librarian. teacher. lover of brevity. crochet diva. writer of haiku and flash fiction.
Speaker at: VALA2012
On Monday I was fortunate to visit UTS Library in Sydney with three of my colleagues. It was an inspiring visit. The staff who looked after us were extremely generous with their time. I left behind some crochet goodies. The visit was organised using Twitter and a couple of follow up emails.
Engagement - library of the future
UTS Library is fostering an environment where staff are encouraged to find new ways of working and engaging with clients. In their planning for the library of the future they are focussing on creating a library for 2016 and beyond. Imagining the future by paving the way with new ways of engaging with clients and delivering services.
There is a strong focus on building community through social media: flickr, youtube, twitter, facebook and more. Staff are encouraged to use these tools to engage library users. They are realistic and reviewed after the first 6 months. They also recognise that communities don't just build themselves and they require participation and input.
They are playing with QR codes and other technologies to lay the foundation for a library with RFID and retrieval systems. They are using gaming paradigms in their information literacy glasses. Trying out new ways of delivering classes and orientating students to the space. They are thinking beyond traditional library spaces to consider: media suites, gaming spaces, cultural/gallery spaces and studios.
I can't wait to see the finished space. However, their existing space is light and airy with great signage. I particularly like their call number signs.
Discovery
UTS Library have a new discovery layer and are looking at ways they can enhance the searching experience for library users. Swinburne are also working with our new discovery layer to do the same. We have some exciting enhancements coming up later in the year.
Sustainability
One of the other exciting developments at UTS is the commitment to sustainability. Many of the staff walk or ride to work and they will be promoting sustainable practices with their users.
Service
As far as professional development goes they are working on getting an internship at Apple. Where better to learn about new models of service delivery.
Classes
Some great ideas for classes include
You can learn so much from visiting and talking with others. I am particularly keen to discuss their ideas with staff here at Swinburne. It was a great day for this librarian. Highlights included whiteboard walls, cup cakes, great signage, wallwisher and meeting a bunch of enthusiastic engaged professionals.
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