Outside of my work, the following are key contributions I have, or am making, to the local library and information science community.
ALIA New Generation Advisory Committee
Committee member (April 2015 – April 2018)
(Chairperson from January 2016)
Working with a group of passionate information professionals from across the country, I aim to develop opportunities to engage with both other early career and experienced information professionals towards ongoing conversation, collaboration and knowledge sharing across sectors.
QUT Information Studies Group
Sessional tutor and study support, (February 2015 – November 2015)
Over the last few years, I have been invited to share my experience in the profession and present to new library and information professionals in the Masters program at QUT, primarily as part of the Professional Practice course unit. This year I was fortunate to be a member of the teaching team as a sessional tutor and online facilitator (for external students) for the ‘Professional Practice’ and ‘Management issues for Information Professionals’ units in Semester 1. Throughout Semester 2, I provided study support drop in sessions for students where I assisted with understanding challenging concepts, professional issues, time and project management and approaching assessment work.
ALIA Queensland
Committee member (August 2013 – March 2015)
As a committee member, I contributed to the planning and organising of professional development opportunities and networking events for local library and information professionals. This included the ALIA Queensland Mini-Conference in 2014 where I reviewed submissions, liaised with speakers and worked with other committee members to develop an engaging program for delegates.
ALIA New Graduates Group
Regional Co ordinator, Queensland (October 2010 – April 2014)
Contributing to the profession, while establishing and development my professional network has been an opportunity to acquire an awareness of current issues and trends. A yearly program of social and professional development events aim to address challenges and provide opportunities for LIS students and new graduates.
6th New Librarians’ Symposium
Organising committee member, Experience portfolio co-chair (May 2012 – March 2013)
As an organising committee member, I co-chaired the ‘Experience’ portfolio and sub-committee, on a mission to maximise delegates’ experience – before, during and following the event. I teamed up with a group of dedicated information professionals from all over Australia to organise and deliver this very important event for newbies to the profession. My personal aim was to explore ideas and visions for the profession through collaboration, laughter and forward, ‘big picture’ thinking.
Library Camp Queensland
Committee Member (January 2012 – March 2012)
I was one of a bunch of information professionals committed to bringing the Library Camp unconference to Queensland. We succeeded, it turned out to be a fabulous afternoon of conversation and ideas buzzing around at The Edge, State Library Queensland. I involved myself in setting up the registrations, merchandise, preparation of the program, slides for proceedings, liaising with speakers and participants in the lead up and on the day, organise the panel discussion, being an MC and facilitating the sessions throughout the day. Being on the (un)organising committee allowed myself to take a step back from the action and simply enjoy seeing others being engaged in conversation and coming up with collaborative solutions to challenges.