I met up with Nicole Clark, University Librarian at QUT. It was great to get an understanding of the environment within which the library operates including access points for students and staff and the on campus vs online experience. Here is a
great snapshot of facts and figures for the QUT Library.
Last but not least I visited the beautiful State Library of Queensland and was given a tour by Anna Raunik, Executive Director Content Development. The building and layout works so well with a number of features to bring the outside in and to showcase architectural design and local artists. I got a sneak peak as they were setting up for the
Queensland to a T exhibition – with Queensland’s stories told through tea towels! It opens on 6 August. The floors became intentionally quieter the higher up you went with the Infozone on level 1 with access to free computers, wifi and mobile phone charging stations and the John Oxley Library on Level 4 with quiet study areas and a place to access original materials for research. There was just so much to see at the library that I can’t possibly list it all here but I encourage you to pop in for a visit when you’re next in Brisbane or just go and check out the
website.
After my tour I attended a working lunch with the National and State Libraries of Australasia. Thank you to Barbara Lemon, NSLA Executive Officer for making it happen and NSLA Chair and Queensland State librarian Vicki McDonald for making me feel so welcome. It was a privilege to meet the heads of the various State, Territory and National libraries (although some faces were familiar from previous in person meetings – Catherine Clark and Vanessa Little). It was also good to have the opportunity to discuss ALIA’s role and the important collaboration that occurs with NSLA. I felt encouraged by the goodwill in the room and the optimism for the future.