Library podcast

We're excited to begin this podcast series with a subject that has resonated with a lot of people across the University: print versus online collections. Why are we kicking off our podcast series with this topic? A few months ago, a petition from an RMIT Alumni appeared online asking the library to bring back the historical fashion journals that had been removed from one of the RMIT libraries and put into storage. This sparked off a conversation between the library and staff in the School of Fashion and Textiles about why print is still so valued today in a world where online resources are so prolific. What is it about print that’s still relevant and how is it different to digital resources in the teaching and research space. In this episode we speak with Dr Alexandra Sherlock, a teacher and researcher in the School of Fashion and Textiles, about her thoughts on the topic of print versus online and a whole lot more.

Credits

• Guest: Dr Alexandra Sherlock
• Host: Michelle Matheson
• Music: "Breathing Out" by Mid-Air Machine is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

References

• Reclaim the Void is an initiative by Ngalia elders in Leonora, Western Australia, to transform mining scars into a massive dot artwork made from 4,000 hand-woven rugs, symbolising the sacredness of the land.
• Kelly, L. (2019). Memory craft: improve your memory using the most powerful methods from around the world.Allen & Unwin.
• Neale, M., & Kelly, L. (2020). First knowledges songlines: The power and promise. Thames & Hudson.
• Malinowski, B. (1961). Argonauts of the western Pacific : An account of native enterprise and adventure in the archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea. Dutton.
• Pels, P. (1998). The Spirit of Matter: On Fetish, Rarity, Fact, and Fancy. In P. Spyer (Ed.), Border Fetishisms: Material Objects in Unstable Spaces. Routledge.
• Sampson, E. (2020). Worn: Footwear, attachment and the affects of wear. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Sherlock, A. (2022, December 31). Weaving and healing: finding my place in the decolonising narrative. Alexandra Sherlock.
  
• Sherlock, A. (2023, July 13). Indigenous knowledge provides skills for lifelong learning that AI cannot. Times Higher Education.
  
• Yunkaporta, T. (2019). Sand talk : How Indigenous thinking can save the world. Text Publishing.

This episode continues our theme of print versus online. In a world where online resources are so prolific, what is it about print that's still relevant, and how is it different to digital resources in the teaching and research space? In this episode, we speak with Dr Laura Gardner, a teacher and researcher in the School of Fashion and Textiles, about her thoughts on the topic of print versus online, from her perspective as a researcher, publisher, writer and teacher. 

Credits

• Guest: Dr Laura Gardner
• Host: Michelle Matheson
• Music: "Breathing Out" by Mid-Air Machine is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

References

• Gardner, L. (2020). Mode and mode: tactics for publishing fashion in the margins. RMIT University. Thesis.
• Lema, X. Z. & van Joolen, E. (2022). Our Rags Magazine.be-flux.
• London College of Fashion. (2009). Vestoj : the journal of sartorial matters. London College of Fashion.
• modeandmode.com takes the form of a periodical and collaboration between editor Laura Gardner and designer Karina Soraya with each issue singularly exploring a fashion publishing subject.
• ourragsmagazine.com envisions a future where transformation and recycling are the only way forward. Each handmade issue turns discarded garments into paper.
• shanzhailyric.info
• Vestoj
• Viscose Journal.

This episode concludes our series on the theme of print versus online. We hear multiple perspectives from academics and library managers on how print is still relevant, and the ways it differs from digital resources in the teaching and research space. In this episode, we hear from academics Dr Daniel Binns, Dr Remie Cibis, Dr Laura Gardner, Dr Alexandra Sherlock and Jessie Kiely. We also speak with library managers Arlene O'Sullivan and Pauline King.

Topics covered include:

• The shift from print to online collections over the last decade.
• The impact and benefits of both physical and digital resources on the process of discovery, learning and research.
• Personal reflections and research insights on why print remains critical.
• The future of physical collections and spaces in the library.

Credits

• Guests: Dr Daniel Binns, Dr Remie Cibis, Dr Laura Gardner, Dr Alexandra Sherlock, Jessie Kiely, Arlene O'Sullivan and Pauline King.
• Hosts and production:Sophie Langley, Sam Stolke, Ian Kolk, Steve T., Michelle Matheson and Danielle Archer.
• Music: "Breathing Out" by Mid-Air Machine is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

References

• Malinowski, B. (1961). Argonauts of the western Pacific : An account of native enterprise and adventure in the archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea. Dutton.
• Toffler, A. (1971). Future shock. Bantam Books.

We're excited to explore a topic that’s been making waves in many sectors, and certainly in the University sector: using Generative AI. Today’s episode is a panel discussion about using GenAI in research writing, the promises, pitfalls and opportunities. This discussion, held at RMIT’s Kaleide Theatre, was the opening event for Research Writing Month in 2025, a series of events run by research academic skills advisors from RMIT University Library in collaboration with RMIT’s School of Graduate Research.

Barbara Yazbeck, a research academic skills advisor at RMIT University Library, is joined by Dr David Blades, Senior Coordinator of Research, Integrity and Governance at RMIT, Professor Robin Barnacle, Head of Academic School of Graduate Research at RMIT, and Associate Professor Stephen Gaunson, Director of Higher Degree by Research with RMIT’s College of Design and Social Context.

Together they discuss the ways GenAI might be useful in research writing, and where it could instead be unhelpful or even concerning. 

Credits

• Guests: Dr David Blades, Professor Robin Barnacle, Associate Professor Stephen Gaunson  
• Panel discussion host: Barbara Yazbeck 
• Event host: Dr Dana Chahal 
• Production crew: Sam Stolke, Steven T, Michelle Matheson, Sophie Langley 
• Podcast host: Sophie Langley 
• Music: "Breathing Out" by Mid-Air Machine is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

References

• RMIT University Guidelines for using GenAI in your research