Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Winding up #blogeverydayofjune

When I read the tweet from @flexnib a month ago asking who wanted to #blogeverydayofjune I thought, "tell her she's dreaming"! I couldn't fathom writing a blog post every single day! Needless to say, by the end of the day I felt I had no option but to join in because I think I could sense the potential magnitude of this experience. At first it was hard to write everyday but now at the end I feel like I'm just getting started! Someone said early on, the key to a good blog is having something to say. Did we ever! Not only did we blog but we commented too. AT times it was hard to keep up. I definitely got addicted to checking how many people had viewed or commented on my posts. I'm still not over that actually.

This has been an amazing experience for me. Learning so much about all of you who have participated by blogging, commenting and tweeting. And learning so much about myself. I've found my 'voice' for blogging and it has evolved over this month in collaboration with all of you. By creating a dialogue with the wider library community I've found my authentic voice, one that is passionate and brave, curious and forward thinking (I hope). Best of all it's a mix of personal and professional because you shared with me and I felt I could share with you. We created a trusting community of collaborators. I think that's awesome.

I've been inspired to think more about where and how I work, and the impact I have on others. I've been encouraged to value enthusiasm, creativity and fun in the workplace. I've cemented my interest in the future of libraries, information literacy and Library 2.0. I've been constantly thinking about blogs, blogging, libraries, librarians to the point that all my (non-librarian) friends know about #blogeverydayofjune and now ask me "how's your blog?" with genuine interest! Best of all, I feel connected to a vibrant community of librarians who share ideas and learn from each other. That's a yay!

I don't think I'll be able to keep blogging everyday because it has been a bit intense but I know I'll blog more than I ever did before. I really look forward to meeting all of you at conferences etc. when we get the chance. And I hope this is something we can do every year? Thanks to all of you, the thrill of blogging will be with me forever.

p.s. image is a quick sketch I just did of owl waving goodbye!

Response to @zaana's post on designing workspaces conducive to work

Does an orderly desk = an orderly person?

Like many libraries at the moment we are gathering ideas for a new library building and part of that is thinking about work styles and how that translates as staff workspaces. The google offices have been thrown into the mix and of course we all go why can't we have that? @zaana's post Designing workspaces conducive to work got me thinking. Do we really want that? I certainly like to make my workspace feel like mine by putting up pictures and having tea paraphernalia strewn everywhere but that's it and I think my space is conducive to work. Could it be more conducive? Seeing those google offices I think, what if we had a 'break out area', gym, chef, wii games, espresso machine, ball pit and fairy floss machine? What next? I want a pony! Don't stake me but I think I'd get really distracted by all those things and be a bit less conducive. I guess my work style is 'block out distractions cause you're easily distracted by flashing lights and a ball pit'. What's yours?

While the google example is a little bit overwhelming for me, I find the Macquarie scenario @zaana describes terrifying! Always competing for a space, not feeling like you belong anywhere. I understand the desire to be mobile but that's ridiculous! @zaana didn't seem too against it and I noticed in the comments that someone had tried it in their workplace and thought it really encouraged collaboration so I guess it suits some work styles?

Can we find a balance? I believe we need a flexible, creative workspace that is conducive to work without distracting us. Just like a library, our workspaces need to facilitate noisy group work and quiet individual work, encourage collaboration, innovation and lifelong learning. Just like a library it needs to feel like 'our' space where we feel comfortable and at home. It needs to inspire and motivate us to work and efficiency will follow. We need multi-media editing suites to be expert content creators and comfy places to contemplate new ideas. Recently the librarians here said they want space to 'play'... I guess the problem is finding a way to translate these things into physical space and not just by having colourful walls and funky furniture. I would really like to work in a tree house though...

Response to the future of libraries RN interview

Today I listened to the Radio National interview on the future of libraries with Dr. Ian McShane and Kathryn Greenhill. A few things stood out for me that I'd like to share with you (hope you don't mind me paraphrasing). Here's the link to the radio show.

Kathryn,
What the library opened up for me was boundless...

Ian,
The library did open a world for me that continues to fascinate and engage me...

Kathryn,
The real value of the library, just having a place to go and connect with your community is valuable

Ian,
The library model based on the concept of acquiring a collection has come to the end of it's life. At the same time the concept of the library is a very trusted one and not to be discarded lightly.

Kathryn,
The fundamental role of the library hasn't changed, "we connect people and information... You've got to love and know about people you've got to love and know about information and the cultural history and find new and different ways to put them together".

Ian,
Traditionally the measure of success for libraries has been gate counts and often directly linked to funding. The library of the future should have different measures of success: the extent to which they can demonstrate they're preserving the memory, the way they engage with informal education and literacy and changing literacies and finally the citizenship and community aspect.(great but how can these things be measured?)

Kathryn,
The new library aims to be the community lounge room, a space where you can be yourself.

Ian,
New technologies have led to a rise in the potential of peer-to-peer learning. Librarians can't be everywhere all the time and know everything about everything (although we try - sm).

Kathryn,
We need to understand transliteracy and the new way of understanding imagined worlds that have traditionally been available only through books. For example, the world of Harry Potter can be accessed through books, gaming, movies, online, Lego and more. Reading is only one part of this information/sense-making world.

Kathryn,
We need to position ourselves as an asset to our community when it comes to ebooks and related issues like copyright, formats, what to read, etc.

IMHO to conclude I think libraries are still boundless and continue to inspire and engage us. Libraries are now vibrant social spaces that are so important to the community they support. The interview  within the interview demonstrated some of the many social functions the library performs. A place to work alone while surrounded by others doing the same. A place to get away from distractions. A place to learn from others. A place for serious study. A place to have fun. Great interview!

p.s. the photo above is of a plane I jumped out of in April!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Are you a library genius?



My first attempt at glogging! I must admit it was a bit complicated. I hope they streamline the interface and tools a bit to make it easier to use. But overall, much fun!

30 things meme

30 things I've done this month in addition to #blogeverydayofjune

1. Wrote a paper
2. Wrote an abstract
3. Visited my family in the wilds of NSW
4. Visited my partners family in the wilds of Bayview
5. Pulled sweet potato from the ground and made soup with it
6. Helped a friend in dire need
7. Helped a sister in slightly less dire need
8. Documented my owl collection
9. Reinvigorated my interest in cameras and photography
10. Participated in 10,000 steps
11. Had my last swim in the ocean for a while
12. Brushed up on Kurzweil and Dragon software
13. Made Italian Biscotti
14. Read 4 books
15. Started knitting in remembrance of my nanna
16. Started wearing my scarf collection in earnest
17. Designed cover art for a friends album (that I also helped record earlier in the year)
18. Contemplated life, death, relationships and the meaning of it all
19. Attended a double 5th dress up birthday party
20. Saw two films in the SFF
21. Went to the Bienale of Sydney at MCA and AGNSW
22. Attended a talk by Frank Howarth from the Australian Museum
23. Attended a student hub workshop
24. Attended a talk on new learning commons
25. Attended a talk by Kevin O'Brien on the Aboriginal notion of Country in architecture
26. Attended a meeting with my pod/vodcasting community
27. Saw Animal Kingdom at the Academy Twin Cinema before it closed down
28. Saw Toy Story 3 in 3D with my nieces and nephews
29. Started to feel more a part of the Australian library community
30. Learned the value of blogging

Monday, June 28, 2010

Why am I a librarian?

This is a response to @gigglesigh's and @fionawb's question, 'why am I a librarian'? I've only been a librarian for two years and I guess the why part will keep changing over time but right now this is what I've come up with.

I started my academic life at art school which involved trying to force order onto chaos and disarray. It can be hard to organise creativity and I don't think I was very good at it back then. At some point I turned from Sculpture and installation to printmaking and I think this was a turning point that in part led to my becoming a librarian. Why, I hear you ask? Well, printmaking is a very precise skill involving etching with acids, resins, fine tools, inks, and papers. I learned to examine every detail of an etching and organise my sketches, ideas, tools, and supplies with care. I became a master at the craft and loved using my skill to create new effects, layers, images, ideas. It was the precise and detailed nature of the work that I loved and I think is one thing I love about being a librarian. I started teaching printmaking after a while and loved sharing my experience with students. This too is something I love about being a librarian.

After art school I worked in a new and 2nd hand bookstore for many years. It was a great part-time job with great people, flexible hours and an endless supply of books! I loved reading, looking at, touching and smelling books. Talking books with customers and colleagues was a real pleasure but above all I loved helping customers find what they were after (another thing I love about being a librarian). Being a second hand dealer, you have no idea how obscure some of the requests would be. But I'd wander through the shelves searching and sure enough find a book on a rare breed of poultry or a historical figure of Tibet. It was during this time that I decided I needed to do something more with my life. I felt I had more to offer (society? the world?) and needed a new way to express that. I thought to myself, what do I like? and the answer was: books and helping people. So I thought: I should be a librarian. So naive.

So it was that I started 'library school' and discovered that the idea I had of a librarian was long gone. Thank goodness because I soon embraced my new notion with gusto. I really loved studying so much more than I had the first time. I was learning new things everyday and consuming it all like I'd woken up after a long deep sleep. By halfway through I thought there are so many jobs I could do after finishing - one of my last choices would be librarian. However, after some work experience in a public library I wasn't so sure. I enjoyed helping people and felt a sense of purpose but there was still something niggling at me. I wanted more...

After finishing my studies I worked in a social research centre library for a while and really loved supporting researchers, building databases, websites, teaching them skills, and all the basics of librarianship. The only thing was, I was the only librarian and felt professionally lonely. Being a newbie, I felt I needed to be around other people so I could learn more and be supported and encouraged to find my feet as a librarian.

Now I'm at an academic library and loving it. I feel like I'm in the right place at the right time. What I currently love the most is: helping people learn new things that will help them (staff or clients), feeling supported and encouraged by a great bunch of colleagues, sharing ideas and making ideas a reality, constantly learning new things, meeting like-minded librarians through social media and conferences all over the world, pondering the future of the profession and libraries. That might seem a bit vague but it means a lot to me. I know I've been lucky in my short career. I can only hope my luck continues!

Another obsession: my camera collection

I've already confided in you about my owl obsession which is being documented on my owl flickr set so I thought I better confess to another obsession of mine. My camera collection. 14 in total, consisting of: 2 point and shoot digital, 1 waterproof digital video, 1 lomo digital, 1 digital SLR, 2 Polaroid, 1 lomo medium format, 1 baby Holga, 2 35mm cameras, 1 box brownie and 1 8mm video camera. Missing from this photo is an amazing super8 camera I used to own and a great Pentax ME super (SLR) that both broke and went to camera heaven (not to mention numerous others that have been lost/stolen over the years). I feel like I need to describe them in a bit more detail so here goes from right to left, front to back.

First up, baby Holga, given to me by a friend. This takes 110 film and really old school photos. They always look like the shots in old family albums. So simple, it doesn't even have a viewfinder, all you do is wind and press. It's so small that it's on a keyring and I keep it dangling from my handbag 'at the ready'. Second is a digital 'lomo-like' camera, the Harinezumi 2 from Japan. This is so cool and one of the newest. It takes colour and B&W photos and video with a lomo-like look. Really cool.

Next is the Ricoh 35 FM: old 35mm non rangefinder camera. Takes you back to the 70's with a great 'pancake' lens that takes clean sharp pics. I haven't put any up yet but check out this flickr group! The next one (with blue on top) is a Diana + medium format. A remake of a 60's plastic cult classic. This takes amazing rich, creative shots. You're never quite sure what you'll get though - which is the whole point. One of the cool things is you can do really long exposures just leaving the shutter open or you can take multiple shots on the same frame. Using slide film and cross processing gives some really cool colour and contrast effects. Check out the flickr group. Next is the Kodak Retina Ib folding camera made around 1954. Got this one recently from an awesome shop in Surry Hills. It has a great all metal German made body and lens that I definitely need to spend more time with. Here are some shots on flickr.  Moving along we have the Polaroid Spirit 600. I picked this one up from an op shop about 12 years ago and it has captured many a fine moment. I love this but the film is really hard to get now and so expensive - about $30 for 10 shots! A friend of mine has a really cool new mini Polaroid but I don't think it's as good as this one (when I say good I mean unpredictable).

In the next row up on the right we have a box brownie that has never been used by me since film stopped being made a very long time ago. Likewise, the 8mm camera has never been used because Super 8 took over and they stopped making the film but I like to keep both as part of the collection. On the left we have an old Canon EOS 10D digital SLR from 2003. This takes amazing shots at 6.3mp using only EF lenses but it's slow, heavy and has a tiny screen. This camera really does take the best shots of the bunch but because it's a bit old now it gets less use (sorry).

RECOMMENDED: Next we have my current favourite and most versatile compact digital camera; the Canon Powershot S90. This can pass itself off as your average digital camera but it has a great lens and loads of oomph that definitely puts it a cut above. Heaps of great manual and semi-manual settings but even if you leave it on auto you'll get great shots. I recently found the 'night' setting and they ain't kiddin' around! This recent set was taken with it.  The only downside is no HD video and no optical zoom in vid mode. On the left we have the good old Canon digital IXUS 70. I have a long history with the IXUS. The think I had one of the first back in 1997 that used APS film (weird short lived phase). It's always been a great, tiny, point and shoot camera for all occasions. Nothing fancy, just a simple little digital camera that takes a good shot. I've had this one for a few years now and it's travelled with me almost everywhere. It was only recently replaced by the more sophisticated Canon Powershot S90.

On the top right is the Kodak Playsport waterproof digital HD videocamera. This is the newest camera and was a replacement by the insurance company for our Sanyo Xacti underwater camera which died of water damage (yes really).  Not sure why they got to choose or why they choose this one especially since it was worth way less than the Xacti (I would have preferred a flipcam), but hey - at first they said they didn't insure against water damage so I guess we can't complain. I haven't actually used this one yet and I'm annoyed it didn't arrive before my recent trip snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. Would have been perfect. Maybe on my next intrepid adventure? Finally on the left you see the Polaroid 1000 land camera. This darling now only works with modified Polaroid 600 film (which as you know is hard to get) because they stopped making film for it a while back. So as you can imagine it hasn't been used much. Photo quality isn't great but that's the fun thing about this camera.

Last but not least (and not in the photo because it took the photo) is my iphone camera. I use this by far the most because of convenience and wish I used some of my other cameras more but I have to admit I'm in love with the immediacy. In particular I love the Hipstamatic app for taking photos and Swankolab for developing. So much fun. I also have the lomo app which is fantastic too. My iphone is currently my most used camera but I would love to change that.

I had no idea this post would turn out so long and it really has reinvigorated my love of photography and cameras. My pledge: *hand on heart* for the rest of the year I'm going to take photos on all my cameras and upload to flickr as individual sets. I really love each camera and think they all have something different to contribute. It'll be interesting to compare flickr sets when I'm done and hopefully prove the unique qualities of each camera.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Behind the scenes fun

Two things I enjoyed behind the scenes at the library today. We have a whiteboard in our staff tea room which is usually not used very much. However, last week someone wrote on there - 'what are you reading'? The board is now full of all the books people are currently reading! While it is anonymous, I really like seeing what else is being read by people I work with. I also like to see a participatory spirit in action and it's been exciting seeing the list grow all week. It's great to see that someone has added 'tags' to the list, well only one tag - (vampire)!

Secondly, also behind the scenes: I'm currently participating in the 10,000 steps challenge with an all library peeps team. We only started on Sunday so we're sill keen-as and rearing to go (well a few of us are anyway). Today we went walking at lunchtime and it was really fun to get out, be active and have some fun in the fresh air! You should try it! I can also recommend a well deserved pitstop on one of these walks - even if the walk is only 30 mins - you need to hydrate!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

The future learning hub

If the library is the current learing hub, what will the learning hub be in the future? Will the library be at the centre of a giant student mall with services, shops, cafes and IT centres instead of Myer and K-Mart?

I've just been to a workshop on how to create a future learning hub that the library will be a part of. Of course I think the library should BE the learning hub but then I'm a library evangelist. The participants of this workshop were mostly big wigs so I'm not sure how I wangled my way in but it was interesting to look outside my little bubble world for a while. What I discovered (as if I didn't already know) is that the library is way ahead in all the areas that were being discussed; already providing the kinds of spaces students like and already experimenting with new ideas for the future. Research was shown that students like a safe and secure, scholarly space to work individually or in groups, that is clean, light, quiet but not too quiet and with support available. Does such a place exist? Yes! It's the library! And what do you know? The library is always full because people like studying there for all those reasons. It seemed to me like the other participants hadn't been to the library or didn't know we already have a learning hub (aka. the library). I guess they just wanted to take a bigger picture view, get everyone up to speed and see it in the context of the future of education, learning and changing learner demographics (seems reasonable).

There was some discussion about the kinds of behaviour we want our hub to encourage. Some of the ideas were collaboration, spirit of enquiry, peer-to-peer learning, communication, etc. There was some confusion about how that translates into physical space. Library people know all about this. For example, if you want to create quiet areas you have individual desks and if you want noisy group areas you have comfortable, flexible, group seating. We have group study rooms for collaborative work, we have silent rooms or super quiet stuff. We recently introduced a new space called 'create space' (see photo above) that has an interactive teamboard, a data projector, 7 computers, 2 whiteboard walls, funky desks on wheels and really funky chairs. I wrote a post about it a while ago. The room encourages collaboration, is usually a bit noisy but always full by groups practicing their presentations, individual studiers, the lot! Interestingly we find students are very good at self managing these spaces. For example, too much noise is frowned upon by neighbouring students and quickly squashed or reported to us. I think this happens when students appreciate a space enough to feel ownership or pride in the space. If we provide spaces students 'like' they'll care enough to want to keep it 'nice'.

Random thoughts: does the campus need to be 'sticky'? should we be designing for the ones for whom it is sticky rather then everyone? e.g. full-time students rather than part-time? How do we create a welcoming atmosphere while providing a secure, managed space? How can it be sustainable?

I look forward to experimenting with new spaces, furniture, design etc. as we continue on our path to the Library of the Future!

@fionawb's musical meme

Although it's not as exciting as the news that we have a new PM - go Julia! I had a lot of fun doing this. The songs all seem stragely appropriate. Thanks to @fionawb for this meme.

Here are the instructions:

1. Open your library (iTunes, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that’s playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool!

Opening Credits: Random rainforest bird sounds - (so appropriate)

Waking Up: Our House: Architecture in Helsinki - Fumble

First Day At School: Le Tigre - Dude yr so crazy (must be first day of high school)

Falling In Love: Simple Minds - Alive and Kicking (I don't think I've ever heard this song before?)

Fight Song: Tom Waits - In the Colosseum (no way!)

Breaking Up: Sufjian Stevens - Out of Egypt, into the great laugh of mankind and I shake the dirt from my sandals as I run (long title)

Prom: Pearl Jam - Glorified G

Life: Faith no More - King for a Day (awesome)

Mental Breakdown: Otis Redding - You left the water running (fitting)

Driving: Adem - These are your friends (beautiful)

Flashback: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Done all wrong (oh no!)

Getting Back Together: Salt N Pepper & En Vougue - Whatta man (funny)

Wedding: Radiohead - Thinking about you

Birth of Child: Aretha Franklin -Think (lol)

Final Battle: Crowded House - Better be home soon

Death Scene: Gomez - We haven't turned around

Funeral Song: Cowboy Junkies - Rock and Bird

Remembrance Song: Pavement - Blue Hawaiian

End Credits: Nusrat ALi Khan - Allah Hoo (cool)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Getting creative by creating content

I thought I'd share with you a few of the free web tools I think are really cool for creating content. You can create promos, informative and instructional things in a fun and informal way. Then you can share them on your blog, facebook, twitter, YouTube etc. Our clients are expected to be expert content creators and we need to be too so we can support them. Here's a little animation I created a while back for a presentation I was doing for some students. I used xtranoral.com which is a text animation tool.


Today I discovered storybird which is really beautiful digital storytelling tool. You choose the theme and it chooses illustrations for you. No embed code though. Here's the one I made.
http://storybird.com/books/sophie-the-owl-outside-the-library/

Google Searchstories is a really quick and easy way to get a message across- see my blogpost on that more more info. I used photobooth to record the video on one of my recent posts. Mostly cause I liked the fish background! I've also used prezi.com as an alternative to powerpoint and screenr.com for screencasting

Some others I'm going to have a play with:
VoiceThread  is collaborative visual storytelling with audio
MakeBelieveComix is a really cool comic creation tool. A little bit complicated but loads of features. I tried to make one and had a #fail after much tinkering and felt too defeated to start again.
Animasher looks really fun, using your photos to create wacky animations
Vuvox is like a multi-media slideshow and Glogster is an interactive poster - definately has potential.

Happy creating, library folks.

Monday, June 21, 2010

iphone meme & iphone love

Today I was feeling particularly fond of my iphone. So I decided to take part in the meme. I'm actually often fond of my iphone and a colleague (who must know this) shared this article with me recently about what students can teach us about iphones. I cringed when I read some of the student responses and thought "I feel like that', 'I do that', 'I've said that'... yes I'm in the 9% who admit to patting thier iphone...

So, this my home screen. There are a few highly used apps that are not on my home screen. Angry Birds is one. A highly addictive game - if this was on my home screen I think I'd play it twice as much. As it is, I've reached the highest level and everyday I'm on the lookout for an update... I also use sporcle, kindle, calculator, meebo, ABC and dropbox. Of all my music apps I like FingerBeat, tonepad and VoiceBand the best. Glee is good too. Of my ereader apps Classics (most like iBooks) is great except it takes too long for the page to turn and Freebooks has a great range. Kindle is the most basic of all the reader apps but it's the only one you can buy newer stuff with. Now onto the home screen...

Tweetdeck -have been using this one for a while and I'm not convinced it's the best but I like that it's easy to create new saved searches on the go

Facebook - love being in touch with my fam and friends who are yet to jump into twitter

Hipstamatic - my favourite camera app. Like an old plastic camera it takes photos like a lomo. Different film and lenses to choose from!

Camera - regular camera for the odd times when Hipstamatic doesn't cut it

Settings - cause I like them handy

Weather - It's not very reliable but I walk to work so I need to know how to dress and I like to know what the temp is at all times (is that wierd?)

Evernote - still trying to find the best note/todo app. Not sure if this is all I want it to be but it's pretty good

Photos - gotta have em handy. I take lots and upload lots

Clock - I need to set my alarm for the morning and check what time it is on the other side of the world for skyping

Calendar - synced with ical calendar and my work calendar. I get alerts for everything and it is awesome

Maps - I don't like to get lost

i-nigma - QR code reader. I should probably move it off the home screen since I don't use it all that often but it's definately the best

Messages - I heart texting

App store - I'm obsessed with finding, testing and updating apps

iTunes - I actually don't use it that much on my iphone. Mostly on my laptop. I should move it off

Phone - of course

Mail - synched to gmail and work email which is great! Except on weekends when I'm tempted to see whats in my inbox...

Google - "Friend to all librarians" @haikugirloz

Safari - not sure if I need safari and google but I do use both. I like that safari saves my search history, favourites etc.

iPod - most used app by far - while walking to work, at work to block out distractions, at the gym, on the bus, etc.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Animal Kingdom and the loss of a great arthouse cinema

Tonight I saw Animal Kingdom at the Academy Twin cinema in Darlinghurst which is closing down in a week. This cinema has been showing arthouse films for more than 30 years and I love it there! Why is it closing?  The problem seems to be the current owners (greek orthodox church) won't renew the lease because they don't want to fork out for the significant upgrades needed. Boo. This could be your last chance to go to the Academy Twin before it's gone for good. Make sure you get there this week!

The movie I saw there tonight was amazing. Animal Kingdom is an Australian tale of underworld crims versus shady cops but it is so much better then the string of film and TV in this genre recently. I agree with everything Mal had to say about the film - it is easily my favourite Aussie film of recent times. Jackie Weaver is incredible as the underworld matriarch and despite her marshmallow exterior she shows herself to be a true cruella before too long. I thought it was written and directed like a Shakespearean tragedy. POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT: Josh was at the heart of this tale and seemingly in constant fear of what he was getting involved with. Yet, one by one the crims met their demise and the poor 'defenseless' Josh ends up the King. I thought the actor that played Josh did an amazing job of portraying a troubled teen and the scene when he hits rock bottom and finally cracks was incredible. I loved the way it unraveled at the end and in hindsight I can see that it was all planned out. However, after discussing the film with my partner, in particular the ending, we disagreed about what we thought was going on. Don't want to spoil it for anyone but I thought he knew he wanted to do that from the time he said he wanted to help (if you know what I mean). Because he knew he'd never be safe otherwise. Make sure you go and see this film. It gets 5 stars from me.

Seeing this reminded me of other gutsy Aussie films I've enjoyed such as The Boys, Lantana, Two Hands, Romulus My Father, Japanese Story, Romper Stomper, Rabbit Proof Fence, The Year my Voice Broke, Angel Baby, Bad Boy Bubby, Proof and Candy.
Some still on my list to see are: Beneath Hill 60, Wake in Fright, Suburban Mayhem, Samson and Delilah, The Black Balloon and Amy.
One to look out for: Wasted on the Young - premiered at the recent Sydney Film Festival. Anyone get to see it?

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Post-apocalyptic fiction: one of my favourite genres

For such an optimistic person I find it a bit strange that I have such a fascination with a genre of fiction depicting the despicable ways the world might end and what happens afterward. I think I've always loved reading apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction. I remember Taronga, Z for Zachariah and the Tomorrow series from my young adult years and being absolutely glued to the page. Why? I think I enjoy putting myself in their place and and some kind of survival instinct is stirred within me. I secretly like to think I would be one of the survivors of whatever the apocalypse turns out to be. By reading these books I can get tips for when it comes! Although I've in no way read all books in the genre I thought I'd share with you a bit about the genre, the ones I've read and some I might read before the apocalypse comes.

A brief history... Noah's ark is often mentioned as the first apocalyptic fiction however, I'm sure it the genre dates back before that (anyone know?). But as far as the first in modern times,  Mary Shelley’s The Last Man published 1826 apparently takes the prize. I've been more interested in recent offerings such as Cat's Cradle, The Stand, Blindness, The Road, The Stone Gods, How I Live Now and I also loved Watership Down which crosses over into another favourite genre - allegory/animal fiction.

I'm currently reading Handling the Undead by Swedish author Lindqvist in which a few thousand recently deceased are no longer dead. They are also not alive. It's currently at a critical point where I'm not sure if it is indeed the apocalypse as foretold in the Bible or some kind of pharmaceutical company experiment gone wrong. Though not strictly apocalyptic, I'm really enjoying it at the moment - will let you know how it goes.

What I'm reading next in this genre:
White Earth - McGahan
Hunger Games - Collins
City of Ember series

What I might read one day in this genre:
Brave New World - Huxley

I am Legend - Matheson
In the Country of Last Things - Auster
On the Beach - Shute
Chrysalids - Wyndham

Some other books I've enjoyed, depicting dystopias that I somehow associate with this genre:
Animal farm - Orwell
1984 - Orwell
Slaughterhouse 5 - Vonnegut
Lord of the Flies - Golding
Heart of Darkness- Conrad
Midnights Children - Rushdie

From the lone survivor to the battle of good and evil. I just can't get enough! I think the reason I like this kind of end of the world, survival fiction is also why I'm drawn to vampire and zombie fiction. But that my friends, is another post.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Scenario building for the Library of the Future



There is so much speculation about what the future will bring for libraries. Just last week this blog sparked a string of comments about the many optimistic/pessimistic views of possible future scenarios. I thought I'd look into it a bit more and here's a few things I found.

This article by Marcum from 2003 looks at the library of 2012. Only 2 years away and I think he's done a great job of putting a pretty out there vision of the future forward. Marcum thinks we'll be Cybrarians in InfoSpace which is dominated by 'multiple-media' and utilising video-displaying walls, situation room theaters, learning "cafeterias," dispersed, theme-centered constructions and multi-media "books". Does anyone else think 2003 sounds really long ago? Weren't ebooks on the horizon yet? I guess the vook has only just become a reality?

In 2004 IFLA published Defining Information Literacy in the 21st Century. The scenario they imagine is: Libraries are no longer the primary source of information, we will not be dealing with clients face-to-face, information literacy with be client driven which they see as point-of-need and just-in-time, and evaluation will become more important. At the time this was written it might have been considered radical? But I think alot of this is (and probably was) already the case. This scenario is now. We want to know what you think will happen next?

In 2006, Futurist Speaker put forward some suggestions for libraries wanting to transform with the changes that confronting us and recommends: evaluating library experiences, embracing new technologies, preserving the memories of our communities, experimenting and being creative with space and the role of the library. He emphasises the need for creative spaces and suggests: band practice rooms, podcasting stations, blogger stations, Art studios, Recording studios, Video studios, Imagination rooms, Theater-drama practice rooms (dancing rooms - Mal that was for you). Pretty good stuff huh!

This year at #plff2010 the State Library of New South Wales launched the Bookends Scenarios which goes into great detail about scenario planning and the process they went through in coming up with a matrix of four possible future scenarios for public libraries. I was at the panel discussion for the launch of the report and there was much disagreement over each scenario and the plausibility of each one. Pretty much all of them had both optimistic and pessimistic elements which I think is where the problems were born. The optimists couldn't imagine the negative things in the scenario occurring while the pessimists obviously felt the opposite. Can we ever bring the two together? SO what were they?

No.1. Silent Spring: Climate change has ravaged the world and due to resource shortages the only place people can access technology and resources is through the library. There is move back to print based products and a more local approach to community life. It' seems a bit like when your mum decides you won't have TV for a year when you're a kid and everyone bonds and reads books and feels better about themselves and the world. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! (oooh that sounded cynical!)

No.2. How Buildings learn: technology overload has created a fast-pased globalised world of digital everything. Information overload has made everyone uneasy (who?) and libraries have become community centres, cafe's gyms, etc and vital in helping navigate the information overloaded digital world... not sure how I feel about this one. It doesn't seem all that far away from what's happening now - except for some reason it makes me feel uneasy.

No.3. Neuromancer: The world  gone mad, everything is in short supply and prices are sky high due to big corporations creating, owning and controlling information! People have to go to the library because they can't afford computers or Internet access. I think this is the least likely of all the scenarios. User- generated content cannot be stopped and with open source, open content movements on the rise I don't think it's reasonable to think that big corps will suddenly create, own and control everything. Hang on... what am I saying... Google... Apple... etc...

No.4.  Fahrenheit 451: "A screenagers paradise" with physical books almost dead this is a post-literate world where digital is all. For some reason in this scenario libraries struggle due to funding cuts and in desperation they start mental health gyms, screening rooms and download centres... This one is just too disparate for me. I like the first part but predictably I don't like the second part.

What else is in the works 'out there'? ARL is embarking on a scenario planning project for research libraries and plan on releasing a report in Oct/Nov this year. They claim "Each scenario will tell a different plausible story that starts at the current state and takes the reader out into highly divergent future situations of research libraries". From what I can see this project looks really constrained. They refer the Bookends Scenarios and a UK project exploring academic library of the future scenarios. Can't wait to see what these projects come up with.

There are many blogs about the future of libraries and various aspects of the future such as information literacy, ebooks, mobile devices, etc.. etc... So what do I think? Well, in case you haven't seen it yet, check out my post on my presentation from VALA this year with Mal Booth and Belinda Tiffen. The most popular video from the presentation is above. We made it ourselves as an homage to the commoncraft videos. But on top of that, here are some general observations that I think will help people slide into the future... Don't get stuck on definitions or semantics. The future is coming no matter what you call it. Be prepared to constantly change and learn. Experiment and be creative. Staffing and spaces will be flexible and lines will be blurred between work and play. Services will be 24/7 and mobile. Library spaces will be social, comfortable, well lit, safe, full of facilities and tech know how. In other words - who wouldn't want to be there? It's not about the technology - which will always change. It's about the social practices of us 'humans' that determine the direction the future will take.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Getting to know our clients on 'wallwisher'

A few months ago we installed a 'wallwisher' suggestion board in our foyer for client comments and feedback. It replaced an antiquated system of pen on paper comments posted on a notice board. It's caused quite a stir among clients and staff and some of  the comments are hilarious. I particularly like the ongoing discussion about our Kenny G elevator music and the problem it's causing... clients ask our advice because they start to feel a bit romantic in the lift and they're worried one thing might lead to another... I've wanted to blog about this for a while but I've asked the wonderful Ashley to be my guest blogger for  this post because she's more involved than me and quite the comedian. I hope you enjoy.

~

Serious Asks: Does the Library have plans for response on a wizard attack on Blake Library?
Library: The Library has plans for earthquakes, fire, wizard and zombie attacks. However no one can stop Godzilla; except maybe ninja. Please dial 6 in an emergency.

Anon asks: this wall is amazing, I bet the person who set this up is amazing too. And handsome.
Library: We suspect this was put up by a member of our IT Staff.
Library (aka PinkFairaeDust): If you think the IT guys are cute, you should see the Librarians who write on this wall ;)

I suppose you realise by now that this is not one of lovely Sophie’s clever posts. She has asked me to write something about our Brilliant Library Suggestion Board. I am not entirely sure she has picked the right person. I am generally known for doing silly things like naming my lemon tree Fredrick, or asking my boss’ boss’ boss if the new ASRS will be pretty. Ah well here goes!

Above you can see me in front of our gorgeous suggestion board. I am one of the people who respond to students comments and have fallen head over heels in love with the process. They have surprised and thrilled me with their comments and general Geekery.

I guess what I really enjoy are the cheeky comments designed to test our boundaries. Most of the time they are not testing our boundaries by being bad or rude. I guess I can only describe it was testing out how human we are and if we have a sense of humour. So far, we have only had to moderate them lightly, taking down one racist comment and another with a naughty word in it. Actually, we really wanted to leave the latter one up due to its pertinence to the student experience. Shall we play Blankety blanks? “Life is like a sometimes it gets hard for no reason.” True in oh so many ways. Alas we do have to draw a line somewhere. You can see some of the initial comments in our Facebook Photo Gallery.
 

Some of you might be wondering what this has to do with providing Library Services. Not everyone probably agrees with me, but I represent the silly 25-year-old new graduates and I think it is a crucial step in engaging with students. Sure some of the comments are silly; sure some of them have nothing to do with traditional Library business. That doesn’t bother me at all. Anything that engages students and makes library staff appear less stern and more approachable is fine by me. One bad Library experience will turn you away from Libraries and Librarians for good. Secretly, between you and me, Librarians still petrify me. I was far too scared to approach Librarians in both my degrees – even when I was studying to be one!
 

What matters to me is that our students (patrons? Researchers? Learners?) feel comfortable talking to us no matter how silly the question may seem and know that we are interested in helping them solve their problems. Even if it is only to suggest a game of rock, paper, scissors, lizard, spock to settle who gets to use the computers first (then point out our Online computer availability system). 



Yours, @pinkfairaedust


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Writing with passion and endurance

A while back I wrote a post about a workshop I attended on 'Developing skills in writing and delivering papers' and the subsequent workshop I co-ran for colleagues on the same subject using prezi! Today I found myself attempting to finish a paper and thought... take your own advice... stay calm... it'll be all right. (I really have to thank my colleagues for being so understanding). Last night when I posted about the difficulty of writing, I'd really dragged myself to the top of the mountain. Today when I came back to it I was able to traverse the mountain and by this afternoon I'm coasting down to the finish line. I find it's always the same when I'm writing. I get to a point when I'm researching when by brain feels like it will burst with all the new ideas that are forming and then again when I'm trying to write, all those ideas are fighting to get on the page. Once the ideas are out on the page I find the hard work is mostly done. That's where I'm at right now. It is an act of endurance, yet I love it. While still in the throes of completing this paper, I'm already thinking about the abstract I have to submit next week. Ludicrous yes, but I feel compelled to do this. Why? I'm not sure. I love new ideas and researching a paper is the best opportunity to really investigate what other people are doing in order to think about how you can do things differently. I also get really excited by theory... yes those big words. I'm excited by the thought of linking the practical and theoretical to perhaps shine a light on things in a new way. I'm even getting excited writing this right now. Does anyone else love writing even though it sometimes destroys them? Please share.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Halfway owl update & the struggle to write the perfect paragraph

Today is the halfway point of documenting my owl collection for #blogeverydayofjune. Last week I was casting about thinking how many more photos will I have to take. In a quick glance I saw about 10 that I hadn't snapped yet and thought - I still have plenty to go. Hope you enjoy what I've put up so far.



When good ideas go bad... Today I was attempting to write a paper which has been in the works for some time but I'm trying to put the polish on it (and finish the intro and conclusion). Well, I thought all this blogging would have helped - (maybe it has) but I kept writing a sentence, deconstructing it, thinking it through way to much, rewriting it, cutting and pasting it to somewhere else, adding a second part, deleting a few words... in other words doing my head in. Do other people have as much trouble writing something when they know exactly what they want to say but they just can't say it. I'm feeling like one frustrated individual right now. I think the best plan is to clear my head. Come at it fresh tomorrow and just let it flow. Then let someone else look at it for some feedback and edit from there. Fresh eyes will do the paper and  me a world of good. Maybe I just need a holiday... all those memes have distracted me...

Monday, June 14, 2010

Two things about me meme

Long weekend meme fever ends with a bit about me and some photos of my weekend in the wilds. “About You” meme via Ghylene



Two names you go by:
1) Sopha
2) Sophiemaccadoodlewacca

Two things you are wearing right now:
1) Antique Navajo turquoise ring
2) Santa Domingo pueblo turquoise and shell earings

Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship:
1) laughter
2) loving moments

Two things you like to do:
1) sing
2) make art

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1) a warm bed
2) A clone who could do all the boring things I don't have time for

Two things you did last night:
1) Hung out with my family
2) Ate a very yummy dinner my mum made

Two things you ate today:
1) Homemade scones
2) Mushroom soup

Two people you last talked to:
1) 5 year old Lennox
2) David G Herbert

Two things you’re doing tomorrow:
1) Writing a paper for ALIA access
2) Exercise

Two Favorite Holidays
1) Japan, snowboarding and roaming the country on a gastronomic adventure
2) Borneo, trekking, mountain climbing, beaching, boating, orang utans

Two favourite beverages
1) Brown rice green tea
2) Montepulciano Red

Two things about me! Things you may not have known.
1) I'm vegetarian and have been for 17 years
2) I sometimes consider becoming a part-time hermit

Two jobs I have had in my life:
1) Printmaking teacher
2) Antique bookseller

Two movies I would watch over and over:
1) Millers crossing
2) The Princess Bride

Two places I have lived:
1) Tamarama
2) Caringbah

Two of my favourite foods:
1) real Italian pizza
2) desserts of all kinds

Two places I’d rather be right now:
1) Riding horses over the Andes Mountains of Chile
2) Climbing the treetops with Gibbons in Laos

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Response to @malbooth's TV meme

Thanks to @malbooth for this one. Long weekend meme fever continues...


Do you snack while watching TV?
Of course! Usually popcorn or chocolate

What is your favourite TV show?
True Blood

What TV show makes you run to change channels?
Today tonight, rugby league, Sunrise

How do you view your TV guide: online, on-screen, newspaper, magazine, other?
Rarely but when I do defo online

Have you ever been surveyed for your TV-viewing habits or do you know anyone who has been?
My partner was surveyed in person by someone nocking at the door. It took ages.

Do you watch TV news and/or current affairs regularly?
Yep, Lateline, QandA, insight, 7:30 report, ABC2 in the morning

Do you watch any TV "soaps"? (Truth please, even if it is embarrassing.)
Law & Order SVU

What other series shows do you try not to miss?
United States of Tara

Any previous series or shows you really liked?
Only on DVD but there's quite a few: West wing, Northern exposure, Buffy, Entourage, Scrubs, Flight of the Conchords, Gossip girl, 30 Rock, Tudors, Mad Men,

Do you have pay TV or are the digital channels enough?
Digital is enough

Do you only watch certain TV shows online?
Not really - I did watch United States of Tara online cause I worked the night it was on but now I have it DVD

Do you regularly use services like ABC catch-up or other online replays?
Not regularly - If I missed it, I missed it.

Do you ever pay any attention to the adverts?
Not unless there's a puppy in the add - that always gets me

Do you multi-task while watching TV & if so what else are you doing?
Reading, eating, writing, on my iphone, talking, texting, playing games, downloading apps, twitter and  Facebook, on my laptop, downloading music, uploading photos,  doing housework etc.


Is there a TV show that makes you laugh out loud?
The IT crowd! 30 Rock!


Have you ever said no to a social invitation to stay at home and watch TV? (Truth again please.) Mind telling us what the show was?
Really? No.


Do you record TV shows & if so why and how (VCR, DVD recorder, TIVO, laptop, etc.)?
No way - as I said if I missed it I missed it - or I'll buy the DVD


Have you ever seen anything really memorable on TV (not news/events - made for TV drama, etc.)?
Yellowstone BBC doco


Do you prefer TV series or stand-alone shows?
Series


Is there a specific show you find yourself recommending over and over?
Yellowstone!

Photo is of my mums farm where I'm at right now about to eat fresh baked sponge cake!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

@snailx's travel meme

Long weekend 'meme fever' not as catchy as 'Bieber fever' but fun nonetheless...


What “City, Country” do you live in?
Sydney, Australia
What was the last country you visited other than your own (or that you want to if you haven’t been out of your country)?
Japan
What is your favourite kind of trip (i.e. camping, laying on the beach, cruise, etc.)?
Action/adventure with a little luxury - I need a reward if I'm going to trek through a jungle!
What is the farthest location south that you have gone?
Probably Santiago Chile or Queenstown NZ. Not sure of the latitudes
What is the farthest location north that you have gone?
Lubeck in Northern Germany. Near Hamburg. Quaint little place
What is your preferred mode of transportation when traveling long distances?
Absolutely flying. I love it!
What kind of vehicle do you own (or would like to own)?
Peugeot 307 turbo diesel
What is your ideal destination?
Oohhh. That's tough. I've been a lot of places. Somewhere with awesome food, lots to see and do, some adventure and some good relaxation too. I really loved Japan, Turkey, Croatia, Chile
Who is your favourite travel companion?
My current lover (of 13 years)
What is the largest city you have visited?
Tokyo - biggest city in the world but it didn't feel like it! Japan is amazing.
What destination would you recommend to a friend?
Depends... probably Thailand, it has so many options it could suit anyone's holiday desires
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
hmmm... Italy or Spain? Good food, friendly people and relaxed way of life
Sophie's bonus question - What's the highest altitude you've been?
5800 meters above sea level trekking in Peru

Travel photo is from Niseko, Japan - view from my bed

Friday, June 11, 2010

Creativity in the library

...blogging from the wilds of northern NSW... managed to find a viable internet connection... will see how I go for the rest of the weekend... no excuses...

Today I've been exposed as a creative-innovator thanks to @malbooth and now I feel a fair bit of pressure to live up to the high expectations I've created this week in #blogeverydayofjune land. It's been amazing to see the response to all this reflection and debate about libraries, 2.0 and the future. I look forward to the rest of the month and all the excitement it's sure to bring. Optimists and pessimists are putting their cards on the table and choosing sides. Although it's only the pessimists who are quibbling over semantics. They think they should be called realists and optimists should be called dreamers. IMHO that's a pessimist being optimistic if ever I've heard it!

All this talk of creativity and the optimist/pessimist divide got me thinking. I consider myself a creative optimist and rather than see problems I see possibilities. However, often I think pessimists seem to see the problems before the possibilities. Don't get me wrong, I think we need both sides to any argument as long as both sides are willing to be open to each others ideas (again with the optimism Sophie). I'll be realistic - that is a huge challenge. I commented on @malbooths post that creativity is only possible when we have trust, freedom and encouragement from above. I am lucky to have that in my workplace and thanks to previous experience I know how unusual that is! I thank Ruth for her comment that my enthusiasm is infectious because sometimes I worry that it's annoying. I do speak out and as Mal said I'm not afraid to give my opinion which is not always popular but due to sheer enthusiasm can often win people over! My message today is 'be not afraid, say what you think with passion and you can get away with (almost anything)'! And finally a new motto for us all 'I am librarian, hear me roar!'

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Response to the future of libraries and librarians debate

Yesterday all my posts about the future of information literacy seemed to come to a head and cause some heated debate in the comments of yesterday's post. Two opposing sides seemed to form: the optimistic and the pessimistic view of the future. Let's be clear, I'm on the optimistic side and I have to say the pessimistic side really baffles and confounds me! I think this debate is fantastic because it really makes us think about where we stand on these issues. Even though I disagree with everything the pessimistic view says, this debate makes me ask 'why'. Today I thought I'd post a response to yesterday and look forward to your thoughts.

OK pessimist, I suppose you think in this future of yours that we’ll have robots to create and manage these entirely online libraries, automated response systems to manage virtual reference (or no need for reference at all) and all our clients will be studying as individuals from home, Mars or wherever else they exist with no need for social interaction? I just can’t see any signs that the future you imagine is even remotely possible. Have you not seen how vibrant and social the library is? Most people don’t want to study at home alone all the time – why do you think the library is so busy?!? Not because people come here ‘just for the books’ or even ‘just for the computers’ it’s because they like the social space the library provides. It gives them somewhere to meet up, see and be seen, a sense of community, a place they feel they belong and belongs to them! And as more and more of our lives is spent online the desire to spend time online together increases. As long as this trend continues I can't see people suddenly not coming to the library which is what you're saying will happen. As long as students continue to flock to the library - libraries will continue to be vibrant social spaces.

As for your notion that the future for librarians lies in collection development - maybe I should change professions now! I really can't see where that idea comes from. We already have approval plans for much of our collection development as a way to automate the system so we 'librarians' can spend our time on other things. What are those other things and what will they be in the future? I think we spend out time trying to engage with clients in more collaborative ways. Embed ourselves in their study and research practices (online and physical). The thing is they 'don't know what they don't know' so we need to find ways to connect with clients and join them as active content creators, advocates of a social approach to information seeking and use, mentors in evaluating, synthesising, analysing and ethically reusing information. I'm sure more and more of our library services will be online, librarians will be able to work from home but I don't think we'll be less visible - I think we need to be more visible - regardless of physical or digital space. Another whole can of worms would be to bring up the ever growing digital divide - how can you assume all clients will stop needing our help?

To sum up, I think in 100 years from now libraries will be very different but only because of changes to sociocultural practices surrounding technology which I think will bring us all closer together not further apart. As I've said before: the future is what we make it, there is no truth, reality is socially constructed and I'm proud to be a librarian.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Information literacy thoughts of the day

Today I was feeling a bit brain fried from all this blogging so for a bit of fun I was messing around with our new mac and decided to make a little vodcast of what I've been thinking about today. This was unrehearsed and unscripted so please be kind. This is in no way a comprehensive overview of all my thoughts but simply a glimpse inside my brain in a short moment of time. enjoy

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Information literacy 2.0

Although I'm not sure how I feel about anything '2.0' it gives us a point of reference so I'm using it for now, ok... Following on from yesterday I thought I'd look more closely at how web 2.0 has impacted on information literacy (IL) programs.

Web 2.0 initiatives have been implemented across libraries in many ways and there is a growing amount of literature dealing with how libraries are using blogs, wikis, RSS, podcasting and other tools to communicate with clients in new ways. There is a smaller amount of literature that evaluates client use of these tools and services with an emphasis on vague "what if" type questions that provide little insight into user experience. The smallest section of this literature pie is dealing with the point of intersection between Web 2.0 and information literacy instruction and in particular evaluation of such programs.  

In much of the literature there is an emphasis on the problem learners have with evaluating information and understanding how to manage it's ethical reuse. This is seen as one of the biggest problems facing IL instructors. So how can Web 2.0 help address this issue? Many libraries now teach clients how to make better use of google, RSS feeds, collaborative software etc. but we need to embed this training within the context those tools are used in so clients can learn to evaluate information and ethically apply its reuse? Godwin (2007) suggests web 2.0 is not about technology but a "state of mind" that needs to be reflected in our IL training. Thus, web 2.0 can help but, it's not about the tools... it's about what you do with them...

Luo claims web 2.0 is blurring the "boundaries between formalised learning and informalised play" (p.33) in a way that encourages learners to integrate their sense of self into their learning. Her research examines how web 2.0 is being used in IL instruction and how effective it is. Findings suggest IL instructors who are proactive and creative in their approach to integrating web 2.0 into their teaching are effective in helping students master IL concepts and skills through enhanced interaction and collaboration (p.39). Staying current, experimentation and creativity are seen as very important if trainers are to cope with the constantly evolving web 2.0 world (Godwin, 2007). 

To achieve IL 2.0 success Williams suggests a hybrid model (just like the prius) of IL instruction that combines online and face-to-face learning. Most libraries have already taken on this model by providing face-to-face and online training however, can we bring the two closer together so they are more of a complimentary pair rather than competing individuals. A convergence of physical and digital IL programs can enhance the learning environment by providing multiple learning pathways, 'just in time' access and revision of training. Williams also suggests web 2.0 has enabled IL training to encompass multi-media and gaming which ultimately means FUN!

In general the debate seems to be divided over how we can use web 2.0 to enhance our IL instruction delivery versus how we can do that and also teach how to use web.2.0 to effectively organise, evaluate, create and reuse information. Quite different perspectives. In case you can't tell I'm for the latter.   

Overall, the literature emphasizes four main points:
  • teaching critical thinking skills so clients can effectively evaluate the validity and authority of information
  • develop an understanding of ethical issues relating to reuse, copyright and correct attribution
  • constant experimentation by educators in the face of a rapidly evolving 2.0 world
  • more emphasis on evaluation of these new programs
That's enough for now. Maybe tomorrow I'll do away with the serious stuff and tell ya'll about all the cool innovative IL 2.0 training going on out there. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Some light reading:
Luo, 2010. Web 2.0 integration in information literacy instruction: An overview
Williams, 2010. New tools for online information literacy instruction
Godwin, 2007. Information literacy meets web 2.0: how new tools affect our own training and our teaching

    Monday, June 7, 2010

    My information literacy manifesto

    It's not about the tools...

    Following on from yesterday. My head is in an epistemological, ontological, pedagogical three way over information literacy right now. There, I've used all my big words, now I can get down to business (or try to make some sense anyway).

    The traditional notion of the library and librarian are changing (when are they not).

    Libraries are no longer the gate-keepers of information and knowledge they once were. With easy access to an explosion of information online, today's learner can find almost anything without the mediation of a library. Despite this change, libraries have evolved since the spread of web 2.0 into an important part of the new information seeking ecosystem. Rather than become redundant repositories of the old way, libraries have become vibrant social spaces.

    Learners now have access to more information than ever in a multitude of media. However, with great freedom comes great responsibility and that's where librarians come in. The stereotype of the scary pearl and twinset wearing librarian is slowly dissapearing as learners begin to consider us a partner in their everyday life information seeking. We are on facebook, twitter, YouTube and other spaces they inhabit and when they can't find something in google we know how to help (among other things). We need to reexamine our role as mentor and focus our teaching on ways of thinking/seeing rather than technology to be mastered.

    Web 2.0 and social media has led to a more social and collaborative approach to information seeking and this is where we should look to reinvent our framing of information literacy (IL). Traditionally IL has been described as a set of skills or competencies that we can teach individuals regardless of context. However, we must consider information seeking as a social process based on the context of learners. By this I mean the socio-cultural time and space within which learning occurs. Too often the tools are the focus of IL training when it should be on the symbiotic relationship between technology and changing social practices. By situating learning in context, we allow learners to construct and attach meaning to new skills rather than seeing them as apart from their everyday life information seeking.

    Web 2.0 has created a blurring of work/play in everyday life as new technologies enable collaboration and sharing like never before. Social learning and collaborative construction of meaning in context is the crux of a 21stC model of information literacy. With my postmodernist hat on, 'there is no truth, all meaning is socially constructed'. This theory brings to mind the creative commons movement and how critical it was in developing the 'share and reuse' revolution that has led to a more open web. This open, sharing and collaborative online environment allowed a new way of finding, reusing, sharing and creating information which is available via multiple pathways in a multitude of media and user-created content. Learners are now active content-creators and we must take up the challenge ourselves and collaborate in creating shared meanings. All this creativity has led to a push for more fun and games in the library which should of course be integral to any 21stC model of information literacy.

    To sum up, I've been thinking about how information literacy came to be and where it's at now. Since developing out of a print paradigm (sorry another big word) IL has failed to naturally adapt, as it should have in response to constantly evolving technologies within a wide range of socio-cultural contexts. I believe we have an opportunity to revitalise IL by taking a more social approach to the way we consider learning, and situating it in socio-cultural context, rather than as a set of competencies or skills/tools that need to be mastered.

    Hope that wasn't too out there...
    I'm now reading it back and wondering what the hell I'm going on about...

    Some of my inspirational reading:
    2010 Horizon report
    Tuominen et. al. 2005. Information literacy as a sociocultural practice
    Kapitzke, Cushla (2003) Information literacy : a review and poststructural critique. Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, 26(1). pp. 53-66.

    p.s. we got a new mac today and photos in this post are 'librarians being silly while playing with Photobooth'.

    Sunday, June 6, 2010

    Reinventing information literacy

    Two things happened this week relating to information literacy that made me go 'efgweifbbfmmmeh' (loosely interpreted that's the noise in my head when I have too many things to say at once). One was @flexnib asking on twitter "librarians, what are ur thoughts on info lit in the 21st century? scrap the concept, start again? broaden it? swap it (eg dig lit)? #lazyweb

    The other thing was a meeting of my pod/vodcasting community where one of the academics asked me, "do you think the library will exist in the future or just be virtual"? I actually laughed in his face! I know that might seem harsh and some of you would probably say he asked a valid question but seriously... (so many responses were forming that I heard that noise in my head again and had a hard time answering him)! Immediate thoughts: assumptions, change, social, personal, skills, multi modal...

    Before I start to rant I'll try to sum up all my thoughts in one pithy sentence, here goes: Information literacy is dead, long live information literacy.

    We make so many assumptions about so called digital natives but just because they want geospatial tagging and they want it now doesn't mean they know how to find academic resources for their assignments!!!!!!! Information overload = librarians needed more than ever! At best these 'digital natives' can do a basic google search, use the first few results that look OK and wonder why they're asked to resubmit an assignment (to grossly generalise). That's when the light bulb goes on and they think 'maybe I should go to the library and ask a librarian'? I see this all the time on the reference desk and it's amazing to see their faces light up when you show them a few tips and tricks to easily finding what they need. One girl I helped was so impressed, when the lecturer asked in class how she found her sources, she replied 'I asked the librarian' and they all went 'oooooooh'.

    I think the way we define and teach information literacy needs to change to reflect client needs. I know this is the most obvious statement in the world but this should be a constantly evolving process, why does it seem to stop/start sporadically?  Curriculum is changing and drawing on new ways of communicating through the use of blogs, wikis, multimedia and user created content. This means a whole new set of skills is needed to find this kind of information and then know how to create your own. Information is no longer just in books, journals or printed form. We need to understand the multi modal approach learners are facing and equip them with skills to understand, find, use and create all forms of information. In addition we need to take a multi modal approach to our teaching. This is already the case with online and face-to-face information literacy programs but more can and must be done.

    The library plays a vital social role in our university community. It's a place to see and be seen. As more and more of our lives are spent online, physical social spaces to gather, share and engage are very important. Personally, I can't imagine a future where social engagement disappears and we all work/study from home sitting at our desks alone all day/night. BORING! We need libraries and other cultural institutions to gather, work together, share experiences and feel a part of a community. Related to this is the importance of personal face-to-face help. We can provide dozens of virtual reference options but for some people actually talking to a person is really important. And I must say I find it a very satisfying part of my job.

    No matter what you call it, what's currently known as information literacy needs to change but continue to exist. That's my rant for now. Much more to come on this throughout the week.

    p.s. the photo above is of Bronte pool yesterday during a brief break in Sydney's ongoing bleak weather.