ARL student awards night

Each year the Academic and Research Libraries (ARL) WA Group of ALIA presents awards to library studies students at final year undergraduate or graduate diploma level at Edith Cowan University, Curtin University of Technology, and Perth Central Metropolitan College of TAFE. At the end of the academic year students are nominated by academic staff from each of the participating institutions.

Two prize categories are available. In the first category, one student from each institution receives a book prize, sponsored by DA Information Services, to the value of $100. The criterion for the DA Information Services prize is an essay topic or presentation with a research component.

The second prize category is awarded to the top student in a practicum undertaken at a University or Research institution. The prize, a cheque to the value of $100, is sponsored by Blackwells Book Services.

This year, the student presentations and awards night was held on Tuesday 23rd March 2004. The venue was at Edith Cowan University Mount Lawley Campus, and attended by 40 people. As Convenor of ARL, it was my pleasure to present the student awards to four very worthy recipients.

The three ARL/DA Information Services student awards for best essays in 2003 went to:

Leanne Fisher - Perth Central Metropolitan College of TAFE
Richard Maker - Edith Cowan University.
Peter Pierre - Curtin University of Technology

The ARL/Blackwells Book Services best student practicum prize for 2003 was presented to Lucia Ravi from Edith Cowan University.

The three prize winners for best essays were then invited to present their research topics. Leanne Fisher bravely volunteered to speak first. Her topic was on networked services in the library. She focussed on Royal Perth Hospital Library, where she had been working part-time, and studying. Leanne's paper and powerpoint presentation evaluated possible new information sources that could be added to RPH Library's existing information network.

Peter Pierre provided some insight into his essay topic 'The future of research libraries: post-modern Lazarus'. He is currently doing further research for his Masters, which advances on his essay theme. At the conclusion of formal proceedings, Peter was happy to expand on the work he is undertaking for his Masters subject.

Finally, Richard Maker gave an entertaining talk on his essay topic, entitled 'Something borrowed, something blue: Libraries in the digital age'. Richard considered the future of public libraries in Australian, and the role of librarians who must act as information navigators for their clients. Without this assistance, people risk drowning in an excess of information available.

ARL's icebreaker and student awards night was a very enjoyable event, and we received positive feedback from everyone involved. The committee is busy planning more exciting events in 2004, so stay tuned for further details.

Gaye Sweeney Convenor, ARL WA

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