Content: Social Justice and Inclusion

Type: Podcast

Length: 1 Hour

Level: Library Professionals

Organisers: School Librarians United

Presenters: Amy Hermon and Julie Stivers

Format: A one hour podcast

Reflection

Objectives: This episode of School Librarians United focused inclusivity and diversity in libraries, with a focus on spaces, collections, and programs. The guest, Julie Stivers, spoke about their own experiences with inclusivity, the challenges they’ve faced, and the successes they had. The podcast helps take concepts of inclusivity and show them in a practical light, focusing on a program Julie created with the help of students at their library.

Reasons for attending: For my final little bit of professional development (for this task at least) I decided to look at an episode of School Librarians United. I’ve found this podcast invaluable in terms of the content and delivery. I chose the episode on inclusive libraries as it is a topic I have spent time on doing professional development for, so I wanted a different look at it, this time from a school library perspective.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: The concepts and ideas of inclusivity themselves are related to concepts of social justice and equity that librarians champion. I’ve spent a bit of time learning about these topics now so I appreciated the information given. The best thing to come out of this podcast, though, was that Julie was able to implement programs based on inclusivity that were student-led. This level of student involvement showcased concepts of project management, as well as student engagement. This episode of the podcast also said something that suck with me in that having a nickname for students who you don’t know the name of is useful, and promotes a good relationship between you and them. In this case Julie calls them ‘my precious gems’.

Future Uses: At my current work, we at the library consider ourselves inclusive, and let every student in the library. I also make an effort to engage with each student. This podcast, however, realized an inherent bias I had towards students who were constantly in the library; I knew their names, but students who didn’t come to the library were tougher to engage with, so small things like the nickname and attitudes towards the students are things I will try to implement in order to make the library feel more inclusive for those that may not attend as much.

Evidence: Screenshot during podcast

Screenshot during podcast

Link: https://schoollibrariansunited.libsyn.com/168-inclusive-libraries

Content: Digital Literacy and Digital Inclusion

Type: Webinar

Length: 2 Hours

Level: Library and Information Professionals

Organisers: WA Public Libraries

Presenters: Vickery Bowles, Shauna Edson, Tony Rothacker, Nathaniel Bavinton, Dr Fiona Martin, Geoff Briggs, Ashleigh Pruitt

Format: 7 webinars of varying lengths

Reflection

Objectives: The objectives of these webinars was to showcase upcoming developments in information technology relating to library and information professionals, as well as discuss topics pertaining to the digital world that libraries are a part of, for example on digital health literacy or digital inclusion. The webinars all spoke about different ideas, with some of them having real examples, and some featuring exciting new concepts, such as smart cities.

Reasons for attending: I watched these talks primarily due to my past study experiences; for a time I studied computer science, so I have some knowledge about digital technologies, and I wanted to learn how I could integrate my past I.T knowledge into my current information profession.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: The webinar covered topics that I have studied very recently, in particular digital inclusion and digital literacy. The webinar also showcased various ways in which technology could be implemented in conjunction with core concepts such as community engagement, and how libraries can facilitate all of these. The talk on smart cities brought to light new concepts that I was unfamiliar with, but was a fantastic look at how the library is helping facilitate such a large project.

Future Uses: The practical plans on digital inclusion are something I will take with my into the future without a doubt; my current workplace has students who constantly need to borrow devices to be able to learn, and the concepts discussed in there can possibly be applied to my workplace to better assist these students.

Evidence: Screenshot during webinar

Screenshot during webinar

Content: Community Engagement, Profession Learning

Type: Webinar

Length: 1 Hour and 30 minutes

Level: Library Professionals

Organisers: WA Public Libraries

Presenters: Kylie Carlson, Felicity Macchion, Brad Birt, Tom Fay, Diane Tabbagh, Iyeesha Jetta and Jennifer Bawden, Jessica Donald, Shayde Douglas

Format: 6 different talks of varying lengths.

Reflection

Objectives: The objectives of this webinar were to provide insights into different topics in libraries and information systems. Speakers spoke under 2 main headings; community engagement and professional learning, and the talks all worked together to give the viewer a snippet of a lot of different topics; learning trends, community learning programs, and early years learning programs.

Reasons for attending: I decided to watch these talks after reading the titles honestly. They cover a really good range of topics and are, as separate parts, short in length. I also hold the public library concepts of community engagement in high regard when planning engagement activities at my school library, so I wanted to learn more.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: As mentioned earlier, the talks covered two main topics, both of which I have completed subjects on; community engagement and professional learning. I am still learning about professional learning (that’s why you can read this), but the concepts discussed, soft skills and stackable credentials, are founded on concepts discussed in class, both here and from my diploma. The community engagement talks all took into account core concepts of this area: tailored experiences and knowing the community. The talks on early years programs provided practical examples of running these programs.

Future Uses: The information about professional learning and soft skills was helpful, in particular knowing more than just theory, and understanding practical applications and having industry based learning. Essentially I’ve learnt that it’s not enough to just learn something, but to be able to show how I have applied it.

Evidence: Screenshot during webinar

Screenshot during webinar

Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtYpg_WKXrbewkOWslKnTHPSn8wLfqQ-h

Content: Library Marketing

Type: Webinar

Length: 1 Hour

Level: Children’s librarians and primary school librarians

Organisers: Young People’s Libraries Group

Presenters: Michelle Swales, Karen Gawen, Natasha Ratajczek

Format: A one hour webinar

Reflection

Objectives: The purposes of this webinar are to highlight and showcase some of the ways in which libraries have been able to market themselves with regards to their children’s and young people’s content. The webinar gives real examples the speakers have been part of to give ideas and inspiration for marketing campaigns, and to also discuss some of the issues that relate to marketing in terms of practical considerations.

Reasons for attending: I decided to watch this webinar in order to better understand marketing of libraries, of which I have covered briefly in University, and to understand it in a children’s library context, which I feel is a little similar to the highschool environment in which I work.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: The webinar uses concepts of user engagement and reading advisory and applies them to marketing campaigns. The theory of marketing is something that was studied in University and seeing those concepts being used in real world examples was really helpful in seeing how those ideas can come to life, and puts a typical marketing campaign under a microscope, viewed through a theoretical lens. 

Future Uses: The technical aspects of marketing are what stuck with me here, where there was a lot of research going in to the marketing campaigns; the campaigns to have male parents featured on buses around the time males are driving on the road where they can see them the most was not a coincidence, and it is this level of detail I would bring to any marketing campaigns I may be involved in planning.

Evidence: Screenshot during webinar

Screenshot during webinar

Link: https://vimeo.com/720102264

Content: Copyright Law and Remote Supply

Type: Webinar

Length: 1 Hour 30 Min

Level: Library and Archive Professionals

Organisers: ALCC

Presenters: Jessica Coates

Format: A one hour and 30 minutes webinar

Reflection

Objectives: The objectives of this webinar, organised by the Australian Libraries Copyright Committee, is to inform the viewers of various issues surrounding copyright, such as what copyright is, how to obtain permission for using items, and when it is okay, not to break copyright, but actually use the copyright laws to legally copy materials. The webinar also included issues about Remote Supply, with a particular focus on both remote supply and copyright during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reasons for attending: I watched this webinar as I have an interest in copyright information, and I want to know how I can get materials to the students at my workplace in a safe and legal way.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: This webinar covered topics of copyright and remote supply, both of which I studied during my diploma, and covered much of the content from those subjects, albeit in a more in depth matter. The webinar also included resources for websites that help provide copies for people based on need, for example for certain disabilities. The speaker also spoke about issues pertaining to remote supply, for example if a library needs to lock files they send digitally. The answer to which was no, as the library may not be aware of any copyright agreements the user may have; it is important to inform them of copyright, however.

Future Uses: The resources provided for finding copies of items for people with certain disabilities are going to be useful in school and public library settings primarily, being able to cater to patrons that are not able to read a standard book for whatever reason. The general information about copyright is also helpful to my future endeavours as it succinctly cleared up differences between copyright and license agreements in terms of which to follow and use for items.

Evidence: Screenshot during webinar

Screenshot during webinar

Link: https://alacc.org.au/copyright-and-remote-supply-webinar-video/

Content: Reading Advisory, Digital Literacy

Type: Book

Length: 3 Hours

Level: Library Professionals

Organisers: Facet Publishing

Presenters: Carolynn Rankin and Avril Brock

Format: Ebook

Reflection

Objectives: This book, authored by the above ‘presenters’, talks about the challenges facing both the children and young people the book is about, and the library professionals the book is written for. The book is divided into four parts, starting with a general overview of children’s library services, moving on to facilitating engagement, then a part about the physical structure of the library and the areas for children and young people, and finally the book has a couple of chapters on professional practice issues, such as child and youth advocacy and censorship concerning them.

Reasons for attending: I read this book because I wanted to go at my own pace with some PD, I wasn’t in a position to be able to listen to any podcasts or watch any presentations, so I researched a good book and decided to read and absorb it all, especially because it relates to problems I find in my own workplace, where trying to engage students is made more difficult by their ever-present devices.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: This book has familiar concepts; that of digital issues and literacy, engaging patrons, reading advisory, and even policy discussions, but the depth to which the book goes to to explore these concepts with relation to children and young people’s library services shows them all in a practical light. Being able to draw upon evidence, and going into much more detail than a presentation or webinar would, the book provides examples and ideas, all based on evidence, for trying to provide these services.

Future Uses: The ideas about the digital identity of the library is what stuck out for me the most; at the moment students aren’t allowed to use their phones at school, and a shocking number of them don’t even check their emails. This book could lead to a creative and effective way to promote the library and our resources through a website. The points about graphic novels, manga, and comics were also valuable, and the ‘Sources of Support’ (Rankin & Brock, 2012, pp. 124-125) will be invaluable in the future.

Evidence: Screenshot of book being read

Screenshot of book

Reference

Rankin, C., & Brock, A. (2012). Library services for children and young people. Facet.

Content: Professional Knowledge

Type: Online Course

Length: 2 Hours

Level: School Professionals

Organisers: DET

Presenters: nil

Format: An online course

Reflection

Objectives: This course is a DET online course that informs school staff members about the necessities of reporting, as well as other legal obligations, that are in place in order to protect students at the school, both in their school life and home life. The course covered topics such as sexual abuse, how to identify these signs, and what a staff member must do in order to report these issues.

Reasons for attending: I completed this course as, though not a mandatory reporter at work, my position is rather unique in that next to teachers, we deal with students the most, so it seemed helpful. Quite frankly though, after having a student tell me they were suicidal after I asked how there day was, I realised I had no idea what to do next, so I had to learn.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: This module was focused on patron safety, it was a lot of practical examples and procedures but all of it was focused on student wellbeing and safety. From the module I learnt about the sort of things that are required to be reported, how they are reported, and most importantly for myself, the signs to look for in students to ensure they are safe.

Future Uses: This module serves a very practical purpose in that it gives me a framework with which to report concerning behavior, and the next time a student approaches me with concerning language I know how to deal with it.

Evidence: Screenshot of Emails confirming it

Screenshot of emails

Content: Professional Knowledge

Type: Podcast

Length: 1 Hour

Level: Library Professionals

Organisers: The Library Pros

Presenters: Christopher DeCristofaro, Robert Johnson, and Thomas Shaw

Format: A one hour podcast

Reflection

Objectives: This podcast featured the Library Pros as they spoke to Thomas Shaw about an article he published concerning wellbeing and mental health, as well as workplace happiness in the library profession. Thomas spoke in detail about his experiences and why he wrote the article. The podcast talked about some of the ways library professionals can adjust and adapt to new workplaces, and how they can change those workplaces to suit them. There was a big focus on mental wellbeing and looking out for yourself, and a stress on the importance of taking breaks.

Reasons for attending: I listened to this podcast as it seemed interesting really. I had not read Thomas Shaw’s article beforehand, nor even heard of it, but a podcast episode focused on wellbeing seemed unique and helpful.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: This podcast didn’t really relate to any subjects I’ve studied thus far at university or TAFE; it focused more on mental health and wellbeing. It spoke about mental health and wellbeing from a very practical standpoint. It very much sounded like it was something that needed to be experienced, not taught. I took a lot from the various lessons and points the Pros made, most important of which is to keep in mind that everyone is human, we all need breaks, and to change your workplace to suit you.

Future Uses: As I am only in my first job at a library, I couldn’t really relate to any of these lessons about professional fatigue yet, but I will keep these lessons in mind, and keep this podcast on hand, when I start a new position in the profession.

Evidence: Screenshot during podcast

Screenshot during podcast

Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-94-thomas-shaw-and-his-manifesto-for-librarians/id1097336593?i=1000561068515

Content: Reading Advisory and Diversity

Type: Podcast

Length: 3 Hours

Level: Library Professionals

Organisers: Better Reading Podcasts

Presenters: Cheryl Akle, Dr Randa Abdel Fattah, Will Kostakis, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Laura Bloom, Deborah Abela, and Rachel Bin Salleh

Format: 6 x 30 minute podcasts

Reflection

Objectives: This 6 part podcast series, hosted by Cheryl Akle. was essentially 6 different conversations with 6 different authors about diversity in children’s books. The podcasts all had the guests telling their experiences and findings working in children’s literature, and the point of the podcast was to shine a light on how diversity either has improved or can improve in these books, and in Australia at large. The podcasts also showcased that diversity is more than the characters in the books and a diverse cast, but about diversity in authorship and production.

Reasons for attending: I watched these podcasts in order to gain a greater understanding of privilege and diversity in a professional library context. Due to inherent privileges I experience, it’s tough for me to understand the needs and experiences of under-represented peoples, so I thought the best place to get this information was straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: This series focused on subjects pertaining to social justice primarily, with an underlying current of customer experience and community focus, with being able to represent and cater to under-represented communities being a key focus of the series. The series featured guests from many different cultural and racial backgrounds, and each offered a unique, yet similar, insight into diversity in Australia. There was a push for librarians to speak to teachers and educators to push for more diversity, in particular in terms of the authorship; books on the curriculum featuring diverse characters written by primarily white authors tended to hurt and disavow the hard work that these authors did.

Future Uses: The lessons from this series will stick with me in terms of reading advisory and teacher resource recommendations, where I will make a conscious effort to ensure any books featuring diverse main characters are firstly: considered, and secondly: as diverse in authorship in order to provide authentic experiences.

Evidence: Screenshot during podcast

Screenshot during podcast

Link: https://www.betterreading.com.au/podcast/new-6-part-podcast-series-a-conversation-about-diversity-in-childrens-books/

Content: Professional Knowledge

Type: Podcast

Length: 1 Hour

Level: Library Professionals

Organisers: School Librarians United

Presenters: Amy Hermon, Lori Korodaj and Holly Godfree

Format: A one hour podcast

Reflection

Objectives: The objectives of this episode of School Librarians United were to showcase and explore the differences between both the school system and the school library system between America and Australia. Two guest speakers, both from Canberra, spoke to Amy about how the highschool library they work at works. The podcast offered comparative stories by the host and the guests in order to explain these differences succinctly. 

Reasons for attending: I listened to this podcast due to both; liking the School Librarians Podcast and valuing it’s professional development potential, and also being in Australia. I figured that a look at the Australian library experience explained to a foreign audience would be valuable.

Relation to studies and learning outcomes: This episode of the podcast gave insight into the different ways libraries operate based on student requirements in different parts of the world, even in different parts of Australia. The guests spoke about pathways into librarianship in Australia and gave a lot of information on how the different school systems call for different requirements for students. They also spoke briefly about Australian authors such as Andy Griffiths, which made me realize how well known some of these books are, which is important to know if ever I need to recommend books in another country.

Future Uses: There was actually a lot from this that I will take with me into the future, mostly the various differences between the school library system I am used to in a small library in Victoria, and a large Years 11 & 12 library in Canberra that also functions as a public library.

Evidence: Screenshot during podcast

Screenshot during podcast

Link: https://schoollibrariansunited.libsyn.com/178-australia-chimes-in