School of Information Studies FM

Roy Sanders and Jake Wallis were broadcast live on 2AAAFM being interviewed by Jenny Knowles about how the School has evolved since its inception in 1974; from hand written essays to word processed assignments, from letters to e-mail and online foums, from on-campus students to distance education with students all over the world (from the Middle East to Malta!).

Missed it? Now problem, you can listen to or download the audio here and relive the moment!

The future of education and research in information

Dean Emeritus and Professor of the University of Washington Information School, Dr Mike Eisenberg offered some reflections on the workshop process and outcomes;

"The future of education and research for the information field is clearly in the form of 'ischools'. And, CSU is ready to make the major leap to becoming a full ischool with a rich and impressive array of teaching programs, meaningful scholarship, and outreach to the information field and to a range of applied professions. I was particularly intrigued by the possibilities of teaming up with health professions, agriculture, education, and sustainable environment. Lastly, it was fantastic to see the entire staff come together in full agreement that this was the right and desirable thing to do—to move aggressively to become an ischool."

Building Australia's national iSchool

Originally uploaded by CSU Information Studies.

A three day workshop at Charles Sturt University has produced a vision for a national iSchool. A cross-section of expertise from the information industry worked with staff from the School of Information Studies to define a shared vision of what information education in Australia might look like in 2020.

The iSchool model is being applied across many of the most prestigious universities in the United States, the world's most advanced post-industrial economy, and is appropriate given the Australian government's thinking on the nation's development as a digital economy.

Dean Emeritus and Professor of the University of Washington Information School Mike Eisenberg travelled round the world specifically to be involved in re-envisioning information education in Australia. Professor Eisenberg provided invaluable expertise in assisting the group to formulate this vision, having been through such transformative processes in the United States.

Additional expertise came from information and knowledge industry leaders from across Australia, including Nerida Hart (Land & Water Australia), Robert McEntyre (Robert McEntyre & Associates), Kay Harris (Vista Information Services and Solutions), Sally Dallas (Zenith Information Management Services), Suzette Boyd (Scotch College, Melbourne), Anne-Marie Schwirtlich (State Library of Victoria) and Dean Mason (Enakt Consulting).

The Library is an evolving organism

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Professor Joe Mika visits CSU

Professor Joe Mika, the Director of Wayne State University Library and Information Science Program recently visited the School of Information Studies at CSU as part of his research study on international LIS programs. His visit enabled a rewarding sharing of perspectives across LIS education in both Australia and the United States.

Professor Mika is pictured here with his wife Marianne Hartzell (who is the former Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association) and Dr Joy McGregor (centre) of the School of Information Studies.

Res school - what's it all about...?

With our on-campus residential school for undergraduate students kicking off shortly, you might be wondering what to expect from the three days. Well, here's Dr Bob Pymm to tell you more.....



We'd be interested to hear about your own expectations and experiences.....

Highlighting the potential of web 2.0

Dr Robert Pymm speaking at the National Library of Australia Originally uploaded by CSU Information Studies.

Dr Robert Pymm and Jake Wallis recently organised, chaired and presented (phew - long day!) at a professional development seminar at the National Library of Australia on the potential of web 2.0 for information services. With the registration having filled within about 20 minutes of the rego form going online, this was a popular event!

Given the demand for the event from across Australia, we arranged for the audio to be recorded on the day so that it could be podcast after the event. So, for all of you who couldn't make it, the presentations, including audio, are available at http://www.nla.gov.au/initiatives/meetings/web2prog.html Enjoy!

Damian and Bob @ ALIA Lib Techs 2007

Damian and Bob @ ALIA Lib Techs 2007 Originally uploaded by CSU Information Studies.

Damian Lodge and Bob Pymm (pictured here looking a little nervous before giving their paper) attended the ALIA Library and Information Technician's Conference held in Melbourne in October. The Conference attracted around 400 people and was a mix of good, interesting and often practical papers; some great visits and a hectic social whirl. Photos from the Conference dinner, held at the Melbourne Aquarium have had to be held back due to their potential for embarassment!

Anne Lloyd, also from the School of Information Studies at CSU, also attended and gave the keynote address on the last day and, considering it was the Friday morning after the dinner, did a great job at keeping people awake with her story of welders in the TAFE library and her subsequent 'research' with firemen!

'The Librarians' airs on ABC

Last night ABC's new comedy series 'The Librarians' aired with its first episode. Funny(ish) seems to be the consensus. Needs time to gain momentum. There were some good moments mixed in with 'The Office' style awkwardness.

Of primary importance to most librarians I know was how the profession would be portrayed. Would it be the cardigan-wearing shushers or the buns and spectacles behind the desk stamping books? I'm relieved to say that there were no cardies to be seen.

The creators have done their best to reassure us that the only cardies to appear in the series will be trendy ones.....