Conference program

[ Tuesday 16 January 2001 | Wednesday 17 January 2001 | Thursday 18 January 2001 ]

Tuesday 16 January 2001

Librarians, informationists, wizards and sourcerers: The role of the information professional in the new information economy Mary Ellen Bates, Bates Information Services

Just as many online information companies are now finding that their competition is not each other but the free web, so information professionals are being challenged to re-examine what our profession is all about. What 'business' are we in? What truly differentiates our services in the eyes of our clients? How can we continually reinvent ourselves and our information centres to meet the changing needs of our users?

Mary Ellen Bates, a librarian, information broker and information industry consultant, will challenge conference participants to take a fresh look at where our profession is headed and what we can do to lead the evolution.

A1 From bricks and mortar to click and mortar: leveraging e-commerce technologies for flexible learning support

This paper examines the trend towards flexible learning in higher education and the challenges this poses for libraries. It argues that libraries will need to develop a new model of support for flexible learning using e-commerce technologies, and outlines some of the key e-commerce technologies that can be co-opted by libraries. These include the portal, web delivery technologies; secure payments and rights management, which can be used to integrate the delivery of both analogue and digital resources to users. The paper concludes with a conceptual model - which will assist libraries to move from the current 'bricks and mortar' model to the 'click and mortar' model of the future. Edward Lim, Monash University Library.

A2 Innovations in electronic delivery of scholarly information

The continuing high costs of scholarly information provision, especially in the science, technology and medicine fields, have recently produced a rash of alternative delivery mechanisms to the current scholarly journal. We have seen the establishment of PubMed Central and E-Biosci and of OpenArchives and the PrePRINT Network, to mention just four sites offering article level delivery free to the user. These have sparked a rapid response from the commercial sphere, one example being Crossref, a database of article level information available for free. These new eprint and article level repositories are offering hope to cash-strapped academic libraries that we can continue to fulfil our mission to provide access to required scholarly information. The paper will present the processes and results of the efforts of a group of University of Melbourne Library staff to introduce these mechanisms of information delivery as acceptable alternatives to current high cost journal subscriptions. Shirley Sullivan, University of Melbourne Library - Lyn Horwood, Jane Garner, Ruth Baxter

A3 Five things librarians and publishers don't know about electronic scholarly publishing: a researcher's perspective

New information and communications technologies are transforming scholarly communication, just as they are transforming all areas of life. Librarians and publishers, the traditional intermediaries in the scholarly communication process, have had a great deal of success in responding to these developments. The rapidity of technological change has meant, however, that they have largely had to rely on their traditional understandings of how the scholarly communication process operates. This paper will give a humanities and social sciences researcher's perspective on how the emergence of and increasing reliance on electronic forms of scholarly communication are changing the process of doing research itself. In particular, the paper will draw attention to five key issues, which must be taken into account in meeting the needs of researchers within the emerging electronic environment. Elaine Lally, University of Western Sydney

B1 Knowledge management and the information professional: strategic partner or service provider?

This paper addresses major issues for information professionals in the emerging environment of knowledge management. As knowledge management becomes an accepted core function in the organisation, why are so few librarians at its leading edge? Is our core professional ethic, service to clients, an inhibiting factor? What are the knowledge skills and attitudes that information professionals need to allow them to participate effectively in the knowledge aware organisation? How can information professionals convince senior management that they can play an important role in the organisation's knowledge management processes at the strategic planning level? Dr Patricia Milne, University of Canberra

B2 IT competencies for library staff: the challenge for the University of Melbourne library

Background: Brief outline on what competencies are in general. Why we are applying them to the area of IT and Library staff - emphasis is on experience/proved ability rather than on training. Process issues: Training assessors, developing skills and specific competencies, developing assessment tools, developing policies with reference to existing HR policies. Application: Timing of training and actual assessment, piloting the process - choosing the best group, environmental issues. The hurdles ranged from resources required, lack of existing IT competencies which applied to the library environment, staff reactions, internal assessors with existing workloads. Potential benefits - heavy IT reliant environment. Creates an equal playing field for all staff to ensure everyone is appropriately trained/skills. Targeted training based on known needs, ability to plan IT skills required in dynamic environment, improved mobility for individual career paths. Angela Bridgeland, University of Melbourne Library - Iris Simpson

B3 What is it that you do?

For presentation of web resources we examine the internet section. For problem-solving and maintaining IT services, we examine the role of the IT help desk. As librarians, we echo the serials/acquisitions/collection development role, but also provide a reference service. User expectations, based on library helpfulness, may be disappointed if the electronic resource librarian can't fix problems beyond their control. The organization expects the development of a digital library, but may not want to pay for resources and staff time. Wendy Pang, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia Library - Stephen Benson

C1 Portals, vortals and information clumps: technologies, issues and trends

This paper will focus on discussions of current technological issues and emerging trends in relation to the development and provision of portals, vortals (virtual portals) and information clumps as they relate to the provision of information within a Library environment. Sally-Anne Leigh, Australian National University

C2 From subject gateway to dynamic web space: the evolution of the Australasian virtual engineering library

Some experts claimed that subject gateways were just a passing phase. How then have subject gateways managed to survive these predictions of doom? Like all successful services, subject gateways have survived by the process of evolution. One Australian example of this evolutionary process is the Australasian Virtual Engineering Library (AVEL). AVEL has evolved from a subject gateway into what is more appropriately called a dynamic web space. The paper will explore: the development and sustaining of collaborative working relationships between its geographically dispersed partners; evolution of policies and accompanying technologies to build and sustain AVEL; creative use of research methodologies to investigate information needs of its target audience. Gulcin Cribb, The University of Queensland Library - Claire Hill, Chris Taylor

C3 Case study: Cutting edge library services at Sun Microsystems

[ withdrawn ] The Sun Microsystems corporate library, SunLibrary, provides library and information services to over 32 000 Sun employees in 150 countries. The challenge is to deliver the right information to the right person in this fast paced high tech industry. This takes innovative thinking, creative ideas, and a dynamic group of people. What cutting edge products and services have SunLibrary created to tackle this challenge and increase Sun's competitive advantage in the market? 1) MyLearning Portal 2) E-Books 3) SunLibrary Bookstore. We are moving at Internet speed or faster along with Sun and are challenged at delivering e-resources in this environment. At the same time, this challenge allows us to keep on the cutting edge of technology and information delivery which is extremely exciting. We will share some of these experiences, technologies, and lessons learned. Cindy Hill, Sun Microsystems

A4 Data recovery and providing access to digital manuscripts

Recently the National Library of Australia has embarked on a project to find electronic materials in its vast manuscript collections and apply new preservation methods to provide long term access to these materials. Aging media, as well as recent acquisitions, frequently appear in unreadable formats. Thanks to translation software these disks can now be read and transferred to new formats. However digital manuscripts raise many new issues, and methods of managing and providing access to this new format have had to be developed. Deborah Woodyard, National Library of Australia

A5 Creating content for cyberspace: Victoria's virtual library

Describes the design and creation of Victoria's Virtual Library (VVL) as the portal for the Victorian public library community. VVL is part of the Libraries Online project, funded by Multimedia Victoria, which aims to create a library and information gateway with quality content and value added library services for all Victorians. VVL is available 24 x 7. It consolidates existing online information resources and provides library services for Victorians that are not provided in other ways. As a never-ending project, the VVL will research and develop online information and services, profile the identities both of Statewide and Local Libraries, and create an online community for all library users and library staff. Brendan Fitzgerald, VICNET - Rebecca Toohey

A6 Establishing a judicial virtual library: The Supreme Court Library of Queensland's experience

The paper will outline the establishment of a judicial virtual library (JVL) by the Supreme Court Library in Queensland. The JVL is a single gateway, for the sole use of Queensland judges and their staff, which provides direct access to relevant information products and services. It is the first of its kind in Australia; the only comparable project being in the United States. The paper will take the form of a case study detailing the Library's experience of implementing this new online service. Issues discussed will include: the genesis of the project; development of an interface design concept; integration of relevant content from the Library and external sources; hardware and software requirements and costing; utilization of a focus group during the establishment phase; and subsequent client surveys to assess the utility of the service. It will conclude by outlining the future directions of the service. Samantha Wrigley, Supreme Court Library of Queensland - Rebecca Cook, Aladin Rahemtula

B4 The Impact of the digital revolution on the century of the mind

The Internet is heralding a profound change in the world that is as fundamental as the industrial revolution. Each of three digital revolutions - computers, communications, and convenience - dramatically accelerates the rate of global change in the first decade of this century - the century of the mind. This is a thought-provoking presentation from a visionary thinker who will discuss the impact of each of these revolutions on the expanding role of knowledge in the twenty-first century. The presentation will examine where these technologies are headed and describe how they will transform the information industry, libraries and librarians. Richard R. Rowe, RoweCom, Inc.

B5 Digital libraries: constructing a value in the digital age for libraries and clients

In constructing library services in the digital age, libraries have moved across the basic paradigms of creation of collections (through acquiring digital resources - CD Roms, electronic journals and Internet materials); describing material in the collections (catalogues, web pages and portals) and creating online virtual reference desks. Digital libraries have emerged as three different bodies of theory and reality, and from very different understandings of the value of information. This paper will investigate key concepts in the value of information and library services from the perspectives of librarians and clients. Roxanne Missingham, National Library of Australia

C4 A servant of five masters? The parliamentary web review: reasons, findings and future directions

After several years of operation, a review of the design and organisation of the commonwealth parliamentary website was commissioned, specifically to examine issues of the accessibility of data required by users, provide advice on how to group and present material to meet user needs and recommend changes to the site compatible to the parliamentary environment which would improve user accessibility, including access by the visually impaired. The background to this review, its findings and future directions are discussed, especially issues that apply to any older web site with cross-departmental input and a large, diverse user group. Catherine Gilbert, Commonwealth Parliamentary Library

C5 Academic library web site design principles.

[ withdrawn ] The library profession is now heavily involved in providing access to information through library web sites and it is a challenge to design a web site that has reliable content and a user interface that is easy and intuitive to those who use it. This paper looks at the development of a model for best practice design principles for academic library web sites using a Human-Computer Interface (HCI) usability index checklist. As user acceptance and usability are major issues in the design of library web sites this paper suggests that the design will be most successful when a user-centred design model is included in the development and the implementation of web pages. Ros Boyce, University of Canberra Library

C6 BUILDER Hybrid Library Project: strategic themes and operational issues

This paper will report on results from the BUILDER Hybrid Library Project in phase 3 of the UK's Electronic Libraries Programme (eLib) and discuss the project's impact in an institutional context. Strategic themes in implementing hybrid library services will be identified. These include: IT infrastructure, human resources, partnerships, academic liaison, managing change and integration of research and development into mainstream service offerings. These themes will be backed up by examples at an operational level and findings from the Project's evaluation activities will be reported. The paper will discuss the Project's fit with institutional goals and its contribution to mission-critical areas such as virtual learning environments and the shift towards a web-enabled campus. Michele Shoebridge, University of Birmingham Information Services - Andrew Hampson

A7 Digital copyright for libraries - an update

Hear an up-to-date review and analysis of the changes and developments in Australian digital copyright and their implications for libraries. Nick Smith, copyright advisor, Australian Libraries Copyright Committee, and executive officer, Australian Digital Alliance

A8 Online rights management trading

The internet has provided new opportunities for suppliers of information to reach larger markets and offer improved services. One of the areas lacking on the Internet is technologies for managing the trade of digital assets. The trading involves adequately managing the ownership of the copyright, controlled distribution, rights holder payments, and reuse of digital assets. The implications of this technology have far-reaching effects for any community that needs to manage and provide access to large repositories of digital works. This paper will review these technologies with respect to an online trading system developed by IPR Systems. The outcomes will highlight the issues that are currently being resolved and the ways forward for newer technologies. Renato Iannella, IPR Systems

A9 Public access to online content: the role of the library consortia in Australia

Libraries world-wide are finding advantages in forming consortia for the purpose of purchasing access to online information resources. There is growing evidence that they lead to a 'win-win' situation for libraries, publishers and library patrons alike. There are a growing number of successful examples of 'citizen access' consortia, including some Australian ones, which provide access to online information resources through public, state and national libraries. This paper examines the current situation in Australia and a proposal to work towards a consortium involving all public, state and national libraries and a national site license. Margaret E. Phillips, National Library of Australia

B7 Delivering information out of the box

Information technology and content are powerful words in the computing, education, and commercial worlds today. Distance learning, remote access to preservation materials, sharing of restricted data are a just a small representation of the online information services spectrum. This paper describes, in detail, the conceptual development of a digital asset management and delivery system solution developed as a collaborative effort by Texas A&M University and Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI). Innovative software design approaches addressing technical and policy engagement challenges that arise out of the unique and common aspects of applications are presented. Dr. Dilawar Grewal, Texas A&M University

B8 Information literacy made ezy

This paper discusses the development of Web-ezy and its implementation at Charles Sturt University (CSU). CSU is a leading provider of distance education with a commitment to flexible online delivery. The Library offers many online resources and services to a diverse student body, most studying externally. The dilemma for the Library has been how to best impart library and information skills in an online environment. The solution - Web-ezy - an Australian product developed collaboratively by UNILINC Limited and CSU and marketed by Web-ezy Solutions. The Web-ezy software provides a shell for creating customised web-based library and information skills programs. This version is based on CSU Library's Web pages, CSU's Web Catalogue and Ovid electronic databases. Sarah Bishop, Charles Sturt University Library - Glenda Henderson, UNILINC Ltd

B9 Help for students and profile for the library: the WebCT student help desk at Flinders University Library.

When Flinders University adopted the WebCT software as its standard platform for Flexible Delivery via the WWW in 1999, issues of student support and training came to the fore. The Library put a successful proposal to the University for funding to provide this support for students. Leveraging off its existing strengths, the Library established a very cost effective model of service provision that created a virtual service point from staff at different physical locations, and also utilised information technology students. The result of this programme has been the provision of effective student support and training and a valuable position for the Library in this major University programme. Ian McBain, Flinders University Library

D1 From projects to programmes and products - strategies for creating viable Australian digital collections

Ross Coleman will identify and discuss key issues fundamental to the creation of viable digital library collections, and the notion of viability. The paper will focus on the concepts of the market, content, skills, partnerships and funding in the context of developing viable programmes and products. Several strategies and proposals will be suggested to move us beyond the present proliferation of small digital projects to establishing and consolidating viable digital library programmes. Ross Coleman, University of Sydney Library

D2 Building a digital science library

CSIRO, our premier science organisation is building Australia's largest digital library of full text science journals. The philosophy behind the decision to use the ScienceServer software that supports local loading of journals is discussed. CSIRO's technical architecture including the implementation of Storage Area Network (SAN) technologies to handle multiple terrabytes of storage is described. Political and implementation issues such as funding, transition from print to electronic, authentication, training, documentation and support are expanded upon. CSIRO's plans for the future including aggregation of further content, integration with other secondary information sources and the 'holy grail' of a single interface are discussed. The potential to provide access to other Australian organsiations is also noted. - Rolfe Westwood, Anne Camfield, Philip Kent, CSIRO IT Services

D3 What's in a name?

Ever come across broken links on the www? There must be few users who haven't. Broken links on the www are a serious problem for those creating guides, catalogues, gateways and indexes of web resources for libraries and archives trying to preserve and ensure long-term access to digital resources on open networks such as www. Good website management and the use of persistent identifier systems can help to keep links active, resources accessible in the longer term and users happy. This paper will look at how libraries can play a part in promoting best practice. It will describe existing persistent identifier systems, eg. URN PURL and DOI, give hints on managing a website to keep URLs stable and describe National Library of Australia work in this area. National Library of Australia

Wednesday 17 January 2001

This talk will focus on key topics facing the information industry today and how organisations have successfully managed these trends.

Intra/extranet strategies: Organisations around the world are investing heavily in intranet technologies with the clear goal of improving communication and sharing knowledge among employees - regardless of their physical location or job function. Additionally, as a natural extension of the intranet, organisations are viewing extranets as a way to communicate with customers, partners and suppliers. Successful development and deployment of intra/extranets is dependent on the right combination of technology, applications and content. Equally important, is the demonstration of value to the potential users and managers of the intranets and extranets.

Value of knowledge management: Value is realised when people use the services provided to share ideas with colleagues to more quickly drive business, manage projects or provide better service to customers and this happens when user applications from sales automation to competitive intelligence to online marketing planning become ubiquitous. With a technical infrastructure in place - whether it is using web-based intranet technology or an Enterprise Information Portal (EIP) - achieving results with a knowledge-sharing environment has more to do with changes in culture and the implementation methodology. Success requires an investment in internal promotion and training to ensure people use the systems. And when they do, the organisation can clearly see the return on its knowledge management investment through improved productivity and profitability.

Case Studies: With technology, implementation strategies and organisational intelligence as an introduction, Ms. Hart will discuss the way knowledge management systems are changing the way we interact with colleagues and drive business forward. She will also demonstrate examples of successful Intranets currently in use - with specific emphasis of the role that information professionals play in these knowledge-sharing environments. She will also discuss how return on investment should be factored into knowledge management planning.

This session will compare and contrast the current global Web search engines with a particular emphasis on advanced searching issues. It will outline some of the most recent changes and analyze how those changes affect searchers.

E1 Evaluating search engine performance for Australasian information

How well do search engines perform in locating Australian and New Zealand information? This paper will report on research that was aimed at determining the effectiveness of search engines with queries on Australian and New Zealand topics. The research investigates a number of questions including: How effective are search engines in answering queries on Australasian topics? Do locally based search engines, such as Web Wombat and SearchNZ, outperform global search engines such as AltaVista and Google on local content queries? Do global search engines cover Australasian sites as thoroughly as they do US and European sites? Alastair G Smith, School of Communications and Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington

E2 Integrated searching facilities in a government website

The ACT Department of Urban Services, during the redevelopment of its main Website, implemented a new search facility incorporating integrated searching across its X.500 functions and services directory, Website content and more significantly, the AGLS-compliant metadata developed for the site. The result - improved searching capability that includes the ability to search across discrete site components and for specific types of information such as reports and transactions. This paper explores how this was achieved and identifies the factors that were important in deciding what metadata was specified and how this was used in the search facility. Kerry A Webb, ACT Department of Urban Services

F1 Linking: the state of play today

'Linking' has become the latest hot topic. Librarians cannot license enough full text from a single source, but realise there are real disadvantages to having full text reside on many different sites. One way to mitigate some of these disadvantages is to enable linking, from bibliographic databases to full text and also from references to remote full text sources. This presentation will look at the two basic technical models for linking, with each of their pros and cons, as well as some of the business issues, and how they are shaping the products and services becoming available. Bette Brunelle, Vice President, Corporate Services, Ovid Technologies Inc

F2 Tantalizing the palate: testing CORC, an alternative 'search engine'

The CORC Project provided libraries and other organisations with the opportunity to experiment with OCLCs emerging system during 1999 and the first half of 2000. Working cooperatively with a database of over 200,000 bibliographic records for Web resources, more than 200 institutions World-Wide assessed tools designed to assist cataloguing and pathfinder (resource list) creation and hence resource access. The system's focus is on Web resources selected by librarians and other subject experts. This paper examines the evaluation process and conclusions at one of the participating libraries, and explains what benefits the system offers in terms of providing an alternative 'search engine'. Kerrie Talmacs, University of New South Wales Library

G1 Can you succeed in knowledge management?

You probably know about knowledge management (KM). Your CEO and senior executives have probably even heard the term and think they know what it all means. But is your company fully prepared for the knowledge economy? What barriers will you and your firm face; what might stop you from succeeding? This session will take you through the reasons why some companies appear to be successful in KM, while others are struggling. Topics covered include: will the corporate culture stop you dead in your tracks? what is a "corporate culture"?; what are the major barriers to KM - how can you succeed?; what is the knowing-doing gap?; how can identifying this gap help you understand your corporate culture?; what is the digital divide? can you hurdle it? and what are the factors that will help you succeed in KM? Kim Sbarcea, Ernst and Young

G2 Knowledge - the cohesive force in a new utility company

The Enterprise Information Portal is a unifying force within the new multi-utility which has been established as a joint venture between ACTEW and AGL. This paper will discuss how, through the use of intranet, EDMS and other tools, the EIP is used to: increase business intelligence by analysing corporate knowledge and information needs, increase staff knowledge enterprise-wide to a geographically dispersed workforce, enable connections between staff, technology and information through web technologies and create positive attitudes toward 'ownership' of information. Therese Bendeich, ACTEW Corporation - Patricia Stone

H1 Internet filtering and its implications for public libraries

Since the introduction of the Broadcast Services (Online Services) Act 1999 in January, 2000 the issue of internet filtering and its implication for Australian public libraries has become a major issue. This paper examines the ways in which internet filtering occurs, considers internet filter technology, and the Australian legal requirement for filtering since the introduction of the Act. In addition, it also discusses filtering software, problems with the use of filtering in libraries, and alternatives to filtering. It also provides current filtering practices in Australian public and state libraries. Tina Schultz, Logan City Council

H2 To pay or not to pay: is this the question?

The web is challenging the principles and paradigms on which we base our fee-for-service policies. It is blurring the lines dividing information and communication and the fee versus free debate is beginning to rage within and between libraries and across discussion lists. Existing policies vary greatly - ranging from the electronic frontier approach which regard all 'lawful' uses of the web as equally legitimate to those based on the pragmatic need for some return on investment. The issues involved are complex - which principles do we use as a basis for our service now? The State Library of Victoria is reviewing its service. It is seeking to develop a clear justification for charging for e-mail which can sit comfortably within a policy framework which will satisfy multiple stakeholder needs for equity, information and research. Leneve Jamieson, State Library of Victoria

E3 Beyond Dublin core: the role of directories in seamless document delivery

The goals and activities of the National Library's Directories Project is described and the three project components discussed: the new online version of the Interlibrary Resource Sharing Directory (ILRS); the application of X.500 to the ILRS for the PRIDE Project; and the revision of ISO2146, the international standard for library directories. The new ILRS will have improved integration with Kinetica and LIDDA, the key national resource sharing systems. The important role of directories in the national networked information infrastructure is addressed. Judith Pearce, National Library of Australia - Andrew Wells

E4 Managing a forest of information: integrating bibliographic resources into a forest planning decision support system

Timely, accurate and sufficient information is an essential part of a land use planning decision-making process. An intellectual resource catalogue has been developed as a module within the comprehensive Multiple Use Management Planning System (MUMPs) for Queensland State Forests. Through a browser interface, it provides: full-text delivery in several formats, fuzzy logic searching seamless integration within MUMPs, context-dependent resource appraisals capability, hypertext cataloguing guidelines, and automated keyword suggestion as a cataloguing aid. Potential applications of the techniques go far beyond forest planning. The benefits and issues experienced in the system's implementation are explored. Hugh Barnes, Queensland Department of Natural Resources - Brett Waring

E5 Reducing depreciation of knowledge: applying analytical research tools

Evaluating the value and productivity of research and develpment efforts is a task that falls to every market segment as organizations are faced with the directive to set research priorities, allocate resources, evaluate performance and do strategic planning. What the market needs are appropriate analytical tools that will pinpoint trends and provide evaluative measures of ongoing fields of research.

This presentation will explore the scope and functional requirements for developing analytical tools and other quantitative measures that evaluate productivity in the global scientific and research communities. A trend analysis of scientific development in Australia will be used to illustrate these tools. Jacqueline H. Trolley, ISI

F3 Cataloguers may yet inherit the earth

This paper will describe the development of a new web service based on an XML datastore coupled with highly modified search functionality and a dynamic navigational structure. This web service, Service Tasmania Online is provided for the State Government by the State Library of Tasmania, and delivers a customer-centred entry point for all three tiers of government information. This process has required the development of a new web-focused browsable subject structure and adherence to national standards such as the Australian Government Locator Service. The service relies on a central metadata repository with librarians at the State Library providing metadata for relevant resources. The paper will discuss the role of librarians in the Dublin Core age, the role of libraries within organisations and government, the special needs of retrieval over the web, and the challenges to traditional thesauri and bibliocentric-standards. Lloyd Sokvitne, Service Tasmania Online

F4 CSIRO Online: using xml to introduce structure and efficiency to a large web site.

The CSIRO Online project undertook to update and restructure CSIRO's external web site. The aims of the project were to: present a comprehensive view of CSIRO's research to a variety of stakeholder groups: develop an infrastructure to aid retrieval and increase efficiency in the use of the information; gain consistency in the presentation of information about our activities to assist users in navigation. Love and Kent address various issues and implications for future development. They describe the advantages of converting data to xml and the use of xsl and css as well as the cultural issues surrounding balancing distributed authorship and consistency in presentation; compliance with metadata standards and usability. Cynthia Love, CSIRO IT Services - Philip Kent

F5 Extensible markup language (xml) for the library

XML allows for the creation of customised tag sets. The advantage of this is that web documents become more structured, unlike flat html documents which have been encoded largely for visual display. A structured document is better able to receive and provide useful information from sources encoded in other structured ways such as MACRO records. It can also be the archival source file for all forms of output (print, html, postscript and any new formats which may arise). This paper explains our use of XML to create library subject guides for the web and explores the implications for libraries of the new format. Sten Christensen, University of Sydney Library - Dr Creagh Cole

G3 Strategic alliances: the way of the future

Our library has formed strategic alliances with groups within CRS Australia to present evaluated targeted information to where it is needed most: the coalface. Service delivery staff within our organisation have 65% billable time, so library staff have to get it right first time. This paper will talk about how we are actively involved with the networks of excellence within our organisation and will elaborate on the pitfalls and bonuses of working with such a diverse and dispersed group of people. Working virtually and the marketing of the service will be discussed. Diana Rylatt, CRS Australia

G4 Case Study: development of the information centre at Westpac Banking Corporation

Westpac Banking Corporation, with 33 000 employees, is one of the four largest banks in Australia. Two years ago the Library at Westpac was a traditional economic research library - reactive, under-resourced and under-valued. Today it functions as a business information centre (BIC) - pro-active, with Information Specialists working in the areas of information management, training, management of suppliers and contracts, internal communication and staff specialist consultation.

This paper traces the transformation from traditional reactive corporate library into an active business information centre, detailing issues, major changes, problems and initiatives introduced in achieving this result. The case study will draw parallels between the changes in the Information Centre and those occurring across the organisation as a whole. Links will be demonstrated between them and a rationale presented for the resulting interdependence between previously separate and independent business units and management functions. Measurements of success are demonstrated and conclusions made as to the reasons for success. Kerry Snelgrove, WESTPAC

G5 Extracting the max Australian financial content online

They may seem to be the same, but are they really? Why are some more costly - and what really represents value to me and my users? This paper will give a comparative overview of Australian company financial content on a number of local and international online databases - the depth, range, scope and timeliness, and the ease of use for beginners and experts. Pat Matthews, AGSM library

H3 Opening our libraries, online shops and websites to all: digital information available through audio and alternative interfaces for people with disabilities

This presentation will examine the emerging domain of audio-based books and information on the internet; emerging standards for next-generation talking books; web design recommendations for broadening the accessibility and usability of web-based information; and new technology which enables a variety of content to be accessed via high-quality audio, using a standard touch-tone or mobile telephone.

Good design principles lead to wider up-take and increased usability of information, not only for people with disabilities, but for the entire population of consumers. Many websites were designed to facilitate access by people with disabilities and are now well placed to provide the first services for mobile customers with WAP-enabled mobile phones. Tim Noonan, SoftSpeak Computer Services and Royal Blind Society

H4 Accessibility on the web

The web has the potential to open many doors to people with disabilities,enabling them to take part as active and productive members of society. As more and more services are moved into cyberspace, the ability to participate on the Web is fast becoming not only an opportunity but a necessity, sometimes more so for people with disabilities than the population at large.

This presentation will provide an overview of the work of W3C's web accessibility intiative, in particular the Accessibility Guidelines that have been adopted by governments and industry in Australia and around the world as the standard for best practice in web design. It will look at the legal and the practical implications of accessible design, and briefly survey some upcoming W3C work in the area. Charles McCathie Nevile, W3C Web Accessibility Initiative

H5 Working with e-books and portable reading devices

Publishing books directly online is now a reality. Novels, non-fiction and textbooks are being sold exclusively in electronic format as well as in paper and online. E-books, newspaper and journal articles can be downloaded from the web into E-book devices and stored for reading at any time. How do the portable readers work and how do they compare with paper; can they be read in bed, or in the bath? How do portable reading and other devices impact on the online information and library world? Come and hear/read answers to these questions and more. Katie Wilson, Innovative Interfaces Inc

Thursday 18 January 2001

Why is the PhD scholar whose give-away work people cannot steal, even though he wants them to, in the same boat as the recording artist whose non-give-away work they can and do steal, even though he does not want them to? What's wrong with this picture, and how to fix it, from the person who coined the phrase 'scholarly skywriting'. The remedy applies to all institutions, but it is particularly urgent for less wealthy institutions, and less wealthy countries, for their researchers have been the most disadvantaged by the financial barriers blocking access to this give-away research literature that is meant to benefit all of society: http://eprints.org

I1 When agendas mesh

More and more, organisations are changing to partnership models, and by working with vendors, the problems confronting libraries in the provision of an integrated seamless information gateway can be solved much more expeditiously. Brisbane City Council Library Services (BCCLS) implemented the Sirsi Unicorn system in June 2000 and have been collaborating with vendors to deliver a high quality product through the BCCLS eLibCat, which they see as the flagship of their Library Service. BCCLS is working with Sirsi to deliver innovative products such as application service provision, interfaces that will enhance customer service, smart cards, personalisation of OPACs and eBooks. Ebsco and BCCLS are also collaboratively working on authentication of remote and inhouse users, and the integration of the Ebscohost database into the OPAC. Christine Mackenzie, Brisbane City Council - Michael Aulich

I2 Partnerships: growth from projects to operations

Possibilities for partnerships and collaborations in delivering online information services The ASP (application service provider) model for software deployment has been much hyped by the IT media but has yet to take off with smaller systems. The collaborative partnership between CAVAL and Proteus to deliver VDX interlending and document delivery software (the LIS project) to a group of Australian universities provides an exciting insight into the possibilities for this type of service provision. This paper explores the model required to deliver such a service - from the IT infrastructure through software delivery, support and training mechanisms to the service level agreements in place at each responsibility interface. The paper also details the perceived benefits to libraries, service providers and the end-user. Steve O'Connor - Cathie Jilozsky, CAVAL LTD and Richard Plumb, Proteus Corp P/L

I3 Partnering in creating on line health information

The Better Health Channel is the Victorian government's health and health service channel for providing accurate and current information on line. The model adopted in developing this information has been to partner with peak health bodies drawn largely from the community sector. There are benefits and drawbacks in this approach but in the longer term the developmental model will provide the Channel with a greater sustainability. This paper outlines the approach taken and lessons learnt. Jeffrey Langdon, Better Health Channel, Department of Human Services, Victoria

J1 LITE Years: development of an online literacy programme 1996-2000

Murdoch University Library's online literacy programme (LITE) is a compulsory component of the University's Foundation Units. It is used to introduce 2000 students to library and research skills, and to standard applications for using the Web, E-mail, word processing and spreadsheets. This paper will describe the background and development of LITE, beginning in 1996 with the development of an in-house delivery system, and ending in 2000 with the use of the WebCT software as the delivery mode. The reasons for using an online medium to deliver such a programme, the issues faced in designing and implementing LITE, resource implications and evaluation of the programme will be discussed. Merrilee Albatis, Murdoch University Library

J2 What a web we weave: evaluating the flexible delivery of information literacy education

In recent years, there has been an enthusiastic rush to exploit the unique capabilities of the WWW as an instructional medium. Librarians have been in the vanguard of those providing flexible delivery of learning materials and there are now many examples of web-based information skills programmes illustrating a mix of instructional and media attributes. This paper will focus on web-based information literacy programmes from various Australian universities in order to assess the effectiveness of this medium in delivering information literacy education. It will draw on assessments from students, academics and librarians, and evaluate the programmes against published standards of best practice. Heather Drew, University of Southern Queensland - Wendy Abbott, Debbie Orr

J3 Finite questions and infinite answers: online assessment of information literacy skills

Information staff at Swinburne University's Lilydale campus design and deliver an information literacy module within Information Methods, a compulsory subject for all first year higher education students. The information literacy component comprises units in constructing search strategies, using electronic databases, and searching the Internet and the Swinburne Intranet. The component accounts for 20% of the students' assessment. Formative and summative assessment online raises a number of issues such as the huge number of possible correct answers to many of the questions, and the need to adapt procedures for both 'hands-on' and examination conditions. This paper addresses practical and educational ramifications. Julie Badger, Swinburne University of Technology - Susan Roberts

K1 Intranet-based service delivery - making it work. A review of current practice in health/special libraries

To what degree has internet-based service provision penetrated the Australian health and special libraries? This paper will report on a survey conducted to discover: How many libraries (and sector proportions) have mounted their services on an intranet/internet ? How are web sites produced (ie.in-house or commercial web designer)? Website planning process used? Type and extent of information provided? Contact details and services provided by the library? Availability of interactive services (eg. online requests)? Security issues? Is the service intranet-only or are some elements available externally (from home, interstate, etc)? Is user training provided, including online tutorials? Has the technology enabled (encouraged?) collaborative ventures (eg. consortia purchasing of electronic products)? Site evaluation: user satisfaction, library satisfaction? Levels of effectiveness in design and content?. Some expected outcomes include: an indication of internet / intranet technology penetration; the spectrum of CIAP, SADHS (South Australian Dept of Human Services) consortium style use; the use of intra/internet by users (eg nurses, doctors, admin people); the provision of statistics to assist in future planning of IT rollout, the planning and targeting of training programmes, and benchmarking of service levels. Philip Keane, Royal Adelaide Hospital/Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science - Mary Peterson

K2 Addressing user needs in intranet development

The Dept of Human Services Intranet was one of the first developed in Victoria and had grown to over 12,000 pages and several large Lotus Notes databases since 1995. This paper will describe the redevelopment process, focusing on the user consultation and testing, to change it from an intranet that was supply driven by the business areas with the information structured on an organisational basis, to a subject-oriented, demand-driven intranet meeting staff needs. The development process involved four discrete consultation processes and concluded with an ongoing structured feedback process to allow for further development by evolution rather than revolution. Dr Andrew Arch, Dept Human Services (Victoria) - Natalie Fitzgerald

K3 Dancing to the same tune - a UK perspective on portals, hubs and e-communities

This paper reviews both centrally funded and commercial UK developments. It will look at case-studies from ingenta's commercial e-communities work and also at initiatives in the public sector supported by the UK's JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee). The JISC has recently supported a number of developments to help improve the visibility and accessibility of its services. An example pr\portal 0 SOSIG (the social science information gateway) - will be described, as well as the finding of a related profect focussing on awareness-raising. Recent work to provide a national framework for gateway services (the Resource Discovery Network) will also be reviewed. Terry Morrow Ingenta UK Ltd

Will repositioning of the online information players - libraries, publishers, distributors, and technologists - into partnerships lead to mutual benefit and success? Will partnerships deliver speedier, appropriate information services to customer-defined quality? Can partnerships ease the tension between access and revenue, and the transition from print to digital collections? Or is it all a myth? Hear our keynote speakers debate these topics. In conclusion, Neil McLean, Macquarie University Librarian, will provide his now traditional summation of the themes and challenges presented at Information Online 2001.