Short Talk presenters

Alan Manifold

Everybody’s Talkin’ – Starting Data Conversations using APIs

Bio: If there is a “too long” to be involved with Library Automation, Alan Manifold has probably done it, but after more than forty years in “the biz”, he still finds it exciting and challenging. His work has evolved from creating an integrated library system for a library to automating processes and integrating different vendor products using scripts and APIs. Throughout it all, his focus has been primarily on the data: that’s more important than anything else.

Cheryl Claridge

Towards ‘Indigenous Referencing Guidance for Indigenous Knowledges’

Bio: Cheryl Claridge is Team Leader, Library Research Services at Federation University Australia, leading the Research and Learning services team in developing and implementing a targeted and sustainable range of library services specifically for researchers. Cheryl’s focus is on developing collaborations to generate programs and services to support researchers and increase research capacity.

Donna Benjamin

Open source, open practice

Bio: Donna Benjamin is a passionate advocate of Free and Open Source Software. For the past two decades, Donna has been the glue for many successful organisations, teams, and individuals. Her volunteer work has been instrumental in helping open source organisations to upsize (and sometimes downsize) as they mature with their communities. Her work is valued by companies of all sizes (from the micro to enterprise). Donna facilitates success. She is a recipient of Linux Australia’s Rusty Wrench Award in recognition of her contributions, and currently works with Red Hat as a Senior Engagement Lead, in the Open Innovation Labs. She also runs her own business, Creative Contingencies, and the maintainer and product owner for the Open Practice Library – openpracticelibrary.com.

Fiona Tweedie

Computer Says No: Having better conversations about automated decision-making

Bio: Fiona Tweedie fell in love with the transformative power of data when working on the Australian Government’s Principles on Open Public Sector Information and has held numerous roles analysing, governing and wrangling data in the years since. She has worked on embedding ethical approaches to data in commercial and research organisations and is passionate about demystifying tech and increasing data literacy. Fiona holds a PhD in Ancient History and is still working on the blanket that she started crocheting during lockdown.

Hugh Rundle

How to become an open source contributor by the end of this week

Bio: Hugh Rundle is a professional librarian and dilettante computer toucher, and is currently employed at La Trobe University Library as Manager Digital Discovery. Hugh has contributed to several open source projects including Koha ILS, ephemetoot, and his own Library Map, and is a maintainer for the Bookwyrm project.

Jennifer Murphy

Towards ‘Indigenous Referencing Guidance for Indigenous Knowledges’

Bio: Jennifer Murphy is the Educational Services Librarian at Victoria University, Melbourne, where she provides leadership, innovation, and expertise in the development of library and information services to support the University’s learning and teaching activities. She is interested in the connections between teaching and research, and how collaborations within and across institutions can lead to positive, engaging and thought-provoking environments for students.

Justin Kelly

ChatGPT for Librarians

Bio: Justin Kelly is a data and analytics professional who has devoted his career to improving library services through the power of data. With over a decade of experience in the field, he has honed his skills in data analysis, visualisation, and interpretation, and is passionate about using these tools to uncover insights that drive better decision-making. Justin has worked with libraries of all sizes and types, from small community libraries to large academic institutions, and has helped them to optimise their operations, better understand their patrons, and make data-driven decisions about resource allocation and program development He is a firm believer in the value of libraries and is committed to helping them thrive in the digital age.

Rowland Mosbergen

Three Common Mistakes in Managing Complex New Projects

Bio: Rowland has 25 years of experience as a generalist in highly complex environments in the not-for-profit, private, and research sectors and is a Research Software Engineer since 2010. He has worked with librarians within universities and research institutes nationally and internationally.

Over his career he has delivered over $230 million of value in business improvements, recruited 4 multi-disciplinary teams and grown 2 more, and has a strong sales and marketing background. Building an inclusive vision and creating buy-in with marginalised stakeholders within complex environments is his specialty.

Rowland also founded Practical Diversity and Inclusion, a boutique consultancy that extends best practice in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and technical leadership development. He has underpinned DEI in technical leadership, team building, international recruitment, establishment of governance processes, mentoring programs, panels and conferences, keynotes, and community fundraising.

Sara Davidsson

Towards ‘Indigenous Referencing Guidance for Indigenous Knowledges’

Bio: Sara Davidsson’s current role as Member Services Coordinator at CAVAL gives her the opportunity to collaborate across the entirety of CAVAL’s membership, and beyond, on projects and programs of all sizes. Sara is passionate about leading cross-institutional engagement and sector collaboration, as well as delivering capability building opportunities for all library staff. She is currently serving as Secretary on the ALIA Community on Resource Description (ACORD) special interest group which provides a chance for her to continue to be involved with resource description developments, as this is where she kick-started her library career 5 years ago.