How does a library turn information sources into information resources? This was the topic for the first activity and reflection in Module 2 of ETL504. The library in question is the home page of the CSU Library and we were asked to record five examples in our notes.
It seems to me that three common threads in the creation of information resources by the CSU Library are curation, annotation and the creation of digital accessibility. To serve the different information needs of a varied body of students and staff, the library first curates its information by choosing information sources that it deems most useful and interesting to particular populations and collecting them in one space that is clearly labelled to attract the targeted users. Those curated collections of information sources are then described with annotations to maximise the ease of selection by the user and minimise time wasted in investigating unsuitable sources. Finally, as much direct digital access as possible is provided – which is crucial for the increasing use of online education and distance study that the school offers.
The examples I noted, with brief notes on each one, were:
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Library Resource Guides, such as http://libguides.csu.edu.au/teacher_librarianship
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By curating different information sources and providing both access and brief information about them – the library takes these information sources and creates an information resource for students in particular courses.
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The Video and News Databases page https://library.csu.edu.au/services/find-books-and-other-resources/databases/subject/videos-multimedia-news that is linked from the Primo Search box on the main Library webpage
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Again – provides annotations to help users find relevant information sources and provides direct access – thereby creating a package that is an information resource
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Academic Referencing Tool (ART) https://apps.csu.edu.au/reftool/apa-6/book#multiple-authors
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Takes the information from various referencing style guides and makes it more easily accessible to the user
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Primo search
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provides access to a wide number of information sources, providing metadata to allow for sophisticated, effective searching to access information sources either physically or digitally.
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Chat Live to a librarian
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provides digital access to the expertise of a librarian.
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This prompted me to wonder if and how I am creating information resources from the information sources in my library – and how can I improve on that?
Things I do:
- Creating reading lists in Oliver. Gathering available resources and curating according to topics that I think staff or students might find useful.
- Displays – making items more visible to improve staff and students access.
- Help staff and students search for appropriate materials.
Improvements and innovations:
- Get suggestions for reading lists
- Explicitly teach staff and students how to use Oliver through their portal for a more customised experience
- Create some annotated bibliographies on curriculum topics
How do you turn information sources into resources in your school library? Leave a comment to share your ideas!