Events

VALA holds regular guest speaker events covering recent and interesting developments in the application of information technology. They are open to all members of the community.

To view the Calendar of events click HERE.

VALA Code of Conduct

VALA seeks to provide a respectful and safe environment in which diverse participants may learn from, challenge, network with and share the company of colleagues. We recognise a shared responsibility to create and sustain that environment and do not tolerate harassment in any form. Click HERE for the full document.

VALA Event 2013 : Technolust

VALA Guest Speaker Event

Technolust: the fifth column of the information counter-revolution

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As libraries see their funding reduced and their relevance questioned across the world, they are eager to introduce and use new technologies to remain valued and vibrant. In this talk, Hugh will argue that in a rush to remain relevant, it is easy for librarians to unwittingly support and champion technologies that oppose the values upon which our profession is based. He will also highlight some of the technology projects libraries are successfully running without compromising their commitment to openness, confidentiality and freedom.

Speaker: Hugh Rundle

Hugh Rundle is Information Management and Kew Librarian at the City of Boroondara. Mal Booth, University Librarian at UTS recently wrote that “Hugh is now one of the leading thinkers with regard to libraries in Australia”. Then again, David Lankes of Syracuse University has accused him of “the worst bit of logical reasoning I’ve seen in quite a bit of time”, which just goes to show the value of a thorough literature review. Hugh is active on Twitter and writes a blog called “It’s not about the books” at hughrundle.net.

FREE ENTRY

Hugh Rundle’s talk will follow the “brief” business of the Special General Meeting of the Association.

Not a VALA member?
Visitors are welcome at VALA meetings – but registration is essential!

VENUE

Dulcie Hollyock Room
Ground Floor, Baillieu Library,
University of Melbourne.
(Public transport via train or tram.
On-street parking in surrounding area – have gold coins available.)

DATE & TIME

Wednesday 27 March 2013 Drinks and nibbles from 5:30 pm. Want to join Committee and the speaker for dinner (your expense) afterwards? DINNER RSVPs only by 5.00 p.m. Monday 25 March: vala@vala.org.au or (03) 9725 2725 

 

VALA Event 2013: Evening with Sue Roberts

VALA Guest Speaker Event and AGM

Leading in an uncertain world: developing library vision, strategy and the place of technology

Leadership, at all levels, is critical to the ongoing success and future of libraries, whatever the sector, purpose or size. The context of constant change, ambiguity, and the speed of developments, especially in new technologies, can make the challenge of setting vision and strategy appear even more daunting. This talk explores these issues using the example of the State Library of Victoria and also draws insights from other organisations. Sue will also discuss the place of personal leadership within this context.

Read More: VALA Event 2013: Evening with Sue Roberts→

VALA Event 2013: Library web OPAC

VALA Guest Speaker Event

Topic: Real-time user stats for your Library web OPAC

See what your library users are doing on your system right now, how their behaviour changes over time and how to use this data to enhance your Library web OPAC.

Identify ‘right-now’ library usage trend and produce data visualisations to reflect usage trend to enable librarians and library staff to better serve the currents needs of your users.

Read More: VALA Event 2013: Library web OPAC→

VALA Event 2013: Making Connections

VALA Guest Speaker Event

The presentation looks at how schools are working in partnerships with Education Services Australia to rebuild their catalogue metadata so print and online collections are aligned to the curriculum. This includes mass clean up of existing subject headings, the introduction of new controlled metadata, and the creation of curriculum specific themed collections.

Read More: VALA Event 2013: Making Connections→

VALA General Meeting 2012: Lightning Talks

vala lightning talk banner

VALA End-of-Year General Meeting

Lightning Talks – share your innovation story

Join Victoria’s community of Library IT Professionals for an evening of brief “lightning talks” to showcase local ideas or practices with a focus on IT innovation.

Lightning talks are simple 5-minute presentations that offer insights into a single topic. This format offers an excellent opportunity for you to participate and share knowledge with colleagues from a diverse cross section of Library and Information Services. Possible topics might include: 

  • Customised software or hardware solutions
  • Web or mobile technologies
  • IT in spaces and the design process
  • Social technology
  • Learnings from projects that didn’t work out
  • You tell us!

The VALA committee is encouraging anyone who can talk to an example of innovation (whether successful or not) at their organisation to come to this dynamic and inspirational event.

How do I participate?

  • Reflect on one or two examples of innovation at your organisation and prepare a simple, “punchy” 5 minute talk that will convey the example to an audience of Library IT Professionals.
  • Slides/PowerPoint etc. are optional but if used can be brought along on the night.
  • There will be provision in the programme for a certain number of impromptu talks.

FREE ENTRY

Not a VALA member?
Visitors are welcome at VALA meetings – just come!
Express your interest in attending – registration is free.

VENUE

Dulcie Hollyock Room (formerly known as Tutorial Room)
Ground Floor, Baillieu Library,
University of Melbourne, Melways Map X871 I6.
(Public transport via train or tram.
On-street parking in surrounding area – have gold coins available.)

DATE & TIME

Wednesday 28 November 2012
Christmas drinks and nibbles from 5:30 pm.