Search

The literature speaks of a 'deluge' of scientific and research data and the importance of capturing and managing it for use beyond its original creating community, purpose, and time. Data value increases as it is interconnected, networked, shared, used, and re-used. This paper extends the conversation about data sharing to 'wild data': that is, data generated and held outside of 'academic' or 'professional' science, as in the case of environmental voluntary groups (EVGs). Currently, important data generated by these groups are likely to be inaccessible to the academic community, or any community or body outside those often-small EVGs. Although large quantities of data are often generated by EVGs, management of these data may be poor or non-existent; and quality control of data may be haphazard and spasmodic. This article reports on a pilot project which explored the data sought, generated, stored, and shared by members of EVGs. The project also investigated members' views about data management and sharing for the future. Finally, as Australian university libraries are at the forefront of research and practice to promote the better management of data created by research, the paper also explores whether there might be a collaborative role for university libraries in the management of wild data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes our vision for the new UTS Library opening in 2016/17. Preparations are currently focussed on implementing enabling technologies which will move up to 80% of the print collection to an automated storage and retrieval system. This will allow the physical library to shift from a space dominated by book storage to a vibrant space for people, and facilitate better integration of physical and digital collections, services and spaces. While underpinned by technology, our new library is about people, and this paper describes the co-design practices we are exploring to include our clients in the planning process and ensure we deliver library services which meet their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006-07, the author was involved in redesigning a database storing traditional knowledge of Australian Aboriginal clans. The project raised issues relating to the design of repositories for indigenous knowledge, including theoretical approaches taken to ontology (knowledge structures, classification systems) and metadata creation. This paper describes the design process undertaken, in which user-centred design principles accommodated an emergent contrast between traditional knowledge customs and "good" database design principles. Theoretical approaches taken to ontology are presented, and the format of the restructured database is discussed in general terms. Assembling evidence from usability testing and qualitative research, the paper concludes that a flexible ontological system was needed to provide the customisability required by indigenous users - a system whose iterations and applications may usefully represent widely differing aboriginal cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Federal Government is introducing a new funding model for research in Australian higher education institutions, the Research Quality Framework (RQF). This paper provides an overview of the RQF and looks at possible impacts of the RQF on academic libraries in Australia. These impacts are drawn from experience at one Australian university, RQF-related activities, and commentary and research from the UK, where a similar funding model, the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), has been operating for a decade. The paper concludes by bringing these issues together with suggestions for academic libraries preparing for the 2008 RQF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macquarie University Library's planning for a new library coincided with a major renewal of the university's curriculum and research activity. This provided a significant opportunity to re-think the presentation of the library collections in the new environment. This article describes how strategic alignment with university goals and the framework of student engagement informed the three major aspects of our approach: the development of collection storage principles, a focus on the presentation of disciplinary pathways to reflect current teaching and research, and the building of collection management and development partnerships with our academic colleagues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing availability and prominence of e-books has led to a perception in some quarters that the requirement for physical books is decreasing, as most, or all scholarly material is openly available in digital form. Some academic administrators and librarians have suggested that it may be possible or desirable to have a solely, or predominantly electronic academic library. This study tests that assumption by randomly selecting a sample of titles from a mid-size Australian academic library and searching for suitable electronic copies. The conclusion of the paper is that a maximum of 33% of titles held by the case study library are available as e-books, and on a practical basis about 26% of titles held by the case study library could be readily obtained as e-books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a conference paper on research on the Group of 8 (Go8) University libraries in Australia. It cites a report commissioned by Go8 to Outsell led by Vic Eliot, then University of the Australian National University. It offers a history of studies on the value of library services using activity-based costing methodology and benchmarking for process models. It presents research on economic value of libraries using the Return on Investment and Contingent valuation methodologies.

An introduction to the journal is presented wherein the editors discuss various articles published within the issue on topics including research support in Australian university libraries, immigrants' information behaviour, and the use of altmetrics in measuring research impact.

This article explores a number of current issues and challenges in sustainability, both of and in academic libraries of the future, using as a case study the new library opened at Macquarie University, Sydney in 2011. Issues covered include sustainable design and operation of library buildings, sustainability in relation to library collections, and the reframing of library organisational design and service provision for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macquarie University's new medical school, The Australian School of Advanced Medicine (ASAM), is developing a postgraduate program that incorporates a partnership with Macquarie University Library. The curriculum encompasses contemporary models of competency-based assessment, teamwork and lifelong learning that are integrated with research and patient care. This exploratory paper shows how ASAM differs from other medical schools in ways that will necessitate an innovative response from the Library. Results of a Library survey identified key online services and the importance of integrating information skills training into ASAM's curriculum. The ensuing discussion demonstrates how ASAM and the Library can share current technologies and educational principles to facilitate lifelong learning, health care and collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International students constitute a significant proportion of the Australian university population, and thus of the university library-using population. Drawing on qualitative research findings, this paper discusses the library-related experiences and perceptions of international students at two Australian universities. While the students' previous library use was limited, at their host university they experienced challenges using the library, often associated with unfamiliarity. However, they generally viewed their Australian university library and library staff in a positive light. The findings support recommendations for developing library professionals' awareness of international students' and their library use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, several types of library in Australia have been perceived as having a 'research' role, notably the National Library, the state libraries, and the university libraries, together with a few special libraries serving research-producing organisations such as the CSIRO. This paper provides some speculations on how some significant changes in the information environment may impact on the 'research' roles of libraries with a 'public' purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the outcomes of research assessing the nature and extent of print journal cancellations by Australian research libraries since 1990. The cancellation activity of two groups of libraries, one representing the national and state library sector and the other the university library sector, was examined. These two groups were tested for their cancellation of both Australian and international journals. From the results some conclusions are reached about the factors driving the cancellations and the implications these cancellations might have for the nation's access to scholarly journal literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a response from the author to his own article "The Proper Status and Functions of Librarians in Academic Institution" from the 1984 volume 33, number 4 issue of "The Australian Library Journal." In this article, he discusses the increased number of students in Australian universities as well as the rise of online information impacting academic libraries. According to the article, this has led to increased acquisition costs for materials and a focus on developing online searching skills, therefore changing responsibilities for academic librarians.

This study examines the ongoing changes within Australian university libraries to support research. After establishing the reasons for focusing so strongly on research support, this study gives an overview of the adjustments made to libraries' service portfolios and the changes in the roles and responsibilities of subject or liaison librarians. Throughout the study, in-depth comparisons are drawn to the developments in Europe, in particular to the situation in the UK, Switzerland and Germany. This study identifies and discusses five research support services: institutional repositories, open access, bibliometrics and enhancement of research impact, support for research students and research data management. It then examines how these services are resourced and embedded in the library. The study reveals three measures or approaches that were taken by senior management to build up and sustain efficient and effective research support services: (1) rationalisation of student services, (2) focusing activities of liaison librarians on research support and creation of subject-specific teams to achieve better effectivity and efficiency gains, and (3) definition of new positions responsible for research support. In the ‘Conclusion’ section, the author asks to what extent Australian libraries are influenced by government and university policies, or whether Australian librarians are free to set their own priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A benchmarking review of the quality assurance practices of the libraries of the Australian Technology Network conducted in 2006 revealed exemplars of best practice, but also sector-wide gaps. A follow-up review in 2010 indicated the best practices that remain relevant. While some gaps persist, there has been improvement across the libraries and the development of greater "quality maturity". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the final article in a series examining globalisation and the role of Australian librarians in internationalising library, university, and international practice in higher education. It describes case studies of Australian academic libraries in which a successful pattern for internationalisation emerged. The conclusions of the research are discussed, and recommendations for practice and further research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]