Open Polytechnic publishes online edition of Informing NZ   9 Oct 2014

Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic

Media Release: immediate

Date: 9 October 2014

Open Polytechnic publishes online edition of Informing New Zealand He Puna Whakamohio mo Aotearoa

Changing from print to online publication for the 6th edition of Informing New Zealand He Puna Whakamohio mo Aotearoa will benefit library and information professionals all over New Zealand, say Open Polytechnic staff involved in its creation.

Replacing the printed 5th edition of the book with an online open educational resource textbook means that not only will distance students enrolled with the Open Polytechnic in The Information Industry course benefit from the free book, but it can also be viewed by anyone with access to the internet.

The book discusses the evolution of the library, records and archives, and museum industries within New Zealand, and offers a detailed understanding of the work undertaken within each of these important specialised fields. The book also provides information on the education options and professional associations related to these industries.

Lynley Stone, editor of the online book and adjunct faculty at the Open Polytechnic, says that while the writing, collating and editing followed the normal process, being able to skip printing the book and publish it online meant the process was much quicker – four months from initial planning to when students could access it online.

Ms Stone says creating the book was a joint effort. “Working with the authors - some of the top professionals in our industry - has been a real pleasure. There have been big changes in the information industry since the last print version of this book was released, and that’s reflected in the huge amount of work that went on behind the scenes to update chapters, or create new ones.”

“The online book has enabled us to produce a resource that is available to a much wider audience than just our students. We have taken a big leap forward, sharing our stories with the wider world. It’s been a real buzz to be part of it.”

Mary Innes, lecturer for The Information Industry at the Open Polytechnic agrees, and says students in her course have told her how much they like the book. “Because it’s online, it’s searchable and students can also use the hyperlinks to quickly get to particular chapters or other key documents and web pages which are relevant to each specialised field. We have had great feedback from students so far.”

Amanda Cossham, Programme Leader for Information and Library Studies at the Open Polytechnic, says the book is useful to anyone with an interest in New Zealand’s information industry. “This book is the only resource in New Zealand that offers a comprehensive record of the work carried out in libraries and the information sector throughout the country, so it offers valuable insights to anyone with an interest in this field. We’d like to acknowledge the time, effort and expertise that was brought to the project by the authors and Lynley Stone.”

Authors who contributed to Informing New Zealand He Puna Whakamohio mo Aotearoa include: Susan Abasa; Jane Arlidge; Jennifer Barnett; Brenda Chawner; Karen Clarke; Charlotte Clements; Katherine Close; Amanda Cole; Mereana Coleman; Ngarino Ellis; Alison Fields; Ruth Graham; Theresa Graham; Conal McCarthy; Kirsten McChesney; Wendy Macaskill ; Hinureina Mangan; Greg Marshall; Joanna Matthew; Pat Northey; Lynda Pryor; Te Paea Paringatai; Peter Quin; John Redmayne; Kay Sanderson; Bridget Schaumann; Paula Smith; Lynley Stone; Sue Sutherland; Phillipa Tocker; Jane Treadwell; Sarah Welland and Denise Williams.

To view Informing New Zealand, visit: http://bit.ly/1vyRJRK

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