I have come away from the Melbourne study tour far more inspired than I anticipated and with a mindset and greater confidence to lead and implement changes next year when I step into the role of TL. While the libraries we visited serve users with diverse needs, I gained a clearer understanding of how the needs of users vary and need to be at the fore of library planning for the library to remain highly relevant. I also now recognise how leadership is more effective when visions and planning are in place and I have been inspired and seen the difference that forward thinking, ‘can do’ attitudes of staff can make to ensure that libraries effectively meet the needs of their users.
Learning about the specific needs of users in different libraries was interesting, but what struck me was that nearly all of the libraries are adjusting their spaces to meet the changing needs of users. The common theme of users wanting more study spaces for discussions and quiet study, as well as more computers and power points was mentioned in all libraries except the library of the Federal Court. I was interested to see how these requests were being catered for with small bookable rooms, a range of creatively shaped tables and chairs suitable for different collaborative work, individual work stations for Arts students at Lenton Parr Library and couches for students to study and rest at William Angliss. The initiative at Library @ The Dock to include the café as a part of the ‘connect’ area with magazines and newspapers was an inspiring way that non-traditional user needs were considered in the planning of the space.
In order for many libraries to provide more open spaces for users, the collection has had to be reconsidered. It seems that the need for space and the preference in many cases for digital resources have risen concurrently. I was interested to hear about the off site storage and sharing of resources and how this has aided libraries to not only minimise resources but to effectively clear spaces too. While the argument for maintaining physical resources in some areas was strong (like architecture at RMIT, the library of the Federal Court, popular IT resources at Library @ The Dock and text books at Victoria University to ensure equity for all students), I appreciated the discussions about digital resources, the importance of 24/7 access and questioned whether students at all of the tertiary institutions would really be prepared to wait for resources to be brought out of storage for use.
I also now have greater understanding of how collection policies can drive acquisition of digital resources when a digital preferred policy is in place like the ones described at Victoria University, RMIT and Lenton Parr. I also have a greater understanding of how digitising resources and providing access through Trove not only makes the item more accessible but ensures that originals are protected too. I also feel more informed about the potential copyright issues associated with digital resources and am more aware of the tension libraries can feel with regards to publishing companies delaying the release of digital resources or the risk of resources no longer being available. The discussion at Library @ The Dock about varying e-reader platforms was helpful as I am on the cusp of investigating this for the school library. If only my budget would allow for the fabulous table with the in-built touch screen for students to browse and explore e-books!
Another recurring theme in this tour was how libraries are changing the way staff are utilised. The use of self checkout systems, libguides, online logins and printing stations seem effective for many settings and free staff up to serve in different ways. The initiatives of student ‘Rovers’ at Victoria University, roving reference librarians at RMIT, employing people with a broad skill set such as the communications specialist at RMIT and advertising positions for volunteers to apply for at The State Library of Victoria are examples of how forward planning can ensure that staff and volunteers are meeting the needs of users. In addition to this, these systems are ways to add value and compliment the existing library services.
The most inspiring libraries and presenters were those who shared a genuine interest in their users, were positive about the profession and shared a desire to innovatively serve. While budget restrictions, staffing structures and other concerns are a part of daily working life for us all, it was helpful for me to recognise that keeping the values articulated at Library @ The Dock of staff being “inclusive, energised, open to possibilities and outward facing” were key to libraries genuinely serving their users. I saw this at Victoria University as students were allowed to eat inside and have minimal overdue fines. At Lenton Parr, compassion was shown towards students needing places to sleep. Library @ The Dock created ways for people without a fixed address to access services and The State Library of Victoria have created programs to make their historical collection relevant to families.
With a positive, inclusive, forward facing mindset, it seems that challenges can be overcome and staff are less likely to get bogged down in what cannot be changed. Rather, they can show sensitivity, serve and meet user needs more effectively. Building on a forward facing mindset, the examples of being committed to the profession explained by Georgina at Lenton Parr and demonstrated through the team approach at Library @ The Dock and RMIT highlighted to me how important ongoing learning is for librarians in all settings. Learning about the benefits of being apart of associations, seeking a mentor and participating in ongoing professional reflecting have helped me to consider how my learning journey can be enhanced and challenged, and my positive, forward facing mindset constantly recharged as I begin working as a TL.
Despite the diverse needs that the libraries we visited cater for, I was surprised at how the recurring themes of change and innovation are as relevant in school libraries as they are in the community and tertiary libraries. I have been inspired and very much appreciate the generous, honest and passionate sharing from our presenters.
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