ALIA Sydney presents: Think Big, Act Small: Sustainability in the Library

 

Image source: http://www.theurbn.com/2011/07/sustainable-sustainability-the-fourth-r/ 

 

It’s a new year and it’s time to reign in the excesses of the holiday season and think green! Join us for the first ALIA Sydney event of 2012 to learn about some amazing projects our guest speakers are doing in their workplaces to improve sustainability.

Come along to learn, share and brainstorm practical ideas that you can implement now, to ensure we create a sustainable future.  Kick start the year with some green energy and get inspired to take action in your workplace and community!

Numbers are limited so please register your attendance by RSVPing to aliasydneygroup@gmail.com  

Monday 27th February 2012 6:00pm- 8:00pm (arrive from 6pm for a 6:30pm start)

Badham Library, Badham Building, Science Road

The University of Sydney 2006

Cost: $5 for ALIA members/$7 for Non-ALIA members (Pay at the Door)

http://www.library.usyd.edu.au/libraries/badham/badhamloc.html

Virtual info desks for library & information professionals

I was reading the latest post from one of the library blogs that I follow, by Brian Herzog, aka the Swiss Army Librarian, and he mentioned a Q&A site specifically designed for library and information professionals. You can read his blog post about it here.

My first thought was- Cool! Where has this been my whole librarian life? After some investigation, I've discovered there is a little catch- the site currently needs people to commit to it, before it gets created.

(Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeleeorg/482310954/ CC BY NC-2.0)

After a bit more digging, I discovered that there are several pages that already have enough users to have fully committed websites on various topics eg cooking, gaming, programming and photography.

I decided to commit, to see what all the fuss was about, and because I am an advocate of sharing knowledge, particularly in terms of my own learning, and helping others develop (especially new librarians, because it wasn't so long ago that I was a new librarian myself!). It seems that all I need to do is answer or ask ten questions as part of my commitment. There is also an 'uncommit' option as well, which is always a good sign. If you're interested in participating, click here.

This type of service got me thinking about all of the Q&A-type services out there. For example QUORA, which some of my academics are on, as well as several other librarians I know. Then there are all of the forums and groups on LinkedIn.

What other forums are there for Q&A that you find useful?  Are there other specific forums for library and information professionals? Would you be interested in one for the ALIA Sydney group? Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments below!

- Crystal

Deadline extended! ALIA Sydney Committee- Call for Expressions of Interests

Happy new year! My name is Crystal Choi, and I am the incoming Convenor of the ALIA Sydney Committee. 

I hope you all had a lovely and refreshing holiday break. I'm looking forward to a busy, challenging and fruitful 2012, particularly regarding the provision of exciting professional development opportunities for you, as well as my own ongoing professional development. As it's a new year, why don't you consider furthering your own professional development by submitting an Expression of Interest to join the dynamic and fun ALIA Sydney committee? 

The deadline for submissions of Expressions of Interest has been extended to COB Wednesday 11th January, 2012. 

Please see below for details on how to submit. 

- Crystal



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

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 through your contribution to our community of practice 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 the year 2012, which is a very exciting time with the development of the new expanded program for ALIA Sydney.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) should be received by COB Wednesday 11th of January 2012. 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 Convenor Crystal Choi at aliasydneygroup@gmail.com

Coordinators x 2

These roles share responsibility for coordinating the professional development events of ALIA Sydney in conjunction with our existing coordinators.

Each Coordinator is expected to:

• Plan and Organise 2 events each year in conjunction with the rest of the committee.
• Liaise with the ALIA Sydney Convener 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.
• 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 with the Library & Information Sector.
• Maintain an active awareness of new issues and development within the L & I 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 L & I sector

Event Officer x 1

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

Each Officer is expected to:

• Assist with the organisation of at least 2-3 events each year in conjunction with the coordinator and convener.
• 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.
• 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 (2 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 L & I Sector.
• Have strong communication and collaboration skills.

International Day of People with Disability

Today we celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This United Nations sanctioned day ‘aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being’.

We in the library community have proven to be supporters of those who live with a disability by continually offering products and services to support their needs. ALIA, in the guidelines on library standards for people with disabilities, has set out a series of objectives and principles that libraries can follow to better serve the needs of the one in five Australians living with a disability. 

Libraries and organisations around Australia have not only taken on these guidelines, but have discovered new ways to foster a more inclusive environment:

· Monash Public Library regularly includes an AUSLAN interpreter in their toddler storytimes

· IFLA has put together a great resource; Access to Libraries for Disabled Persons Checklist that libraries can use to assess their current facilities.

·On the Gold Coast, the Runaway Bay Branch Library regularly holds an audio book club for both sighted and sight impaired patrons 

So today while we reflect how far we have come, we should take a moment to assess our services and facilities and how we might improve going forward. Below is a short (very short) list of thoughts to consider.  

·How are the services we have promoted? Is the message getting to the right people?

·What about people with temporary disabilities? How do we serve them?

·Do we ask patrons if they require extra support when they register? What about in our regular user surveys?

·Do we offer large print versions or audio versions of our printed materials?

· The Web Accessibility Initiate offers practical design considerations libraries can adopt when updating web sites to ensure they can be accessed by all users. 

What are some other ways we can move towards a more inclusive library environment? Where can we improve? What are other programs making a difference?

Post your thoughts in the comments. 

-Amy Barker

ALIA Sydney Committee: Call for Expressions of Interest

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

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 through your contribution to our community of practice 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 the year 2012, which is a very exciting time with the development of the new expanded program for ALIA Sydney.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) should be received by COB Wednesday 4th of January 2012. 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 Convenor, Kate Byrne and Convenor-Elect, Crystal Choi at aliasydneygroup@gmail.com or call 0414 955 258.

Coordinators x 2

These roles share responsibility for coordinating the professional development events of ALIA Sydney in conjunction with our existing coordinators.

Each Coordinator is expected to:

• Plan and Organise 2 events each year in conjunction with the rest of the committee.
• Liaise with the ALIA Sydney Convener 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.
• 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 with the Library & Information Sector.
• Maintain an active awareness of new issues and development within the L & I 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 L & I sector

Event Officer x 1

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

Each Officer is expected to:

• Assist with the organisation of at least 2-3 events each year in conjunction with the coordinator and convener.
• 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.
• 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 (2 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 L & I Sector.
• Have strong communication and collaboration skills. 

End of Year ALIA Sydney Picnic: THIS SUNDAY

Photo by Mykl Roventine

The ALIA Sydney group invites you to join us out in the sunshine for an end of year picnic in the Botanic Gardens.

Please come along and relax, unwind, meet new people, catch up with old friends, and share your stories from 2011.

Friends and family are all welcome.

Where: on the Band Lawn, near the Venus Fountain (number 30 on the map)

When: Sunday, 20th November, from 12 p.m.

What to bring: Food and drink, something to sit on, hats and suncream.

RSVP: aliasydneygroup@gmail.com to give us some idea of numbers, or just turn up on the day.

We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate 2011 coming to a close. 

Digitasking like a freak

According to Amy Gahran, mobile digital omnivores are people who are cross platform consumers of technology who use mulltiple pieces of technology, that is, people who own and use 'smartphones, tablets and other connected devices'.

I'd like to take this idea a step further a suggest that digital omnivores are also digitaskers (digital multi taskers)- people who use not only one, but multiple devices simultaneously.

Case in point:

This is my desk as I write this blog post (you'll have to excuse the mess!) I am simultaneously writing this blog post and checking my emails on my work station, using my iPad to jot down ideas for a paper that I'm working on, using my camera to take this photo (although, I didn't bring my usb cord to work today, so I had to use another device to take the photo so I could upload it!) To the right is the work laptop where I'm preparing a workshop for my colleagues on the use of interactive polling devices, and I'm also reading and highlighing a journal article in between all of this.

So you might be thinking that I'm either A) crazy B) delusional or C) all of the above, and for some people working like this may well drive them absolutely bananas. But I find that I do some of my best work like this- as the above photo is uploading on my work station, I turn to the laptop and do some more work on my presentation. Don't get me wrong, I also have the ability to set my mind to a particular task and work on it continuously, but I do find that sometimes other disctractions can start creeping in (oh look, someone just tweeted me!).

Another case in point: an interesting discussion on Twitter between @newgradlib and @katecbyrne has just distracted me from doing this post, but it has given me some interesting perspectives to think about, which I am now incorporating into this post, as I type... (the idea that digitasking can spell trouble for many people who get sidetracked onto a path that may in fact negate the productivity) But for me, this particular example of a distraction was in fact positive.

I guess what I'm saying is that there are positive distractors and negative distractors. For me, having so many devices and hence things I'm working on, on the go can prevent those negative distractors creeping in. If you want to work productively in this digitasking way, I guess you have to be able to find a way to shut out the distractors that you find work negatively against you.

Alternatively, you could take what researchers are calling a 'mental break', that is- using social media to take a break at work, which apparently can increase your work productivity by 9%!

This is a link to an article I found on ReadWriteWeb on this research, although I'm sure there are lots of people who argue for the opposite (in fact, I'm sure that I've read some of these articles!) Again, I reckon it depends on the type of person/worker you are.... Interestingly, despite all of these technological 'distractions' that I surround myself with, I can't work when music is playing, unlike some people, who can only work when music is playing. Maybe someone should create a Myers-Briggs-type assessment for people to work out what sort of worker they are???

And... while I was finishing this post, two other librarians (@misssophiemac and @pinkfairaedust) have also joined the discussion- they are excellent examples of the digitasking librarian!

My name is Crystal Choi, and I'm a digitasking librarian (and proud of it!)

Crystal is a member of the ALIA Sydney committtee and tweets @crystalibrary.