Monash University Library has done by developing a research skills development framework to enable library-faculty collaboration. We need to gather the right data to measure impact, identify the problems of our communities and collaborate to solve them, and show the value of libraries (and get funding in a time of continual cuts). For plenty of inspirational case studies, check out the Urban Libraries Council's Top Innovators.
• We need to find out what our customers/clients/patrons/communities/organisations are interested in, and make it happen - whether that's offering a Minecraft Gaming Day for (and driven by) young people at North Melbourne Library, designing a new library space with a focus on 'making and doing' in Aarhus, or redeveloping academic library spaces based on how students use those spaces.
• How? By building capabilities through education and development, such as cross-institutional mentoring in Victoria, the University of South Australia teaming up with the State Library of South Australia to give students 'real life' library experience, and Queensland public libraries cultivating a culture of learning and development to allow staff to build higher order skills... and especially by individuals taking responsibility for their own careers and for building their own leadership capacity.

This barely scratches the surface of the ideas discussed at the conference, and I haven't even mentioned shenanigans at NGAC's cardi party, the awesome dance moves at the conference dinner, or the Raeco and QUT photobooths... and the fantastic libraries at the University of Melbourne and the State Library of Victoria deserve their own separate post (watch this space).


Sooo... did you attend, or wish you had? Would you be interested in a reprise event in Sydney? Let us know in the comments below!

- Caitlin Williams and Amy Croft (@amyecroft)

SLNSW tour- ALIA Sydney event Saturday 21 June

ALIA Sydney is delighted to present an exclusive behind the scenes Tour of the State Library of New South Wales.

The State Library of NSW is the oldest library in Australia and also a world-leading library and centre of digital excellence. The Library’s extraordinary collections document the heritage of Australia and Oceania and are one of the State’s most valuable assets. By building, preserving and delivering its collections, including today’s born digital materials, the Library enables Australians to interrogate our past and imagine our future.

Join us on this rare opportunity to take a behind the scenes look  of such a prestigious Library.

Where: State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street, Sydney

When: Saturday 21 June 2014, 10am for a 10:30 start - Meeting in the Foyer near the Library Shop.

Cost: $5 members or $7 non-members (not including lunch)

Lunch will be at a nearby pub/café following the tour.

Register your interest by emailing:  aliasydneygroup@gmail.com.

Get in quick as spaces are running out fast!

-Gabby

Librarian Design Challenge 1: Signup

On 1 April, Toby Greenwalt set Librarians the following challenge on his blog theanalogdivide: Create a online library card signup. This is to be the first in a 'semi-regular' design challenge called The Librarian Design Challenge, to encourage more design thinking in the library world. ALIA NSW State Manager Julia Garnett and ALIA Sydney Co-Convenor Amy Croft were inspired to rise to the challenge - meeting in the State Library of NSW on 4 May armed with paper, coloured pens, and a 2-hour study room booking to figure out exactly what libraries and their members need from each other, and how to get members signed up as easily as possible online.

Paper, coloured pens, and info on public libraries

We started by comparing notes on the libraries we work in and have used over the years, to reach a core set of requirements, including the requirement of proving residency set in the challenge. We focused on public libraries, and referred to ALIA's Little Book of Public Libraries to think about what communities need from their local libraries. We agreed that library membership doesn't necessarily require a physical card, as long as we can provide a unique ID number/barcode to allow members to access library resources. We also came up with a few other issues such as one membership for all libraries in the state, overcoming language barriers in explaining membership conditions, differences in signing up children and adults, and ways of securing printing credit with a PIN or password, which were outside the scope of this challenge.

Brainstorming public library membership issues and needs

What the library needs and what the member needs - a membership mindmap

We ended up with a workflow for online membership signup for those using computers, and those using mobile devices. Common features are an easy-to-find 'Join Here' button on the homepage, followed by a brief outline of membership benefits and conditions of membership. Potential members agree to those conditions to get to the membership form itself, where signing up is a 4-step process. This would be on one page for those using a computer, but could be on separate screens for mobile devices.

1. Provide name
2. Provide identification by either uploading scanned document(s) or using computer webcam or mobile device camera to provide an image of the documents. One document is photo ID, the other is a bill or bank statement with current address, if this is not already on the photo ID.
3. Provide contact details (phone number and/or email address)
4. Confirm signup. This generates a barcode and unique membership number.

The following screen confirms membership, displaying the membership number and barcode, which the new member can print, have it sent to them by email, or have it sent to them by SMS. These barcodes would be compatible with many systems already in place in libraries, accessible as an image file that could be stored on a mobile device. Members who prefer to have a physical card can visit the library to have one made.

Online membership signup - for computer

Online membership signup - for mobile devices

While these are only prototypes, this was a very useful exercise in really thinking about how to make things easier for our users, rather than making our users fit in with our requirements. We look forward to further design challenges!

-Julia Garnett, State Manager (NSW), ALIA

-Amy Croft, Co-Convenor, ALIA Sydney

Further reading on design thinking:

An introduction to design thinking: process guide (pdf) by Michael Shanks, archaeologist at Stanford University and contributor to its famous d.school.

Do you have suggestions for improving our designs, or examples of your own designs? Please comment below!

Meet your 2014 committee : Treasurer

This year we have a new committee, so we thought it would be nice to say hi and let you know a little about us! 

Our final committee member is also our longest serving ALIA Sydney Committee member, and as such we think she deserves a special spotlight of her own, she's been involved since ALIA Sydney was reformed in 2008. 

Hi I'm Vesna and I'm the Treasurer for ALIA Sydney.  I've been a member of ALIA Sydney since October 2008 when it reformed after the National Advisory Council.

I work in a public library as a technology librarian and I certainly get a lot of variety in my job.  I joined ALIA Sydney as I saw it as an opportunity to gain experience in working as part of a group to organise events.  I also wanted to engage with as many people as possible from all areas of the Library sector.  I see this as a great way of developing my skills professionally.

Vesna Cosic,

Treasurer, ALIA Sydney

You can reach me, and the rest of the committee, at aliasydneygroup@gmail.com.

Meet your 2014 committee : Social Media Officers

This year we have a new committee, so we thought it would be nice to say hi and let you know a little about us! 

Hi! my name is Caitlin and I'm a new Social Media Officer for ALIA Sydney. I've just started my first year of study at CSU in Information Studies. I also volunteer at the Parramatta Heritage Centre Library and the WEA library. Some of my library related interests are Library advocacy, Children's and Youth services and in particular libraries in Western Sydney. 
I wanted to join ALIA Sydney because I really enjoyed an event they held, and wanted to spend time assisting in the development of the group's social media presence across many platforms.

My interests aside from libraries are Powerlifting, fashion and painting.

Caitlin Williams,
Social Media Officer, ALIA Sydney

Hello, I'm Maria -one of ALIA Sydney's Social Media Officers. I joined the team this year because I wanted to engage and surround myself with passionate and diverse library folk. I've worked at lots of different libraries over the last decade, but Specials and the GLAM sector have my heart.

Look forward to meeting you in person or via 140 characters or less!

      

Maria Savvidis, 

Social Media Officer, ALIA Sydney
@m_savvidis

You can reach us, and the rest of the committee, at aliasydneygroup@gmail.com

Meet your 2014 committee : Event Officers

This year we have a new committee, so we thought it would be nice to say hi and let you know a little about us! 

I am Lauren, one of the ALIA Sydney Event Officers. I'm currently studying at TAFE Ultimo and hope to be a fully fledged Library Technician by the end of this year. I'm studying part time, I have two primary school aged children, and I work part time for a migration lawyer. I play and umpire netball, and this year am coaching two teams of 6 and 7 year olds. I had a pre children career in money market trading but I don't miss it. I volunteer at Hurstville City Library Museum Gallery, and I love their graphic novel collection.

I joined ALIA Sydney at the beginning of 2012, replying to their call for new committee members, and hoping to learn a bit about the library sector in Sydney. I expected to feel a bit like an unqualified interloper, and be relegated to the lowliest jobs, but that wasn't the case at all. I have learned so much about different libraries and issues library staff are facing, and meeting librarians from every different type of library, as well as other students has been a real benefit for me both in terms of my study, and my understanding of the local industry. I try to attend events with the Lib Techs, as well as ALIA Sydney, and have always been delighted by how welcoming everyone is.

So I say to all the students out there, especially if you're studying online, don't be shy, come along to some events even if you are on your own. We're very friendly and work hard to provide interesting and useful events.

Lauren Castan, 
Event Officer, ALIA Sydney

Hi my name is Tracey McDonald, I’m a Library Technician and CSU student. I have been an ALIA member since 2009 (joining as a student Library Technician). 

My association with ALIA and its members have provided me with encouragement and support for my professional development and career aspirations. Serving on the ALIA Sydney committee gives me the opportunity to return the favour. ALIA Sydney does a great job of providing affordable professional development activities and I’m looking forward to being on the 2014 team.


Tracey McDonald, 
Event Officer, ALIA Sydney

You can reach us, and the rest of the committee, at aliasydneygroup@gmail.com.

Meet your 2014 committee : Coordinators

This year we have a new committee, so we thought it would be nice to say hi and let you know a little about us! 

Hi I'm Sarah and since 2009 I've worked at the University of Western Sydney in a variety of roles from Digital Discoveries & Services Librarian to Liaison Librarian. I'm currently the Psychology & Social Sciences Librarian based at the Bankstown campus, although I've taken maternity leave in 2014 to learn the new skills (challenges?) of parenting.

I've been in the ALIA Sydney committee since 2012 because I wanted to be involved in creating interesting events for people to attend and learn from. I'm passionate about increasing access to information and I'm an advocate for open access. There are currently so many exciting developments and challenges for our profession that I think forming networks, swapping ideas, and making friends with others from different workplaces is crucial. Attending ALIA events and meeting new people has definitely helped me develop my skills and broaden my outlook as an information professional.
I hope to see you at an ALIA Sydney event soon!

Sarah Fearnley
Coordinator, ALIA Sydney

Hi there, I'm Gabby, one of the coordinators of the fabulous ALIA Sydney Committee. I am the Librarian at Morling Theological College. Working in a small, special academic library has proven to be challenging and varied but also extremely rewarding.
I joined ALIA Sydney in 2013 after attending one of their events to get more involved and learn from and with others in a fun environment.

Hope to see you all at our upcoming events.

Gabrielle Fury,
Coordinator, ALIA Sydney
@GabrielleFury

You can reach us, and the rest of the committee, at aliasydneygroup@gmail.com.

Meet your 2014 Committee: Convenors

This year we have a new committee, so we thought it would be nice to say hi and let you know a little about us!

Hi there, I'm Kirsty and this year I'm one half of the creative convenor duo! When I'm not helping come up with great professional development ideas with the ALIA Sydney team, I'm studying for my degree and working at a number of special libraries. 
I decided to get involved with ALIA Sydney after attending one of their events and meeting some of the lovely committee members at the time. I also work primarily in corporate and other special libraries, and want to make sure that the special's voice is heard when it comes to professional development. 
Hope to see you at one of our events this year. We have some great events ahead!

Kirsty Butler
Co-Convenor, ALIA Sydney
@Bo0k1sH

Hi - I'm Amy, the other half of the dynamic convenor duo! I'm a Senior Librarian at CQUniversity, managing the Sydney campus library. I'm *slightly* obsessed with a certain fictional character, which is pretty easy to guess from the photo.

I joined the ALIA Sydney committee in 2012 after attending some fantastic events in 2011 which prompted me to actively contribute to (as well as benefit from) the professional development opportunities ALIA Sydney offers.

This year will be an exciting one for ALIA Sydney, and I look forward to seeing you at our events.

Amy Croft
Co-Convenor, ALIA Sydney
@amyecroft

You can reach us, and the rest of the committee, at aliasydneygroup@gmail.com 

Realistic Resolutions

By the start of February most of us have already given up on going to the gym every day, eating better, drinking less... but with the start of the Lunar Year, what better time to get real about making resolutions.

We here at ALIA Sydney are challenging you to make just one achievable resolution right now:

Eat chocolate.

What - why?

Um, why not?

But seriously. Because this is the first step in taking charge of your career.

How?

We're glad you asked.

All you need to do is eat chocolate WITH US.

This year, ALIA Sydney want to plan our events around what YOU need for YOUR career!

So, we'll be at the Metcentre's Max Brenner on Wednesday 5 March from 6.30pm waiting to talk with you (and possibly eating all the chocolate).

This is not just a chance to eat chocolate (and tell us what we can do to make our events awesomer for you), but to meet other fabulous chocolate-loving library people.

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edX Offers Library Advocacy Unshushed

MOOC provider edX is offering a new course beginning in late February 2014 - Library Advocacy Unshushed: Values, Evidence, Action. The University of Toronto is the provider, and the course will run for six weeks.

A problem that many people face when attempting these types of courses is that they are unable to maintain their commitment for the entire course. This course addresses the problem by offering two streams of study. You can try for a Certificate, agreeing to be bound by the Honour Code and completing all activities, or you can "Audit" the course, receiving all course materials, tests, and access to the online forums, but you will not receive a certificate. If you want some proof of your participation, then you can print your progress chart from the course materials.

If you'd like to know more, please follow the link above to the edX page which describes the course and the presenters, plus gives a brief introductory video.

Of course, ALIA Sydney will be offering professional development and networking opportunities throughout 2014. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Lauren Castan

ALIA Sydney Committee: Call for Expressions of Interest

ALIA Sydney presents a selection of formal and informal professional development events to encourage discussion and critical engagement and create networking opportunities across the library and information sector in Sydney and beyond. The ALIA Sydney committee is a group of vibrant and committed volunteers who make it all happen.

ALIA Sydney is currently looking for new committee members to join our team. Through these roles you will have the chance to develop skills in event and project management, and make vital professional connections -- plus you can have a lot of fun along the way.

Each of the below positions is voluntary in nature, and each role is for a 12-24 month period. These roles are to commence in 2014.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) should be received by COB Thursday 12 December 2013. EOIs should briefly introduce yourself and cover the criteria outlined for the position of interest. All EOIs and any questions should be directed to the ALIA Sydney Convenors, Kirsty Butler and Amy Croft at aliasydneyconvenor@gmail.com, or call 0431 226 255.

Coordinator x 1

This role shares responsibility for coordinating the professional development events of ALIA Sydney under the guidance of ALIA Sydney Convenors.

Coordinators are expected to:

• Plan and organise 2 events each year in conjunction with the rest of the committee.
• Liaise with the ALIA Sydney Convenors for event ideas and ongoing support.
• Liaise with the ALIA Sydney Treasurer for event budget submissions.
• Submit updates for the ALIA Sydney blog at least monthly, including upcoming events (http://aliasydney.blogspot.com/).
• Post on/update ALIA Sydney social networking pages regularly, featuring both ALIA Sydney event promotion and current awareness of library and information sector news and issues, as required.
• Ensure a consistent and professional format for all ALIA Sydney communications in line with our communication strategy and templates.

Average Time Demand per month: 8 hours (prep plus actual events)

The interested person should:

• Be, or be willing to become, a current member of ALIA.
• Have an active interest in professional development within the Library & Information sector.
• Maintain an active awareness of new issues and development within the sector.
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills so they can be good at kick-starting conversations and making introductions to put attendees at ease.
• Have a head full of ideas for ALIA Sydney events, promotions and online content (eg blog posts).
• A strong interest or expertise in technology, career development, emerging or other topics related to the sector.

Event Officers x 2

This role helps make events happen. On a rotating basis, the Event Officers will be teamed up with a Coordinator to help with event organisation and management.

Events Officers are expected to:

• Assist with the organisation of at least 2-3 events each year in conjunction with a Coordinator.
• Post on/update ALIA Sydney social networking pages regularly, featuring both ALIA Sydney event promotion and current awareness of library and information sector news and issues, as required.
• Submit updates for the ALIA Sydney blog at least monthly, including reports on ALIA Sydney events (http://aliasydney.blogspot.com/).
• Ensure a consistent and professional format for all ALIA Sydney communications in line with our communication strategy and templates.

Average Time Demand per month: 4 hours (prep plus actual events)

The interested person should:

• Be, or be willing to become, a current member of ALIA.
• Have an active interest in professional development with the Library & Information sector.
• Maintain an active awareness of new issues and development within the sector.
• Have strong communication and collaboration skills.

Social Media Officers x 2

Social media in an integral part of promoting and reporting on ALIA Sydney Events. We are looking for two motivated individuals with an interest in social media to share the responsibility of maintaining the ALIA Sydney social media platforms under the guidance of the Convenors in accordance with the ALIA Sydney Social Media Guidelines.

Social Media Officers are expected to:

• Organise and run the ALIA Sydney Blog Every day in June event under the guidance of a Coordinator.
• Contribute to and maintain the ALIA Sydney blog (http://aliasydney.blogspot.com/).
• Post on/update ALIA Sydney social networking pages regularly, featuring both ALIA Sydney event promotion and current awareness of library and information sector news and issues, as required.
• Investigate and make recommendations on the suitability of other social media platforms for ALIA Sydney.
• Ensure a consistent and professional format for all ALIA Sydney communications in line with our communication strategy and templates.

Average Time Demand per month: 4 hours (plus actual events)

The interested person should:

• Be, or be willing to become, a current member of ALIA.
• Have an active interest in professional development with the Library & Information sector.
• Maintain an active awareness of new issues and development within the sector.
• Have strong communication and collaboration skills.