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The Journal of the Australian Library & Information Association's first issue of 2024 includes a variety of research papers, research-in-practice papers, an information-in-practice paper, and an obituary. One research paper explores how teacher librarians can teach with and about generative artificial intelligence (GAI), emphasizing the role of teacher librarians in fostering critical and ethical use of these tools. Another research paper presents the results of a national survey indicating that library and information practitioners are confident in their research abilities. The research-in-practice papers discuss topics such as transitioning to a team approach in library services, perceptions of artificial intelligence among Filipino academic librarians, and a proposed knowledge organization system for Laos ethnic groups. An information-in-practice paper examines the implementation of a proactive chat widget at the University of Wollongong Library, which proved valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue also includes an obituary for Professor Michael J. Ramsden, a significant figure in the library and information professions. Additionally, the issue features book reviews covering various themes, including online instruction, cataloguing, and the internationalization of academic libraries. [Extracted from the article]

The final paper is Research-in-Practice paper and explores the B I Use of social media by academic libraries in Australia i b . Finally, there is also a Research-in-Practice paper describing the use of social media by academic libraries in Australia. We kick off 2023 with a rich issue consisting of diverse research papers that cover many aspects of Library and Information Science, including library history, library accessibility, library research and LIS education, and also a paper by a researcher and user of academic libraries detailing a complicated project about compiling sociology PhDs in Australia, which involved expert help from some amazing academic libraries and librarians. [Extracted from the article]

Librarian contribution to systematic reviews and other evidence summaries is well-documented. Many libraries offer sophisticated support, including mediated search services. Tiered services are beginning to emerge, but few libraries offer fee-for-service models. This paper updates an earlier mediated search pilot delivered by the Health team at Deakin University library. The service has evolved to an expanded multi-tier model with a fee-for-service top tier. The tiers consist of online self-help and consultations through to proof-reading of searches, mediated search design and search translation. This new model was trialled and operationalised during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a time with greater researcher focus on reviews than on field or lab-based research due to lockdown restrictions. This increased demand contributed to service development. The multi-tier model provided opportunity for librarian skill development including peer upskilling and co-authorship. Recognition of librarian contribution is important in mediated searching. The multi-tier service will continue to evolve. There is currently appetite amongst researchers for fee-for-service mediated search. Deakin librarians have also been working with researchers in emerging automation and living reviews and these technologies are likely to impact future directions of the services. Growth in other disciplines may also influence service expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This purpose of this paper is to review literature from the digital humanities (DH), academic librarianship, and critical librarianship, focusing on potential roles for Australian academic librarians in the DH. After defining DH and its relationship with academic librarianship, the difference between service and collaborative models is discussed. This includes how service models characterise current perceptions of DH librarians' roles. Findings of this review indicate that there are, indeed, roles for librarians in the DH that can contribute to scholarly partnerships. These roles build on the shared values of librarianship and the humanities and are related to the critical and theoretical foundations of the DH. Critical librarianship provides a framework for roles that can contribute to knowledge production, not just to service provision. This framework can also work towards increasing representation and accessibility in DH scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the issue of digital capability at the research team level, specifically their ability to adapt to an uncertain digital future. Within higher education, there is a driving imperative to adapt to the new digital environment not only in areas involved in learning and teaching but also among research teams. While libraries play an important role in developing the digital literacy of researchers as individuals, little attention has been paid to the digital capability of the research team. A review of the literature was undertaken of digital transformation frameworks and models across business, government and higher education. No applicable models or frameworks were found to be suitable for a research team environment. A digital capability model was developed, drawing upon the critical elements discussed in the literature. This model enables library staff to assess the digital capability of the research team, allowing them to not only tailor their services to specific research teams but also driving changes to overall service offerings to better meet the needs of researchers across the organisation. Using this model changes the nature of library staff's conversation with research team leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2018, Deakin University Library Research Services Team and Faculty of Arts and Education Liaison Team developed a series of four capacity-building workshops on research impact and metrics for the academic staff in the School of Communication and Creative Arts, in collaboration with the Associate Head of School (Research). As part of the Library's Research Metrics and Advisory Service (ReMAS), the workshops were designed as the initial step of a long-term approach to meet the unique needs of academics in the creative disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, creative writing, design, media and journalism. Using an autoethnographic approach, the paper examines, through critical reflections from the two key librarians involved, the impact of these workshops within the Library and among the academic community, including: facilitating academic capacity-building on research impact and metrics in creative disciplines, building internal and external collaborative relationships, and developing the Library's knowledge of and skills in designing tailored research impact and metrics services for researchers with non-traditional outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ever-increasing focus on user needs and experiences, librarians are compelled to reposition themselves as providers of services and support. With an increasingly service-oriented approach to the profession, librarians must view their work and services through lenses of critical inquiry, assessment, and thoughtful design. Above all libraries are increasingly expected to plan, deliver, and assess their services based on evidence and data, an approach to librarianship which demands greater attention in professional literature and best practices. This paper presents a literature review of reference data collection strategies and discussion of evidence-based practices in librarianship. A case study is then presented for one academic library's process of developing and implementing a new system to collect, classify, and analyse reference statistics. Named the TARP Model, this system allowed librarians at NYU Shanghai to understand user behaviours, train reference staff, assessing reference services and trends, and manage the logistics of providing reference services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians in academic libraries are required to support the activities of researchers during the entire scholarly communication life cycle. Although we have a deep understanding of all the stages of the process, we have not often directly experienced it for ourselves. The authors of this paper sought out the opportunity to participate in a research project in order to give them a new perspective on the research process and deepen their credibility with the academics they support. Lessons learned during this process may help other librarians decide if they would like to pursue similar opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As knowledge-intensive institutions, universities face many challenges resulting from today's highly dynamic technological environment. While the ways in which learners and researchers engage with digital information resources are complex and diverse, there is a keen awareness of the varying levels of information and digital literacy skills amongst students and academic staff. A university-wide approach to skills development, involving all stakeholders, has been recommended as a valid approach to addressing some of the issues. At the University of Queensland, the Library has led the way with the development of a future-focused strategic framework for information and digital literacy to help shape the University's academic policies and practices. After reviewing the principles that underpin the strategic framework (collaboration, alignment, innovation, sustainability and evaluation), the paper presents some of the key strategies which have been introduced to encourage the development of digital skills in the contexts of undergraduate teaching and learning, digital scholarship and eResearch. It is argued that there is great potential for library staff to extend their reach and serve as digital facilitators, connectors and collaborators, making a significant contribution to successful outcomes in many areas of contemporary academic life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on a case study about a librarian/academic research and writing collaboration, this paper proposes why, despite a lack of explicit compulsion, academic librarians in Australia should choose to research and write for publication. It offers a reflection on the process as seen through the authors’ experience of a collaboration between academic librarians and a faculty academic, and considers the challenges and benefits in establishing a publishing track record. It argues that there are benefits in collaborative research for librarians with academics in generating research and publishing it to contribute to evidence-based practice, individual professional development and to contribute to their organisation’s publication output. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper reflects on a partnership between a Liaison Librarian and an Academic Developer working in a large tertiary institution. Working as outsiders to the discipline, we examine the synergies between the roles of Academic Developer and Liaison Librarian. In light of the rapidly changing nature of higher education, we examine the implications for our roles within the hierarchical nature of the academy and disciplinary tribalism. In doing so, we consider the ways our partnership enabled us to draw upon tacit knowledge to deepen our understandings of identity and how to negotiate change from the outside. We explore some of the shared issues and challenges we face as we endeavour to implement positive change in a continually evolving and complex environment. Such issues include the role of gender. We apply the concepts of ‘outsiderness’ and ‘unhomeliness’ as developed by Manathunga to critically reflect on our practice, and explore the challenges and potential of Academic Development and Library partnerships to enable continuous improvement in teaching and scholarship. Our experiences highlight the importance of collegiate conversations as enablers of critical reflection on practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]