Information Online Conference 2007
The 2007 Information Online Conference contained a rich menu of ideas, inspiration and examples of what libraries are doing and can do with Web 2.0 technologies. I was fortunate enough to attend all three days this time and it was well worth it. The wide and varied programme offered so many topics that is was difficult to choose. Some of the session I found most useful were
Why are we still using hardcopy?
Katrina Hughes had surveyed libraries from Australia and overseas about their use of hardcopy and her results were very interesting. Even though we are moving headlong into the digital world, hardcopy is still a valid and most useful option for many resources. Especially interesting was that one of the main reasons for hardcopy use was as a result of client preference.
Convergence or collision? When IT and Library skills meet.
Where does the delineation between IT and library skills lie, and is there one nowadays? UWS Librarian Lisa Tyson looks at this question and documents a skills audit done at UWS.
From Service to Survey: The Unison Digital Reference Key
In the digital world how do we as Librarian measure our Web 2.0 service? What performance indicators can we use? This paper might be a start.
The Electronic Information Literacy Cocktail
Deakin University Library is using a range of technologies to provide online training and information. Synchronous communication technologies deliver training programs. RSS within the library portal is used to deliver library news, journal articles etc. Visit their site at www.deakin.edu.au and login as a guest.
Using a Wiki for Information Services.
Here is an example of ACU Library using Wiki software for their internal staff services manual. The manual becomes much more relevant and adaptable to change.
Using open-source software
Curtin University takes a look at how publicly available open source software can be easily adapted and used in the library environment. For example, Audacity is free open source software for recording and editing sounds useful for podcasts.
Key note addresses
Joanne Lustig talked about the Future of Libraries which she sees as a very bright future, full of possibilities. The ever changing disruption of Web 2.0 technologies is put into perspective when she points out that the invention of printing presses, were for the church, a disruptive technology as it gave more access to a wider range of people.
Librarians rule!
Dr Damien Conway’s keynote address “Four weddings and a funeral” was inspiring and of course he was very much appreciated by his audience when he foretold our future: Librarians will rule as we are the “information literati” and “knowledge connoisseurs" of the world.
After three days, I came away with lots of sites I want to explore and ideas I want to implement. I also recognized the unique opportunity we have in Parramatta Catholic Education as we are well placed to move forward with Web 2.0 technologies. Partly because of the work Judy has done with us but also because of the drive and initiative that can be found in our library network. Many of us are already on board with Blogs, RSS, Delicious and we have the expertise in our Network to share, inspire and drive the Web 2.0 initiative.
Most of the papers mentioned above are available on the web at:
http://www.information-online.com.au/index.php?pagename=Conference%20PlannerLisa Nash
Librarian
CEO Library
Ph: 9840 5735
