The State Library of NSW is a magical and fantastical place with a myriad and diverse collection. I have been here before but the opportunity to listen to the presentation by Megan Perry, Manager Learning Services, and other members of her staff, was one of those rare moments of clarity in my MEd studies. She spoke with such affection and knowledge about the collection and its 130km of resources. Of particular interest was her explanation of how the internet has provided the capacity to change the way the State Library interacts with its audience, and how the research library purpose has been expanded through this outreach.

There are many challenges to this work of “documenting the life of NSW” – being the repository of more artwork than the Art Gallery, a Legal Deposit library and all the responsibility that entails, a reference and research library with historical artefacts and ephemera from before and after white settlement in this land… the pillars of this library – Collect Connect Community – provide a framework for the challenging task of documenting, storing and making available such a vast array of objects.
For a Teacher Librarian, I heard a strong message about using technology to establish a pedagogical foundation and link between knowledge, information and learning. These presentations also highlighted the importance of policy and framework for purpose – accountability of spending public money and aligning the work with corporate branding. The addition of Paula Bray’s presentation on the DX Lab – the cultural heritage innovation lab – reminded us of our role in teaching creativity and innovation. These are strong messages for school libraries.
This first stop on our Study Visits hinted at the opportunity being afforded – exposure to the passion of librarians who love what they do!

Tuesday 12th PM: The University of Sydney
Reflection
Next stop at Fisher Library, USyd, was similarly passion-filled, but quite a different purpose. The staff here are connected to 11 different sites and have an expansive range of skill sets. Strategic alignment with the academic purpose of the university in a state of constant flux, these librarians utilised design thinking, core elements of psychology, changing pedagogy and an increasing diversity of skills to meet the evolving needs of their clients and achieve tangible value and impact.
Academic libraries are no longer a “monopoly provider” and they sit in a crowded market place of information provision. The focus here included the crafting of future models and organisational development. This library is well positioned to leverage the digital network environment and have cutting edge systems in place to maximise the use of budget.
The planning also encompasses a changing use of space and an expanding range of services offered to clients. The visit to the sleeping pod on the first floor, and the Quarter with its silent space, group spaces, 24/7 access and kitchen facilities – indicated the responsive approach that these libraries are advocating. There is much to reflect on here for school libraries – flexibility of space, responsive to student need, getting out from behind the inquiry desk to actively engage with clients/students.
The presentations provided at Fisher covered a wide range of issues for academic libraries. The strong message of “process improvement methodology” – client focused led by those who deliver the service; the people on the ground analysing the process and becoming the local expert. The use of Patron Driven Acquisition of eBooks – a responsive approach led by client need; purchasing based on data – evidence based acquisition. For a library with such a large client base, many of these policies reflect strong leadership and lean thinking. This visit hinted at the need for libraries to help shape their own future and exemplified the importance of networks to provide opportunities to place libraries in that future.