Blue Mountains Library Manager

9 companies with amazing perks....

2010-07-08T09:41:00.001+10:00

Would you like to work here?

For these companies, the perks are aplenty!

OPTIVER

What is it? An independent trading firm with offices in Sydney, Amsterdam, Chicago, Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo.

Employee perks: Breakfast and lunch on busy mornings, games room with pool, ping-pong and foosball, “Thank goodness it’s Friday” events, annual sun/snow/surf weekend, poker and massages.

SEEK

What is it? A leading employment-search website with more than 400 employees in Australia.

Employee perks: Study leave, career counselling, free breakfast, bikes to ride, walking clubs, health assessments, Christmas presents, football and tennis competitions, breakout rooms with games, FOXTEL and beanbags.

EBAY AUSTRALIA

What is it? Australia’s leading online marketplace. eBay Inc also includes brands such as eBay, PayPal, Skype, StubHub and Shopping.com.

Employee perks: Stocks, paid study leave, team retreats, wine-and-beer fridge, birthday celebrations, yoga, lawn bowls and treasure hunts.

VIRGIN MOBILE

What is it? A mobile-phone service provider built on founder Richard Branson’s philosophy of people first. Happy workforce = happy customers.

Employee perks: Free phone and $25 monthly credit, study leave, book club, fruit, Virgin Unite charity program, VDays (five extra days of annual leave), extended holidays, and Virgin Atlantic “Mates’ rates” on international airfares.

ALBERTO CULVER

What is it? Manufacturer and marketer of personal care and household brands, such as VO5, TRESemmé, and St. Ives.

Employee perks: Fortnightly massages, fruit baskets, getaway room, morning tea, hair products and brand events. Even Joh Bailey hairstyling sessions!

NESTLÉ

What is it? The world’s largest food company, with more than 5,000 employees across Australia and NZ.

Employee perks: Fitness membership, Nestlé Cares Program (it provides a grant in the name of an employee who volunteers their time to a charity).

WOOD & GRIEVE ENGINEERS

What is it? A national consulting firm.

Employee perks: Profit shares, vibrant offices, social club, Wood’n’Groovers rock band, triathlons, river cruises, rock climbing and corporate croquet.

APPLE

What is it? The world’s most innovative multinational electronics corporation – responsible for the iPhone and MacBook. Apple actively encourages its workers to “be part of something big”.

Employee perks: Health and life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, financial education, tuition assistance, product discounts, wellness programs, fitness centre, and an organic cafe.

Google

What is it? Only the world’s largest internet search engine!

Employee perks: Gourmet lunch and dinner, tuition reimbursement (up to $12,000), adoption assistance (up to $5,000), volleyball court, onsite oil change and car wash services, hairstylist, fitness classes and massages.

Undercover at the Library

2010-07-07T11:55:00.002+10:00

7.06.10 - 4:30PM- by Eliot Glazer

(Why, Fox Chicago?)

Chicago's Fox affiliate asked a good question recently: What's the deal with libraries? Since 1900, these public institutions have lined shelves with books and magazines that have provided both research and escape to millions of patrons. Parents and children have used library services for their educational and community programs, as well as -- in more recent years -- computers and, thus, access to the internet (which we know is pretty awesome). The library's placement in America as a public domain that houses children and adults, providing them with tools for education and growth, is an undeniable institution that one would likely claim remains integral to our communities.

Or...not, asks My Fox Chicago. Are the libraries in Illinois (799 to be exact) a waste of tax payer money? In the age of the internet, has text on paper become obsolete, leaving our libraries looking like hubs exclusively meant for blocked porn sites and falling down the YouTube rabbit hole? My Fox Chicago leans toward yes, in a oddly pessimistic, investigative story that apparently required the reporter to go undercover...like with a hidden camera, spy-style. In the library. To see what's up and stuff.

Yep, turns out the library is busy, especially in a time of recession when people need job-hunting resources, but the action is at the free computers. Looks like libraries are still bringing information to people in need, just in new ways. Thanks for checkin' in, Fox!

For more information go to the website I grabbed this from:

Urlesqu

Librarians Do Gaga

2010-06-23T17:14:00.000+10:00

Keith Richards wanted to be a Librarian!

2010-04-19T14:25:00.000+10:00

After decades partying in a haze of alcohol and drugs, Richards will tell in his coming autobiography, entitled Life, that he has been quietly nurturing his inner bookworm.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/bookworm-just-waitin-to-bust-out/story-e6frg8n6-1225849594245

As a child growing up in the post-war austerity of 1950s London, he found refuge in books before he discovered the blues.

He has declared: "When you are growing up there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you. The public library is a great equaliser."

http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_keith-richards-wanted-to-be-a-librarian_1367621

'Future library' goes on display in Abu Dhabi

2010-04-16T10:59:00.000+10:00

4 March 2010

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage is modernising the emirate’s library service with the introduction of book vending machines.

ABU DHABI They will be places to borrow books and CDs, as well as catch up on the internet. But that is where the resemblance to the traditional library will end.

Abu Dhabi’s future libraries are likely to feature 24-hour, self-service facilities with vending machines stocked with books, CDs and DVDs, allowing people to take out and return them any time of the day or night.

There will also be Playstations and Xbox consoles for teenagers to play video games, as well as “lifestyle zones” where visitors can relax and listen to a CD or audio book.

The “future library” was on show at the 20th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair yesterday and is, according to Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach), a concept heralding “a new generation in libraries”.

Adach said the new libraries would use cutting-edge technologies and gadgets. Books, CDs and DVDs will be available in vending machines using radio frequency identification technology.

Juma’a al Qubaisi, the director of the National Library, said the new system “will spark the attention of all in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates”.

A range of materials will be available to library users, including periodicals, computer games, eBooks and audio books.

The project will be on display all week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Students Use Wikipedia Early and Often

2010-04-15T10:55:00.000+10:00

By Mary Helen Miller, March 16, 2010, The Chronicle of Higher Education

More than half of college students frequently or always consult Wikipedia for course-related research, according to a report published in First Monday, an online, peer-reviewed journal. Only 22 percent of respondents to the survey said they rarely or never use Wikipedia. The study is based on responses from 2,318 students and qualitative data from 86 who participated in focus groups.

The most common reason that students reported using Wikipedia was to obtain background information or a summary about a topic and to get started with research. Only 16 percent of survey respondents said they used Wikipedia because of its wiki capabilities. Students were far more likely to use Wikipedia at the very beginning or near the beginning of research than at the end of the process.

The study also examined which students were most likely to use Wikipedia. Those majoring in architecture, engineering, or science were likelier than others to do so. The strongest predictor was the use of Google for course-related research. In addition, students at two-year colleges were less likely than those at four-year colleges to use Wikipedia.

And students who reported consulting with librarians were less likely to use Wikipedia than other students were.

Full report: http://www.uic.edu/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/2830/2476

Boomers leading the e-book revolution

2010-04-14T10:52:00.000+10:00

By Deborah Cornwall ABC news

Baby boomers are among the earliest and most fervent e-book enthusiasts. (AFP: Mario Tama)

Middle-aged women have astonised the publishing industry by leading the demand in the rapidly expanding e-book market.

Sydney theatre nurse Candace Gray, 48, was among the first to get an Amazon e-book reader, the Kindle, when it was released in Australia last year.

It was a gift from her husband in the hope it might drag her into the digital age.

"I have a phone with a camera - I never even use it," she said.

"I don't know how to Skype, I don't know how to blog ... but once I found out what I could do with this Kindle, I just couldn't put it down."

Ms Gray says the e-reader has changed the way she reads. She now dips into a book, in shorter bites, throughout the day.

"It's like having a bookstore in the palm of your hand," she said. "I don't watch television anymore."

According to Michael Tamblyn, VP of content and sales with the Canadian digital publisher Kobo, Mrs Gray is the typical of the new e-reader's demographic - the very group that was expected to fiercely resist giving up their hard copies.

"Who would have ever thought aging, squinting boomers would drive a new market for e-books?" he said.

Mr Tamblyn says this is just one of several surprising early trends in the e-book revolution.

"It's amazing where e-books are going. We are delivering bodice rippers in Iran ...we are delivering Pride and Prejudice into Afghanistan," he said.

Sales of e-book are expected to go vertical with the global release of Apple's much-hyped Ipad next month.

After years of stalled negotiations with digital book wholesalers like Amazon, publishers are now scrambling to go online because, like the music industry before them, they now have just two choices: go digital or dive.

While digital books currently make up between 6 to 7 per cent of the market in the United states and Britain, futurist and digital-content specialist, Mark Pesce, predicts that by the year 2020, about 50 per cent of all book sales will be digital.

More than half of e-book sales are made within the first 24 hours of the book's release - sales that are lost forever if publishers delay digital release to try and sell their hardbacks first at a premium price.

Stephen Page, the CEO of England's literary publishing house Faber and Faber, says while the paperback is not about to disappear any time soon, readers increasingly want a choice.

"To think that actually making digital books is about having three hairy people in a basement doing another thing called digital, while the rest of us carry on with the beautiful business of sewing and binding our books, that is an absolutely impossible universe," he said.

Long way to go

But for all the talk about the brave new world of the e-book, the CEO of Melbourne University Publishing, Louise Adler, says online book sellers still have a long way to go to meet the needs and wants of readers.

Ms Adler says books available in digital format are still largely limited to best sellers and pot boilers, with the market squarely aimed at an American audience.

"If you are a reader of romance or historical novels you might find it satisfactory but in the main, I find it rather disappointing that most contemporary fiction and non-fiction is not available," she said.

Ms Adler says the problem is partly due to publishers' resistance to the world's biggest digital-book seller, Amazon, and its attempts to cap the price of all e-books below $US10.

But she says online retailers have also failed to understand the complexity of the publishing business and meet the expectations of more sophisticated international readers.

"If I want to see a blurb for a book, if I want to see what I am buying, you are probably going to get a blurb of about two sentences," Ms Adler said.

"It's actually a very impoverished reading experience, when everything tells us readers are looking for a more enriched experience.

"It will be who has control of the content, not the reading device, that will determine the winners in this race."

Apple's Ipad is now poised to take on Amazon's Kindle, with internet giant Google snapping at their heels.

But Ms Adler says while publishing empires may rise and fall in this latest digital face off, there will always be a place for the humble paperback.

"I think that there are books you're going to want to love and to have and to hold and have in your library, and I think that feeling is never going to go away," she said.

Michael Tamblyn agrees.

"We've had books longer than we've had forks," he said.

"Books should not become more sterile or less engaging if we do this properly."

The e-book revolution is coming to a screen near you

2010-04-13T10:44:00.000+10:00

CHARLOTTE HARPER web editor of The Canberra Times
March 24, 2010

The release of Apple's iPad and thousands of iPhone apps is forcing Australian publishers to quickly develop their publishing strategies to stay in the burgeoning market.
Beatrix Potter's bunnies must be hopping with excitement. Her classic illustrated children's books have been adapted for television, film and even ballet.

Now Australian developer LoL Software is creating iPhone apps for a dozen of the books for the British arm of Penguin Books.

e-books on the Apple iPad.

Peter Rabbit and friends will be available to Apple iPhone and iPod Touch users later this month.

Interactive digital applications, or apps, of Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat, Rachael Bermingham and Kim McCosker's 4 Ingredients (another LoL creation), The Sydney Morning Herald's Good Food Guide, and Hilary Mantel's Booker Prize-winning novel Wolf Hall are already on sale.

There were more than 27,000 book apps in Apple's App Store at last count, some 2000 more than there are game apps, according to mobile advertisement business Mobclix. The app store generated more than $US250 million ($A272 million) in revenue last December alone.

It's no wonder software developers are busily tweaking iPhone apps or developing new, graphically rich purpose-built products for Apple's much-hyped iPad tablet device.

This uber-gadget is exercise book-sized, looks like a blown-up iPhone, and will land in Australia in late April.

Meanwhile, Amazon's Kindle, a handheld device for reading mainly text-based books and media, has been here since late last year. Its "e-ink" technology means the sensation of reading on a pixelated screen can become a thing of the past, and the range of novels available through Amazon.com has given the device mainstream appeal. "Disposable" genres like romance, crime and fantasy have proven particularly popular.

Forming a digital strategy
Despite all of this, many book publishers in this country have yet to formulate a digital strategy.
At a talkfest on the subject last month, Federal Innovation Minister Kim Carr announced a Book Industry Strategy Group to look at how retailers, publishers, agents and authors can make the most of new technologies.

The working group is due to report back within a year, but is that soon enough when technologies, rookie app developers and the big international operators such as Amazon, Apple and Google, with its Google Editions e-book retail plan, are moving at such a pace?

Australia Council for the Arts chief executive Kathy Keele made her feelings on the matter clear at the same event last month, saying sales of e-books now constitute an estimated 5 to 6 per cent of the book market in the United States.

"Like many Australian consumers I excitedly opened my Kindle recently, ready to embrace this brave new world of e-books," she said.

"My excitement dropped ... once I realised that there wasn't, yet, a great deal of Australian books out there."

So why are some book publishers still working out e-book strategies?

Surely the success of Apple's iTunes store in the music sphere gave some inkling of what was to come?

Those who had for some years invested in e-publishing programs for their academic titles, such as Allen & Unwin and Macmillan, were well positioned to jump when the general reader did. But they didn't know how or when they would need to.

The Kindle had been a huge success in the US, but Amazon had given no indication as to when the device would reach Australia.

Perhaps spurred into action by the growing buzz about the iPad and take-up of free e-reader apps for the iPhone such as Stanza, it announced a snap international launch last October.

Amazon had the delivery method (via 3G, the third generation wireless technology most new mobile phones use today), pricing structure (around $A2.18 for classics that are out of copyright and $A10.87 for new books) and billing system (though Apple's iTunes and App stores make it even easier for us to shop).

But territorial rights have prevented Australian Kindle users from purchasing much other than out-of-copyright titles or those for which no local publisher owns the rights.

A group of e-publishing pioneers had been planning last month's sold out Digital Revolution: Publishing in the 21st Century symposium for a year in a bid to address such issues.

Allen & Unwin academic and digital publishing director Elizabeth Weiss, Macmillan digital strategy manager Victoria Nash, co-founder and director of Spinifex Press Susan Hawthorne, digital publishing consultant Anna Maguire, Australian Publishers Association industry professional development manager Dee Read and program officer at the Literature Board of the Australia Council Nicola Evans formed the Australian Publishers Association's Digital Publishing Training Steering Group, a body to ensure our industry wasn't left behind.

Their colleagues and competitors were keen to hear what they, and their handpicked guests had to say. They wanted to know which books they should publish digitally, when and in what form, where they should sell them, how much they should charge, and what royalty they should pay their authors.

Weiss says the technology giants are each trying very hard to dominate in the e-book market in divergent and contradictory ways.

"It's challenging for the book publishing industry to establish sensible commercial relationships with them so that publishers can sustain their businesses and continue to pay authors enough to make it worth their while to write," she says.

Playing catch-up

During the symposium in Sydney, speakers alluded to another reason some major publishers here are playing catch-up many are local branches of multinationals and have to fit in with head office's plans and Australia is not always the highest priority for London or New York.

Multinationals HarperCollins, Random House, Simon & Schuster and Hachette either declined or were unavailable to comment on their e-book plans (they weren't the only ones Apple executives preferred not to comment, and Amazon ignored requests for an interview).

Penguin Australia chief executive Gabrielle Coyne was quick to respond, though.

"We certainly do plan to release our mono [black ink on white paper] books as e-books as a matter of course and will be doing so as we establish our supply chain and devices become readily available to Australian readers," she said.

"We're also working closely internally and with our colleagues elsewhere in the group to review our full-colour books both on our adult's and children's lists and the best and most creative ways to make this content available."

Penguin Australia last year worked with InyerPocket Software (which in turn partnered with LoL Software) to produce an app for Jungle Drums, by Animalia author Graeme Base.

Weiss says everyone has now realised it's time.

"It's a revolution. Even my 81-year-old father knows about the Apple iPad," she said.

Weiss doesn't believe the Australian industry is that far behind, saying most of the movement in the US has been over the past 12 months.

"This has developed very fast, and Australian publishers wanted to see how it developed before committing to e-book formats."

And while the Kindle is here, it was launched without marketing or publicity backup. "It's not in shops, and there is no dedicated Australian Amazon site," she says.

Apple has only just advertised for a manager for its iBooks program in the region, so the launch of its iBookstore, which is expected to sell primarily text-based mainstream fiction and non-fiction titles for the iPad, is likely to be some months away here. It will be operational in the US from early April.

Apple's iPhone Developer Program allows just about anyone with technical and creative nous to become a publisher. Pay $A108 and wade through the documentation, and you too could be creating "e-books" for the iPhone and iPad.

Fairfax Media's marketing and newspaper sales director Robert Whitehead warns that finding a market for your app may not be so easy, though. While sales of Fairfax's Good Food Guide apps are reportedly in the tens of thousands, this is partly as a result of cross-promotion in the group's newspapers.

"It's clear at this early stage that the people who succeed with apps will be those who can provide major exposure in other media outlets to generate awareness to generate the sales," Whitehead said. "With 150,000 apps on the App store, for example, they don't just sell themselves."

According to technology blog gigaom.com, there were more than 28,000 app developers out there in December. They waited an average of 4.78 days for Apple to approve their apps, and app store users downloaded an average of 4.8 apps each. A quarter of those were paid (most paid apps cost anywhere between 99c and $9.99, with an average price of $2.70).

"With over 58 million app store users, 280 million apps were downloaded in December, generating more than $US250 million in revenues, of which 30 per cent goes to Apple and 70 per cent to developers," gigaom.com reports.

Winning new business

LoL Software's Phil Bosua, who presented those figures at the symposium last month, says his company is winning new business by approaching publishers "that have great content". He has been in the publishing business for around a year. The Beatrix Potter project involves producing individual apps for a dozen of the titles, including Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin and Benjamin Bunny, as well as an app taking in all 12 titles.

Bosua says the apps will be "true to the original books" and focus on "replicating the reading a book or bedtime story experience but adding narration".

Where all of this leaves traditional book publishers remains to be seen.

Weiss has been epublishing for years through her involvement in academic publishing. "It's no coincidence that the two major publishers who have invested in e-books to date [Allen & Unwin and Macmillan] have education lists."

Allen & Unwin has around 1500 e-books "out in the world", and the majority are trade (general rather than educational). The publisher will now release e-books at about the same time as print titles as a matter of course.

Weiss says most trade publishers have already cleared e-book rights with their authors, but are still in the process of selecting and negotiating with e-book retailers, including Amazon and Apple.

Until last month, Amazon insisted on controlling pricing of e-books sold on its site, but the industry breathed a collective sigh of relief when Macmillan negotiated the right to set its own prices, and adjust them as it releases different print editions. For example, from hardback to large then small format paperbacks.

There are technical issues to contend with too, such as e-book file management and conversion, storage and digital rights management (access control technologies that can be embedded in an e-book to impose limitations on its usage). Another of the publishers' big concerns is piracy.

Weiss said, "We've found Allen & Unwin books on file-sharing sites".

Pirated books online are typically scanned from print titles, while the word is that others are hacked e-book files or files sourced from editorial and publicity departments.

Maguire says readers will be driven to piracy if they can't buy the book they want legally.

"In the United States, 28 per cent of e-book reader owners have pirated e-books," she said, adding that PC World magazine found that a third of Publishers Weekly's 2009 top-15 best-selling fiction works were available for illegal download through book-swapping and file-sharing networks.

Nash says Macmillan has more than 300 trade titles on the market as e-books already, and that number will rise to 500-plus this year.

Macmillan's Macquarie Australian Dictionary iPhone app "has sold extremely well despite being at high price point [$29.95] for an app, demonstrating demand for quality content", she says.

She too expects to sign a deal with Amazon within months, and notes that where a title is available in both a print and Kindle edition on Amazon already, 48 per cent of the retailer's sales are of the Kindle edition.

"Despite the hype, [digital publishing] is something that is moving," Nash told the publishers in Sydney. "We have a little bit of time, but we need to work together over the next year."

USA: Groundbreaking Study on Library Use Released Today

2010-04-12T10:39:00.000+10:00

The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can be read on the agency's Web site at http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/032510.shtm

First-ever National Study: Millions of People Rely on Library Computers for Employment, Health, and Education

77 million people used library computers and Internet access in past year

PORTLAND, Ore.- Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older - roughly 77 million people - used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year, according to a national report released today. In 2009, as the nation struggled through a recession, people relied on library technology to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about critical medical treatments, and connect with their communities.

The report, Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries, is based on the first, large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries, the ways library patrons use this free technology service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives.

It was conducted by the University of Washington Information School and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Low-income adults are more likely to rely on the public library as their sole access to computers and the Internet than any other income group. Overall, 44 percent of people living below the federal poverty line used computers and the Internet at their public libraries.

Americans across all age groups reported they used library computers and Internet access. Teenagers are the most active users. Half of the nation's 14- to 18-year-olds reported that they used a library computer during the past year, typically to do school homework.

"People from all walks of life use library computers to perform routine and life-changing tasks, from emailing friends to finding jobs," said Michael Crandall, senior lecturer and chair of the Master of Science in Information Management at the University of Washington Information School. "More than three-quarters of those who used the library Internet connections had access at home, work, or elsewhere. Oftentimes, they needed a faster connection, assistance from a librarian, or temporary access in an emergency."

The use of library technology had significant impact in four critical areas: employment, education, health, and making community connections. In the last 12 months:
* 40 percent of library computer users (an estimated 30 million people) received help with career needs. Among these users, 75 percent reported they searched for a job online. Half of these users filled out an online application or submitted a resume.
* 37 percent focused on health issues. The vast majority of these users (82 percent) logged on to learn about a disease, illness, or medical condition. One-third of these users sought out doctors or health care providers. Of these, about half followed up by making appointments for care.
* 42 percent received help with educational needs. Among these users, 37 percent (an estimated 12 million students) used their local library computer to do homework for a class.
* Library computers linked patrons to their government, communities, and civic organizations. Sixty-percent of users - 43.3 million people - used a library's computer resources to connect with others.

"There is no ambiguity in these numbers. Millions of people see libraries as an essential tool to connect them to information, knowledge, and opportunities," said Marsha Semmel, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. "Policy makers must fully recognize and support the role libraries are playing in workforce development, education, health and wellness, and the delivery of government services."

The library's role as a technology resource has exploded since 1996, when only 28 percent of libraries offered Internet access. Today, almost all public libraries offer visitors free access to computers and the Internet.

Unfortunately, up to a third of all libraries say they lack even minimally adequate Internet connections to meet demand. More report that they cannot provide the access their patrons truly need.

"Library technology services have created opportunity for millions of Americans, but public libraries struggle to replace aging computer workstations and increase the speed of their Internet connections," said Allan Golston, president of the United States Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "This study highlights what is at risk, particularly for low-income individuals who heavily rely on the public library for their technology, if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn't keep pace with demand."

The report's findings are based on nearly 50,000 surveys - including 3,176 from a national telephone survey and 44,881 web survey responses - from patrons of more than 400 public libraries across the country. The full report is available at http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact.

For broadcast-quality footage, high-resolution still photography, and information about the foundation's work, please visit: www.gatesfoundation.org/press-room/Pages/news-market.aspx.
###

About the University of Washington Information School
Media Contact: David Shepard; shepard1@uw.edu; 206-221-6182
The University of Washington Information School believes in the power of information to change lives. Through instruction, research and practice, the UW Information School, or "iSchool," is shaping the ways people create, store, find, manipulate and share information. Our work helps people address information challenges more ethically, effectively and with a heightened sense of possibility. The UW iSchool offers a Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree, and three graduate degrees: Master of Library and Information Science, Master of Science in Information Management, and Ph.D. in Information Science.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Media Contact: Mamie Bittner; mbittner@imls.gov; 202-327-4201
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Media Contact: media@gatesfoundation.org; 206-709-3400
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people-especially those with the fewest resources-have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. Learn more at www.gatesfoundation.org or join the conversation at Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/billmelindagatesfoundation?ref=ts) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/gatesfoundation).

Impact of Local Government Restructuring on Queensland's Public Libraries

2010-04-09T10:35:00.000+10:00

Recently, when several Queensland Public Library Managers were asked about the impact of Local Government Restructuring on Queensland's Public Libraries. This was asked in the following context:

The eventual possibility of Local Government restructuring within NSW (currently there are 152 LGAs; a NSW population of 7.1m and 66 LGAs with populations of under 15,000. The smallest LGA in NSW has a population of just over 1,000 residents).
A 2009 restructured NSW Public Service. 13 Super Agencies were created the NSW Department of Local Government is now part of the Department of Premier & Cabinet with the potential for an increase in shared services within the NSW Public Service. Two reviews are currently due for release on this subject. At present, there are two major shared services' providers within the NSW Public Service.

The questions asked were:

What have been the major impacts of Local Government restructuring for the Public Libraries...Financial? Staffing? Services? Other?
Has there been across several new LGAs, or the State as a whole, any shared services creation, or centralization and/or outsourcing of Public Library functions such as Technical Services? If yes, in what specifically?

A Queensland response:

The impacts for public libraries have been across all of the areas you have identified.

In terms of financial there have been several issues:

* the actual costs of amalgamation – need to integrate systems, rebranding, staff accommodation, ensuring parity in wages, conditions, EBA negotiation
* preparation of long term financial strategies clearly showing the rate rises that will be necessary to support desired levels of service and capital projects
desire to not have high rate increases – impact on community, and amalgamation was sold to community (by State Government) on basis of efficiencies and cost savings from economies of scale
* previous debt levels of some councils
* state of the infrastructure in some areas, and costs of trying to bring it up to standard.

These issues have generally forced all councils to look for savings with budget cuts not uncommon across all areas. In our case we had to find a 4% cut in operating costs for the 2009/10 financial year.

Staffing

Quite unsettling for staff with changes to structures and obviously changes at management level – 1 instead of several library managers, and in many cases changing reporting structures where libraries may be lower down the food chain. Many previous library managers have been given responsibility for other functions as well
often a cap on staffing – in our council a business case is required for every position which becomes vacant, or any additional positions – very few approved, so in fact we have lost positions. The State government transition arrangements guaranteed positions of staff for three years until March 2011 so there could be no forced redundancies, meaning that vacancies have been used as opportunities to reduce overall staffing numbers
Impacts of providing services across larger regions – in our case our council now covers an area of 18,600 sq kilometres (McEntyre note - this is almost twice the geopraphical size of the greater Sydney region and PLM's 43 member Councils), with scattered service points. With change from CLS for some sites this has had implications for collection exchange and how to best handle this, resource requirements etc
Just the sheer logistics of being able to get staff together for training, meetings, team building etc
Changing systems as LIMS were integrated – need for project planning, training etc, staff acceptance of changes in systems, implementation time
Budget cuts impacting on opportunities for staff training and development, with flow-on effect to organizations such as the QPLA
Just the sheer volume of work required to bring policies, procedures, budgets, systems together.

Services

With all of the financial and staffing considerations there has been a tendency in some cases to reduce the level of service previously provided in some areas – the lowest common denominator rather than lifting levels in areas where service wasn’t as good.
Services stretched to cover a broader area, with little/no additional resourcing
Changes to subsidy levels received from the State government with most amalgamated councils receiving less funding due to weighting factors based on population, so less money to spend on stock at a time when the service footprint has increased
Transition from the CLS model to an independent model for a number of smaller libraries, and in some cases the integration of previous CLS libraries into larger independent services – a totally different model for both staff and community.
Concern at loss of local identity and service, being ‘swallowed up’.

In our case we are undertaking service level reviews and process mapping across council to determine the levels of service we can afford to provide. Obviously, this is challenging given community expectations, and particularly in some of the areas which have had limited service previously. There is now an expectation that there will be improvement.

The other issue of concern is the question of equity of service across large areas. There was a high degree of community opposition to amalgamation, and after 2 years a number of people still want to de-amalgamate. This leads to complaints from the smaller areas that they are being ignored, or not receiving their fair share of service etc, and a lot of time needs to be invested in trying to change perceptions.

Councils are moving forward, but there is still a way to go for most.

In terms of shared services creation, some Councils are exploring options in some areas, but in the case of libraries, many Qld public libraries were already outsourcing things such as cataloguing and processing. Companies such as Peter Pal have been providing fully shelf ready stock for a number of years and many libraries have moved to a full service model including selection.

While I believe that amalgamation had to happen, it is a long process and the efficiencies are not going to be achieved in the short term.

The Future of Western Australian Public Libraries?

2010-04-08T10:32:00.000+10:00

Big cuts put local libraries at risk
BEATRICE THOMAS and KATE CAMPBELL, The West Australian March 29, 2010,

The future of the local library is in doubt after the State Government proposed slashing funding for books by up to 40 per cent, despite fears it could have a severe impact on literacy among WA children.

Under a long-running agreement, the State Government covers the cost of book stocks on a per capita basis, while local councils pay for the infrastructure, maintenance and running of libraries. After allocating $10.8 million to buy books in 2008-09, the Barnett Government reduced funding to $7.95 million this financial year.

WA Local Government Association president Bill Mitchell said that during negotiations with the Government, councils had been told the State planned to spend just $6.5 million on books next financial year, 2010-11.

This was a 40 per cent drop in three years and half what the State's 139 councils needed to provide books and other resources for library users, he said. Local communities would ultimately suffer.

University of WA Dean of Education Helen Wildy warned the State Government not to cut funding to community libraries, saying they were a "pivotal point in the educational landscape of all children".

Libraries were central to early childhood literacy and evidence showed children without a strong foundation in reading entered school "many steps behind", Professor Wildy said.

Desperately low levels of literacy existed in pockets of the community and in some households community libraries were the only educational resources available.

"It would be like pulling the rug from under the community's feet if you don't have those resources available," she said. "I would hate to see it in any way diminished." National literacy and numeracy tests conducted last year showed WA schoolchildren were among the worst performing in the country.

About nine million visits are made to local libraries each year, ranking them second behind cinemas as WA's most popular cultural activity.

"These things are hard to build up but easy to lose," Professor Wildy said.

Edith Cowan University associate professor of early childhood education Caroline Barratt-Pugh, who is involved in the Better Beginnings program which encourages parents to read to their children from infancy, said libraries were an important tool for parents to become more literate.

"It would be a huge loss in terms of access to resources and support for early literacy," she said.

City of Stirling mayor David Boothman said funding was back to 2001 levels despite a 16 per cent increase in population and a million visits to its six libraries each year. He said the State provided $452,000 a year to Stirling - equal to about 42¢ per resident - which was "not enough to buy a second-hand paperback from the op-shop".

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the State Budget forward estimates for 2010-11 allowed for $8.17 million a year for libraries.

The actual amount that would be allocated to buy books was subject to on-going negotiations with local governments, he said.

UK Public Library Modernisation Review

2010-04-07T10:30:00.000+10:00

CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals has welcomed proposals set out in the government’s Public Library Modernisation Review, published today. CILIP now calls on the government to show leadership by delivering their recommendations with appropriate funding to provide the “first-rate free service to everyone” they commit to.

CILIP has consistently called on the government to provide clear guidance to local authorities, so that Councils know what library services they are expected to deliver and local people receive the quality of service they have a right to expect. The government’s proposals for a ‘core’ and ‘local’ library offer linked to continued commitment to a statutory ‘comprehensive and efficient’ service begins to answer CILIP’s call.

“Over the last twelve months CILIP has been hard at work lobbying the government; at the Wirral Inquiry, by publishing Guidelines on What Makes a Good Library Service, through the Public Library Modernisation Consultation, and by publishing a Library and Information Manifesto.” said CILIP President, Biddy Fisher, “I’m glad to see that the government has paid attention to our evidence and recommendations. I welcome the government’s commitment to delivering a first-rate free service to everyone; they now need to deliver on their recommendations and provide appropriate investment in the public library service.”

Following Wirral Council’s announcement in 2009 that they were restructuring the library service, large demonstrations took place and a government-led inquiry followed, “Lessons from the Wirral Inquiry are being learnt,” commented CILIP Chief Executive, Bob McKee, “the government is recommending clear guidance on engagement and consultation with local communities. They are also committing to review the rules of intervention by the Secretary of State when local authorities are thought to be failing in their statutory duty. I await the details with interest, but this sounds like a step in the right direction.”

CILIP agrees with the Review’s affirmation that books must remain at the heart of library service but also welcomes the proposal to ensure free Internet access in all libraries and the free lending of eBooks. “Libraries have a major role to play in supporting digital inclusion,’ said Bob McKee, “and it is important for people to have free access to online resources as well as to books from their local library.”

Full review: http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/consultation_responses/modernisation_review_public_libraries.pdf

Follow me on holidays

2010-04-06T10:23:00.001+10:00

Follow me on Holidays with my blog:

http://paulvickibattlefieldtour.blogspot.com/

Top 10 Books Written by Librarians according to AbeBooks

2010-03-29T14:19:00.010+11:00

Librarian Literature: Top 10 Books Written by Librarians

AbeBooks loves librarians. Librarians love AbeBooks. (And we think everyone else loves librarians too aside from the bean-counters who keep cutting their budgets.) This email salutes those great lovers of books, literacy and reading - the world’s librarian community - and we’re highlighting some wonderful books written by librarians themselves.

Who but a person surrounded by books could be better qualified to write? Many an author has been born and developed in the stacks. The list does not feature the following librarian/writers - John Braine, Lewis Carroll, Archibald MacLeish, Nancy Pearl, Kit Pearson, Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Okigbo, Marcel Proust, and Ina Coolbrith - but we could easily have included their books.

Top 10 Books Written by Librarians

The Less Deceived

Philip Larkin

The 1955 poetry collection that made his name - Larkin was a librarian at the University of Hull.

The Aleph and Other Stories

Jorge Luis Borges

The Nobel Prize winner was a municipal librarian in Argentina - this 1949 collection is one of his best.

Star Man's Son

Alice Mary Norton

A post-apocalyptic tale from 1952 - Norton was a librarian in Cleveland and the Library of Congress.

The Accidental Tourist

Anne Tyler

This former librarian won the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1985 with this novel.

A Wrinkle in Time

Madeleine L’Engle

Her 1962 sci-fi/fantasy classic (rejected by many publishers) - L’Engle worked as a librarian in New York.

Little Big Man

Thomas Berger

This 1964 novel became a movie in 1970. Berger worked as a librarian and journalist.

Out Stealing Horses

Per Petterson

An ex-librarian AND bookseller, Petterson’s novel was one of the NY Times’ books of the year in 2007.

The Middle Age of Mrs Eliot

Angus Wilson

A librarian in the British Museum, Wilson’s 1958 novel won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize.

Eagle in the Snow

Wallace Breem

Breem was a legal manuscripts librarian in London - a Roman General is the hero of this historical novel.

Cost benefit analysis: outsourcing acquisitions, cataloguing and processing in NSW Public Libraries

2010-03-23T12:10:00.001+11:00

In early 2009 the NSW Public Library Network Research Committee commenced a project which considered and analysed the costs and benefits of outsourcing acquisitions, cataloguing and processing in NSW public libraries.

The project developed an informed comparison between outsourcing, in house provision and a combination of these collection management models.

Please refer to http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/public_libraries/network_research/pln_research_projects.html for a copy of the final report and associated evaluation tool.

Western Sydney Way of the Future

2010-03-16T17:24:00.003+11:00

We have been invited to visit www.westernsydney2030.com.au which was launched this week as a way for people and organisations in Western Sydney to tell government what kind of future they want to live in.

Already, with very limited promotion, there has been a lively discussion going on around issues like transport, housing, where suburbs should be, urban renewal, learning, sport and recreation and the environment.

The aim of the website to let people express their aspirations for life in 2030 and beyond, and then bring those ideas to our panel of experts who can help us paint a picture of what Western Sydney should look like in 2030.
Armed with that vision the people of Western Sydney will be better able to influence government decision making in a much more informed way.

Other features of the website include links to more information about a range of subjects, the ability to organise forums or community events about issues, and soon they will enable people to email relevant politicians and Ministers about issues that matter to them.

It’s a work in progress and they are waiting for your comments both on the site but, more importantly, on what matters to you about Western Sydney’s future.

All comments will be fed into a submission from WSROC.

With both state and federal elections coming up in the next twelve months, this is a great opportunity for people in Western Sydney to have their voices heard.

Please forward this to all your personal and business contacts. The more people that are involved in this discussion - the better the outcome!

Grunge graphics for week-long celebration

2010-03-09T15:23:00.000+11:00

‘Edgy, grungy and a little rock and roll’ is how ALIA describes the look for
its Library and Information Week promotional material. The event takes
place from 24 to 30 May. Download images at www.alia.org.au.

Local Government Cultural Awards People's Choice

2010-03-08T12:15:00.000+11:00

SWITCH 2009: Public Libraries in a Changing Environment Output Statement

2010-03-05T17:11:00.000+11:00

SWITCH: Public Libraries in a Changing Environment
2009 NSW Public Libraries Conference & Exhibition Output Statement

Key Facts about the NSW Public Library Sector
1. NSW public libraries:
Generate over $4 of real economic benefit and $3 of real economic activity
for every dollar invested.
Contribute to 5 key areas of the NSW State Plan, and support and enable
NSW State Government initiatives and programs including communities’
ability to access Government Agency websites and information.

2. 372 public library delivery points in NSW provide services and access to over
50% of NSW’s now 7.1 million population, one third of Australia’s population.

3. Visits to NSW public libraries increased by 17.5% over the past five years, and
notably in the last two years during Australia’s changed economic
circumstances.

4. Over 90% of the annual funding of NSW public libraries is provided by Local
Government, with the remainder provided by the NSW State Government.

5. The NSW State Government’s $3.50 per capita contribution to the NSW public
library sector is the smallest contribution made by any Australian state or territory government to a public library sector.

In late 2009, the Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan Association www.plmnsw.org.au
hosted the largest public libraries’ conference and exhibition held in Sydney for many years - SWITCH: Public Libraries in a Changing Environment.

SWITCH provided an ideal forum for over 300 conference delegates from across
Australia’s local government and public library sectors to consider the current and
future roles of public libraries in their communities’ economic, social, cultural
and environmental sustainability.

The 152 NSW Local Government Areas were widely represented by their Library
Managers, Library Staff, Councillors and Council Executives.
Over 60 representatives from 40 local, national and multinational library sector
vendors interacted with and exhibited their products and services to delegates.
Michael Pascoe (Economics and Finance Commentator), Hugh Mackay (Author and
Social Researcher), Frank Panucci (Australia Council for the Arts) and Professor
Tony Masters (University of Sydney) each contributed valuable insights and facts
relevant to the four sustainability themes.

Together with seventeen conference speakers from the Australian local
government and public library sectors, the State Library of New South Wales, library
industry vendors, and from the American Public Library Association, and with
interactive, facilitated discussion between these speakers and the conference
delegates, the following key messages were identified from SWITCH 2009 - the
NSW Public Libraries Conference & Exhibition.

Key Messages

1. Economic Sustainability

Public libraries: Engaged in a dynamic, changing environment in which
their partnerships with all levels of government and business are integral
to their local communities’ economic and social development.
Michael Pascoe presented an optimistic future for the Australian economy,
acknowledging the impact of the recent global financial crisis.
Speakers commented on the changing landscape in which local government and
public libraries are operating, which is initiating new service delivery models.
Partnerships with all levels of government, with the corporate, commercial and
not-for profit sectors, will be integral to these models.
Oliver Freeman of the Neville Freeman Agency, presented an overview of the
strategic alternative futures project undertaken in 2009 for the NSW public library
sector, titled “Bookends Scenarios – Alternative Futures for the Public Library
Network in NSW in 2030”.
John Ravlic, CEO of Local Government Managers Australia, commented that local
government in the future will deliver a range of community services, and in some
instances will act as a broker and partner for other organisations to deliver services
that assist in achieving social inclusion and community development outcomes.
Kathleen Chau, American Public Library Association, commented on the importance
of advocacy for funding, and the work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in
assisting US public libraries to develop and fund their public access computing
capability.
Stephanie Kelly, Manager, Economic Development, City of Canada Bay, discussed
the partnership between the library and local businesses, which are themsleves
encouraged to use the library to promote their enterprises, conduct meetings and
seek business related information and advice.

2. Social Sustainability

Public libraries: A respected, collaborative partner and service provider
that enhance local communities’ social inclusion and education.
Hugh Mackay spoke of the changing face of Australian society and how these
changes affect the way we live our lives. Regardless of the increase in online social
networking, people will continue to crave the social interaction that comes with a
public community and cultural space such as the local library.
George Osborne, Program Director, Hume Global Learning Village in Melbourne,
with Dr Leone Wheeler from RMIT, commented that the Hume Council takes the
view that both economic and social development are inextricably linked and that
partnerships and innovative collaboration benefit the community.
Laurence McDonnell from the Warringah Library Service in Sydney outlined a very
successful collaborative initiative between several public library services and local
high schools, which has enhanced students’ research capabilities and their access
to a wide range of online information resources.
Tony Iezzi, Vision Australia, presented on a virtual global library service that will
increase access to relevant library materials for people with print disabilities.
Suzanne Lipu of the Charles Sturt University discussed social inclusion and its link
to empowered communities, increased social capital and cultural growth.

3. Cultural Sustainability

Public libraries: Operate in strategic partnerships that enrich the cultural
fabric of local communities.
Frank Panucci, Australia Council for the Arts, commented on the importance of
engaging communities and working with community organisations and individuals
to “co-create the future”.
Frances Sims, State Library of New South Wales, provided an update on a range of
key projects and initiatives that are assisting NSW public libraries and their
services to local communities.
Penny Amberg, Bega Valley Shire Council and a former Australian Government
Cultural Attaché to Washington DC, provided insightful comment on Local
Government, the government closest to the community, which recognises the
importance of libraries to the cultural vitality of communities, and which
strategically places libraries in Cultural Plans to support community cultural
development.
Paula Kelly, State Library of Victoria, provided perceptive contribution on the
importance of reading to babies at an early age and the consequent improvement
in their literacy levels in later years.
Anne Hall of Sydney’s Fairfield City Council, discussed the website
www.mylanguage.gov.au that provides access to search engines, web directories
and news in over sixty different languages – a most valuable tool in promoting
information services to diverse cultural communities.
Marvis Sofield, Library Manager from Broken Hill in NSW’s far west, emphasised
the social and cultural importance of public libraries to regional areas and how
Broken Hill has maintained, with government financial support, a successful
Writer’s Group.

4. Environmental Sustainability

Public libraries: An established information network that enables all levels
of government to reach local communities, and an example of sound,
implemented environmental management practice.
Professor Tony Masters, University of Sydney, spoke passionately and
entertainingly on climate change which has been recognised as a scientific reality
for centuries. The effects of man on climate in the last 150 years, some would say,
have been catastrophic. Professor Masters encouraged librarians as information
specialists to continue to provide ready access to communities to factual
information on this important subject.
Michelle Kline, Randwick City Library Service and Joanne Smith, Lake Macquarie
City Library, presented on their respective Environmental Management initiatives
that involve collaborative activity between Council Departments and the library
service in involving, informing and educating communities.
David Sharman, City of Sydney Library Manager, discussed the new Surry Hills
Library and Community Centre in the context of the environment being a core part
of the “2030 Vision for a Sustainable Sydney”. The aim of this vision is to create a
green, global and connected Sydney.
Richard Siegersma, Executive Chairman, DA Information Services, discussed the
changing environment, including that in the publishing industry and the
implications and opportunities for public libraries and their communities.

Update to Chattering classes invade library quiet

2010-03-04T17:02:00.001+11:00

Latest News
Library Responds to Quiet Spaces Debate
1 March 2010

The Library's CEO and State Librarian, Anne-Marie Schwirtlich, has submitted a letter to the editor of The Age newspaper discussing the changing ways people use the Library and the increase in Library visitors.

Ms Schwirtlich's letter was in response to Dr Leslie Cannold's opinion article published in The Age on 23 February, which sparked public debate about the ways quiet spaces in the Library should be used.

Ms Schwirtlich's letter was published in The Age in part on 27 February and is presented here in full.

To: The Editor

It is with disappointment that I read Dr Cannold's comments, and letters of some of your respondents to this page, about using the State Library of Victoria.

I am disappointed because there seems to be a vein in the discussion that seeks to polarise – be it around the use of technology; around what is seen as civil and uncivil; between what is ‘true’ use of a library and what is not.

At a time when there is concern about the participation of young people in the life of cultural institutions, the State Library – like so many other libraries – has seen an increase in absolute numbers and in the use made of it by young people. Is this not cause for celebration of the success of the redevelopment of the Library and its services and programming and of the relevance of libraries in general?

In 1854, Sir Redmond Barry conceived of the Library as 'the people's university' – a place where the world’s knowledge and information would be freely available to all citizens of the growing colony of Victoria, regardless of their social status, financial resources, age or gender.

This defining concept has guided the State Library of Victoria through 156 years of our history, re-emerging in different expressions over the years, but remaining fundamentally the same – providing Victorians with ready access to a continually expanding world of knowledge.

In 2010 the demand for this service has never been higher. We are the only major cultural institution in Victoria to have experienced increased patronage in parallel with Melbourne’s rapid population growth.

In the last 12 months more than 1.5 million people visited the Library. They came for many reasons – some for research and study; others to see our collection materials on exhibition; others again to attend an event, or access the internet, or read to their child, or discover their family history, or to sit in the La Trobe Reading Room and study the ribbon of words around its circumference.

Of course with such massive growth in patronage come the issues of how best to manage the increasing demand on our facilities. There are times when the number of people wanting to use our facilities outweighs the number our building can currently support. There will be times when the simple hum of a full room may distract those who can only work in silence. These issues simply reflect the popularity of library services today. For this Library it is preferable to be stretched by demand than under-utilised or irrelevant to our population.

We are constantly examining how best to meet the expectations of our growing user base. We recognise the tensions raised in these pages and welcome the feedback. These letters, in addition to the many responses delivered online, demonstrate the different opinions and expectations Victorians have in relation to this Library.

The fact is that libraries have changed as have the ways people use them. They have changed because information is now accessed, processed and shared in ways beyond the imagining of our 19th-century founder.

For the State Library of Victoria providing access to information remains paramount. We are adapting to service the new demands of an increasing user base and changing information landscape. We are digitising our unique Victorian collections to make them more accessible than ever before. We are showcasing the collection through exhibitions on site and throughout Victoria, with learning programs and public events and we have invested in better catalogue resources making it easier than ever to explore the millions of items in the Library's collections. In doing so we believe we are strengthening Victoria’s culture and reducing disadvantage.

I hope that Redmond Barry's vision of universal access to information resonates more truly with Victorians than an attitude which would seek to exclude. I hope that the next generation of researchers is welcomed here. I hope that the many different ways people use the Library will be celebrated and the increasing patronage of this Library is hailed as a success and one of which Victorians can be proud.

Anne-Marie Schwirtlich
Chief Executive Officer and State Librarian
State Library of Victoria

Chattering classes invade library quiet

2010-03-02T16:56:00.002+11:00

LESLIE CANNOLD Source: The Melbourne Age
February 23, 2010

It was a fascinating discussion. ''Hello John, this is Susan. Just thought I'd ring to see if there were any employment opportunities going. [Pause] Yes, I thought that might be the case. Could you advise me what to do from here?''

John could, and did, for what seemed like ages, while Susan hemmed and hawed and posed all manner of pertinent questions, until I just couldn't take any more. So, for the fourth time that day, I packed up my books and computer and went in search of a quiet place to work.
Welcome to the State Library of Victoria.

The State Library is Victoria's major reference and research library. Opened in 1856, it has about 1.5 million visitors a year and employs the equivalent of 345 full-time staff. It is a beautiful and cleverly renovated building, offering students, scholars and creators a wealth of resources through its specialised collections and facilities for group and individual study.

I began working at the library last year - my teenage children sometimes return home from school as early as two, rendering the home-office solution unviable, and my publisher wants the edits for my first novel by June. With the quiet confidence of the ignorant, I marched through the security checkpoint on that first day, computer in hand, and settled myself in the famed domed reading room beneath a sign that said, ''QUIET ROOM: This room is a designated quiet area for silent work and study''.

But it wasn't to be. Quiet, that is. Especially by afternoon, when the secondary school hordes descended and the whispering, giggling, texting and flirtatious dashing from one table to the next began.

So it went, day in and day out. I am not backward about coming forward. I rise regularly from my seat to ask for quiet. I do have the occasional victory (a note I dropped in front of a young man having an extended mobile phone conversation in Genealogy did see him take it outside) but am largely ignored. Offenders simply nod politely, then wait for me to turn my back before resuming their activities.

Appeals to the librarians are useless. They are largely invisible, and when cornered seem to have abandoned all hope of restoring order. ''It's not like it was in the old days, love,'' an old codger told me.

''But no one spoke in the old days because librarians wouldn't let them,'' I protested.

He shook his head. "They sit right outside our office and talk. I tell them to be quiet and five minutes later they're at it again. Have you tried Genealogy? Sometimes it's quiet in there."

Some of Melbourne's most celebrated authors work - or used to work - in the State Library. Writers such as Helen Garner and Arnold Zable. Garner wrote Monkey Grip there in 1976 at a time when she says, ''you spoke aloud at your peril''. She now finds it a waste of time to set foot in the place, instead renting a room a few blocks away.

Zable says that at certain times of the year the din is ''extraordinary''. As a result, he only ventures into the magnificent domed reading room that he ''fell in love with'' when writing his BA honours thesis in 1968 at select times: in the mornings, and in the months between the midyear and end-of-year exams.

I say it's not good enough. Libraries are not just repositories of books but sacred spaces for research, creation and reflection. Melbourne was recently designated a UNESCO City of Literature, but what kind of literary city cannot provide writers with the most basic creative fertiliser known to humankind - silence?

Perhaps young people are different. My children have come of age in a world where multiple sources of stimulation are the norm and silence poorly tolerated. They play computer games and update their Facebook page while watching a video and messaging friends. They plug into iPods for even the shortest car and tram rides while simultaneously texting friends, surfing the net or playing games on their phones. Increasing numbers of waiting rooms, bars, cafes and even restaurants have screens that stream news or music videos.

Governance requires the consent of the governed, and younger people may flout requests for quiet for the simple reason that these requests make no sense to them.

My own partisan view is that silence is a precious resource, however few value it, and at least some sections of all libraries must be places where quiet is found. After all, for those who wish to talk, the rest of the world is just beyond the library doors.

Certainly, false advertising at the State Library must stop. Library staff must either enforce their own rules about quiet or publicly admit defeat and withdraw them. It's time to take a stand.

Dr Leslie Cannold is a Melbourne writer. Her first novel will be published next year by Text.

Age Reader comment: Hear hear! What happened to Libraries being quiet sanctuaries? I've tried studying at my local library - St Kilda - and it's often absolute chaos - it's more like a rowdy pub than a library and the staff (and presumably management) just don't care. You can be noisy everywhere - why is what made libraries different being allowed to fade away? We might as well just run combined pub/videoshop/cafe style places and drop the pretense.

eBook information

2010-02-17T15:51:00.006+11:00

The rising popularity of the eBook has led to increasing difficulty to find library resources that are genuine and useful with little or no cost. Here is an essential list of online library resources:

Internet Archive http://www.archive.org/details/texts
Project Gutenburg http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/
Scribd http://scribd.com/
Google Books http://books.google.com/books
Wikibooks – free educational books http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Main_Page
Many Books http://manybooks.net/

This list is sourced from Kathryn Greenhill Special Services Librarian, Cottesloe-Peppermint Grove-Mosman Park Library. Kathryn will be facilitating this year's Libraries 2.0 Conference. For more on indightful Library 2.0 resrouces, news and opinion please visit her blog: http://librariansmatter.com/blog

A day in the Life of the ALIA President....

2010-01-29T10:32:00.000+11:00

Follow Jan Richards, ALIA President, while she blogs about a day in her life, the challenges she faces at work and the balancing act between her 'real' job and ALIA

For more information - http://www.alia.org.au/blog/?p=145

Twitter hash #libday4

Library Community Rallies to Aid Earthquake-Stricken Haiti | American Libraries Magazine

2010-01-29T10:27:00.001+11:00

Library Community Rallies to Aid Earthquake-Stricken Haiti | American Libraries Magazine

Posted using ShareThis

Top Trends of 2010

2010-01-25T10:53:00.004+11:00

Be first! Top trends for 2010
What will be the hot trends in 2010? These sites pull out the crystal balls:

* SMH’s Top 10 business technology trends:
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/enterprise/top-10-business-technology-trends-for-2010-20091214-krx0.html

* Pete Cashmore’s social media trends:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/03/cashmore.web.trends.2010/index.html

*Wall Street Journal’s top 5 trends in the home – will they affect how you provide services to patrons?
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-five-top-trends-well-see

*Trends in living networks:
http://rossdawsonblog.com/weblog/archives/2009/12/the_top_10_tren.html

* For the visual learners amongst you, an amazing and complex world trend map:
http://rossdawsonblog.com/weblog/archives/2010/01/trend_map_for_2_1.html

Vancouver's Public Library in Canada

Now it is Katoomba Library's turn!!!

2010-01-18T12:17:00.004+11:00

On Saturday, the heavens opened up and the water came flooding in....
Here are some photos of the aftermath of the deluge!
Saturday night and Sunday were spent mopping up and drying out the carpet.....

What is a Vook?

2010-01-15T14:22:00.001+11:00

WHAT IS A VOOK?

A vook is a new innovation in reading that blends a well-written book, high-quality video and the power of the Internet into a single, complete story.

You can read your book, watch videos that enhance the story and connect with authors and your friends through social media all on one screen, without switching between platforms.

Vooks are available in two formats: As a web-based application you can read on your computer and a mobile application for reading on the go. With the web-based application you don't have to download programs or install software. Just open your favorite browser and start reading and watching in an exciting new way. You can also download and install the mobile applications through the Apple iTunes store and sync them with your Apple mobile device.

For a video demonstration click here

Repeat Screening of Dr Who episodes.....

2010-01-14T11:55:00.002+11:00

Dr Who fans should circle your TV guides. ABC2 is repeating the two-part episode, "Silence in the Library" and "Forest of the Dead" on Monday 18 and Monday 25 January, 9.30pm.

Some of the interior shots were taken on the old Swansea Central Library in Wales, including the domed reading room.

"The Doctor and Donna arrive, in the 51st century, on a planet-sized book repository simply called "The Library". Though the Doctor has received a message for help on his psychic paper, and though the Library's computers claim over "a million million lifeforms" are present, they find the Library deserted. A Node, a statue with a strangely realistic human face, warns them to beware the shadows... just as the lights begin to go out around them...."
http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Silence_in_the_Library
(WARNING: Contains spoilers!)

E-Book Reader Update

2010-01-13T15:02:00.002+11:00

ALIA investigated e-Book readers as a possible Christmas present but decided the technology wasn’t quite ready yet.

2010 should see the technology mature so now is the time to start investigating.
eBook readers resource contains detailed articles on readers at http://ebookreadersresource.com/.

eBook reader review has a simple to understand rating system at
http://ebook-reader-review.toptenreviews.com/

but it is US-based so doesn’t consider Australian conditions.

In the meantime, there are plenty of sites that offer free PDF downloads compatible with ordinary PCs and portable devices.

Here’s just a few which offer both technical and recreational titles:

Digital Book Index (US centric) contains 145,000+ titles from the public domain including many universities
http://www.digitalbookindex.org/about.htm

Free e-Books (titles are uploaded by the authors)
http://www.free-ebooks.net/

Project Gutenberg (out of copyright books)
http://www.gutenberg.org/

Project Gutenberg Australia (no evidence of ownership)
http://www.gutenberg.net.au

Book boon (UK text books written for the site)
Subjects include IT and management.
http://bookboon.com

I got published!!!

2010-01-07T10:37:00.003+11:00

Good Reading Magazine asked for anyone to write in with books they have enjoyed but didn't make the best seller list.....I impulsively wrote this in and got published!

It says:
Vicki Edmunds of Springwood NSW recommends Future Homemakers of America by Laurie Graham. This book died a quick death here in Australia but I really enjoyed the characters and the recipes interspersed. A sleeper!

Here is the link to Good Reading magazine but you have to subscribe.....

Click here for Good Reading Magazine

Springwood Library Storm Damage

2010-01-06T11:07:00.004+11:00

Springwood had an amazing storm yesterday. The Library was inundated by rainwater. Here is a video that one of the Customer Services staff took.....

Here are photos of the damage to the books, equipment, carpet, ceiling tiles.....
The staff are doing a major cleanup today and hope to be open again tomorrow.

New Library Launched in Kingston ACT

2009-12-18T10:39:00.002+11:00

I just got this email from Janice - one of our previous Library Managers here:

Hi Everyone

I’m bragging to you all about our latest “baby” – Kingston opened yesterday and everything went beautifully!! A 6 month timeframe – fantastic builders and suppliers working in sync - and this is the result! Make sure you pop in and enjoy the “NY Loft” feel – and bring your coffee!

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/kingston-takes-on-touch-of-ny-loft/1708620.aspx

Cheers

Janice

Janice Biggin
Manager, Library Services
ACT Library & Information Service
Phone: 61 2 6207 5721
Mobile: 0419 424 439
Fax: 61 2 6207 6461
Email: janice.biggin@act.gov.au
Address: Level 7, Macarthur House
12 Wattle Street, Lyneham. ACT 2602
PO Box 158 Canberra City. ACT. 2601
Visit our website: www.library.act.gov.auRead our blog: www.actpubliclibrary.blogspot.com

Public Libraries Consultative Committee

2009-12-04T09:50:00.001+11:00

The PLCC held its quarterly meeting on Monday 16 November 2009.

The main issues considered at the meeting were:

- Public Library Funding Strategy 2009/10 - the meeting recieved a report confirming that current model is being utilsed for the allocation of public library funding to NSW Councils for the 2009/10 financial year. The report also advised that the Premier has endorsed the new funding model recommended by Library Council in response to the Parry Review, noting that it is to be introduced only when new additional funding becomes available to ensure no council is worse off. The State Library has submitted a Maintenance of Effort bid for the 2010/11 Forward Estimates to address the issues of population growth and CPI on the Public Library Grants and Subsidies.

- Review of the Library Regulation 2005 - the current Library Regulation expires on 1 September 2010. The remaking of a regulation requires the preparation of a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and a period of public consultation in accordance with s5 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989. The Premier’s Memorandum M2008-05 requires a public consultation period of 28 days. This will occur in the first half of 2010, during which all NSW local authorities will be consulted as part of the review process.

- Development of a NSW Public Library Sector Strategic Plan - the meeting considered a report from Public Libraries NSW - Metropolitan proposing the development of a 10 year strategic plan for the NSW public library sector.

- an update on the Public Library Network Research Program 2008/09 projects - Scenarios for the Future NSW Public Library Network; Cost Benefit Analysis of Models for Collection Management: acquisitions, cataloguing and processing in NSW public libraries; update of Living Learning Libraries: standards and guidelines for NSW public libraries.

- Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC) and drug info @ your library Branch Report 2008-09 - the meeting was provided with a presentation outlining the achievements of these programs during 2008-09

- NSW.net Service Delivery and Marketing Strategy - the meeting was provided with a progress report on the rollout of the NSW.net Service Delivery and Marketing Strategy July - December 2009

- Library Council Report - the Chairperson provided an update on PLCC matters that had been considered by Library Council since the previous PLCC meeting

- information reports were received from Public Libraries NSW - Metropolitan; Public Libraries NSW - Country; and Anne Hall (Manager, Library & Museum Servicves, Fairfield City Council) detailing her attendance at the World Library & Information Congress: 75th IFLA General Conference & Assembly and the IFLA Satellite Meeting: Library Services to Multicultural Populations.

Please contact Cameron Morley (Manager, Funding & Advisory Services) on cmorley@sl.nsw.gov.au or 02 92731483 for further information on any aspects of the 16 November meeting.

The agenda and minutes from previous PLCC meetings are available on the State Library website:

http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/public_libraries/plcc/minutes.html

Minutes from the November 2009 meeting will be accessible once they have been endorsed by Library Council and any required matters are actioned.

Regards,

Robert Knight

Chairperson - Public Libraries Consultative Committee

PO Box 5186
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

þp: 02 69269777
f: 02 69269779
m: 0408 285724
e: knight.robert@wagga.nsw.gov.au

Chiefs predict service area cuts (from UK Libraries)

2009-12-03T16:28:00.001+11:00

I worked in the CIPFA Library when I was in London in 1993 - I'll bet by the sound of this, there is no Corporate Library in that organisation now! Read below:

17 September 2009 | By James Illman

Adult social care, planning and library services are those most likely to be provided at lower levels in the future, council chiefs have predicted.

Nearly a third (27%) of upper-tier respondents to the LGC/Liberata Future of Local Government Survey predicted their council would only be able to supply library services at “absolute minimum service level” over the next five years.

Forty per cent of upper-tier respondents said that levels of adult social care would be “a little less than now” while 42% of district council chiefs expected planning services would be provided at below current levels.

Both the Local Government Association and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy were swift to draw a distinction between actual cuts and scenario planning.

LGA director of finance and improvement Stephen Jones said: “The survey shows that local authorities are engaging in some very responsible scenario planning, but there is a very big difference between scenario planning and actual decisions. A lot of these decisions will be political and taken by elected members.”

CIPFA chief executive Steve Freer echoed Mr Jones’ sentiments. “Closing or curtailing library services may look like an easy option for officers but elected members may take a different view,” he warned.

LGA improvement board chair and Leicestershire CC leader David Parsons (Con) called for councils officers to show “imagination” to avoid slashing frontline services.

“What we want is imagination at the top of local government,” said Cllr Parsons. “I do not know if cuts are necessary or not, but we want to see councils innovating rather than just cutting.”Cllr Parsons said that libraries were a good example of a service that could be used more innovatively.

“In Leicestershire we are looking at providing more services, including health and police, through our libraries. We have had one of the largest expansions of library services in the country.”

Meanwhile, an upper-tier/district council split was evident when respondents were asked who they thought would be delivering services in their area in five years’ time.

Three-quarters of district chiefs said they foresaw non-public-facing functions such as HR and IT services being carried out “with another local authority”, while 22% thought they would be outsourced.

However, more than double (50%) that proportion of upper-tier respondents thought these services would be outsourced, with 37% of this group predicting that such back-office functions would be shared with another council.

Mr Freer urged councils to move swiftly to get the most of shared options. “Shared services take time to put in place,” he warned.

For more information on CIPFA go to their website:
http://www.cipfa.org.uk/

New role for Blue Mountains Library Manager (no, not going anywhere....just adding to my responsibilities!)

2009-12-02T16:11:00.000+11:00

9 November 2009

***To PLM Members***

The Annual General Meeting of Public Libraries NSW - Metropolitan Association (PLM) was held in the Metcalfe Auditorium at the State Library of New South Wales on Friday 6 November 2009, 3pm to 5pm. During the AGM, the PLM President Cr Win Gaffney, Mayor of Lane Cove Council, delivered the President's Annual Report. This report is attached to this email, and is also found on the PLM website www.plmnsw.org.au under Reports on the Submissions, Reports and Presentations web page.

Below are listed the PLM Office Bearers/Executive for 2010.
President: Cr Win Gaffney, Mayor, Lane Cove Council
Vice-President: Clr Anne Connon, Mayor, Mosman Council
Secretary: Jennifer Bice, Manager, Lane Cove Library
Treasurer: Susanna Waller, Manager, Rockdale City Library
Library Manager for the President: Jennifer Bice, Manager, Lane Cove Library
Library Manager for the Vice-President: Linda Horswell, Manager, Mosman Library
Regional Representative: Central/South East: Mark Norman, Manager, Kogarah Library
Regional Representative: North: Cheryl Etheridge, Manager, Hornsby Library
Regional Representative: West South West: Vicki Edmunds, Manager, Blue Mountains Library
PLM Representative to the PLCC: Lyn Barakat, Manager, Sutherland Shire Library.
PLM President and Vice-President Profiles:

Cr Win Gaffney:
Cr Gaffney was first elected to Lane Cove Council in 2004, was the Deputy Mayor in 2007/08 and was recently elected the Mayor. Cr Gaffney has represented Lane Cove Council on the Shorelink Library Network Committee during which time she has served as both Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.

Cr Anne Connon:
Cr Connon has a background in the Finance and Investment industries, has experience as a Company Director, and is the newly elected Mayor of Mosman Council. Cr Connon has also represented Mosman Council on the Shorelink Library Network Committee.

With kind regards,
Robert.

Robert McEntyre
Executive Director
Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan Association (PLM)
Mobile: 0407 208 364
Business: 02 9489 2310 (+61 2 9489 2310)
PLM Website: www.plmnsw.org.au

Phone box has new life as library

2009-12-02T15:39:00.001+11:00

The traditional phone box was bought from BT for £1

A traditional red phone box has been recycled into one of the country's smallest lending libraries - stocking 100 books.

Villagers from Westbury-sub-Mendip in Somerset can use the library around the clock, selecting books, DVDs and CDs.

Users simply stock it with a book they have read, swapping it for one they have not.

"It's really taken off. The books are constantly changing," said parish councillor Bob Dolby.

He added: "It is completely full at the moment with books. Anyone is free to come and take a book and leave one that you have already read.

"This facility has turned a piece of street furniture into a community service in constant use."

A resident dreamed up the idea when the village lost its phone box and mobile library in quick succession.

Westbury-sub-Mendip Parish Council bought the phone box from BT in a national scheme for a token £1.

BT has received 770 applications for communities to 'adopt a kiosk', and so far 350 boxes have been handed over to parish councils.

Phone boxes have been turned into art installations, a shower and even a public toilet.

Local government mergers and the future of libraries in Western Australia

2009-12-01T16:07:00.000+11:00

Funding challenges in WA compounded by fears of what local government mergers could mean for libraries in the state

Public library managers in Western Australia are working flat out to put together a business case for an alternative funding model, to replace the one that has been in operation since 1954. Until the new funding agreement has been signed off, the State Government has capped its contribution to the annual library budget at $6.5 million. There had been a further $10 million in top-up funding spread over the previous four years.

A library manager told ALN, ‘A report was prepared for the joint advisory committee on libraries a couple of years ago and it made 111 recommendations. Because of all the changes, we’re about 12 months behind where we thought we would be, but there are lots of working groups tackling the top 10 recommendations and the big one is the funding model.’

If the new funding model is finished in time, there is a chance that the State Government could be persuaded to grant additional cash in years two and three of the current three-year plan.

At the start of the year, there was nervousness about what local government amalgamation in WA might mean for public libraries, and the situation has not improved. Our source said, ‘There is still a great deal of uncertainty around amalgamation'.

In February this year the minister for local government announced the Liberal-National government package of local government reform strategies. The principle strategies in the package focus on voluntary structural reform of local government.

Specifically, the strategies encourage local government to take steps voluntarily to amalgamate and form larger local governments to reduce the total number of elected members to between six and nine, and for local governments to form appropriate regional groupings of councils to assist with the efficient delivery of services.

‘Local government was invited to submit proposals to a steering committee by the end of September 2009. The steering committee is due to submit a report to the minister for local government next month [December2009]. There is still a great deal of uncertainty, particularly for the regional areas, as to whether there will be mandatory amalgamations, with little information, apart from speculation, being forthcoming.’

Source: Australian Library News 19 November 2009

A BETTER, MORE ACCESSIBLE, PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM FOR ALL IN AUSTRALIA: WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY?

2009-11-30T15:46:00.002+11:00

Please refer below to the 1-page Aplis December 2009 Editorial.

A BETTER, MORE ACCESSIBLE, PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM FOR ALL IN AUSTRALIA: WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY?
As the Australian public library sector contemplates, post the July 2009 first Australian public libraries summit, A vision and national framework for Australian public libraries for submission to the federal, state/territory and local governments of Australia in 2010 it needs to be unequivocal about its political and funding responsibility focus – and that focus should not be local government. There has been too ready an acceptance in the sector and elsewhere that because local government has generally the operational and part funding responsibility for the Australian public library system, that public libraries must continue to swim, tread water or slowly drown according to the vagaries of local decision makers and finances.
To reverse this acceptance requires a greater understanding of how much, and why, the sector is poorly funded relative to international best practice; relative to its demonstrable return on investment; and relative to very much higher and sometimes wasted national expenditure on related educational and other agencies. That understanding is lacking, or is tacitly ignored, by those practitioners in the sector who assume that they must continue to struggle on shoestring budgets within the local government, and that the only possible panacea is federal government funding for public libraries. There is certainly a role for the federal government in supporting national public library initiatives, technology and infrastructure – as it is now effectively doing in contributing economic stimulus funding to a number of new and redeveloped public library buildings, and also through the national bibliographic, digital and reference initiatives of the National Library of Australia. Also, just as the federal government is now holding to account the states and territories for the equity, social inclusion and performance of their public education, health and other systems, it should consider doing so for the nation’s public library system – a first Australian public libraries review for 35 years would be a useful start. The recurrent funding of that system is, however, not the responsibility of the federal government – and nor should it be.
For it is the states and territories of Australia which are responsible for the performance of public education, public health, public housing, and other people critical areas within their jurisdictions. Their now universally available state or territory wide public library systems no less – yet they have in the last 25 years to varying degrees been allowed to handball that responsibility to local governments pressed to meet and fund other community needs devolved to them. One outcome has been that all are now contributing, to a greater or lesser degree, tokenistic funding to their public library systems. If the state and territory governments had maintained over the last 25 years their public library funding relative to that of local government and as a percentage of their own annual expenditures, the 2009/2010 investment in Australia’s public library system would likely now be double the current total funding of only $800 million pa – and this wealthy country would be investing in its public library system not at a lowly one third of international best practice, but at a more commendable two thirds.
So if a way forward is sought to change the poor overall investment in Australia’s public library system, look not to the federal government, only partly to local government, but largely to the dismal leadership and performance of the state and territory governments, particularly those of NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
The current Australian federal government was elected two years ago with a promise of a new approach to cooperative federalism, dispelling the ‘blame game’, and strengthening the partnerships between the three levels of Australian government. Nowhere is a new approach, and more responsible partnerships, required than in ensuring much better investment in the Australian public library system in the 21st century. This requires clarity about what should be asked of the three levels of Australian government for that system, and its unequivocal exposition in A vision and national framework for Australian public libraries.
Alan Bundy
alan.bundy@auslib.com.au
Aplis 22(4) December 2009 141

For links to APLIS publications/journals

Amalgamations?

2009-11-26T09:43:00.001+11:00

Amalgamations won't fix resourcing, says LGSA

SYDNEY: Amalgamating Sydney's councils won't make the problem of resourcing go away, the Local Government and Shires Associations have (LGSA) said.

In a response to suggestions made by the Sydney Business Chamber that the city’s councils could be reduced from 42 to 12, the President of the Local Government Association Cr Genia McCaffery said that amalgamations would not fix the problem of resourcing.

“Decreasing the number of Sydney councils won’t necessarily make the problem of under-resourced councils go away,” she said.

“It won’t remove the burden of an unfair rate pegged system, inadequate tax allocations, a cost shifting bill that totaled $431 million in 07/08 or an infrastructure renewal backlog that grows by $500 million each year.

“Before we start talking about amalgamation or reform we need to address these problems, and the only way to do that is with more funding from the State and Federal Government.

“If you amalgamate two under-resourced councils without considering all the other factors, all you will end up with is a larger under-resourced council.”

President of the Shires Association Cr Bruce Miller said NSW councils were already investigating ways to modernise the sector.

“There are many options to consider – electoral, structural, functional, industrial and organisational,” he said.

“And if some councils are eventually amalgamated, there are a host of things to consider. Rural and regional councils for example, have a smaller population but a larger geographic area to maintain.
“Residents might have to travel more than 100km simply to attend a council meeting to have their say on local issues.

“We want to work with the State Government to ensure the best possible changes are made with the best outcomes for our local communities.”

A recent report by the Association of Consulting Engineers Australia (ACEA) also called for a consolidation of local urban councils in the Sydney basin, reducing the total number of councils from 42 councils to just 11.

The ACEA recommended that the Department of Local Government be abolished and its functions merged into a new super-department of planning and local government. LGSA said it was a sensible idea but unlikely to succeed.

Recently addicted to....

2009-11-13T11:37:00.001+11:00

When you need a laugh...go and check out:

http://mylifeisaverage.com/

There are so many gems there - for example:

The other day, I was In the TV room when I heard some weird noises coming from the kitchen. Thinking that my cat was hurt, I ran into the kitchen and found her in the space between the cabinet and the wall. She was doing backflips by leaping at the wall and pushing off of it with her paws. I gasped in amazement, and she immediately stopped, meowed and ran off. I feel like I know more than I should. MLIA

Changes in Professional Development...coming to a TAFE near you?

2009-11-13T09:23:00.000+11:00

From Chris Jones at Great Lakes:

Over the past twelve months the North-East Zone has been made increasingly aware of some of the limitiations of existing Certificate IV and Diploma courses in Library Studies.

The Zone is very pleased to announce an exciting new program being offered by the North Coast Institute of TAFE.

In 2010 the NCI-TAFE will be running the Certificate IV and the Diploma in Library/Information Services.

What's so special about these courses. Just about everything! No other library course in Australia can claim all of the following:

1. Flexible online delivery (so the course comes to you)
2. Quality course content developed with major input by public library professionals, ensuring content is relevant to your actual workplace this has been a goal all along - it's not just affordable, it's of high quality)
3. An effective Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) structure. No longer should it be harder to prove you've got the skills than it is to do the unit
4. A phone and email support structure provided by dedicated TAFE staff
5. As cost-effective as possible - including opportunities for Existing Worker Traineeships to make the course zero cost to Council and student

Also, make sure you chat with your Human Resouces department about Existing Worker Traineeships (EWT) and New Traineeships (NT) as the Certificate IV is eligible for both. At present, there are funding option depending on how you do the Diploma that would signifcantly reduce your costs. We are also actively lobbying the Federal Government for even more direct course support for the Diploma.

If you'd like to know more about these courses the following librarians have all been heavily involved with their development and are happy to chat with you:

Enzo Accadia - Coffs Harbour - 6648 4129 - enzo.accadia@chcc.nsw.gov.au
Chris Jones - Great Lakes - 6591 7269 -
chris.jones@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au
Margie Wallis - Greater Taree - 6592 5291 -
margie.wallis@gtcc.nsw.gov.au

The courses will commence on 8 February 2010, with a closing date of 22 January 2010Please note that the sooner TAFE has numbers the better for their planning.

This is your chance to support a course that has been designed with input from your own profession for your own staff. And it's more than just about the content the whole delivery program has been designed to suit the students - not just the course providers. The people that really benefit are the library profession. With your support these courses will become a model for all other library courses in Australia.

Restricted Classification Discussion

2009-11-12T09:05:00.005+11:00

This question came over the Public Library Network and it raised a good discussion that I wanted to share with you:

Dear Colleagues
I have one book in the collection with the following information attached to the front cover:
RESTRICTED CLASSIFICATION
THIS TITLE IS RESTRICTED TO PERSONS 18 YEARS AND OVER
The book in question is American psycho by Bret Easton Ellis.
I can find no record of a restricted classification recorded in the Australian government classification database, so I was wondering if any other libraries hold this title and, if so, do you restrict its borrowing??

One answer came back very quickly from the State Library:

American psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is restricted as a result of the national classification scheme in Australia see
http://tiny.cc/eziY2 for details of its classification.

The Classification web site has a searchable database so that you can check if any title is under restricted access http://www.oflc.gov.au/www/cob/classification.nsf

Another comment:

Wow, that's a blast from the past. Quite controversial when it came out in 1991, at one point it looked like it would be banned outright. Certainly generated a lot of interest in the author and the book. There are only 8 holdings listed on LA so there aren't many copies around. I believe that you are legally required to restrict lending of the item to people under the age of 18 years. It must be shelved in such a way as to reasonably limit access to people under 18. It gets a bit grey around that last bit and that's really where you need to make a decision about what your local community would think reasonable. Closed stack access, or open shelving in the "adult section".We had a similar predicament with Kubrick's Clockwork Orange, a classic but restricted all the same.

And finally, a legislative answer, also from the State Library of NSW:

There are two pieces of legislation for NSW public library staff to be aware of re: items that have MA material and restricted classifications, ie:

(a) a film classified MA 15+ or R 18+
(b) a publication classified Category 1 restricted or Category 2 restricted
(c) a computer game classified MA 15+ or RC

COMMONWEALTH:
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Cth)

NSW:
Public Library Exemption under the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Enforcement Act 1995 (NSW)
The two Library Council of NSW publications that will be of most assistance are:

1. Library Council of New South Wales | Children's Policy Guidelines for NSW public libraries
(a simple summary of the relevant sections from both pieces of legislation is listed in Appendix 2 and Appendix 2a pp.14-15)
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/public_libraries/library_mgt/lib_management_docs/childrens_%20policy_%20guidelines.pdf
2. Library Council of New South Wales | Access to Information in New South Wales Public Libraries Guideline
(describes the role of NSW public libraries in relation to censorship)
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/public_libraries/policies/docs/accesstoinformation2007.pdf

What are your thoughts on Censorship?

Books in Australia to remain unchanged

2009-11-11T13:43:00.002+11:00

Source: Media Release from The Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP

11 Nov 2009 - REGULATORY REGIME FOR BOOKS TO REMAIN UNCHANGED

The Government has decided not to change the Australian regulatory regime for books introduced by the previous Labor government.

Australian book printing and publishing is under strong competitive pressure from international online booksellers such as Amazon and The Book Depository and the Government has formed the view that that this pressure is likely to intensify.

In addition, the technology of electronic books (e-books) like Kindle Books will continue to improve with further innovations and price reductions expected.

The Government has not accepted the Productivity Commissionâ€™s recommendation to remove the parallel importation restrictions on books.
More....

http://minister.innovation.gov.au/Emerson/Pages/REGULATORYREGIMEFORBOOKSTOREMAINUNCHANGED.aspx

Commentary from Meanjin magazine on the decision:
http://meanjin.com.au/spike-the-meanjin-blog/post/parallel-importation-productivity-commission-s-recommendations-rejected-by-government/

What is the smartest card?

2009-11-03T17:13:00.000+11:00

***Information: An interesting public awareness campaign in the US featuring the ALA (American Library Association) and various high profile people in North Carolina***

September 22, 2009
The smartest card in North Carolina is a library card

Chicago – For the fourth year in a row, the State Library of North Carolina is proving that the smartest card in North Carolina is a library card. For the latest edition of North Carolina’s Smartest Card campaign, the state library selected Gov. Bev Perdue as its spokesperson.

“A public library card gives you access to a whole world of information and imagination,” said Gov. Perdue in a video podcast available on YouTube.

The governor went on to remind North Carolinians that, “In tough economic times, our state’s public libraries are critical, because they help residents learn to read, use computers and develop other skills they need to succeed.”

In addition to the podcast, the library featured Perdue in a public service announcement (PSA). Perdue also issued a proclamation announcing September as Library Card Sign-up Month.

During the last fiscal year, Perdue’s constituents visited their public libraries more than 37 million times and used library computers on more than 9 million occasions. In North Carolina, circulation of library materials is up 20 percent and access to public computers is up 86 percent.

ALA is promoting Library Card Sign-up Month nationally with WNBA star and Library Card Sign-up Month Honorary Chair Candace Parker. Libraries looking to promote Library Card Sign-up Month locally can download print and audio PSAs featuring Parker. For information and to download PSAs visit www.ala.org/librarycardsignup.

Other promotional materials, including a sample press release, letter to the editor, proclamation, PSA scripts, logos and buttons, can also be found at www.ala.org/librarycardsignup.

Previous spokespeople in North Carolina have included world renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis, actress Andie MacDowell and Kevyn Adams, former co-captain of the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team.

The Campaign for America’s Libraries, (www.ala.org/@yourlibrary) is ALA’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe - use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible by ALA’s Library Champions, corporations and foundations that advocate the importance of the library in American society.

Megan McFarlane
Campaign Coordinator
The Campaign for America's Libraries
mmcfarlane@ala.org
www.ala.org/@yourlibrary
American Library Association
50 E. Huron Chicago, IL 60611
Check out PIO's blog: Visibility @ your library®
http://www.pio.ala.org/visibility

Banned Book Week in the United States

2009-11-02T17:09:00.000+11:00

The last week of September marks banned book week in the United States.

This year's American Library Association list of books which were challenged, restricted, removed, or banned in the US in 2008 and 2009 includes "Twilight", "The Catcher in the Rye", "The Kite Runner" and "The Golden Compass". And while classics such as "The Book of Bunny Suicides: Little Fluffy Rabbits Who Just Don't Want to Live Anymore" add a somewhat ridiculous note to the list, it will make you think about freedom of speech, the press, censorship and the library's role in the free flow of information. You can download it now at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/ideasandresourc
es/free_downloads/ - and see how many you've read!

It's worth noting that ALIA's first core value for the sector is "Promotion of the free flow of information and ideas through open access to recorded knowledge, information, and creative works."(http://www.alia.org.au/policies/core.values.html).

If you would like to read ALIA's Statement on free access to information, please see http://www.alia.org.au/policies/free.access.html.
Your membership supports ALIA's valuable advocacy work in this area. More information about ALIA's advocacy work is available here http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/

ALIA Draft Vision and National Framework

2009-10-30T16:56:00.000+11:00

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is seeking your participation in a consultation process on a draft vision and national framework for Australian public libraries.

At the ALIA Public Libraries Summit on 16 July 2009, delegates gave ALIA a clear mandate to take the lead in developing a national framework for public libraries, working collaboratively with Public Libraries Australia (PLA), Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA), National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA), and the state and territory based public library associations.

ALIA has produced a project plan to guide the process, and has now developed a document which represents stage two - the draft vision and strategy.

The document is available via the Summit website http://www.alia.org.au/summit09/.

The draft ideas are based on discussions and feedback from the ALIA Public Libraries Summit 2009, papers submitted by the key Australian public library organisations in advance of the Summit, and public library vision and strategy work carried out in other parts of the world.

ALIA would like to hear your views about this shared vision and national framework for Australian public libraries. Please feel free to circulate this document to your members and to anyone outside your own organisation.

The consultation process will take place over the three months October to December 2009. ALIA would appreciate receiving your response on or before Friday 11 December 2009. Submission details are in the document.

New ALIA e-list

2009-10-29T16:53:00.000+11:00

A new e-list has been set up: aliaIR.

This list aims to provide a vehicle for informed discussion on issues relating to libraries in employment law, industrial relations and the world of work, to encourage the sharing of information and ideas and to provide a facility to solve impossible reference queries.

Industrial relations is a highly specialised subject area. This list may help to unlock IR expertise for the benefit of our colleagues.

While this will be primarily of relevance to Australian IR libraries, overseas libraries are also encouraged to join. I welcome any suggestions with regard to developing and expanding this list, and hope you will pass this information on to likely members.

To join, follow this link: http://lists.alia.org.au/mailman/listinfo/aliaIR/

In diverse times, libraries seek to broaden appeal

2009-10-26T08:38:00.001+11:00

By DEEPTI HAJELA
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

NEW YORK -- Sheryl Toque settled into her seat in the East Elmhurst branch of the Queens Library, her children playing nearby.

She wasn't there to borrow a book. But she did want information - the 33-year-old Philippines native wants to become an American citizen. So she went to the library for a seminar with a civics teacher and a lawyer to go through the immigration process. It wasn't the first time she's used the Queens Library for help; she has also taken English classes at another branch.

"It's usually free so you don't have to spend anything extra," she said. "I like it because I could also bring my kids with me."

Libraries have always been in the business of providing information. But as diversity continues to grow in the United States, libraries like the system in Queens are trying to remain vital and relevant to their communities by offering information in a range of new ways.

They're doing that not only by adding material in multiple languages to their collections, but also through programming that includes citizenship courses, tax help and cancer screenings.

"It's inevitable that all public libraries are affected and impacted by the diversity of this country," said Sari Feldman, president of the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association.

"We've become more relevant and more critical to people's lives than ever before."

So in Dallas, the schedule includes a bilingual introductory computer class among its events. In Seattle, library offerings include multilingual help with filling out forms at tax time. And when the library closed for a week last month because of budget problems, the notice was translated into 12 languages.

The demographics of Seattle have changed, so "as a library we have to be responsive to those changes and meet the needs of our diverse and changing customer base," said Andra Addison, spokeswoman for the Seattle Public Library.

"Libraries have recognized the critical role that they play in information and also in education," Feldman said.

Nowhere is that more true than in Queens, which was named the 2009 Library of the Year by the Library Journal. Admirers say it has become a prime example of how libraries can remain relevant and vital to the changing communities they serve. Its collection contains works in several dozen languages, and programming includes such topics as English literacy and health screenings.

That's what's needed in a borough that, with more than 2 million residents, is larger than most American cities. Census estimates show that almost half of those residents are foreign-born. More than half speak a language other than English at home, and of those, a majority say they don't speak English very well.

The demographics of what is arguably the country's most diverse county would present a challenge for any organization looking to connect to its community. But for the library, taking on that challenge has proved to be an opportunity to thrive.

"They do it in Queens in ways that we hadn't even seen before," said John N. Berry III, editor-at-large at Library Journal.

Michael Fix, the senior vice president and co-director of the National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy, said the system was a model. He noted that the library has a full-time employee whose job is to analyze the demographics of the borough.

"In each case, what they do is widely recognized as representing the best practices in the field," he said.

The Queens library system is one of three in New York City; Brooklyn has its own system, and the New York Public Library covers the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island.

Among its offerings, the Queens system - 61 branches along with a main headquarters -holds story hours and other programs in multiple languages; provides classes for immigrants and natives wanting to learn or improve their English; offers sessions where those needing to file visa and immigration paperwork online can get help; holds seminars on topics including how to start a business and foreclosure prevention; and works with other groups to offer information on where to get health screenings and medical treatment.

Jacqueline Flood has been using the library since she was 6 years old, but not like this. The 56-year-old Flood, unemployed for 18 months, has an appointment for a mammogram at a mobile screening center that visits library branches.

"A lot of people use the library," she said. "It's good to know they're able to supply the community with things other than books."

The Queens library continues to try offering such services even as the financial downturn has cut into funding, as it has for libraries around the country.

The library had to close an art gallery, took a bookmobile off the road and has frozen hiring. As some branches have reduced hours, some cultural programs have been trimmed. CEO Thomas Galante said he hopes the economic situation will improve before the system has to cut staff positions or make any other changes to library offerings.

Even with a broader range of programming, the library still fills its traditional role - it has more than 22 million items in circulation per year, a figure that puts it among the top libraries anywhere. Those materials are available in a number of languages.

"For a library to be relevant over the next decades," he said, "you need to be a community place that offers lots of different services all around information and access to technology."

Libraries Rebuild with Books 24-31 October 2009

2009-10-23T14:43:00.000+11:00

Rebuilding with Books for libraries starts tomorrow with dozens of libraries representing every state and territory taking part in the fundraising to buy book vouchers for people who lost their homes in the Victorian bushfires.
Over the next eight days there will be free dress days in WA, book sales in Victoria, South Australia, ACT and the Northern Territory, morning teas in Tasmania and cup cake days in NSW.

It's not too late to join in the fun for a very worthy cause.

For further information visit www.alia.org.au/disasterrecovery

For enquiries, please call or email Sue McKerracher, ALIA Project Manager
Phone: 0404 456749
Email: disasterrecovery@alia.org.au

Anne Hall Report from IFLA Conference

2009-10-21T10:50:00.000+11:00

***Report from Anne Hall
ahall@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au,
Manager Library and Museum Services, Fairfield City Council (Sydney)***

Anne recently (August 2009) attended the 75th IFLA General Conference and Assembly - Libraries create futures: Building on cultural heritage held in Milan, Italy, and presented a paper (Public Library Resources and Programs to Pan Mediterranean Language Groups in Australia) at the IFLA Satellite Meeting - Libraries and Society: A Pan-Mediterranean Perspective held in Palermo, Sicily.
Please find below Anne's very interesting report on the above events.

World Library and Information Congress:
75th IFLA General Conference and Assembly
"Libraries create futures: Building on cultural heritage"
23-27 August 2009, Milan, Italy
and

IFLA Satellite Meeting
“Libraries and Society: A Pan-Mediterranean Perspective”
31August-1 September 2009 Palermo, Sicily

Anne Hall
Manager, Library and Museum Services
Fairfield City Council
ahall@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

September 2009
I am really pleased I attended 2009 IFLA Milan as it is an event worth experiencing. There were nearly 4,000 participants and that many librarians in one place are quite daunting! The venue was in an isolated place, nothing around except one little cafe which was packed as the food in the venue was expensive and the service poor.

I took the train in from Despenzano on Lake Garda about 1hr 20mins on Saturday August 22nd for my SIG (Special Interest Group Meeting) Library Service to Multicultural Populations 1st meeting. I then took the Metro from Central Station and then the 20 minute walk through deserted streets in very hot weather
(30 degrees) to the Conference Centre! Luckily I met a Spanish Librarian on the train (we do stand out from the crowd) who knew the way! We did find out that there was a shuttle bus for the rest of the Conference, thank goodness!

SIG members were all very friendly (of course) and came from Russia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, USA, Finland, Japan, Germany, Spain, England, Netherlands, and of course Italy with a fellow Australian Robert Pestell who I know as a LOTE supplier and who has been a long term member of the SIG. I had to take the train back to Lake Garda arriving at the hotel about 11pm. I moved into central
Milan on Sunday having spent a beautiful but hot 4 days at Lake Garda including a trip to Verona to see Aida performed in the open amphitheatre. On Sunday evening I attended the Concert at La Scala organised especially for the Conference. It was a spectacular event with an extrovert conductor, excellent orchestra and 4 opera singers who sang solos and duets.

On Monday, in the morning, I attended the Public Libraries and Metropolitan Libraries session. Christine McKenzie’s paper (from Yarra Plenty) "Emerging Themes for public libraries looking forward" was read by her husband as she was unable to attend at the last minute. Her paper placed emphasis on 3 areas: use of buildings, staff development and work force planning and the increasing use of research to inform decision making and implement evidence based practice. The purpose of her paper was to draw out the themes, discussions and learning from the Metlib SIG mid term meeting in Brisbane held in May 2009.

This paper is available on the IFLA site.
http://www.ifla.org/files/hq/papers/ifla75/91-mackenzie-en.pdf

There was another Australian speaker! Marion Morgan Bindon, Library Manager Gold Coast City Libraries. My notes indicate GCCL has a resource budget of 6m with a collection comprised of 8% newspapers/ serials, 47% books including audio books, 23% DVDs and music, 21% on-line resources.

They have collections in 3 languages with back up from SLQ. On-line training packages are also available. GCCL strongly advocates research based decision making.

I enjoyed hearing Thomas Galante the CEO of Queens Library, NY which has 2.2m residents who speak 160 languages. The Library has a Board of 19 Trustees with government and non-government support. It collects in 26 languages and has 1800 staff including 450 librarians! I was particularly interested in their
BOOST (Best Out of School Time) programme which runs from 3-6 Monday to Friday. This program employs youth with excellent grades to tutor others. I was pleased that most programs he spoke about were already being done at Fairfield and many other NSW libraries albeit on a much smaller scale.

Paul Whitney from Vancouver Public Library spoke about the impact of technology on public library usage. They break down their circulation usage in 4 year age gaps for children and youth to track the increases and decreases. Once again Vancouver Library is researching to support decision making. They have 112 databases so is this justified? How are they being used and are they making a difference? They have experienced a huge increase in AV which he believes will not continue and a
gradual decrease in print loans which he believes will continue. I don’t think many of us would disagree with these statements. On-line renewals have also increased dramatically. It’s worth checking out their Library to Go collection at:

www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/details/1845

and the project Best of BC (British Colombia) Books On-line at:

http://cancult.ca/2009/02/10/best-of-bc-books-online/

which Paulspoke about.

A speaker (unfortunately I didn’t note the name) from Stockholm Public Library
www.biblioteket.stockholm.se structured this paper under the themes of Learning, Lending, Reading. The slogan for the library is “The Library makes the City grow if the Library grows with the City”.

Their common value is “the good encounter” (approach and attitude towards the customer and each other). They use process mapping to discuss what they are doing, why they are doing it and how they do it. They use evidence based learning and engage leadership at ever level. So once again I would be confident that this is happening in many NSW libraries. For this session the only scheduled speaker was Christine with the others being a "surprise". The program is still not updated on the IFLA website (and the book in the conference bag was way too heavy
to carry home). Christine's is still the only paper available.

Monday afternoon I listened to the first paper in the session Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning where a mention was made to check the recent ads placed by Gosford Library and then I dashed of to Libraries for Children and Young Adults and Library Buildings and Equipment. I would
recommend the paper The red thread – New central Library in Hjoerring, Denmark

http://www.ifla.org/files/hq/papers/ifla75/103-lunden-en.pdf

as it has some terrific photos for inspiration.

Also the paper Library of 100 Talents – Heerhugowaard, Netherlands shows consultation with children and matching to final design or not? I would recommend that Managers encourage their children’s librarians to read the papers from this session which are all available on the IFLA site.

http://www.ifla.org/files/hq/papers/ifla75/103-bertrams-en.pdf

An idea I came away with was Newspapers for Children by Children, something I would like to explore at Fairfield. I also made a note that I should check out the IFLA Guidelines for Children and Children’s Libraries and the Designing Libraries website especially since we are about to refurbish the central children’s library.

Later Monday afternoon I attended the second SIG meeting hosted at the Goethe Institute in central Milan and afterwards the SIG dinner at a nearby restaurant. I am now on a working group to redesign the group’s newsletter! It is evident that this group is focussed by an excellent Chairperson, Mijin Kim Director Public Programs and Exhibitions Library and Archives Canada Ottawa and Secretary Susy
Tastesen Librarian Head of Department Copenhagen Public Libraries Denmark. The dinner was a good opportunity to network and discuss common issues and challenges and talk about our libraries.

Tuesday I took the day off to explore Milan as there was nothing on the programme which interested me. I saw the fresco The Last Supper by Da Vinci which was magnificent and I also visited the beautiful Duomo (Milan Cathedral) and climbed around the roof which was as spectacular as the interior. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele was very beautiful and the Conference dinner could be taken in some of the
restaurants and cafés there (or near there) including McDonald’s which is in a key position in the Galleria!

On Wednesday I attended the session on Library Services to Multicultural Populations. My favourite paper was Join us for a Journey through Islamic Art by Kirsten Leth Nielsen from Oslo Public Library.

http://www.ifla.org/files/hq/papers/ifla75/158-leth-en.pdf

This tells how a travelling exhibition based on a Picture Book can expose children to a different and often misunderstood culture. I will be encouraging the Multicultural Working Group to look at this for a future project. I was also interested to hear about the project by the National Library of Serbia which is digitising the literature and culture of the Romani people. A paper from Romania about preserving the traditions of Russian minority groups on-line showed an effective librarian/community member partnership which was passionate and inspiring. The papers from this session are also available on the IFLA website.

I attended the Copyright session in the afternoon, which was quite overwhelming due to the different opinions of the panel. It is evident that governments and the legal system are not keeping up with the pace of technology change and its impact on copyright. I also stayed for the General Assembly and caught up with Jan Richards and Sue Hutley who of course were able to vote on the motions. It was pleasing to note that many delegates expressed disappointment in the cancellation of the Brisbane event.

It is amazing that Gothenburg have been able to take on such a large event in such a short time frame and they were congratulated for this.

The Conference exhibition was as expected very large and I whizzed around it stopping at the Sirsi Dynix stand and any stands with library furniture. One I would recommend to look at was

www.openingthebook.com

if you haven’t already which has a publication The reader friendly library
service which I intend to purchase.

The Satellite Conference in Palermo was an entirely different experience. There were only 35 participants including the speakers, so it was very intimate especially as it was held in the Steri Palace, a quite large and beautiful building which is part of the University of Palermo. All the papers were interesting and I hope that they eventually appear on the website.

I especially enjoyed the paper given by the Chief Librarian Sohair Wastawy from the Alexandrine Library, Alexandria Egypt. I’d love to visit this library. Sohair was born in Egypt but had worked in the US for 35 years before returning to take up the position in 2004. The common theme which emerged for me from most of the presentations was the educational support to children provided by public libraries with little or no recognition or financial support from the education sector in Italy, Spain, Egypt, Tunisia, Canada, US and Australia. My presentation, Public Library Resources and Programs to Pan Mediterranean Language Groups in Australia, which included video clips of children and adults who had attended library programs speaking about their experience, was well received. All speakers were passionate about services to their culturally diverse communities.

The Special Library Foundation in Seville, Spain experience of collecting and sharing the Islamic, Christian and Jewish culture and religion was especially thought provoking as was the US Indigenous Library Service initiatives.

This conference dinner beside the sea in a very atmospheric restaurant was preceded by a bus trip up the mountain giving great views of Palermo. I also managed to take a 2 ½ hr bus ride to Catania to see Mt Etna before the Conference which gave me a good look at the Sicilian countryside. Mt Etna was eerie as it was very hot but with lots of thunder and lightening over the mountain.

Thank you very much to PLM, the State Library of NSW and Fairfield City Council for the financial support which helped to make my attendance possible. It was greatly appreciated.

Palermo- Ann-Katrin (Sweden) Anne (Australia) Sohair (Egypt) Domenico (Italy)

SIG Meeting 24th August Goethe Institute
Volker (Germany), Yasuko (Japan), Ayub (UK), Flemming (Denmark), Fred (US)

Palermo delegates and speakers

Poster Presentation in Milan: Kirsten (Norway) Lourina (Netherlands) Yasuko (Japan) Anne (Australia)

Palermo: Susy (Denmark) Gisela (Spain) Begona (Tunisia) Olga (Spain) Christine (who taught English to Giselaand interpreted for her)

Prime Minister Web Chat

2009-10-20T11:57:00.000+11:00

The Prime Minister will be hosting a web chat from 9am to 10am, Thursday 22 October 2009 on topics including mental health, internet filtering, climate change, alcohol-fuelled violence and how young people can be empowered to shape the decisions that affect their lives.

Webchat link here

Looking for a Change?

2009-10-19T10:45:00.001+11:00

Subject: Seeking assistance to find a volunteer to help establish a Tetun language library in rural East Timor

My name is Daniel Gilfillan, from Palms Australia. Palms is a volunteer sending agency who have been sending skilled volunteers to the Asia-Pacific and Africa for almost 50 years. We have a request from rural East Timor for a librarian or teacher-librarian to assist one of the local government bodies there to set up a library. I am hoping that you can send some information through your network so we can attract a suitably qualified person who would be interested in living in East Timor for two years working with a local committee to establish a library.

I've included a summary of the position below, in case you can pass on this information through your networks. As you would be aware East Timor has a very low literacy rate, and rural areas are particularly disadvantaged. One local government body has identified that a Tetun language library would be of great benefit to their community, encouraging an enthusiasm for reading in young people, in a country where books are not widely available, particularly books in a language that the children speak. They have asked Palms Australia to look for a volunteer to support the building of a Tetun language library to combat illiteracy.

If you think you would be interested in contributing two years of your time and expertise to assist the local committee to establish a library, including training staff, developing library systems and reading programs, and coordinating the building a physical library, or if you would like further information please contact Palms (daniel@palms.org.au / christine@palms.org.au or visit our website: www.palms.org.au).

Kind Regards,
Daniel Gilfillan
daniel@palms.org.au
02.9518.9551

ALIA 2010 conference with no name.....

2009-10-13T14:52:00.000+11:00

ALIA and the conference committee for the 2010 conference need our input in choosing a name for the conference. They have put up a poll on their home page http://www.alia.org.au/
and have invited us to vote!

Just to remind you they are planning a very different format to the usual ALIA conferences. There has been great suggestions on the wiki a few weeks ago which sparked much innovative thinking and the committee has received lots of interesting program proposals from ALIA groups and advisory committees.

So start to plan to attend the [no-name yet till you vote] conference in Brisbane on 2-3 September 2010!

Thanks for voting.

Kind regards,

Graham Black
Convenor
ALIA [no-name] Conference Committee
graham.black@alia.org.au

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) has asked ALIA to assist in publicising this survey.

2009-10-12T14:49:00.002+11:00

Australian libraries are encouraged to support this important initiative over the next two months. The National Attitudinal Survey is an innovative community project designed to gauge Australia's attitudes on issues of child abuse and neglect.

Led by NAPCAN and supported by the Federal Government, the short 15min survey will bring together Australia's public sector, business, communities and individuals to form one voice against child abuse and neglect.

Consider this:

* Over 30,000 children are abused or neglected in Australia every year.

* 1 in 3 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18.

* 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.

How can you act right now? By going to:
http://www.preventingchildabuse.com.au/

There are also some excellent resources for libraries to use to promote the survey that can be downloaded from the website.

After you have finished the survey, forward the link to other staff, colleagues and your family and friends.

By doing so you will join NAPCAN's Children's Champion, Therese Rein, Channel 7 personality and 2007 Father of the Year David Koch, 100s of businesses, government departments and community organisations, and thousands of other Australians in acting to keep our children safe into the future.

NAPCAN thanks the library and information community in supporting this survey and in publicising it in libraries.

Jane Hardy AALIA
Assistant Director, Strategy & Advocacy
Australian Library and Information Association
PO Box 6335 Kingston ACT 2604
AUSTRALIA
ph 02 6215 8235
fx 02 6282 2249
www.alia.org.au
jane.hardy@alia.org.au

Borrowing request refused?

2009-10-01T15:25:00.001+10:00

Camden Council, in north London,
has apologised to a member of the
public who was refused the loan of
a pair of scissors because she
‘might stab a member of staff.’
Lorna Watts, the library user, said,
‘It’s absurd—there are plenty of
heavy books I could have hit her
with if I’d wanted to.’

IFLA Closing Day Puts Focus Back on Global Economy

2009-09-22T11:28:00.001+10:00

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) closed its 75th World Library and Information Congress August 27 with National Organizing Committee chair Mauro Guerrini announcing that the five–day conference in Milan had attracted 3,931 registrants, along with 228 volunteers and members of the Italian staff, 128 exhibitors, 34 press, 30 interpreters and assorted other guests, for a total attendance of 4,496.

A jubilant Guerrini noted that local media had paid attention to the conference and its “great success” is a sign of the vitality of libraries, “especially during this global financial crisis.”

Preceding the closing session, at a special panel session on the global economic crisis presciently organized by IFLA President Claudia Lux of Germany, some 50 World Library and Information Congress delegates gathered for the last word on how libraries worldwide are likely to fare in the short run.

Panelist Michael Dowling, director of the ALA (American Library Association) International Relations Office, emphasized that the involvement of library advocates and lobbyists was going to be essential to funding, as it was in the United States when the e-rate became law, giving publicly funded libraries and schools a small but significant slice of telecommunications revenue.

He noted that the American Library Association is leveraging the rising demand for library programs and services to make the case for funding. Panelist and member of the IFLA Governing Board Zhang Xiaolin of China agreed, saying, “This is an opportunity to expand our social responsibility, to put collections and knowledge to use.”

At the closing session, debate over the cancellation of the scheduled 2010 IFLA conference in Brisbane, Australia, was put to rest with the presentation of an official invitation to Gothenburg, Sweden, which stepped in as a replacement when the Australian organisers realized that they could not raise the funding required to host. The IFLA Executive Board had already emphasised in a statement issued in IFLA Express during the conference in Milan, the congress daily, that “there were no contractual costs or penalties associated with this decision.” Agneta Olsson thanked the Australian delegates for their graciousness and for the opportunity to host an IFLA conference in Gothenburg, while the rest of the Swedish contingent cheered to the tune of Abba singing “Take a Chance on Me.”

Then came the announcement that Helsinki, Finland, had been selected to host IFLA 2012 and that Southeast Asia and Oceana has been designated as the chosen region for the 2013 congress, opening the door for Malaysia, runner up in the 2010 competition originally won by Brisbane.

U. S. member of the IFLA Governing Board Nancy Gwinn presided over a brief awards presentation that included Newsletter of the Year, which went to the Section on Literacy and Reading. Gwinn noted that IFLA section newsletters are “almost all electronic and more and more sophisticated.” Among the awards was the presentation of the IFLA Scroll for outstanding service to the federation to, among others, Barbara Tillett of the Library of Congress. Newly elected members of the Governing Board and chairs of Professional Committees were paraded on stage, including Special Libraries Association Executive Director Janice Lachance, new chair of the Management of Library Associations Section.

IFLA Governing Board member Bob McKee, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in the U. K., gave a vote of thanks to the Milan organizers in passionate Italian, to much applause, followed by the passing of the gavel from Lux to incoming IFLA President Ellen Tise of South Africa, whom Lux called “a role model activist for libraries.” Tise promised to continue the momentum of her predecessors: “Through all of these moments in its history, IFLA has endured and stayed faithful to those who preceded,” she said, announcing her theme as “Libraries Driving Access to Knowledge.”

Knowledge is the key to success, she stated, and “equitable access to information is a fundamental right of all people.” She said that the way to protect that right is for librarians to be fully engaged in the lives of their communities. “We must be concerned about the public good, the principles of equality and human rights for all,” she concluded, and that is especially true for “those whose working environments are not as privileged as ours.”

IFLA Website

The Lost Symbol

2009-09-17T12:45:00.002+10:00

There weren’t quite queues outside the bookshops, but sales of the first Dan
Brown novel in five years, following his runaway bestseller The Da Vinci
Code, put him in a similar league to J K Rowling.
This month’s most talked-about launch, The Lost Symbol, is available in
hardback, with an RRP of $49.95, and as an e-book, at the same price,
launched today on the publisher’s website .Random House website

Text Messaging Reference

2009-08-25T11:43:00.000+10:00

Can you help me? :-)

A new challenge looms for library reference staff, with the advent of text messaging enquiry services. The aim is to provide users with answers to their questions, sent direct to their mobile phones, within minutes of them lodging their enquiry.
While individual libraries have dabbled in this area, My Info Quest has launched in the US, claiming to be the first collaborative venture of this kind, with 50 ibraries taking part in the test. The organisation behind the project, Alliance Library System, has developed partnerships with libraries and software providers.

Find more information at:

and www.myinfoquest.info.Alliance Library System

World library community helps design the future

2009-08-24T11:09:00.000+10:00

A draft of the final report on the Open Library Environment (OLE)project is now available to view on the website at:

Final Report

The project has involved some 400 participants from libraries around the world, who answered the call for the international library community to assist in designing an alternative to the current standard model of the integrated library system (ILS).

The stated goal was to ‘produce a design document to inform open source library system development efforts, to guide future library system implementations, and to influence current ILS vendor products.’

The National Library of Australia was one of the 14 leading project partners in OLE, and the only one based outside the US. In addition, library people from Europe, Asia and Africa took part in workshops and webcasts.

Australian institutions involved in the process included the University and State Library of Tasmania; Deakin, La Trobe and Swinburne Universities and the Chisholm Institute, in Victoria; the Australian Digital Futures Institute, at the University of Southern Queensland; the State Library of NSW and the Murdoch University, WA.

The partners in the project are in discussions with potential investors to
use the findings of the report to develop a new library technology platform.

Article from APLIS

2009-08-20T09:43:00.004+10:00

APLIS 22(3) September 2009
PUBLIC LIBRARIES: IT’S THEIR FUNDING, STUPID

The first Australian public libraries summit, commendably convened, organised and largely underwritten by the Australian Library and Information Association, was held on 16 July in Canberra. For a summary of its deliberations and outcomes see:

Summit summary

The 50 or so summit delegates saw much confirmation of the work and importance of Australia’s public library system. But with little federal, state and local government political or bureaucratic presence there to hear and learn, this belated first summit could only point to the real issue for the sector and its advocates. That issue for public libraries, to paraphrase Bill Clinton, is ‘Their funding,
stupid’.

It is the issue which now needs to be addressed with much more urgency, energy and collective focus than during the last 20 years or so that it has taken the sector’s leaders, and its members who may sometimes be characterised by their poverty make do mentality − to recognize that it is very underfunded, and have the courage to speak out politically and publicly about it, locally and nationally.

So what’s the urgency, if already about 60% of people of all ages use, value and rarely openly complain about their public libraries? Given the social inclusion emphasis in the summit, consider this. Volume three ‘Bridging the gaps’ of the landmark Victorian research reports Libraries/Building/Communities stated that:
The concern is that, among the 40% not using libraries, there are people who are hard to reach but who would benefit enormously from what the library has to offer. LBC data indicates that about 13% of Victorians fall into this category.

Extrapolate this 13% to the Australian population, and about 2.5 million people are currently socially excluded from public libraries. In some communities the percentage will be less, in others it will be much more. At what longterm cost is that to those people, their communities and society in general? With the current level of Australia’s investment in its public library system, that percentage
will not shift, and may even worsen.

The hard facts about public library constraints, performance, valuation, and return on investment are now well discovered. We do not need yet more research to confidently assert that Australia’s public library system has:
* an outstanding return on public investment of conservatively $5 for every dollar spent − nothing else can demonstrate such a high return
* very many more users and potential beneficiaries than any other educational, cultural or civic provision
* on a usage basis, by far the lowest per capital funding of any educational, cultural or civic provision
* at only about 9c per Australian per day, one third of international best practice public library funding.

These realities for Australia’s public library system represent a massive contradiction between the political and bureaucratic platitudes about the importance of public libraries, and the failure of the three levels of Australian government to even meet to establish a national strategy and compact about the development and funding of the nation’s public library system and its capacity to innovate. More pointedly, they represent the failure of the current federal government and the
responsible minister to show leadership in convening such a meeting, and holding the Australian states and territories to account for their public library funding dereliction.

Not much was said, then, about funding as the core public library issue at the summit, although full marks to Jan Fullerton, director general of the National Library of Australia for reminding delegates that the National Library is the only public library funded by the federal government, and for urging them to regard the funding issue as a key part of the debate.

Full marks also to Councillor Graham Smith, chairperson of Public Libraries NSW – Country for his observation that:
One of the major impediments is that many government and nongovernment organizations direct their clients to the public library, but they do not provide the funding for the provision of that public library service. Public libraries are the service desk for so many of our government and commercial organizations and recognition of that role is vital.

The British economist W S Jevons argued that:
The main raison d’etre of free public libraries, as indeed of public museums, art galleries, parks, halls, public clocks, and many other kinds of public works, is the enormous increase of utility which is thereby acquired for the community at a trifling cost.

Public clocks? Yes, Jevons was writing in 1881, when public clocks were the necessity which they no longer are. Public libraries, however, remain even more consequential to education, community capacity building and social inclusion, than they were with their resources in the 1880s. In Australia they also remain provided at the very trifling cost of $800 million per annum. Triple that to an international best practice $2.4 billion and the cost would still be trifling for a rich nation like Australia – for a demonstrable return to it of at least $14 billion.
So enough of the talking, platitudes, evasion, soft shoe shuffle and timidity about public library funding futures.

It’s well past the time for the leaders of Australia’s public library system and its other advocates to focus on the key issue for it, its funding − and to set short, medium and long term targets, and options for how the three levels of Australian governments should partner in meeting them.

Alan Bundy
Editor
alan.bundy@auslib.com.au

The Librarians Series

2009-08-17T14:49:00.003+10:00

Once again the team at Gristmill Productions and writers Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope have hit the library nerve with an uncanny knack with series 2 of their hit comedy, The Librarians.

Middleton Interactive Learning Centre is spick and span for series 2, props again provided by the many generous folk in Victorian Library Land. (Wayne, who also directs the show, says the book mobile loaned to the program by Yarra Plenty Library Service is the best prop he's ever had.)

There's absolutely no prize for spotting the Library Week posters on set, or for identifying your Victorian colleagues who may have been extras. No prizes either for figuring out where the disco glitter ball, blow-up kangaroo and that bookmobile fit into the storyline. But you will be able to join the conversation on the ALIA The Librarians blog again....

So, all ready for week 3? Blog about it
Blog here
tweet about it #thelibrarianstv or download some great stuff from
Download here

The Librarians - Series 2 airs on ABC1 at 9pm Wednesdays and ABC2 at 9.30pm Thursdays

SMH Article on Outsourcing

2009-08-14T11:09:00.000+10:00

Bland ambition as libraries put bucks before books
Paul Bibby Urban Affairs Reporter
July 3, 2009
SYDNEY councils are quietly outsourcing the basic functions of librarians to private book suppliers, leaving suburbs with bland generic books that do not reflect local communities.

Anna Ioannidis at Marrickville Library. Photo: Sahlan Hayes

Six Sydney councils have put out to tender the task of selecting, supplying and cataloguing most new books for their 15 libraries.

Ashfield, Botany, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury and Marrickville councils say the use of a single private book supplier is more efficient and will not affect services or the quality of their collections.

But librarians say their basic professional tasks - determining their readers' tastes, sourcing books from up to 20 suppliers and cataloguing them in up to 12 languages - will be carried out by staff from large book suppliers such as Zenith or Peter Pal.

They say their libraries will suffer because private suppliers have no connection to local communities and will not be able to provide more unusual books, such as those by unknown authors or in foreign languages.

"It's the specialist language collections and the more obscure English-language selections that will suffer - you'll get a lot of lightweight stuff that people don't want to read," one librarian said.

Another said the quality of cataloguing would suffer.

"People don't realise how crucial good cataloguing is," the librarian said. "Not only do people have to be able to find books easily, especially as more are using the online catalogue, but most libraries have catalogues in seven or eight languages. If that stops, people from non-English speaking backgrounds won't be able to use the library at all."

The changes are part of a library trend. Canterbury, Baulkham Hills, Hurstville, Holroyd, Rockdale and Ryde councils have either outsourced some cataloguing functions or are about to do so.

A former cataloguer from Marrickville Library, Anna Ioannidis, said libraries were heading towards privatisation.

"Marrickville Library used to have nearly 20,000 Greek titles - now it has [fewer than] 5000," said Ms Ioannidis, whose position was made redundant.

"A library is not a supermarket and the people who use them are not customers."

But the general manager of the South Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, David Lewis, defended the changes.

He said councils were continuing to provide good libraries in the face of dramatically diminishing revenue by forming joint ventures to get a better deal from service providers.

"The quality of services in these libraries will improve because there will be more staff available for face to face and more funds available for new books," Mr Lewis said.

Shortcut to original article:

Click here

Webinar on Living Libraries

2009-08-13T11:07:00.000+10:00

WebJunction are hosting a Webinar on Living Libraries on July 22nd

If you don't think you'll be up at 3 am to join in live (!), keep an eye on the Webinar archives page to read all about it later.

The Living Library is a unique event that brings together people who have special interests, beliefs or experiences to speak with people from different backgrounds and share their personal story. In this innovative program participants can "check out" Living Books for a personal conversation. Both the Bainbridge Island and Santa Monica Public Libraries executed two successful Living Library events. The Bainbridge Island event covered such diverse experiences as life as a quadriplegic, a female police officer, a young gay man and an atheist. Santa Monica Public Library's Living Books included a fat activist, a formerly homeless person, an ex-gangmember and a nudist. Join us for a free webinar with leads from these projects: Rebecca Judd from the Bainbridge Island (WA) branch of the Kitsap Regional Library System, and Julie MacDonald and Rachel Foyt from the Santa Monica Public Library in Santa Monica (CA). Hear how they planned and implemented the project in their libraries, and find out how you can create a Living Library in your community.
When: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 - 2:00 PM

Click here for Webinar Archive

Latest Living Library Information

2009-08-12T11:03:00.000+10:00

Living Libraries Australia is proud to announce the national launch of a new resource for Living Library organisers, which also serves to promote Living Libraries to the general public. The web-movies can be viewed on the Living Library website from July 3, 2009 after noon, (or if any glitches shortly afterwards!) If you happen to be in the area, please drop in!

I will inform you as to the availability of the DVD soon, in the meantime, the website is the way to view it. I will send out the link when it is launched. You can also search for it on:
Link to video

Living Libraries in Action is a new DVD and web resource which will be used to increase community awareness about the power of Living Libraries to enhance inclusiveness, tolerance, and social harmony in Australian communities.
The films, consisting of seven mini-movies, capture the essence of the sort of conversations that are happening in Living Libraries across Australia and provide practical information for anyone interested in organising or participating in one.
The Living Libraries Australia Film Project, managed by Lismore City Council, is a creative collaboration between Living Libraries Australia and Lismore TAFE, Redland Libraries, Lismore’s Living Library, and Nimbin Aged Care and Respite Services. The film and production team is made up of students and staff from Lismore TAFE and Southern Cross University, and is supported by a community-based committee.
Living Libraries Australia is funded by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship through the Diverse Australia Program.

Information: UK Libraries Wi-Fi Survey Results 2009

2009-08-11T11:00:00.000+10:00

From UK Libraries:

We recently published the results of our market research on public Wi-Fi services in UK public libraries. This is the second time we have carried out research in this area and we've received feedback initially from over 70 percent of UK public library authorities with detailed responses from over 60 percent of these authorities.

The report shows that there has been an increase in the number of implementations of wireless for the public use since our last research in 2007. It is also encouraging to see that respondents with Wi-Fi say that the main benefits are that the service has raised the profile of their libraries, attracted new users or has enhanced the library service.

Bedfordshire Libraries implemented public wireless access for their users back in 2004 as part of the Libraries Go Wireless initiative; they were probably one of the first authorities to do this. Bedfordshire’s journey has been an interesting one from their initial implementation to where they are now. A short video is available examining Bedfordshire's experience.

The report, A Review and Evaluation of Wi-Fi services in United Kingdom Public Libraries 2009 and the Bedfordshire Libraries video can be downloaded from:

Report

Fairfield Public Library and UWS Partnership

2009-08-10T09:14:00.000+10:00

Fairfield City Library Service received a $36,000 cheque last week from the
University of Western Sydney (UWS), after a first year partnership
delivering yourtutor to the library’s younger audience.

UWS pro vice chancellor of engagement Barbara Holland presented the
cheque to Fairfield City mayor Nick Lalich at the Bonnyrigg branch library.
He said, ‘UWS's financial support is making it possible for even more
local students to have access to our free online tutoring service and we are
very grateful for their contribution.’

The $36,000 will go towards expanding capacity of Fairfield City’s yourtutor
program, and, depending on budgets, UWS hopes to support more
western Sydney councils in 2010.

Professor Holland explained, ‘Fairfield City and UWS are motivated to
work together to help build communities by helping young students discover
the love of learning and improve their performance in school. This program
makes free, high quality tutoring available to any student, and it increases
their understanding of the role libraries play in promoting lifelong learning.
The students tell us it makes a real difference in their confidence as well as
their school performance.’

Other universities partnering with public libraries in their regions to
deliver yourtutor are CQ University Australia; Queensland University of
Technology; Griffith University and Edith Cowan University.

Government backing for National Reading Day

2009-08-07T11:02:00.000+10:00

The Australian Government is behind National Literacy and Numeracy
Week, which runs from 31 August to 6 September this year and includes
National Reading Day.
Schools are encouraged to participate in this featured event, as a follow
up to Children’s Book Week, from 22 to 28 August. National Reading Day
will take the Book Safari theme and turn it into Story Sharing Safari.
For more information,
Click here for more information

News from Victorian Libraries

2009-08-06T15:12:00.003+10:00

Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries:
The Library – The Key to Growing the Knowledge and Skills of the Victorian Community

Click here for Ministerial paper

Local Government Victoria Homepage featuring Libraries:

Click here

Shortcuts

2009-08-03T15:38:00.004+10:00

A very useful shortcut is Alt + p which will bring up previous searches in the catalogue or borrowers. To repeat a cat search or retrace your steps, press F2 and then Alt + p. You will then have a list of the searches made today or on that sign on. If you are interrupted and so forget a name and are hunting through a name like Smith to find the correct one you need, F4 will take you to a borrower search and Alt + p will give you borrowers looked for today, thus saving you time. Have a try.

Telstra's 3R's

2009-08-03T12:39:00.000+10:00

Telstra's 3 Rs of Social Media Engagement are Representation, Responsibility and Respect.
You can download a copy of their policy below:

Click here

Comparative Information

2009-08-01T11:50:00.002+10:00

The Comparative Information on NSW Local Government Councils for 2007/08 publication has just been released.

Click here

More ALIA information

2009-07-31T10:07:00.000+10:00

The first summary of the ALIA Public Libraries Summit held last week can be found at Summit

The opening address by Senator Ursula Stephens, photos, reports and more information are being uploaded to the Summit website over the coming days and weeks

Presentation

ALIA's presentation to the Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network and the transcript from 20/7/09 should also be available soon at

Broadband presentation

I just happened to be flicking channels on Austar and saw this presentation by Jan Richards and Sue Hutley on the aPac channel. It was really interesting and I enjoyed watching Jan profile Public Libraries so well. She really is a wonderful national advocate for our Library Services.

ALIA's other useful advocacy links - Advocacy

*Australian Public Libraries Summit Update**

2009-07-30T09:47:00.000+10:00

The inaugural Australian Public Libraries Summit was held in Canberra on Thursday 16 July 2009 (10am to 4pm) at the National Library of Australia. The Summit was organised by ALIA (the Australian Libraries and Information Association). I represented PLM at the Summit.

Summary comments of the Summit are presented below. I will report fully on the Summit at the 31 July 2009 PLM Quarterly General Meeting.

The goals of the Summit:

* To develop a stronger relationship with the Federal Government in achieving its agendas in a range of portfolios. Ideally, the country's 1,522 public libraries will be regarded as 'national champions' advancing social, educational, cultural, broadband and digital programs and policies.
* To engage with all three levels of government to develop a framework that supports libraries across Australia to better deliver services to their communities especially in disadvantaged and remote areas advance COAG (Coalition of Australian Governments) and the Social Inclusion reform agendas.
* There were ~40 delegates at the Summit. Please refer to the PLM website PLM Websiteand "Submissions" page for PLM's Summit Submission, the Summit Program and Papers, and the Summit Delegates list.
* Senator Ursula Stephens (Federal Government) opened the Summit. Senator Stephens is the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and Parliamentary Secretary for the Voluntary Sector.
* Jan Fullerton, Director General of the National Library of Australia welcomed delegates, and in her opening remarks, commented directly to Senator Stephens that "the only public library in Australia directly funded by the Federal Govt is the National library....this must change".
O* ther than the Summit Opening presence of Senator Ursula Stephens, there was no presence of any current Federal Government or State/Territory Government politicians.
* Other delegates present at the Summit included Australia's State Librarians (eg Regina Sutton, CEO SLNSW), Australian Government Department representatives eg Policy Advisers, socially oriented groups eg Philanthropy Australia and Adult Learning Australia, and major vendors eg OCLC and NEC Australia (NEC is involved with the Australian Internet Kiosk project).

In the morning session, there was a series of presentations (please refer to the Summit Program).

In the afternoon session, there were small group workshops that focussed on "continued or new, nationally focussed public library sector initiatives/projects/programs associated with the themes of":

* Children, early reading and a literate Australia
* Encouraging the digital economy and digital citizenship
* Social inclusion and community partnerships – safety, fairness, participation
* Health and ageing.
* There was also a small group working on ideas for the National Framework for Australia's Public Library Sector.

The critical next step following the Summit is the development and implementation of the Strategic National Framework for Australia's Public Library Sector:

* A vision, goals and outcomes for the sector
* Key stakeholders and stakeholder engagement and management strategies, including strategies to engage all three levels of government, and with the state and territory public library sectors
* Major nationally focussed public library sector projects/initiatives/programs
* Identification and pursuit of sustainable funding sources for the sector
* Relevant timelines to develop and implement the Framework and for all projects/initiatives/programs
* The Framework's governance and review processes.

Robert McEntyre
Executive Director
Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan Association (PLM)

Changes in New Zealand

2009-07-29T09:45:00.000+10:00

***Recent Information from a Library Manager in the north Auckland area - NZ***

"In Auckland we are looking at an amalgamated city starting on the 1st November 2010. The city will have 1.4 million residents (one third of the NZ population) and at 60 sites will have one of the largest public library systems in the world as far as I can tell.

The amalgamation is going to be extraordinarily complex and the new city represents an organisation with $27 billion in assets. NZ's largest company is Fonterra (the NZ global dairy company) with $14 billion in assets, so this is going to be something the country has not seen before.

There will be also a Lord Mayor type appointment with executive powers to appoint staff."

My note: Australia's largest Local Government Area is Brisbane City Council with a population of around 1 million. Both SSROC and WSROC in Sydney each cover populations of over 1.5 million Sydney residents.

Robert McEntyre
Executive Director
Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan Association (PLM)

Ever wondered???

2009-07-28T08:57:00.000+10:00

Ever wondered how ALIA sets its direction? Ever wish you had a say in it?

ALIA is your Association and you do have a say by attending ALIA's National Advisory Congress.

All financial personal and institutional ALIA members are invited to attend Your Voice: the ALIA National Advisory Congress at a location near you. This informal meeting will provide an opportunity for members to participate in discussion with an ALIA representative on the 2009 NAC focus Lobbying and
Advocacy: working together to make a difference.

For more information, including the ALIA Planning paper, position papers (more will be uploaded over the coming weeks) and NAC dates visit

ALIA governance

Productivity Commission recommends repeal of the Parallel Importation Restrictions for books

2009-07-27T08:54:00.002+10:00

The Productivity Commission report, released on 14 July, recommends that the Government should repeal the Parallel Importation Restrictions (PIRs) for books.

Whereas the Commission's draft report had proposed a partial liberalisation of the import restrictions, the final report recommends their repeal, and that:

Three years notice should be given to facilitate industry adjustment.
Current financial assistance for encouraging Australian writing and publishing should be reviewed immediately, and any changes implemented prior to the repeal of the PIRs. The new arrangements should be reviewed after five years.
To assist in monitoring the impact of these changes, the ABS should undertake a revised version of its 2003-04 industry survey as soon as possible and update it prior to the five year review.

Australia's restrictions on the parallel importation of books result in higher local book prices, according to this report. While this is a cost to consumers, the benefits to publishers and authors are not well-targeted.

The Commission undertook extensive analysis of international book prices and concluded that the current restrictions create material upward pressure on book prices in Australia.

By removing the restrictions, local booksellers and libraries would have the option of accessing better value books from overseas. Local publishers would have a strong incentive to make their prices more competitive and to look for greater efficiencies in their operations.

The Commission found that the support to Australian authors provided by the restrictions is poorly targeted. 'One of the Commission's concerns is that consumers pay higher prices for books, regardless of their cultural significance' the Commission's Deputy Chairman, Mike Woods, said. 'A second concern is that these costs to consumers generate greater benefits for overseas authors and publishers than they do for our local writers. In effect, Australian consumers are subsidising foreign book producers.'
The report reflects more detailed analysis by the Commission about the costs of the PIRs. While still acknowledging the substantial cultural benefits of the restrictions, the Commission has decided they have significantly greater costs.

In particular, the Commission found that the bulk of the benefit of the PIRs was going to foreign authors. The Commissions draft report had found that the benefits of the PIRs were about equally shared between Australian and foreign authors and publishers, but further analysis revealed that foreign companies and authors get approximately 50% more benefit from PIRs than Australians, amounting to a substantial leakage directly from Australian consumers overseas.

ALIA made a joint submission (with the Australian Digital Alliance and the Australian Libraries Copyright Committee) arguing for the removal of these restrictions. It is available at:

ALIA submission

From the NSW Budget 2009-10

2009-07-13T16:54:00.000+10:00

Total expenses (for State Library of New South Wales) for 2009-10 are estimated at $82 million. This includes a continuing direct contribution of $23.5 million for public library grants and subsidies (same as for 2008-09).

In the Word Document (link below) - SLNSW information starts on page 99.

Budget Paper

Today Show USA: Libraries lend a hand in tough times

2009-07-10T16:55:00.000+10:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan Association Snapshot

2009-07-10T14:45:00.000+10:00

Friday 10 July 2009

***SNAPSHOT***

Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan Association: June 2009 Survey of 2009 Library Patronage and 2010 Library Budgets www.plmnsw.org.au

On 6 June 2009 I circulated a short survey re the patronage of PLM Member's Public Libraries during the 2008/09 financial year and PLM Member's Library Budgets for 2009/10.

Below is a SNAPSHOT of the findings from the responses received:
Demographics:
18 of a possible 42 PLM Member's Libraries responded to the survey. The 18 LGAs represent a total LGA population of 2.2m people: 48% of the greater Sydney region's population (4.5m), 32% of the NSW population (6.9m) and 10% of Australia's population (21.6m).
6 of the 18 represent LGAs with populations greater than 150,000
5 of the 18 represent LGAs with populations between 100,000 and 150,000
5 of the 18 represent LGAs with populations between 50,000 and 100,000
2 of the 18 represent LGAs with populations under 50,000
2008/09 Library Patronage:
General increases in visitor numbers from very small (1% to 4%) to very large (over 20%) when compared with the previous year (2007/08)
Where increases have occurred, these have been across the board for sectors of the community eg job seekers, new migrants, and children and youth, and for a range of library programs eg baby rhyme time, children's story time, book groups, cultural and community programs, and homework/HSC help programs
One library (over 150,000 LGA population) reported a 46% increase in book groups
One library (over 150,000 LGA population) reported a 10%+ increase in loans and specifically in junior fiction
One library (50,000-100,000 LGA population range) reported a 20% increase in loans, 50% increase in PC bookings and a 24% increase in visits
PC/internet usage has witnessed a very large increase in some libraries:
One library (100,000-150,000 LGA population range) reported a 124% increase in internet usage
One library (50,000-100,000 LGA population range) commented that "Internet usage is at an all time high"
2009/10 Library Budgets:
Some marginal increases but generally stable and/or reductions
Increases in budgets are generally associated with Staff CPI Wage increases and not necessarily for library resources (eg book votes and programs) - few libraries with increases in resources budgets
Where a reduction in book vote and other resources is occurring: in some cases, up to and over 10%
With budget reductions, there are some reviews of opening hours (ie with possible reductions) occurring
Some reductions reported in Capital Budgets
Cameron Morley (State Library of NSW) very recently provided a snapshot of 2007/08 NSW Public Library utilisation:
Visits 36.4m - up 4.3% over the previous year and 17.5% over the past 5 years
Loans 48.8m - up 0.2% over the previous year and 6.1% over the past 5 years
Internet hours used in libraries 3.9m - up 41% over the previous year and 59.5% over the past 5 years.
From across the Tasman, the following late June 2009 email from the Chair of the Public Libraries Special Interest Group of LIANZA (Library and Information Association of New Zealand) - NZ has a population of 4.1m, with two-thirds living on the North Island, and Auckland with 1.4m people or 31% of the total NZ population - Auckland is marginally smaller than each of the WSROC and SSROC LGA populations:
"We are nearing the time of adoption of our LTCCPs around the country, so nearly there. At our recent North Island Library Managers meeting there was talk of some councils cutting budgets - not building libraries previously planned for and/or cutting materials budgets. It seems most councils have had to 'belt tighten' but until final adoption not positive how many are affected.
Of course our colleagues in the Auckland region are already planning to further the public library collaboration in view of the "super city" amalgamations. I have no doubt that other urban centres will follow suit - scooping up some of those smaller district councils. These are indeed interesting times."

Many thanks indeed for your input and assistance - very much appreciated.

I will be providing a further, more detailed review of the survey responses at the PLM Quarterly General Meeting on Friday 31 July 2009 (10am to 1pm) that will be held in the Mosman Council Chambers. Details to follow re this meeting and location/parking/transport.

Best regards,
Robert.

Robert McEntyre
Executive Director
Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan Association (PLM)

Mobile: 0407 208 364
Business: 02 9489 2310 (+61 2 9489 2310)
PLM Website: www.plmnsw.org.au

Local government sets national agenda

2009-07-09T17:02:00.000+10:00

By Angela Dorizas (23 June 2009)

Councillors and mayors from across Australia have gathered in Canberra to set a new national agenda for local government.

The National General Assembly (NGA) of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) attracted around 700 delegates ready to vote on more than 140 motions on issues surrounding climate change, infrastructure and finance.

ALGA president Geoff Lake said local government faced a number of unprecedented challenges.

“Never before have there been more issues at stake for local government at the national level,” Cr Lake told conference delegates.

“And never before has there been more of a need for us to come together – from across the breadth of Australia – to debate and shape a national agenda for our sector.

“How we navigate these waters over the next few years, will determine whether we are a strengthened sector in the future, or one hamstrung by responsibilities beyond our capacity and finances well short of our needs.”

Cr Lake said the NGA was “not a mere talkfest”, but an opportunity for delegates representing 565 councils to discuss and debate the role local government should play in building “sustainable and resilient communities”.

He said local government was preparing to lobby on three key policy areas: infrastructure, climate change and financing.

“How we interface with the Federal Government will determine what role we can play in shaping these issues,” Cr Lake said.

“We can sit back and watch how these things play out or we can be right in there – in the thick of it – and influence how things happen.”

No news on federal front

Federal representatives present at the NGA failed to deliver any new announcements on the first day of proceedings.

The Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, addressed the congress on infrastructure and financing, but did not deliver any new funding commitments.

Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Greg Combet, was scheduled to speak, but was held up at Parliament House in a debate over the OzCar affair.

His colleague, the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Children's Services and Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction, Bill Shorten, spoke on his behalf.

Shorten warned that a delay in the passing of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), currently being debated in the Senate, would negatively impact on the economy and environment.

“The potential delay in the CPRS is no small matter,” Shorten said.

“A problem delayed is not a problem solved.”

He said local government would continue to play a “crucial part” in responding to climate change, particularly in the areas of planning and infrastructure.

A number of climate change experts addressed the NGA, including: ANU Climate Change Institute executive director, Professor Will Steffen; Deacons Law Firm partner Elisa DeWit; Gold Coast City Council’s project manager of climate change strategy, Rebecca Durdev; and representatives from the Department of Climate Change, Gold Coast City Council and Clarence City Council.

The road to reform

Although excluded from the NGA theme, constitutional recognition of local government was also on the agenda, with Cr Lake providing an update on progress made.

Law experts Professor George Williams and Nicola McGarrity, from the University of NSW Gilbert and Tobin Centre of Public Law, presented their technical paper on constitutional reform and former Senator Robert Ray from CPR Communications outlined ALGA’s proposed two-year strategic campaign plan.

In terms of a timeline for reform, Ray said April to November 2012 would be the ideal time to put constitutional recognition of local government to the Australian people in a referendum.

The national general assembly continues until Wednesday, with Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull and Leader of the Australian Greens, Bob Brown, scheduled to deliver an address today.

The NGA will be followed by a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) at Parliament House on Thursday.

Movement of IFLA conference

2009-07-09T08:05:00.000+10:00

It is with regret we advise you of the decision of the IFLA Governing Board to relocate the 2010 World Library and Information Congress, previously planned for Brisbane next year.

The world economic crisis has been a key contributing factor to this decision. The National Committee here in Australia has, in agreement with IFLA, determined the downturn could have a significant impact on the Congress. With the greater number of attendees traditionally being drawn from Europe and North America, we must recognise the contraction in the world economy will inevitably mean many of our colleagues will be, as we all are, reassessing plans and investments to move forward in these difficult economic times. The IFLA Governing Board and the National Committee believe relocating the Congress is necessary to ensuring the long-term business continuity of our international federation and its ability to continue its very important work on behalf of all libraries and library associations around the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the hard work done so far, by the National Committee and host city representatives, and the generous support pledged to date by our colleagues in the sector. This enthusiasm and support makes it doubly difficult to have to advise that the Congress will be relocated. In particular, the excellent satellite events currently in the planning are clearly going to be amazing and productive gatherings. ALIA will be working with the satellite program planning committees to discuss with them the possibility of presenting some of these events in Australia over the next twelve months. Watch the ALIA website and e-lists for news on that front.

I hope you will be able still to attend IFLA2010 and support our international colleagues. There will be updates to the IFLA website www.ifla.org shortly regarding the new location for the Congress.

For all enquiries concerning this message, please contact ALIA President Jan Richards jan.richards@alia.org.au or ALIA Executive Director Sue Hutley sue.hutley@alia.org.au.

Jan Richards
ALIA President

Keith Webster
Chair, Australian National Committee for IFLA2010

Internet problems in Queensland....

2009-07-08T10:08:00.001+10:00

Hardcore library porn may spark Big Brother ban
Christine Kellett
July 6, 2009

A Sunshine Coast council may consider a Big Brother-style monitoring system for internet users at public libraries after an elderly man was spotted watching hardcore pornography on a library computer.

Buderim mother Alison Sheldon complained to Sunshine Coast Regional Council after witnessing the incident at Maroochydoore library last month, but said she was "fobbed off" by senior council staff who told her internet filtering was not possible.

But Councillor Anna Grosskreutz said the excuse was rubbish and the council would now look at a number of policy options to stop the "grubby'' practice.

She said the Council could consider a swipe card system for computer users to track exactly what they were downloading at ratepayers' expense.

"You absolutely can develop a software around it if you want to," Cr Grosskreutz told ABC Radio.

"In fact, Councillors and Council staff are prohibited from a number of sites within our own computer system, so why wouldn't the same sort of policy be applied to the library?"

Cr Grosskreutz said she was "shocked" by Ms Sheldon's complaint, which involved young children possibly being exposed to the offensive material, and would meet the former librarian today to discuss her complaint further.

"It is grubby behaviour," she said.

"These are places for families to go to.

"If you've got a small percentage who are going to ruin it for everybody, let's get a policy in place [and] let's get rid of them. They can pay $30 a month or whatever it is for another (internet) provider and do what they like in their own home."

In March, Brisbane public library assistant David Harold Wegert, 55, was sentenced to two years' probation after using a library computer to scour the internet for child pornography.

In December, a man was sentenced to two years' jail for possessing child abuse material he obtained from Maroochydore library computers.

Source: brisbanetimes.com.au

View full article here

IMLS launches “Libraries to the Rescue” podcast series

2009-07-07T09:59:00.000+10:00

Institute of Museum and Library Services , 24 June 2009,USA

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums, today announced the launch of the Libraries to the Rescue series of podcast episodes.

Library use is on a steady rise and the economic downturn has resulted in even greater need for library services. IMLS introduced Libraries to the Rescue to share with libraries steps that other libraries have taken to help their communities.

“Libraries have emerged as one of the go-to place for people looking for work or filing for unemployment, starting new businesses, or learning how to use computers for the first time,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS Director. “Libraries are proving just how important they are to their communities. In these episodes, library leaders share their expertise so others don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”

Libraries to the Rescue provides valuable insights from:

Mary Boone, State Librarian of North Carolina
Bernard Margolis, State Librarian of New York
Sheryl Mase, Library of Michigan's Director of Statewide Services
Jan Walsh, State Librarian of Washington, and Randall Simmons, Program Manager for Library Development in Washington
Kendall Wiggin, State Librarian of Connecticut.

The five episodes cover a range of topics, including how libraries are increasing access to key information through virtual libraries, the importance of broadband access, and new partnerships between libraries and state and federal agencies to help citizens access all types of assistance. The Libraries to the Rescue episodes are short (12-15 minute), digestible audio episodes designed to educate IMLS’s library audience.

Libraries to the Rescue can be accessed and enjoyed at the listener’s convenience. Audio can be accessed on the IMLS Web site or through iTunes.

IMLS Web site

Library Cat Blog

2009-07-03T09:25:00.001+10:00

Those of you who know me will know that I was thrilled to find this blog:

The Adventures of Tober

Here is Tober's first entry on the blog:

Hello! My name is Tober, and I am Thorntown Public Library's newest employee! I am a 2-year-old orange tiger-kitty, and I'm just getting to know my new home. I was rescued by my boss, Karen Niemeyer, who thought that I would be a perfect fit for library work. I live in a staff office in the adult department, where I am learning my new job as PR Director.

This is only my second day at work. I was a bit intimidated on my first day; I spent most of it hiding under a colleague's desk, wondering if I could handle the job. However, I made good use of my evening off, inspecting the facilities, the sleeping arrangements, and the cafeteria, and I've decided that this will be a wonderful place to work!

This morning they took me to the doctor. We could've skipped that (I tried to tell them, but no one wanted to listen), but the people at the Thorntown Veterinary Clinic were very nice. They complimented my looks (nice AND smart!), petted me, and told me I was a good kitty. I came home to my adoring colleagues, and have spent much of the day trying out new chairs and watching our customers come and go.

That's all I have to say for now. I have to get busy working on my job description!

Go and enjoy Tober's adventures - they are entertaining.

Update on the Public Libraries Summit

2009-07-01T10:55:00.002+10:00

Public Libraries Summit

Scheduled for 16 July 2009 in Canberra.
Some additional papers have been received since the last update.
Click here

Work is also continuing on the Public Library Ambassador program.
Click hereT

wo more Ambassadors have been appointed including one from Western Australia. Official announcement to be made soon on who they are.

Names of attendees are firming up for the Summit including representatives from the Social Inclusion Board and the National Compact Joint Taskforce.

National Advisory Congress

National Advisory Congress program theme for 2009 is Lobbying and Advocacy which is the result of the 2008 member survey.
See link for the survey report
Click here

Also check out Geek the Library, a campaign from the United States -

Geek the Library

It’s well worth a look.

Applications Open for Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's 2010 Access to Learning Award

2009-06-23T16:52:00.000+10:00

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is currently accepting applications to its annual Access to Learning Award (ATLA), which recognizes the innovative efforts of public libraries and similar institutions outside the United States to connect people to information and opportunities through free access to computers and the Internet.

The award is given by Global Libraries, a special initiative of the foundation's Global Development Program. The recipient of the Access to Learning Award will receive US$1 million.

Computers and the Internet are powerful tools that provide opportunities for people to improve their social and economic well-being. Worldwide, just one person in six has access to the Internet. This means that more than five billion people miss out on chances to pursue education and employment, access government services, learn about valuable health information, conduct business online, and exchange information and ideas.

The Access to Learning Award encourages new, innovative ways to provide computer and Internet services to people without access, and promotes greater development of public access technology programs around the world.

The Access to Learning Award honors innovative organizations that are opening a world of online information to people in need. The foundation's Global Libraries initiative invites applications from libraries and similar organizations outside the United States that have created new ways to offer these key services:
Free public access to computers and the Internet.
Public training to assist users in accessing online information that can help improve their lives.
Technology training for library staff.
Outreach to underserved communities.
Please note:

Applications are open to institutions outside the United States that are working with disadvantaged communities. To be eligible, the applying institution must allow all members of the public to use computers and the Internet free of charge in a community space.

Applications for the 2010 Access to Learning Award must be submitted via an online submission process by October 31, 2009. The application form is available only in English and must be completed in English to be eligible for consideration.

However, while applications must be submitted in English, the foundation does offer informational brochures in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. You may find these and additional information on eligibility requirements and the process of selection at:

Gates Foundation Website

Harsh for borrowing without a card!

2009-06-19T09:28:00.002+10:00

State Librarian's visit to Blue Mountains City Library

2009-06-16T09:20:00.002+10:00

Deputy Mayor Cllr Janet Mays, Regina Sutton (NSW State Librarian),
Francis Sims (Public Library Network Consultant),
Cllr Terri Hamilton, Vicki Edmunds (Blue Mountains City Library Manager)

The plans for the new Katoomba Library left a big impression on the NSW State Librarian, Regina Sutton, during a recent visit to the Blue Mountains. Blue Mountains Libraries hosted the visit from the State Librarian and the Public Library Network Consultant, Francis Sims, which included a visit to Springwood, Lawson, Katoomba and Wentworth Falls Libraries.

The State Librarian also visited the site of the new Katoomba Library and Cultural Centre precinct. Councillor Terri Hamilton, Chairperson of the Katoomba Library Technical Advisory Panel said, “The State Librarian is very enthusiastic about the new Katoomba Library and Cultural Centre precinct. Having the new Katoomba Library and the City Gallery together in the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre complex, means that residents will be able to access the high standard of exhibitions, collections, displays and forums currently found in the State Library”, continued Cr Hamilton.

The new Katoomba library is to be a two-level, open plan design with twice the floor space of the existing library. The new library will share the pedestrian access and foyer with the planned Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.

“Indeed, the State Librarian was envious of the Blue Mountains having the opportunity to development a new library and cultural centre complex, recognising the benefits to the local and regional community”, stated Cr Hamilton.

Council is currently working with the developer of the Parke St site, Coles Group Property Development, to finalise the fit-out of the new, state of the art Katoomba Library.

BMCC Media Release

How are our users accessing the Library?

2009-06-15T15:06:00.002+10:00

The following e-mail came via the RUSA (ALA) list. I thought there were some good questions for each of us to consider for our libraries.
Ellen (SLNSW)

Greetings! Are your patrons more likely to take a picture of a call number on a computer screen rather than write it down? Do you find that your users are accessing the library though mobile devices, prompting you to look for ways to assist them? Whether or not you answered yes to the above questions, we are interested in hearing your thoughts. In our effort to better anticipate our users needs, we have been investigating ways to provide library content and services in a mobile-friendly format.

Please consider answering this brief, anonymous survey (5-10 minutes). Your responses will be greatly appreciated! Please feel free to forward this survey on to interested colleagues as well.

Survey Here

Sincerely,
Diane Hudson, Science and Health Sciences Librarian
Juliet Kerico, Science and Health Sciences Librarian
Beth Rasch, Library Instruction Specialist
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Lovejoy Library,
Campus Box 1063
Edwardsville, IL
62026618/650-3828
jkerico@siue.edu

How to find your elected representatives

2009-06-11T12:58:00.000+10:00

Your Voice In House – finding your elected representatives

The Australian Centre for Democracy and Justice is making the task of finding your elected representatives very straightforward, launching a new campaign website called Your Voice in House. Now all you need to know is where you live.

The website allows you to enter your postcode or location and it will tell you every politician that represents you, in both houses of parliament, at both the state and federal level. The site provides postal addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. Plus you can select which politicians you want to contact and the site will allow you to send an email to everyone you have selected with just a couple of clicks of your mouse.

Check out the beta website at:
Your voice in your house

Help for jobless

2009-06-10T12:54:00.000+10:00

One hour early: look to your library program

King County Library in the US is opening 41 of its branches one hour early for a week to provide information about financial and job search tools. Across King County people are feeling the economic pinch: layoffs, reduced hours, decreased benefits and mounting bills. To help people cope and get back on their feet, KCLS is hosting how-to demonstrations of the latest job-search and financial tools.

King County Library Website

Libraries Help Drive Economic Recovery

2009-06-10T12:53:00.000+10:00

Investments in libraries pay long-term dividends in having an economically stronger, more socially inclusive community

OTTAWA (May 15, 2009) Representatives from the Canadian Library Association (CLA) today announced the urgent need for further investment in public libraries in order to build and/or upgrade their infrastructure.

No matter what the current economic situation is, Canadians know that they can get information, services and assistance they need from their public library.

“In our current economic situation, public libraries have become increasingly popular places for Canadians to come in and enjoy the library’s free resources,” said Ken Roberts, CLA president. “Whether it is surfing online for fun, borrowing DVDs or brushing up on résumé skills, people are flocking to libraries in the thousands to take advantage of a place that is primarily free.”

Across Canada, most cities are reporting large increases in their services and programs, not to mention items being borrowed by the millions. For example, in Calgary alone in 2008, borrowing was up by 1.1 million for a total of 15.4 million – an increase of 7.7% from 2007. Calgary’s 17 branch libraries were the second busiest in the country after Toronto, and sixth busiest in North America.

Key 2008 Ottawa statistics include an increase in library visits by 12%, an increase in usage of library items by almost 23%, and increase in the number of visits to the library’s online resources such as the website and online reference questions by 14%.

“This increase in usage is primarily due to the fact that Canadians are realizing that they can borrow books, DVDs, CDs and video games,” added Roberts. “In addition, if for any reason patrons need to cancel a magazine subscription or their internet, they can always come into the public library and enjoy these things for free.”

Not only are public libraries beneficial for entertainment and leisure purposes, they also provide essential resources to help stimulate Canada’s national economy. Public libraries play an important role in assisting people with literacy skills, résumé creation, job location and application, and re-education opportunities.

Applying for jobs via paper applications and résumés is becoming less common. Employers now rely more on online job applications and résumés sent by e-mail. The public libraries can provide help for people unfamiliar with computers for this process.

“Many of Canada’s busiest public libraries are reporting that their job-hunting resources are the most sought after service,” commented Kelly Moore, CLA Executive Director. “As an example, at London’s public library website, the ‘searching for work’ link was used 75,485 times in 2008. It is the site’s most popular link.”

As the library’s services and resources continue to rise in demand, essential programs are in extreme danger of being cut, due to the lack of federal funding. In addition to needing more library employees to keep up with the quick-moving pace of library visitors, some public libraries are in need of the physical space and technological infrastructure upgrades.

CLA underscored the need for an expanded role for the federal government in supporting libraries, including:

Improved and expanded federal investment in broadband and ensuring access to broadband via libraries
Improved long-term funding for libraries through programs such as the Community Access Program (CAP) and infrastructure spending
Copyright legislation that controls costs for libraries and ensures availability of material for the public
“Further investment in public libraries is urgently needed, as they are key components of communities’ master plans,” added Moore. “With more investment, public libraries will be able to increase access to the physically disabled, become more energy-efficient, and incorporate the latest information and communications technology”.

The Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des bibliothèques (CLA) is Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.

Online catalogues: what users and librarians want

2009-06-09T12:50:00.000+10:00

In 2008, OCLC conducted focus groups, administered a pop-up survey on WorldCat.org OCLC's freely available end user interface on the Web—and conducted a web-based survey of librarians worldwide.

The Online Catalogues report presents findings from these research efforts in order to understand:

* The metadata elements that are most important to end users in determining if an item will meet his or her needs
* The enhancements end users would like to see made in online library catalogues to assist them in consistently identifying appropriate materials
* The enhancements librarians would recommend for online library catalogues to better assist them in their work

The findings indicate, among other things, that although library catalogues are often thought of as discovery tools, the catalogue's delivery-related information is just as important to end users.

Online Catalogues Full Report

The Little Book of Public Libraries

2009-06-05T12:47:00.000+10:00

ALIA announces The little book of public libraries
ALIA is at the final design stage of producing a quick, simple summary of why public libraries are so important; giving library supporters the words and ideas they need to champion our cause. This isn't a throwaway leaflet - it's a lively little book that people will love to pick up and flick through. It's light on words (less than 1500 in total) and heavy on content - every line is a zinger.

The Little book of public libraries is based on the English version by the same name. You can check out the English version online at:
English Little Book of Public Libraries

Further information will be available via the ALIA homepage next week:

ALIA Website

Public Library Ambassadors Program

2009-06-04T12:43:00.000+10:00

ALIA names Australia's first public library ambassadors
ALIA is delighted to announce the appointment of the nation's first two Public Library Ambassadors: Barry Heard, the award-winning Australian author, and Bruce Miller, one of New South Wales' most active local government leaders.

The Public Library Ambassador program is in full swing with further resources to assist libraries to get their program underway. We encourage public libraries to continue to develop and confirm local ambassadors around the country.

ALIA Public Library Ambassadors can be grass-root members of the community or celebrity advocates who will use their talent or fame to promote the value of public libraries in their lives, especially attracting media attention. Similar in concept to UNESCO's goodwill ambassadors, an important difference is that ALIA Public Library Ambassadors come from a broad cross-section of the Australian community.

Amabassador Program information

Media release: ALIA names Australia's first public library ambassadors
Media Release

I am delighted to announce that Jean Nicholson has graciously accepted to be the Blue Mountains Public Library Ambassador. It was felt that Jean is one of the Library's biggest advocates. We will also be recuiting a "high profile" ambassador - watch this space!

ALIA Public Libraries Summit - new date confirmed!

2009-06-03T12:41:00.000+10:00

The ALIA Public Libraries Summit will now be held 16 July 2009. We are delighted that Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, and Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Prime Minister for Social Inclusion, will open the Summit.

Submissions already received are now available on the Summit website. Check out the blog for more information.

ALIA summit blog

New Hurstville Library Website

2009-05-29T12:59:00.003+10:00

Hurstville City Library, Museum & Gallery service has a new website they would like to share with you.

Hurstville Library Website

The brand new website has a number of exciting new features. Customers will enjoy far greater access to both information and entertainment. The new features include:

The LMG Blog
The Blog allows people to post comments on information ranging from LMG events, book reviews, to new items added to the collection. Don't miss this opportunity to tell us what you think.

HSC Help Wiki
The HSC Help wiki is an extensive resource of HSC material which is available within the library, from home, school, or anywhere with an Internet connection. It includes selected journal articles from the library's electronic databases, links to a number of different websites concerning school and HSC assignments and a list of useful items from the physical collection. Many of these resources cannot be found on the internet and are only available to members using the wiki so make sure you check this out.

Facebook
Want to meet other LMG members or staff? Perhaps see what events are coming up or check out recent photos. Then go to the brand new LMG Facebook profile. It provides all this and more. Become a fan today.

FLICKR
Flickr is a photo/video streaming website which is freely available on the Internet. The site allows users to upload their personal photos and videos to a world wide audience. The LMG Flickr page provides a visual record of current and past events run by the LMG & Hurstville City Council.

Your Tutor
This is a real time virtual homework help service with live qualified teachers for school aged children. What's more, this fantastic service is free of charge to all LMG members. Who said tutoring was expensive.
Increase your grades today.

Assignment Assistant
Our support for students does not end there. Assignment Assistant is another resource which aims to provide a comprehensive suite of resources for students all in the one spot. These resources include the HSC Help wiki, useful student related delicious weblinks, the Your Tutor tutoring service, a complete list of the research databases which contain over 1,000,000 journal articles, and a link to the computer school which provides training for a variety of IT based applications.

Ask Us
If Your Tutor and Assignment Assistant has not answered your question then ask us. Ask Us is a free on-line reference service where you can submit questions to our qualified librarians for assistance. So if you need help with your assignment don't waste time just sitting there. Fill out the Ask Us webform and let us help you.

RSS Feeds to What's On & What's New
Want to be the first to find out when the book you have been waiting for arrives. Then subscribe to What's New and receive an RSS feed which will alert you to a selection of our latest purchases. Alternatively be the first to know what events are coming up in the LMG by subscribing to the What's On RSS feed. You will always be the first to know by subscribing to the RSS feeds.

Discovery Writers group blog
Check out and comment on a selection of short stories and poetry from the local Discovery Writers Group blog. Give them feedback or perhaps join the group. This is an exciting new resource which launched with the new site.

Hurstville Library Website

ALIA News

2009-05-27T11:14:00.000+10:00

I wish you a happy Australian Library and Information Week for 2009. With the theme of Libraries your passport to discovery there is a world of potential to showcase the many ways in which your library makes a difference. Remember to send us stories and photos of what you've done to promote LIW 2009. It's also important that you and your colleagues take time to celebrate your contribution to our industry, whether this be a slap up morning tea, a glass of bubbles after work or maybe a lamburger after National Simultaneous Storytime!

Last week was a big week for ALIA with meetings of the outgoing and incoming boards and our Annual General Meeting neatly sandwiched in the middle. It was a time for us to farewell outgoing ALIA President, Derek Whitehead and Directors Katy Watson and Damian Lodge and welcome incoming Vice President/ President Elect Graham Black and new Directors Kate Sinclair and Gill Hallam. A huge thanks to Derek, Katy and Damian for their commitment, professionalism and insights. The "take home" messages from our meetings are available on the ALIA website - please take time to have a look at them and stay in touch with the diversity of issues before your Association.
ALIA Reports here

I look forward to meeting and working with many of you over the next 12 months

Best wishes

Jan

Jan Richards
President
Australian Library and Information Association
ph: 61 2 63938126 or 0418234827
jan.richards@alia.org.au
www.alia.org.au

News From Richmond-Tweed Libraries....

2009-05-26T13:21:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

Hope all Library Staff and libraries have survived the disastrous weather OK.
Please let me know if any libraries were flooded or damaged in the past few days.

Here at Richmond-Tweed all staff OK. Our Lismore City Library was closed when the CBD was evacuated - library staff came in at around midnight to move equipt up to the 2nd & 3rd floors. However the rivers peaked at just below the new levee top, and disaster avoided by app 200mm. On Saturday morning staff cam in early to reorganize the stored equipment so the library could open. Our Lennox Head Branch was blocked by a falling tree - lucky no damage to the building, and it re opened once the chainsaws arrived.
2 Branches closed briefly during short power cuts, and one Branch closed early as staff had to leave to avoid being cut off by flooding creeks. One of the 2 main streets leading to our HQ will be closed for months, as a flash flood swept a vast 4 metre wide section of road, roadbase and underlying culvert away, leaving a yawning chasm About 4 metres deep. Pics on ABC North Coast website. Fortunately no vehicles on it at the time.
Most Branches busier than usual after the events, as locals gather to meet and compare stories.

Regards,
Martin

Martin Field
Director
Richmond-Tweed Regional Library
Ph: 02 6625 1415
Fax: 02 6625 1479

Mosman Library vs That Search Engine

2009-05-25T12:07:00.003+10:00

For Library and Information Week, Mosman Library is challenging "The Search Engine"

The Challenge

Staff at Mosman Library are pitting Mosman Library's online reference: Mosman Reference collection against what you can find from the search box on the world wide web!

Each day during Library & Information Week (this week) they will be posting a question that represents the range of queries that we get at Mosman Library.

Who will come out on top? You decide the winner!

Follow the action at mosmanlibraryblogs.com/challenge/

Follow the action here

PS The Mosman staff would love it if the Library came out on top - so make sure you vote for the Librarians answers!!!