Analysis of the Key Processes and Information Services of the Australian Library Sector - Assignment Example

IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE KEY PROCESSES AND INFORMATION SERVICES OF THE AUSTRALIAN LIBRARY SECTOR 21st November, 2008 ABSTRACT Library sectors all the world have observed a tremendous change and there is a dire need for reconciliation of the required change to cope with the long term goals and values for the optimum delivery of service to varied stakeholders and clients. The following report deals with the identification of the key and inevitable processes and information services which facilitate the working of the Australian academic library sector. Further, it also reflects on the role of ICT in the proper management and delivery of information services specific to the Australian academic library sector, identifying and analyzing its core technologies. INTRODUCTION The Australian vision to identify itself as a knowledge society was strongly and effectively noticed in the” National consultations towards an information economy strategy for Australian civil society in 2003 – 2005”. At present there are more than 1700 public libraries across Australia with more than 50 percent of the population as registered users. Libraries are used by people more than in comparison to the regular visits to cultural and sporting venues are accounted for, the major cause for such a large number of people visiting the libraries is due to the introduction of internet access services in public libraries. even with the expansion of number of people having accessibility to the internet at home and broadband users, the percentage of people who prefer libraries has remain constant since many years. Libraries are not only a source of extracting information but also a revenue generating sector. The library sector needs to redefine its strategy, technology in creating interests and enhancing engagement of people. The priority issues with the Australian government on the whole related to the library sector are basically prone towards digital Inclusion and spatial isolation, democratic plurality through ICT, accessibility to content and technology, effective use of information, knowledge sharing and protecting the intellectual property rights (Schauder D, Johanson G, Taylor W, retrieved on 21st November, 2008) . An Australian innovative library system needs to be developed by building a culture through improved approach to education and skills development, along with an improvised ICT network for increased national and global research collaboration. The real need for the Australian library sector is not just to have an access to ICT, but more importantly to attain effective levels of use of ICT. The universities have been working under environment in which substantial changes have been observed in respect of accountability and the application of standardized quality processes, moving from input to output performance measurements. The main areas of work of the Australian academic libraries are centered towards the reference desk, reader education, database searching, liaison, staff development, and collection management which can certainly be realized by expansion of electronic sources (Rosemary C, retrieved on 21st November, 2008) As completely diversified management discipline, information management (Southon G, Todd R, 2001) has been under intensive discussions and researches capturing the attention of expert professionals working in the library and information sector (Broadbent M, 1997, Southon G, Todd R, 1999). Library professionals are now considered to be and important part of the knowledge management and a source for polishing the image of information connoisseurs. KEY PROCESS AND INFORMATION SERVICES AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIAN LIBRARY SECTOR The effective management of the Australian Library’s resources is definitely improved by constant modifications and updation in the efficacy of the internal infrastructure, processes and resource allocation and distribution and its legislative and regulatory compliance. The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), (retrieved on 21st November, 2008) was established as a specialized unit for carrying on the operations of the Australian library and information services sector in an organized, systematic and efficient manner. The establishment aims to support and endorse the services of libraries and other related information agencies, and to redefine and reframe the already set standards of library and information personnel so as to accelerate and cultivate their professional interests and future related field ambitions in the. The Association was founded way back in the year 1937, and currently is composed of 6,500 personal members and 1,500 library members (ALIA, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). Professional librarians and information experts require the adequate and specialized knowledge to follow up process including designing, planning, developing, managing and evaluating the delivery of library and information services to meet the information requirements of different individuals and communities and helping them to become more exposed to latest information and updates. The two main commitments regarding the promotion of Australian academic library sector are inclined towards creating future work knowledge and appropriate proficiency to meet future opportunities and development of intensive knowledge. THREE CS FOR LIBRARY The basic process applied in the management of the library sector is the application of four P’s of marketing mix, which include product, price, place and promotion but the library sector needs to focus on the added P’s of service which comprise of ‘people’ who are a vital component of service sector, ‘physical evidence’, the environment for the delivery of the service, and ‘process’ whereby the activities for the delivery of the services are framed. More apt for the library sector are the four ‘Cs’ introduced by Kotler, that is customer value, user’s convenience, cost and communication. USE OF LIBRARY SECTOR IN ACADEMICS Academic libraries can be useful for the academic staff, research students and undergraduates in for assessment of varied information, loan opportunities, and protected intranet sources to accomplish various objectives such as information enhancement, research development, fund seeking etc. Public libraries can offer useful information to local businesses, children, unemployed workforce, and retired groups as well. Academic librarians face the issue whereby the traditional unsatisfactory performance and results of the programs and pedagogies are the major problems. The importance of digital information and resources to which the modern library systems have access too can’t be denied. New groupings, communication styles, interactions have transformed the learning culture. The shift from individual focus to mass access, promotes strong values, and beliefs on non- plagiarized information. RFID (RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION) PROCESS Within Australian libraries, RFID is promoted to replace the conventional barcodes for the storage of product identification and other data. With the help of Radio Frequency Identification, staff and library users are able to utilize library materials for efficiency enhancement and reduction of duplication and repetition of materials. The library utilization of RFID makes use of smart label with sufficient memory capacities to retain the item identifier, almost similar to the barcode number (Butters A, 2008). The Australian academic and research library adopted the RFID system in order to avail benefits such as increasing productivity, to ascertain reduction in repetitive motion injuries thereby promoting occupational health and safety. New innovative methods of library collection management have been explored such as shelf ordering, weeding, etc. the overall security is made stronger. RFID helps in providing faster and easier transactions for library users. The overall impact of RFID is that it promotes the use of cutting-edge technology in such a way that innovation and leadership skills are highlighted within the library community as a whole (Butters A, 2008. The Australian academic libraries are mostly benefited in realizing the staff increased productivity levels by automating the loans process and possibly also the returns process to a larger extent in comparison to the barcodes. The benefits accumulated in the field of collection management are sufficient enough for the Australian academic libraries to incorporate the technology, however such benefits need to be carefully explored and exploited as well (Butters A, 2008) DIGITAL SERVICE PROJECT For effective and efficient management of the key processes such as the ‘Digital Service Project’ in the Australian library services, special procedure such as the provision of adequate infrastructure for long term management of digital services through proper allocation of hardware and software tools for supporting collection management system is applied. In addition to the cost effective solutions for implementation of effective delivery of digital services enhances the approach and reach for the library’s resources available and gain access to the shared digital collections in collaborations with other institutions (National Library of Australia, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). A key process in the entire set up of the digital system is the development of system architecture which comprises of a wide framework of IT development and procurement functions. Further the complete process of selection, acquisition, storage, resource discovery, delivery, access control and preservation are carry forward by the Australian library services. Open source software is a perfect solution applied by the library sources so as to provide a functional and full bodied system for sharing through open source licensing arrangements and provisions. The potential to segregate resource discovery from resource management and delivery was a key component of the Digital Services framework from the commencement of the process. For promoting further efficiency in work and supporting the different need to trap and document websites in a competent and well organized manner and effective cost manner, PANDORA Digital Archiving System is put into use (National Library of Australia, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). The Australian library has many projects in the pipeline for future developments in the concerned areas such as the ARROW project (Australian Research Repositories Online to the World) and APSR project (Australian Project for Sustainable Repositories. The above two projects were mainly designed to align the information model and backend processes for effective management of the digital services (National Library of Australia, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). According to ALIA, Libraries are a fundamental and vital element of communities as they help in serving as a link many important circumstances such as geographic, for communities of interest, and communities of knowledge creating a massive nation-wide infrastructure. In a report released by the ALIA , “Libraries building communities’ major concepts comprising of community opinions regarding libraries as a factor adding value to the community, user profiles, innovative programs etc and many more issues, all were dealt with in a detailed manner. The collected data also highlighted the typical role which the libraries play in trouncing the digital divide, creating knowledgeable and well read communities and improvisation of learning skills and aptitudes in order to create social capital (ALIA, 2005). MARKETING ORIENTATION IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES Market orientation requires a systematic procedure to be followed, starting with management of libraries in order to cope up with faster, reliable technology and intensive competition prevailing in the global economy. Management is also needed to overcome the market threats due to unpredictable and uncertain external environment for better management. Next step involves a sincere commitment towards customer satisfaction, as there exist a positive correlation between the support that is extracted from the customers and the library and information services. Understanding customers relates to the most important component in effective library management and information services as it is important to locate information/products for the customers not search customers for the information/product. Users’ requirement and preferences have to be given the top most priority (Das K B, Karn K S, 2008). Australian academic libraries are an important source of educational and research initiatives that are dependant on the financial support for their continuing augmentation of such activities. Students are paying high fees for their courses, hence they demand a completely renovated and restructure leaning environment. The value of the library is questioned with increasing "googleisation" and new demands on library service provision (Schmidt J, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). The emerging challenges specifically related to the Australian library services range from changes in educational approaches, technology revolutions, and new methods for information broadcasting and declining future costs, have brought to the forefront the real essence of marketing that now cannot be considered as a separate function but is a part of the process as a whole. THE ROLE OF ICT IN THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY OF INFORMATION SERVICES IN THE AUSTRALIAN LIBRARY SECTOR ICT plays a vital role in the operations and delivery of information service to the State Library. Appropriate infrastructure, applications and support of required equipments help in the provision of informational services to the customers and the staff. The adoption and implementation of the WRMS (Work Request Management System) has restructured the working systems of the past. The WRMS helps in tracing, managing, and reporting of the numerous floating requests for needed information from clients and individual support. Use of ICT in the library system would help in assisting librarians and information managers to analyze, evaluate, organize and synthesize information and help individuals to become knowledge seekers and locaters, using information timely and effectively (ALIA, Library and Information sector, 2005). ICT is important as the growth of the Internet as one of the inevitable communication mode has compelled many universities and academic institutions to use it for deliverance of the scheduled courses, timely and active electronic mail communication with their students, staff and other people and simultaneously floating up the library catalogues, books, articles, journals and other electronic information resources online for uniform availability and access (Lim H T E, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). The use of ICT measures have certainly promoted distance education where remote students are also able to apply and gain advantage at a reduced cost and flexible teaching environment with no barriers or hindrances related to time or spatial concerns (Edward L, Dyk V, 1997). The changes taking place globally have a major influence on the establishment of academic libraries due to which new services models are introduced to meet the current demands of the users. To cope with the latest technology and advancement, numerous problems have been developed in due course of time as well such as the devaluation of Australian dollar has topsy turveyed the library budgets sanctioned in the past. Growth of electronic publishing and digital formats also requires a hybrid setup of network which has further aggravated the library costs to a very large extent. A good chunk of capital resources is required to train and develop human resources to handle the complex library structures and promotion of information literacy programs. AARLIN PROJECT With the continuous improvements in the information and communication technology, flexible learning is been given more consideration, hence keeping the changing trends in mind the Australian government is taking advanced steps in order to incorporate the latest technological advancements for which it is funding the AARLIN project in order to establish collaboratively (20 Australian universities and the National Library of Australia), a model of library service that focuses on the print and digital resources using portal technology (Lim T H E, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). The reason for initiating the AARLIN project was to establish a portal framework for allocation of resources among Australian academic and research libraries. The most important advantage of the model was to create the maximum accessibility chances for researchers to information resources in both the formats, analogue as well as digital irrespective of their original location. Since the AARLIN is a collaborative project, it renders political, financial, staffing and scalability advantages. The project offers a number of additional advantages such as university wise portal integration, e-learning system integration, extended open archive facilities such as chat, e-mail, video-conferencing etc, secured payments, 24*7 help services and many more Lim T H E, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). One of another interesting project undertaken by the Australian information services is the ANPLAN (Australian National Plan for Newspapers). The project focuses on providing all Australians access to the nation's long history of rich newspaper legacy. Seven State Libraries and the National Library together initiated the project whereby the. The State Library of South Australia is the chosen representative, the main objectives of founding ANPLAN is to locate, acquire, preserve, and make accessible all newspapers published in Australia (Online explanatory notes, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). The ALG is another source whereby the libraries may record basic directory information such as collection descriptions, collecting policies, digitization projects, policy documents, exhibitions and catalogues. ALG directory also helps the library-related services such as publishers, booksellers and system and service vendors (Online explanatory notes, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). The use of new ICT methods in academic library sector has enabled the users to taliorize the access to information resources. The new requirements are focused on adopting a user directed approach rather than a library directed approach. The conventional ‘bricks and motor’ model needs to be replaced with the contemporary ‘clicks and mortal’ model which is inspired from the e-commerce model of library service delivery. This new model helps in accessing a standardized search by customizing the search environment with latest updates on the newly available material with the matching criteria. Use of ICT technology in Australia in the library sector has become mandatory because of a marked increase in the number of enrolments and the demographic diversity as well. An increase in the number of researchers is also one of the causes for adopting changes in the provision of information services. advanced technologies, and their linkage to the administrative and teaching functions in relation with the tertiary institutions has certainly promoted the use of ICT, above all a change in the curriculum demands a completely different teaching style and approaches involving active, quick and smart learning and more of practical hands on experience rather than the only focus on the theoretical discipline background. A more comprehensive view of the studies can be attained by applying ICT methods (Bundy A, 2004). ICT has been able to manage some of the daunting challenges of the library sector industry in Australia such as facilitating better inaccessible and distant learning experiences and developing more impressive content that can be modified without applying heavy costs. The expansion and enlargement of ICT has played a vital role in aggravating learners’ yearning for greater litheness and elasticity. Advancements in the in itinerant devices have grafted expectations from learners which are beyond the traditional teaching methods (Dandolopartners, 2006). The information service technology has become ever pervasive helping in reduction of costs by standardizing and adopting uniform patterns and structures, continuously increasing motivation, it’s accessible in an environment which is prone to maximum ramifications and still produces the best possible results for the betterment of the communities as a whole. The Australian government has even issued reports prepared by the Steering Committee which has pointed out the future implications which must be adopted by both the government and the industries to ensure and be able to reap up the optimum advantages of potential ventures in relation with the Australia's ICT sector (Alston R H, 2002). ALIA (Australian Library and Information Association) strongly reflects that Librarians must possess core knowledge in Information Product and Service Delivery in order to accelerate the development of information literacy and the ability to analyze and interpret the evaluation of specific information in addition to rendering tailor made services to individual clients and customers (Schneider E, 2005) ALIA supports the view that ICT appendages the social capital and with the proper utilization of information and communication technology, one can certainly explore great opportunities for understanding and participating for producing better and improved social and economic outcomes (AILA, 2005). Further, it is also mentioned in the discussion paper that Sustainability of ICT access centers is also crucial for appreciating their values to the communities. Sustainability could be extended in a beneficial manner by collaborating and establishing links with the public libraries which can help in contributing localized knowledge, expertise and community trust to facilitate in evaluating and appraising community needs, infrastructure and available potential opportunities. According to Peacock J, (2001), a dire need for imbibing momentous and considerable changes in technological sphere especially related to the Australian academic library is brought forward. He further added that professional development for librarians is very essential for helping and aiding in the expansion and advancement of an information well read, erudite community. There also exists a need of structure to bridge the gap between academics and libraries. The link between the information and communication technology and library can be more strengthened if the following points are complied with, firstly cultivating a hybrid model whereby equilibrium or balance is attained by adjusting the two different variables of printed and electronic information sources. Secondly, more emphasis must be laid on global information rather than creating piles of stock, quantitative wise in the library. Thirdly, a cross sectoral partnership approach must be preferred for extending required information. Fourthly, a digital environment needs to be created (Review Group Report, 2003). The past years have noticed a significant increase in the access to online information which has now shaped up into nothing but a standard user expectation. The growth in the higher education sector specifically is advancing rapidly towards making available the pre-requisites of learning materials online. There is also a strong trend of the community towards the use of Internet as a prime and fundamental source of information. ICT is used not only for extracting academic related information but processing day to day operations such as banking, ordering and shopping etc. It must also be kept in mind that all Australians must have an equal access to the online information resources, no disparity of any sorts must be displayed, and the library system must provide full support to the education, employment and general social needs of the community. It must be ensured that the Australian government establishes a national framework which addresses the three main aspects of providing online information secondly accessing up-to-date technical infrastructure with appropriate bandwidth and thirdly accessing a fundamental structure of online information resources which has connectivity to the basic information literacy skills (National Library of Australia, retrieved on 21st November, 2008). FUTURE IMPLICATIONS A successful literacy programme requires a transformation in the complete self image of the library system; future implications require a deeper understanding of information literacy goals in tandem with the teachers, content of teaching and literacy programs. They have even helped in changing the way and outlook of the economy and the people who are a part of that economy. However, Governments can need to look into the matter more cautiously as their existing investment in the library sector must be completely ensured that through policy, planning and funding of educational programmes, the libraries must continue to be the prime and central focus for the management and also make certain the delivery of information in all its best possible forms (IFLA, 2003). Future projects require a proper policy for applying funding mechanisms at the national level which would completely ensure that all Australians would have a direct access to the available online information resources, various different models such as ‘licensing model’ used by the United States can also be effectively applied for attaining fruitful results. CONCLUSION Studies reflect the viewpoint that, Australia still lacks behind in comparison to other countries in respect to the management of the information resources, including library services as well; it’s predisposition and tendency to work in silos works against the procedure of effective management; productive collaborative procedures which are quintessential to adopt oneself to the innovative and adaptive external environment and to overcome the obstacles needed for better management of resources (Bentley P, 2002). The government in totality aims to achieve a co-operative, shared, and coordinated approach in establishing a perfect, organized and systematic library information system (CASL, 2005) The information literacy service needs to be adopted by the entire university community so as to learn and reflect the importance of information intensiveness, for drafting a life long learning agenda and to transform the rapidly obsolescing information into the most updated and current techniques and knowledge content. Reading print and electronic documents has become a fundamental necessity in the modern age. Foundations of democracy, capacity building and modernization are based on these elaborate changes in the system .It is also regarded as an important method for development of visions , learning, skills and a creative stimulus for an individual.. In order to make the world aware about the prevailing ignorance, disease and poverty, information retrieval through the medium of library is essential. 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