Meet ALLA(WA) members through our "this is how I work" series. If you would like to be profiled, please contact us at allawablog@gmail.comI'M JAYA RALPH AND THIS IS HOW I WORK
Current gig: Faculty Librarian - Law, Curtin University Library.
One word that best describes how you work: Organised. I work 3 days a week so have to be extremely organised to get maximum efficiency out of these 3 days and to make every moment count!
What's your workplace setup like? My office is within the Curtin Business School (CBS) and I sit with the Faculty Librarian for Business, Kitty Delaney as well the staff from the CBS Communication Skills Centre. This unison ensures there is plenty of brainstorming and flowing of ideas between us which leads to new workshops and the creation of new learning objects. Things are never stagnant in this office! My desk is covered with post-it notes and deadline lists. I use 2 screens and have my iPhone and iPad within arms reach at all times. It is my space and I love it.
What apps, software, or tools do you love for legal research or general productivity? I couldn't live without my Outlook calendar and I couldn't function without being able to access this on the move. I am governed by my heavily scheduled days which regularly change between meetings, workshops, presentations, professional development activities or ALLA meetings so I need to be constantly one step ahead of myself. My iPad allows me to access this schedule anywhere for example: in a meeting, out on campus, at home or on the bus. I draw the line though at in the bath!
What's your best time-saving shortcut or life hack? Being a mum to two small children means I use lots of time-saving shortcuts at home, most of which are stuck to my walls! These range from photograph charts reminding little people what things they have to do in the morning before we can leave the house, to complicated reward systems and certificates - all of which mean I can be as productive as I can be because my children are co-operating!
What are you currently reading for work or for fun? Leona: The Die is Cast by Jenny Rogneby. A detective novel with a simply delicious twist. I can't put it down! (Because it's a detective novel it counts as work related, right?).
What's the best professional advice you've ever received? Network. Meeting people has brought about the most changes in my career and has played a powerful role in my professional development. Networking has never been an easy thing for me but I have stepped out of comfort zone and found the many advantages meeting the legal librarian network around me which is extremely supportive. In the words of Cinderella: "Have courage and be kind".
I'm passionate about....helping people. It is the simplest thing but creates the greatest impact and ensures longevity for your role and career. I don't want to see students and staff in my faculty struggle on their own unnecessarily - it's much more fun when we can struggle together!
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