Abstracts
Mind the Gap 2014: Research to Inform the Next Five Years of Library Development.
Tuesday 5 May 2009, 1100 - 1130
Presenters: Anne Horn and Sue Owen
Deakin University, VIC
Presenter Biography
Anne Horn is the University Librarian at Deakin University, and is responsible for providing high quality and client focused library services to students and staff. Anne has particular interests in information services delivery in an academic environment, library and learning space design, and scholarly publishing.
Sue Owen leads and directs the development of library client services for the staff and students of Deakin University and its affiliates. She has experience in the private and public sectors and has a long standing interest in introducing emerging technologies in libraries and developing ambient library spaces.
Abstract
Libraries have a long history of gathering evidence of performance. The results of regular client satisfaction surveys directly inform the continuous improvement of library and information services. Staff and student input is critical for improving library physical and virtual spaces, facilities and resources, and also to learn how the university community may approach information discovery into the future.
At Deakin University Library we are investigating, developing and integrating Web 2.0 applications into our service delivery. At the same time, designs for next generation physical learning spaces are being developed and implemented. These will extend the opportunities for students to contribute to a connected network of learners and teachers, to develop social networks, and to enrich experience of university life. Both the online and spaces strategies support the University’s distinctive advantage in flexible education.
But what of the future? How can the Library ensure that its support of research, teaching and learning aligns with changes in the behaviour and preferences of the university community in the next five years? This paper reviews Deakin University Library’s recent achievements, exposes an important gap and previews its plans to ensure its reliable support to the university community continues.
