Library

We need to create digital resources which are accessible to the widest possible community

A presentation detailing how Holmesglen Librarians collaborated with Learning Skills teachers to create a new APA Guide.

Joey Chung presentation on ALIA National Conference 2022. Joey talks about inclusion and diversity in libraries workforce.

This paper discusses an embedded library program piloted at Holmesglen Institute and the results of a ‘learner survey’ of learners within participating courses. It argues that an embedded library program presents an emerging opportunity within TAFE and dual sector libraries to introduce an additional learner support service to provide highly targeted information literacy skills building and research support.

Stereotypes are everywhere and they might affect our decisions and perceptions in the workplace. In the first ALIA Multicultural webinar, we will discuss stereotypes and the unconscious bias. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your eye-rolling stereotype experiences with the group, put yourself in other people’s shoes, and break some stereotypes together.

With the current focus on climate change and the impact we are having on the environment, many of us are wondering how we can make a real difference. Libraries are quite naturally places that people turn to for ideas as well as answers.

This presentation will argue an embedded mindset should be incorporated into the modern librarian’s repertoire; that is moving beyond the confines of the library building to bring customised services and support directly to your target users. Relying on promotion of library services to those that come through our doors is like the old saying “preaching to the converted”. If we are to expand our reach and make meaningful connections with those that need it most (but are not necessarily regular library users), then we need to consider a different approach. It really is a minor change in our frame of mind and outlook as LIS professionals, although it’s impact can be incredibly powerful. Practical examples from the VET library sector will be used to demonstrate how to successfully take on an embedded mindset and the potential that can be achieved. It’s time to leave our desks (literally and figuratively), get out there and embed ourselves in our communities. Live boldly, change the status quo. Go on, we dare you!

When the Information Commons at Holmesglen Institute of TAFE introduced a Live Help reference service in January 2002, it became the first Victorian TAFE to develop a synchronous online reference service. Email reference had been introduced earlier with little success but this did not discourage management; rather it confirmed the need to embrace a new technology that today’s Internet savvy students are familiar with. Email and telephone reference are still available, but the success of Live Help has proven that a virtual reference service can be developed at a TAFE level. This paper will discuss the experience of setting up a digital reference service; the aim is to put this work into an historical context and to show that you don’t need enormous budgets or extra staff in order to successfully implement such a service.

This is a presentation that was given at a VATL LIT Workshop, sharing the experiences of Holmesglen Library in setting up an Institutional Repository.

This article discusses the ways libraries can provide leadership in sustainable practice.