Late last month our ALLA NSW members were invited to attend a “round table” to review the ALLA 2016 Conference. This was a great opportunity for those present at the conference to share their experiences and insights with those unable to attend.
The Conference was a success, with attendees noting many key takeaways from the event.
Much fun was had at the Old Melbourne Gaol, the perfect location for an ALLA social event. The library tours also proved popular, with the newly built Docklands library described as a place to visit on your next Melbourne trip.
There were many stand out presentations. Dan Hunter’s Gamification looked at the process of using popular game elements to engage students. He found that the appeal of competitive behaviour helps motivate and compel students to learn. It left many wondering what gaming elements to include in their own legal research training sessions.
Another presentation that garnered much interest was Junior Browne’s discussion on the role the University of the West Indies' Faculty of Law played in the development of law in the Caribbean. The faculty’s collection has become an authority on law in the region, and access to information has greatly improved as a result.
Junior Browne’s presentation stimulated conversation on how to respond to a change in traditional needs of law librarians, so that we can be leading the change rather than merely adjusting to it. As leaders, what industries might we seek to intentionally disrupt to bring about further change?
The event proved a great opportunity for members to get together, share a drink, and think about what really matters to us as librarians in an ever changing, constantly evolving environment.
Be sure to check the ALLA website to join the conversation at
future NSW events.
