Showing papers in "Australian Library Journal in 2001"
TL;DR: The level of interest suggests that knowledge management needs to be taken seriously as an issue for information professionals and for the fields of librarianship and information science.
Abstract: The level of interest suggests that knowledge management needs to be taken seriously as an issue for information professionals and for the fields of librarianship and information science. Knowledge management is perceived to offer a substantial enhancement of the role of the information professional. However, the confusion, variations and concerns expressed indicate that knowledge management is a difficult area still requiring significant exploration and development. The definition of the area is still very open and in some ways quite problematic. There is an understandable desire for this to be resolved. A recognised definition provides people with a more substantive base to explain the concept and to argue for its adoption. It enables them to establish their identity with respect to a specific concept, program or set of tools. Further, the current lack of status of many information professions, and the pervasive uncertainty in many industries suggest substantial reasons for developing a more coherent an...
62 citations
TL;DR: The second part of the findings of a research project undertaken in 1999 and 2000 to identify the perspectives of experienced professionals working in the library and information sector in relation to knowledge management, and in particular to identify directions for the education and training of librarians who wish to be engaged in managing knowledge as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The emerging diffuse and complex discourse on knowledge management has, amongst many things, given some focus to the nature of education and training for professionals engaged in managing knowledge. The complexity of charting an educational and training pathway becomes apparent when considered against the plethora of perspectives of what constitutes knowledge management, as well as the various underpinning assumptions about its nature, contextualisation, role, and indeed, the meanings of its constituent terms ‘knowledge’ and ‘management’. This paper is the second part of the findings of a research project undertaken in 1999 and 2000 to identify the perspectives of experienced professionals working in the library and information sector in relation to knowledge management, and in particular to identify directions for the education and training of library and information professionals who wish to be engaged in managing knowledge. Part 1 identified considerable variation in levels of awareness of the term ‘kn...
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that librarianship does not have a clear disciplinary identity in universities and the lack of differentiation between the roles of technicians and professionals clouds the issue.
Abstract: The author asserts that something is wrong with university-based education for librarianship in Australia. Librarianship does not have a clear disciplinary identity in universities. The lack of differentiation between the roles of technicians and professionals clouds the issue. For these and other reasons, education for librarianship in Australia is suffering. Comparisons are made with the United States and Canada. Some suggestions for improving the quality of university-based education for librarianship, based on increased cooperation among departments of information studies, are made.
35 citations
TL;DR: A major conclusion to the article is that the development of partnerships between public libraries and local disability groups is likely to result in significant benefits for people with disabilities.
Abstract: This article reports two studies, which, although separate, focus on related issues concerned with online access for people with disabilities in the context of information and library provision. The first project concerns the potentialities of online services for people who are blind and sight impaired and has a particular emphasis on information-seeking behaviour. The second project concerns online services for people with disabilities in Australian public libraries, and focuses on evaluation of adaptive equipment, associated training and strategies for improving access. Four research questions, relevant to one or both of the projects, are selected for discussion in the article: What are the information needs of people with disabilities, particularly people who are blind and sight impaired? What are the recreational interests of people with a diverse range of disabilities? What role can the internet play in meeting information needs and in serving recreational interests? How can public libraries assist p...
30 citations
Journal Article•
11 citations
TL;DR: The issues driving convergence in universities, and the challenges this represents, are identified, the impacts of full integration on university libraries and their clients are investigated, and strategies for the successful management of convergence and integration involving established reference and information services teams are recommended.
Abstract: A complex change management process is currently underway in many Australian universities. It involves the convergence and/or integration of library, computing and IT services. The process has profound implications for reference and information services and their clients, as evidenced by the recent increase in library literature both for and against integration. This paper identifies the issues driving convergence in universities, and the challenges this represents, investigates the impacts of full integration on university libraries and their clients, and recommends strategies for the successful management of convergence and integration involving established reference and information services teams.
10 citations
TL;DR: In the nineteenth century, social reformers in the US thought that superstitions would gradually die out. Institutions of formal education, such as schools and universities, promoted progress through spreadin...
Abstract: Social reformers in the nineteenth century thought that superstitions would gradually die out. Institutions of formal education, such as schools and universities, promoted progress through spreadin...
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, focus groups and a survey of customers have shown increasing satisfaction with the library's service, but reflect a very low awareness of the service charter, which raises questions about how complaint resolution is perceived.
Abstract: Customer service in commonwealth government agencies has come a long way in the last decade. The growth of awareness of consumer affairs has led to the development of a service charter and complaints handling process in the National Library of Australia that provides a model of service in a public enterprise. Recent focus groups and a survey of customers have shown increasing satisfaction with the library's service, but reflect a very low awareness of the service charter. This raises questions about how complaint resolution is perceived. The development of online services such as digital collections is discussed in terms of service expectations of clients.
6 citations
TL;DR: The theory of narrative identity presented by Paul Ricoeur is suggested as a basis for understanding the notion of person as mentioned in this paper, and the action of reading is considered as an analogy to understand not only how we make an account of an individual or corporate life, but also how we as persons live inside an identity as an ongoing consciousness.
Abstract: The theory of narrative identity presented by Paul Ricoeur is suggested as a basis for understanding the notion of person The action of reading is considered as an analogy to understand not only how we make an account of an individual or corporate life, but also how we as persons live inside an identity as an ongoing consciousness Some implications for an ethics of librarianship are explored
6 citations
TL;DR: An evaluation of the inaugural ALIA Mentoring Group was carried out in August 1999 as mentioned in this paper, using grounded theory methods, and the evaluation was qualitative in nature, using a set of discussion guidelines, which consisted of open-ended questions about participants' expectations, and experiences of the group-mentoring program.
Abstract: An evaluation of the inaugural ALIA (SA) Mentoring Group was carried out in August 1999. The evaluation was qualitative in nature, using grounded theory methods. Focus group discussions were held, using a set of discussion guidelines, which consisted of open-ended questions about participants’ expectations, and experiences of the group-mentoring program. The main findings were that employment (or lack of it) remained a major preoccupation of members, that the group was very effective in providing social support, career development and a sense of professional identity, and that the group did not provide specific skill development. Recommendations for future groups included considering whether to provide skill development opportunities, providing a greater variety of meeting topics and allowing for more socialisation time.
5 citations
TL;DR: The Lifelong Learning and Library Connection as a model for tertiary library customer education examined the transitional skill and ability expectations of undergraduate tertiary education students to propose a Perceptual Model of lifelong learning as an alternative to behavioural and relational models which are more experientially or practice based.
Abstract: The Lifelong Learning and Library Connection as a model for tertiary library customer education examined the transitional skill and ability expectations of undergraduate tertiary education students to propose a Perceptual Model of lifelong learning as an alternative to behavioural and relational models which are more experientially or practice based. The hypothesis was that the personal perceptions of customers can mirror personal reality. What customers believe can predict what they will pursue. Therefore a Perceptual Model can offer the advantage of facilitating lifelong learning through library customer education approaches geared to the sequential levels of skills needed by customer groups. The perceptual model proposed is comprised of areas that, according to literature, can most affect the lifelong learning skills and abilities of students. It considered the affect of perceptions on these areas rather than measuring skills as in other models. The model may be visualized as a ladder that sequentially leads to higher level skills as perceptual awareness of information needs increases. Using details obtained from literature reviewed about the theoretical and practical applications of lifelong learning and the role of tertiary libraries, questions on the perceptions of customers were raised. Literature was categorized into four foci: customer group segmentation; library use issues; library skills assessment; and library integration into tertiary life. Literature portrayed gaps in customer perceptions research in these areas. These gaps were manipulated to encapsulate the key questions, concepts and principals for the study. These were: • Segmentation (Focus A) – What are the most appropriate divisions of customer groups to facilitate a lifelong learning development through library customer education? What are the segments customers belong to and do these groups have homogeneous customer education needs? What are the lifelong learning needs to be met or assisted by the library through customer education? • Library Issues (Focus B); Skills Assessment (Focus C); Course Integration (Focus D) – What are customer's personal methodologies for using libraries and information resources, and the library use rationale or personal feelings and motivations associated with using libraries and information resources? What are the personal perceptions of students regarding the value of library customer education required for the library to positively influence lifelong learning behaviour and philosophies? What are the future directions for the library to improve their lifelong learning role through customer education? One of the primary goals of libraries is to facilitate lifelong learning. These are the pivotal points for lifelong learning but because personal perceptions are developed by individuals over many years, library customer education is required to help develop a lifelong learning attitude. This case study targeted the students of a tertiary institute to assist in identifying the most affective library customer education segment focus for fostering lifelong learning attitudinal and skill development. It investigated how lifelong learning can be used as a focus for customer education programmes by suggesting a Perceptual Model of lifelong learning based on library customer education motivators and student perceptions.
TL;DR: The prophet's 'brarianship' (2001) may be read as a lament for all things past, a jeremiad in which the prophet cries for a return to the straight and narrow paths of former practices as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: brarianship' (2001), may be read as a lament for all things past, a jeremiad in which the prophet cries for a return to the straight and narrow paths of former practices. Readers may focus on the dramatic statements in the first half of the paper without placing them in the context of the proposals that follow. If they do so, they will miss the attention-grabbing function of these statements, which are designed to provoke constructive debate.
TL;DR: The authors presented at a Community Summit organised by the NSW Council of Social Service in Sydney on 9th April 2001, which was the first Community Summit organized by the Council for Social Service.
Abstract: This paper was originally presented at a Community Summit organised by the NSW Council of Social Service in Sydney on 9th April 2001
TL;DR: The libraries of the University of Melbourne and Queensland University of Technology have two different approaches to co-ordinating information literacy as mentioned in this paper, each library has an extensive teaching and learning tradition and demonstrates a strong commitment to student learning outcomes.
Abstract: The libraries of the University of Melbourne and Queensland University of Technology have two different approaches to co-ordinating information literacy. During 1999, each library reviewed various aspects of their coordination processes, the result of which was the implementation of innovative approaches to managing their education and training programs. Although the libraries service the needs of parent universities with distinct educational agendas, they share a common focus concerning Information Literacy objectives and issues. Each library has an extensive teaching and learning tradition and demonstrates a strong commitment to student learning outcomes. Furthermore, as multi-campus institutions, the development, co-ordination and management of their education and training programs presents similar opportunities and challenges. However, each library has adopted distinctly different operational models. This paper presents an overview of the co-ordination models adopted by each library and analyses their...
TL;DR: The authors examines the critical nexus between libraries and "literary outcomes" and reviews the concept of a national library network as an "elaborate national public memory system", a "knowledge commons" and a "public domain of information".
Abstract: The author examines the critical nexus between libraries and ‘literary outcomes’ and reviews the concept of a national library network as an ‘elaborate national public memory system’, a ‘knowledge commons’, a ‘public domain of information’. This commons is the location for a fluid and almost hourly reinterpreted intellectual process, both feeding into it and being shaped by its outcomes. Against this are posited the restrictions potential in the increasingly aggressive restriction of free access as commercial interests seek to channel and restrict access to the flow in pursuit of profit. The Australian library network straddles both domains, serving the processes of literature in its broadest sense, whilst to an increasing degree, moving itself onto a commercial footing. The work of historian Henry Reynolds is examined against the implications of these opposed developments.
TL;DR: Baker, Nicholson: Double Fold: Libraries and the assault on paper is a guide to reading and writing in the digital age.
Abstract: Baker, Nicholson: Double Fold: Libraries and the assault on paper. New York, Random House, 2001. xii, 371 p., illus. ISBN 0 375 50444 3. Price: $US25.95 (hardback).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the dynamics of shared responsibility for learning in the provision of graduate education for the library and information sector, as realised through a strategic collaboration between the State Library of New South Wales and the University of Technology, Sydney.
Abstract: Developments in Australia over the last ten years have challenged traditional approaches to the delivery of graduate education for the professions. The recent focus on lifelong learning, flexible learning, work-based learning, situated learning, constructivist and contextualised learning have created rich opportunities to rethink the boundaries of time, place, space, approach and means to learning, and the roles of students in relation to these opportunities. This paper examines the dynamics of shared responsibility for learning in the provision of graduate education for the library and information sector, as realised through a strategic collaboration between the State Library of New South Wales and the University of Technology, Sydney.
TL;DR: The Copyright Amendment (Digital Agenda) Act2000 (the Digital Agenda Act) was passed through the House of Representatives and Senate on 17 August 2000 as discussed by the authors and came into force on 4 March 2001.
Abstract: After over seven years of discussions, consultation and debate the Copyright Amendment (Digital Agenda) Act2000 (the Digital Agenda Act) was passed through the House of Representatives and Senate on 17 August 2000. Following a transition period it came into force on 4 March 2001. At the heart of the debate concerning the Act has been the traditional concern of copyright law—how to balance the needs of copyright users and the rights of the creators of copyright material. Librarians have been at the forefront of user groups concerned about the potential impact of the Act on their clients and operations. This article focuses on the likely impact of the Act on Australian libraries in the digital age.
TL;DR: The Munn-Pitt Report of 1935, Australian libraries: a survey of conditions and suggestions for their improvement, became big news across the country as discussed by the authors, and evidence is presented that the authors of the report and their allies carefully planned ways to influence those who could improve the state of libraries in Australia.
Abstract: Long before ‘public relations’ and ‘marketing’ became terms commonly employed in librarianship, the Munn-Pitt Report of 1935, Australian libraries: a survey of conditions and suggestions for their improvement1, became big news across the country. This publicity coup did not come about by chance. Evidence is presented that the authors of the report and their allies carefully planned ways to influence those who could improve the state of libraries in Australia. Does this early example of library promotion contain lessons for today's library supporters?
TL;DR: How the invasive intruder was combated is documented here with some basic recommendations and things to be aware of when checking your collection.
Abstract: Being situated in the north tropics of Australia is an experience in itself, for someone who has never lived in this environment it is a daunting experience to realise your collection is now growing mould. When the collection is a valuable research collection used by research scientists in their quest for knowledge and understanding of the marine environment, you have to take immediate action. How we combated the invasive intruder is documented here with some basic recommendations and things to be aware of when checking your collection. Beware! It could happen to you.
TL;DR: In this article, a Published version of an article published in Australian Library Journal 2001 published by ALIA is presented, which is a published version of the article described in this paper.
Abstract: This is a Published version of an article published in Australian Library Journal 2001 published by ALIA.
TL;DR: The authors examines the implications of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) on Information and Library Services (ILS) and concludes that while there are legitimate concerns about NVQs' relationship with higher education, the competence approach has a lot to offer the academic curriculum.
Abstract: The introduction of the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) has been a significant development in vocational education and training in the United Kingdom (UK). This article examines the implications of NVQs on Information and Library Services (ILS). The authors suggest that NVQs have divided the ILS sector with some seeing them as an opportunity to develop staff to national standards while others have expressed concern about the future status of the profession of librarianship. The authors conclude that while there are some legitimate concerns about NVQs' relationship with higher education, the competence approach has a lot to offer the academic curriculum.
TL;DR: In this paper, a regional bibliographies of Morobe, Madang, East and West Sepik provinces are combined as one regional bibliography in order to assist in the identification of sources of interest to future researchers.
Abstract: National bibliographies for Papua-New Guinea have been compiled in the past and more may be completed in the future; there is also a need for regional or provincial bibliographies to help researchers working at these levels. This paper stems from the recent publication of bibliographies of Morobe, Madang, East and West Sepik provinces which are being combined as one regional bibliography in order to assist in the identification of sources of interest to future researchers. The series is now being expanded to include all the highland provinces.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the implementation of a College-wide IT strategy for indigenous students; they review the implications of an alliance with industry and discuss the issues involved in providing indigenous students with the IT skills necessary to take them "towards tomorrow".
Abstract: The author discusses the implementation of a College-wide IT strategy for indigenous students; she reviews the implications of an alliance with industry and discusses the issues involved in providing indigenous students with the IT skills necessary to take them ‘towards tomorrow’. This article is based on a paper prepared for the ‘Learning IT. 2000’ Conference at Surfers Paradise, Queensland 28–30 June 2000