Archive for the 'SCIS News' Category

Highlights of Connections 85

Published on April 30, 2013 in Cataloguing and Connections. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

You can now read the latest issue of Connections at the SCIS website.

Digital Citizenship

Judith Way discusses why she saw the need for a digital citizenship blog which reached out to all sectors of her school community.  She felt that many students and parents, even if adept at using digital technology and social media, were often unaware of the implications of their digital footprint.  She resolved to  promote the responsible use of social media and the internet.

Kew High School's cybersafety/digital citizenship blog. Printed here with permission

Kew High School’s cybersafety/digital citizenship blog. Printed here with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using archetypes to match learning spaces with physical and digital spaces

Bianca Hewes looks at the traditional classroom and wonders why in a changing world, it remains unchanged despite the creation of virtual learning spaces.  She  examines the work of Prof. David D Thornburg who identifies four ‘archetypal learning spaces: Campfire, Watering hole, Cave and Life.

The Annual Report

Dianne McKenzie discusses how the annual report can be a record of a year’s planning and activity, allowing the Librarian to showcase the diverse roles and activities of the Library.  She emphasizes the importance of documenting and collecting data

SCIS is more: E-book and RDA updates

Meet our new Cataloging Team Leader Soula Kipos, and find out more about SCIS records for e-books and the introduction of the cataloguing standard: Resource Description and Access (RDA).

Highlights of Connections 84

Published on February 13, 2013 in Cataloguing, Connections and School Libraries. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

You can now read the latest issue of Connections at the SCIS website.

GR8 Debate digital culture is killing reading

The GR8 debate was organized in celebration of the National Year of Reading and explored how digital technologies such as iPads, social media and the instant internet culture impact upon our core, traditional abilities and views of reading and writing. Both sides battled it out with a diverse array of serious and humorous academic arguments

Banned Books Week 2012 at Sunshine College

How Sunshine College celebrated Book week by looking at banned books

“The students were shocked that their favourite books had not been allowed in some places, including their much-loved year 10 class text, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Suddenly, they could feel deliciously naughty while defending freedom of speech. They raided the shelves to find their favourite banned or challenged books. They then decided which passages to read, discussing, arguing, and testing them on each other.”

Creating displays part 2: the practical side

Anita Vandenberghe in her previous article talked about the philosophy of displays – what is the story behind it? Why should we have displays and would people even notice them?  In this issue she highlights the practical side of display. Where to start, what topic to choose, where to get ideas, what material to use and how to prepare yourself?

Collective knowledge construction: four new strategies for learning

How to Connect, Communicate and Collaborate in order to learn Collectively.

QR codes, linking print and online collections

An interesting summarized exploration of how to create meaningful two-way links between the libraries online and print collections.

Cataloguing team leader

Published on January 22, 2013 in Cataloguing and SCIS News. 0 Comments Tags: , .

This week SCIS sadly farewells Pamela Kadow who has ably led the SCIS cataloguing team since 2010.
Cataloguing services are at the core of SCIS and we are very well served by our distributed team of experienced and expert cataloguers currently located in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Dunedin, Melbourne, Nelson, Perth and Sydney.

ESA Cataloguers 2012

ESA Melbourne Cataloguers 2012

Do you know a cataloguing/systems librarian who would be a great new SCIS team leader?

Reporting to the SCIS  Manager, you will be responsible for maintaining the Voyager library system and growing cataloguing services and data quality within this significant database (currently 1.5 million MARC records). You will lead a team of dedicated cataloguers and provide assistance in the implementation and maintenance of SCIS systems and standards, liaising closely with the SCIS Information Services Standards Committee.

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate previous experience with original cataloguing, copy cataloguing and authority work in an integrated library management system, thorough knowledge of AACR2R, MARC21, DDC and experience in the application of subject metadata. You will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and have experience in managing and developing teams.

Candidates with knowledge of Resource Description and Access (RDA)  will be highly regarded.

In return, you can expect an excellent working environment with friendly colleagues, interesting work and opportunities for continual growth.

Position Description: SCIS Cataloguing Team Leader 2013

Applications by email to recruitment@esa.edu.au

Applications close 1st February 2013.

SCIS asks: ScOT and subject access

Published on December 11, 2012 in Cataloguing, Resources, School Libraries, SCIS Review, ScOT and Search. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

In the subject access session of the SCIS consultation on 4 December 2012, Les Kneebone Project Manager of the Schools Online Thesaurus (ScOT) presented an exciting overview of recent developments in the ScOT thesaurus. Key features that position ScOT for the future include:

  • its ongoing development with input from cataloguers, curriculum developers, subject matter experts and users
  • its use to describe the machine-readable Australian Curriculum
  • its linked data API facilitating automatic semantic relationships
  • its translation into languages including Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese and Māori
  • its use to describe a wide range of resources through the National Digital Learning Resource Network and SCIS

Discussion followed as to future directions for SCIS in the area of subject access.

Les Kneebone

Les Kneebone presents an overview of ScOT

The ScOT in SCIS project commenced in 2006 when the thinking was that keyword searching would become the pre-eminent means of resource retrieval. Since then SCIS has offered schools the option of downloading both SCIS Subject Headings and ScOT terms in their catalogue records. The challenge is how to manage and display both SCIS subject headings and ScOT terms in a meaningful way for users in order to exploit the inferred links between resources tagged with ScOT terms that match a curriculum tagged with ScOT terms.

Also discussed was an alternative scenario of transition from use of SCIS Subject Headings to ScOT terms and how schools would manage this process.

SCIS asks: Strategic directions for school libraries

Published on December 9, 2012 in Events, School Libraries, SCIS Review and Search. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

On Tuesday 4 December 2012 SCIS conducted a consultation workshop with SCIS partners discussing future priorities in our support for school libraries.

Judy O’Connell, Course Director (Teacher Librarianship) at Charles Sturt University started the day with a set of challenges that covered collections, search, cataloguing, curriculum, interoperability and access. Her presentation Strategic directions for school libraries reinforced the context within which education libraries need to work.  These included curriculum, the cloud and game-based learning in a library environment which is both physical and virtual.Bulb image from presentation

The challenge to participants was to rethink library catalogues, which should no longer be seen as simply tools for locating records. Interrogation of data from different data pools requires new thinking and a new user focus.  We need to change our technology interface to provide a natural, predictive and responsive search capacity.  Web 3.0 challenges us to make library search into a discovery interface.

“How does search impact the way students think, and the way we organise information access?”

Judy pointed out that the search experience influences how students see information structure. Students conceptualise information and the search environment differently, and the way they search should influence the way that we organise information. The learning technologies environment has changed since library management systems were first designed, and we must not lose sight of what is happening in other areas of information retrieval. The importance of metadata developments, including Resource Description and Access (RDA), mean we cannot take old thinking into new information environments.

Check out Judy’s presentation, and then contribute to the ongoing discussion about how SCIS and library system providers can best serve school libraries in 2015 and beyond?

SCIS asks

Published on November 27, 2012 in Events, SCIS News and SCIS Review. 5 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

SCIS is conducting a consultation workshop in Melbourne on Tuesday 4 December 2012 from 9.00-1.00pm. The consultation aims to engage SCIS and its partners in discussion about future priorities in our support of school libraries.

Spiral sculpture

Spiral, Rena Voronoff, 2007
Photo by Michael Jongen

Twitter hashtag for the day: #scisasks

9.00am Welcome, SCIS update and consultation goals

9.15am Strategic directions

9.45am Resource Description and Access

  • Introduction to RDA and its benefits for education libraries (Renate Beilharz, Box Hill TAFE)
  • Recommended changes to SCIS Standards for Cataloguing (Pam Kadow, SCIS Cataloguing Team Leader)
  • Discussion and questions
    Outcome: Resolutions on RDA implementation dates and process

11.00am Morning Tea

11.30am ScOT and subject access in SCIS

  • Subject authorities looking forward
  • Schools Online Thesaurus (ScOT) in library systems
  • Australian Curriculum alignment opportunities
  • Discussion and questions
    Outcome: Resolutions on research required and timeline

12.15pm Integrating digital collections

  • Challenges of collection building and workflows
  • Priorities for cataloguing digital content
  • Discussion and questions
    Outcome: Recommendations on priority areas for SCIS services

1.00pm SCIS Consultation closes
Participants are encouraged to stay for a light lunch and then join delegates at the keynote session and opening reception for the IDEA 2012 conference at the Sofitel, 25 Collins Street Melbourne.

2.00pm Keynote: The science and technology of learning, Professor Erik Duval, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
3.15pm Afternoon tea
3.45pm Panel: Challenges and opportunities for digital learning including Rhyan Bloor, Digital Education Branch, DEEWR; Rodney Spark, eWorks; Kerri-Lee Krause, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education), University of Western Sydney and Bevan Doyle, Chief Information Officer, Department of Education Western Australia

5.30pm IDEA2012 Reception and Networking

6.30pm IDEA 2012 Day 1 close

Contact scisinfo@esa.edu.au for further information

Connections 83

Published on October 19, 2012 in Connections. 0 Comments Tags: .

You can now read the latest issue of Connections at the SCIS website.

Highlights of Connections 83

Ebooks and beyond in the school library

Debbie Price-Ewen discusses changes to publishing models presented by e-books, including the possibilities for literacy development and empowerment of writers through self-publishing. She advocates for creation of an Australasian e-content consortium where school libraries collaborate to support creators and users.

The philosophy of creating displays: Part 1

Anita Vanderberge shares her enthusiasm for library displays, considers the philosophy behind them and gives advice on how to create eye-catching and effective library displays.

The philosophy of creating displays

RDA: new cataloguing rules

Resource Description and Access (RDA) is set to replace AACR2 and Renata Beilharz provides an introduction to why the change and how it will impact catalogue searching results.

OZTL_NET: Building a vibrant future for school library conversations

The Australian Teacher Librarian Network assists teacher librarians  to stay up to date with emerging devices, tools, media and virtual environments. Judy O’Connell reveals changes to the OZTL_NET discussion list and a new social media portal for communication between school library staff.

The National Year of Reading heads for its grand finale

The National Year of Reading (NYR) has conducted successful events throughout the year including The Reading Hour. A legacy event in November is to be held in Canberra to celebrate achievements and influence policymakers about reading in Australia.

Work with SCIS

Published on September 5, 2012 in SCIS News. 0 Comments

Library Services Coordinator

Education Services Australia (ESA) is a national, not-for-profit company owned by all Australian education ministers. The company was established to support the delivery of national priorities in the schools, training and higher education sectors, in particular to advance key education initiatives and to create, publish and market ICT-based solutions, products and services to support learning, teaching and professional development.

Due to an internal promotion, an exciting opportunity exists to join the Publications and Library Services division. As Library Services Coordinator, you will enjoy a varied role and be responsible for providing support and advice to Schools Catalogue Information Service (SCIS) subscribers in Australia, New Zealand and internationally.

The key responsibilities include:

  • Providing high level subscriber email and phone support including basic cataloguing assistance and complex system support
  • Managing subscriber support/troubleshooting queries escalated from the Customer Service team, and provision of associated documentation and training
  • Developing subscriber information sheets and FAQ and Help resources for print and web delivery
  • Producing current and engaging content for SCIS online communication channels including the SCIS website
  • Developing and monitoring audience engagement with SCIS communication channels including social media
  • Developing plans and managing requests for subscriber training
  • Preparing, delivering and reviewing professional learning sessions for school library staff
  • Contributing articles to the SCIS journal Connections and other professional publications of interest to school library staff
  • Liaising with Sales and Marketing team to ensure optimum delivery of information to subscribers and conducting subscriber satisfaction surveys
  • Producing and monitoring SCIS reports

It is expected that the successful candidate will possess a “can do” attitude with a minimum of two years experience as a teacher librarian in a school library setting. You will also possess practical knowledge and experience in a range of school library management tasks, including integrated library systems, basic cataloguing/indexing and technology support roles. Good knowledge of the SCIS user/SCIS Web system as used in school contexts, and proven ability to learn new systems and processes, is required.

In return, you can expect an excellent working environment with friendly colleagues and great conditions, interesting work, and opportunities for continual growth.

Applications by email to recruitment@esa.edu.au

Applications close Monday 17 September 2012

Position Description

Connections 82

Published on July 27, 2012 in Connections. 0 Comments Tags: .

You can now read the latest issue of Connections at the SCIS website.

Highlights of Connections 82

Creative Commons and why it should be more commonly understood

Doug Johnson, Director of Media and Technology in the Mankato Schools provides an overview of the Creative Commons licence system, how to use it for one’s own work and its implications for K-12 education. Originally published in Library Media Connection, vol 27 no 6 pp 56–57 May–Jun 2009.

The Dawn of a new resource

Donna Benjamin, Executive Director of Creative Contingencies, tells the story of the project which led to the digitisation of the historical magazine The Dawn, and its addition to the National Library of Australia’s Trove online collection of Australian digitised newspapers.

Practical curriculum opportunities and the library catalogue

Barbara Combes, Lecturer School of Information Studies Charles Sturt University makes an argument for using the library catalogue as a teaching and learning tool, specifically as an example of real-world relational database for secondary computing courses.

Teaching global citizenship

Catherine McNicol introduces a new global education website launched in early 2012 which provides educators with a range of resources to develop understanding and integrate a global perspective in the curriculum.

Ready to improve

The Improve online formative assessment tool was developed by Education Services Australia to meet a need in schools for an interactive system that can be used by teachers and students to support improved learning. This article includes information about the content of Improve and how schools can access it.

Top 100 Australian books

Announcement of the list of Australia’s top 100 books. This list was compiled from a school library survey conducted a result of the Educational Lending Right (ELR) 2011–12.
Download file of titles (307 Kb Word document)

New and revised SCIS Subject Headings List

A summary list of recently added or revised SCIS subject headings.

Print complete issue of Connections 82

Connections 81

Published on May 3, 2012 in Connections. 0 Comments Tags: .

You can now read the latest issue of Connections at the SCIS website.

Highlights of Connections 81

QR codes and iPads in the library
Narelle Keen, teacher librarian and chair of the ICT Committee at Pacific Lutheran College, describes their trial incorporating iPads and QR codes into library orientation activities.

Social media and schools as professional learning communities
Kay Cantwell, Education Officer Digital Learning, ResourceLink at Brisbane Catholic Education, presents ideas for using Twitter and other social media in professional learning communities, in collaboration, leadership support and information provision.

Libraries in the cloud
Doug Johnson, Director of Media and Technology in the Mankato Schools, discusses cloud computing and its impact on how schools provide access to resources, computer applications and file storage for staff and students.

Advocating for librarians – as opposed to libraries
This commentary by Stephen Abram outlines how librarians can market their value and skills as an individual professional without being tied to a physical library.

National Year of Reading update
Sue McKerracher reports on the launch of the National Year of Reading 2012.

Print complete issue of Connections 81