In Module 1, we were asked to explore a range of information agencies available in previous study visits at CSU, and how these agencies interacted with their users, specialists, and wider community; what kinds of information these agencies provide/provided; and how these agencies correlated with our studies at CSU (in particular theories, models and practices).

Before I began to explore the activities, I asked myself “what is an Information Agency?” According to We Are Com  an information agency “collects, processes and disseminates information content to its clients“. Information agencies can include libraries, records and archives, historical societies, and museums. These agencies can also be full-services or specialised. Overall, it is the basic role of an information agency to archive knowledge, preserve cultural and heritage artefacts, and act as a knowledge disseminator.

Activity 1: Reflecting on an Information Agency

Chosen virtual study from 2020: Rare Books Collection, State Library of Victoria

Part 1 – Choose a site from the study visit schedule and write some notes for yourself about it and who you think its users might be.

• Suspected users: historians, classical linguists, students of literature studies, arts students, and enthusiasts.
• Notes prior to visiting site: Special collections, levels of accessibility, collection relevance to a technologically-empowered age, model of preserving history.

Part 2 – Research the agency and the type of users it has. Reflect on how hard or easy it is to find information about the organisation and its users, whether the information you found aligned with your assumptions of the site, and how you might frame your investigation if you were visiting the site.

• Actual users: Anyone (or by appointment)
• Statement: The State Library of Victoria states the their Rare Books Collection emphasises the ‘history of the book’, enriched encounters, and the showcasing of the art and design of illustration and book techniques throughout the years,
• Collection: The Rare Books Collection claims to house some of the “oldest” books and collections, including medieval manuscripts, first editions literature classics (including Shakespeare), Australian foundation works, early children’s books, lithographs and engravings. The collection also houses new trends in publishing, including graphic novels and zines, as well as handmade books by artists. Additionally, the Rare Books Collection hosts prominent collectors such as Ken Pound, JK Moir, John Emmerson QC, and Vic Spitzer.
• Accessibility: Most of the collection is held in storage; with the exception of a selection held within a permeant exhibition (“World of the Book“) which is available for public viewing. The collection in storage is available for viewing through an arranged appointment with the Library. No qualifications or criteria specified for viewing the storage collection.
• Additional: Rare Book Club – this online resource offers show and tell videos; Rare Book Week – this free, public event  offers collection talks, exhibition tours, panels and discussion, and children’s activities.

Reflection of Activity 1 – Access to information on this site was user friendly and precise. The site offers the viewer the ability to search the collection by title, author, or by theme. Viewings of the Rare Book Collection seems to be easy to organise through contact with the library staff so that one may use the Heritage Collections Reading Room (cannot confirm if this is a simple process). In general, my findings from the site aligned with my assumptions, with the exception of them cataloguing new trends in publishing (which I was not expecting).

Activity 2: What is an information agency?

Choose either the opening or closing site from a previous study visit schedule. Think about what makes this site an ‘information agency’ and make notes for yourself. Think also about what we mean when we talk about ‘information’. What information do you think they work with? What type of services do they offer?

Chosen opening study visit: Bundaberg Regional Libraries (Public Library).

• What makes this an information agency? As stated in my post activity ponderings, an information agency includes libraries, such as the Bundaberg Regional Libraries. This library collective functions as an information agency because they collect, catalogue and archive information, supply information services and programs, and preserve heritage documents. They also function as a community hub.
• What information do they work with? As they are a Public Library, they are not limited by a specialised field and cater for a wide range of services. In contrast, specialised information collections, such as Law Libraries or Health and Medical Libraries, cater  for specific information services and are not often accessible to the general public.
• What type of service do they offer? The Bundaberg Regional Libraries aims to support and encourage free libraries, give voluntary and practical help, promote extensions of library services, and providing materials beyond the ordinary library budget. Amongst its plethora of services, are its: public collection, general membership services, heritage cataloguing, kids programs, free or low cost training and courses, holiday programs, clubs, literacy initiatives, cemetery register, technologies such as 3D printing, and a friends of the library initiative allowing access to services for house-bound, ill or mobility restricted community members.

Activity 3: Applying theory to practice?

Choose a site from a previous study schedule AND either a subject you are doing in this session or one you have done in a previous session. Think about how the content of the subject might be reflected in the site you’ve chosen. Have you learnt about theories, models or other evidence-based practices that would be applied in this type of agency?

Chosen study site from previous study schedule:Cunningham Library, Australia Council for Educational Research (Special Library).

Chosen subject from previous session: EER500: Introduction to Educational Research

Content reflected: Both the study site and previous session subject focus on Educational Research and the cataloguing of such information. EER500 focuses on the skills needed to read, understand and evaluate educational research in an attempt to build an understanding of educational research through reading and critiquing of reports and studies; and how this can be transferred and developed into an authentic professional identity. Congruently, Cunningham Library offers a unique and comprehensive collection of Australian educational research materials and a database of research into international education; learning opportunities to engage with said research in blended, online and distance opportunities; and access to ACEReSearch, ATED and EdResearch Online. Information agencies, such as Cunningham Library, support the development of the skills learnt within EER500 in both a developmental and professional capacity.

Applied theories, models, practices:

• The Library as a hybrid information source.
• The library as a support to studies, research and professionalism.
• Cognitive and skills focused.
• Exposure to grounded, inductive and deductive research.
• Study to practice through application of skills.
• Evidence based practice (review, analyse and translate).