February 2007

In this aliaPUBNEWS broadcast:

Policy and advocacy
Government policy and services to support and include people with disabilit; Collections Council Conservation / Preservation Showcase; Attendance at Selected Cultural Venues and Events, Australia, 2005-06; National Policy Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library; Save Our Cities -- A National Action Plan

International
Umbrella 2007; Facet Publishing announces 2007 list; Museums and Art Galleries: Making Existing Buildings Accessible; The Network: Tackling social exclusion in libraries, museums, archives and; New features for WorldCat.org; New Zealand Public Libraries Summit; Welsh Libraries, Archives and Museums Conference 2007; A Blueprint for Excellence; Google continues to dominate other search engines

News from ALIA
New ALIA e-list - ALIA Volunteers [AliaVOLS]; @ Your Library for 2007; Review of ALIA policy statements; Negotiating E-Licences; 2006 Library Stars: Best of the Best; Designing and developing information skills training courses

Library and Information Week
Library and Information Week: 21-27 May 2007

Conference report
Information Online papers now available

States and territories
Community Heritage Grants for 2007; L2 Unconference Blog; Digital Forums at the State Library of Victoria; Innovative Ideas Forum; 2007 PLA Conference

Message from the editor

Policy and advocacy

Government policy and services to support and include people with disabilit
Written by Lenny Roth, Research Service, Parliament of NSW, this paper "presents an overview of Federal and NSW government policy, specialist disability support, disability discrimination laws and general policies that aim to promote access to mainstream government services. It also examines the recently adopted United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which may impact on disability policy in Australia in the future."
http://www.apo.org.au/linkboard/results.chtml?filename_num=138082

Collections Council Conservation / Preservation Showcase
The Collections Council has launched a Conservation / Preservation Showcase in response to recommendations made in the Conservation Survey 2006 Report. The Council notes that the aim of the Showcase "is to raise awareness about the field of conservation and preservation in Australia, both within the collections sector and in the broader community. As with all Collections Council projects, we aim for representation across the four major collecting domains - archives, galleries, libraries and museums - and also historical societies, indigenous keeping places and interpretation centres. Conservation and preservation are indispensable to proper collections care, regardless of the collecting domain in which the collections are located."
http://www.collectionscouncil.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=303

Attendance at Selected Cultural Venues and Events, Australia, 2005-06
An ABS survey in 2005-2006 on Australian attendance at cultural venues and events revealed that libraries rank third, behind movies, and zoos and aquariums. The survey also showed that more than 85% of people aged 15 and older had attended at least one cultural venue or event during the previous year. The report notes that libraries are most frequently visited people born overseas in the main English speaking countries (42%), those unemployed (48%) or working part-time (43%)and those with a graduate diplomas and certificates (51%), postgraduate degrees (50%) or bachelor degrees (45%. Follow the link for the complete report.
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/mf/4114.0?OpenDocument

National Policy Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library
Launched in 2006, this important policy document is now on the National and State Libraries Australasia website. As explained in the preface, "this policy framework is to guide progressive action across National, State and Territory library institutions in their plans and approaches to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander library services and collections. The framework is philosophically-based, reasserts values and principles of library institutions as guides for decision-making, and encourages collaborative approaches between institutions. It holds Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, their interests, needs and perspectives central to any development of policy or practice. The framework encourages development in seven key areas to progress best practice standards in the delivery of services and collection practices relating to a unique aspect of the Australia’s heritage."
http://www.nsla.org.au/publications/

Save Our Cities -- A National Action Plan
The Board of the Australian Local Government Association has agreed to adopt the Sustainable Cities - National Action Plan (NAP) as a basis for further developing ALGA's position on sustainable urban planning policy and climate change. In announcing its decision, ALGA noted the plan addresses key issues facing our cities - environmental, design, community services and transport. So far only the ACT Government has endorsed the plan, but it is hoped that all state and territory governments will do so.
http://australianlocalgovernmentassociation.cmail1.com/.aspx/e/149666/85125

International

Umbrella 2007
"Catalysts for Change: Making a Difference" is the theme of Umbrella 2007, CILIP's forthcoming conference. Up to 1,000 delegates from across the library and information community are expected to gather on 28-30 June for three-days of discussion and debate at the DeHavilland Campus at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield. Full details, including the conference program, can be found on the conference website.
http://www.umbrella2007.org.uk/

Facet Publishing announces 2007 list
CILIP's publshing arm, Facet Publishing, has recently released its 2007 catalogue. Forty new titles are expected, with topics ranging from copyright and information rights, to using the latest Web 2.0 technologies, digital convergence and reader development.
http://www.facetpublishing.co.uk/index.shtml

Museums and Art Galleries: Making Existing Buildings Accessible
Australian public libraries faced with the mixed blessing of historic buildings may be interested in this recent publication from the UK's Museums, Libraries and Archives Council which focuses on "innovative and sensitive design solutions architects developed as they engaged with the dual challenge of preserving unique historic spaces and widening access for all."
http://www.mla.gov.uk/webdav/harmonise?Page/@id=82&Section[@stateId_eq_

The Network: Tackling social exclusion in libraries, museums, archives and
The Network, a UK organisation of cultural institutions, exists to tackle social exclusion in public libraries, museums, archives and galleries. The website provides information about courses and conferences, an archive of newsletters, information relating to specific socially-excluded groups, information about the group's publications, a range of downloadable documents, and links to other relevant sites.
http://www.seapn.org.uk/index.html

New features for WorldCat.org
OCLC has announced that "WorldCat.org, the Web site and search box that offers public access to the catalogs of libraries worldwide, has added new features and functionality that enhance the discovery experience and make it possible to customize the downloadable search box, search and find materials in Chinese, and link to libraries nearby via IP address location."
http://www5.oclc.org/downloads/design/abstracts/02052007/worldcatorg.htm

New Zealand Public Libraries Summit
Scheduled for February 26 & 27, 2007, this invitation-only event "will bring together decision makers and thought leaders from Central and Local Government, Business, Community, and Libraries of New Zealand to discuss, listen, debate, and inspire the future shape of Public Libraries in New Zealand. Expect vision, energy, and good ideas! Invited guests to The New Zealand Public Libraries Summit include David Lammy, the UK Government’s Minister for Culture and Chris Batt, OBE, Chief Executive of Museums, Libraries, and Archives UK. New Zealand Post’s Chief Executive John Allen will speak at the Summit dinner. The Summit follows on from the Public Libraries of New Zealand: a strategic framework 2006-2016."
http://www.natlib.govt.nz/other/summit/index.html

Welsh Libraries, Archives and Museums Conference 2007
This year's annual conference for library and information professionals in Wales takes place at the Hotel Metropole in Llandrindod Wells on 17 and 18 May with a theme of "Building for the Future". The program focuses on partnerships, cultural leadership and hidden histories. The conference will also celebrate the centenary of the National Library of Wales, and host the presentation of the CILIP Wales sponsored Tir na n'Og Awards for childen's books.
http://www.dis.aber.ac.uk/cilip_w/index.htm

A Blueprint for Excellence
A Blueprint for Excellence – Public Libraries 2008–2011, published by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) on 23 Feb 2007, "marks the beginning of a process for improvement and innovation in England’s public library service". Over the next three months, the MLA will work with local authorities to develop modernised library services which address three key roles: as a community place, as a development agency and as an online service. The document "sets out a shared universal understanding of the role of the modern public library and the core services the public and communities can expect. The core offer will be a universal entitlement for children, young people, families and communities to an accessible local library and place of resource, a service working in partnership to engage with communities, and a global, interactive information service."
http://www.mla.gov.uk

Google continues to dominate other search engines
Just how popular is Google? Very, according to a report just posted at Search Engine Watch. Google is used three times more often than its closest rival, Yahoo Search. For more (and statistics galore), see this special report from the UK's recent Search Engines Strategies conference.
http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=3625072

News from ALIA

New ALIA e-list - ALIA Volunteers [AliaVOLS]
A new ALIA e-list (AliaVOLS) has been created to support opportunities for qualified professional and student members of ALIA to volunteer in Australian libraries and information collections; for organizations seeking volunteers to publicise positions available; and to promote discussion of volunteering and the utilisation of volunteers. If your library utilises volunteers please promote the position(s) at aliaVOLS.
http://lists.alia.org.au/mailman/listinfo/aliaVOLS/

@ Your Library for 2007
@ Your Library aims to promote the value of libraries and librarians and to showcase the unique and vital roles played by public, school, academic and special libraries worldwide. Themes for 2007 provide focus and inspiration for the campaign: March - Environment; April - Holiday Fun, Food; May - Law; June - Drug Info; July - Holiday Fun, Good sports; August - Escape; September - Find the past (Treasures/Records; October - Holiday Fun, Just Ask; November - Read; December - Holiday Fun
http://alia.org.au/advocacy/atyourlibrary/

Review of ALIA policy statements
ALIA members are invited to contribute to the review of three policy statements: Core Values, Free Access to Information, Professional Conduct. Comments may be forwarded to Marie Murphy marie.murphy@alia.org.au by Thursday March 1 2007. More information and links to the statements can be found at
http://www.alia.org.au/members-only/policies/review.seminal.html?realm=1

Negotiating E-Licences
Daunted by the complexities of acquiring and licensing elctronic content? "Negotiating E-Licences", an ALIA PD workshop presented in partnership with CAVAL, is designed to help. This practical one day workshop is suitable for library and information professionals from any library sector grappling with the challenges of acquiring and licensing electronic content. For more information, dates and Australia-wide locations, contact Caval Collaborative Solutions, ph 03 9450 5508, training@caval.edu.au.nospam (remove nospam)or pd@alia.org.au.nospam (remove nospam).
http://www.caval.edu.au/

2006 Library Stars: Best of the Best
A brief description of all 2006 Library Stars: Best of the Best nominations(and their respective libraries) are now on the web. Great ideas, great contacts! And congratulations once again to the winner of the Delegates Choice Award for the best project presented on the day: Alice Springs Public Library for Akaltye Antheme: local knowledge collection. Details of this exciting project is on the web, too.
http://www.alia.org.au/governance/committees/public.libraries/stars.html

Designing and developing information skills training courses
This FOLIOZ online course, presented by ALIA and ScHARR, will help you find out everything you need to know about designing, delivering and evaluating a successful information skills training course. The course includes content identifying training needs; developing aims, objectives and learning outcomes; designing information skills training courses; creating training course schedules; choosing venues and locations; and publicising, delivering and evaluating training courses. Although targeted at special and academic librarians the course also be useful for public librarians. Full details and registration form are on the ALIA website.
http://alia.org.au/education/pd/workshops/form.html

Library and Information Week

Library and Information Week: 21-27 May 2007
Linking people with ideas @ your library The aim of Library and Information Week is to communicate and promote the tremendous contribution libraries and information services and information professionals make to educate, inform and entertain all Australians. It's time for every type of library and every library and information worker to gear up to be loud and proud to celebrate Library and Information Week from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 May 2007. The message for 2007 is 'linking people with ideas @ your library'. The order form for merchandise will be included in the April inCite and will also be available on the website from mid March. So slap up a poster, grab a bookmark and hang on to your balloon … Library and Information Week is coming!
http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/liw/

Conference report

Information Online papers now available
All of the conference papers received from the speakers are now on the Information Online website.
http://www.information-online.com.au/

States and territories

Community Heritage Grants for 2007
The Community Heritage Grants (CHG) Program aims to preserve and provide access to locally held nationally significant cultural heritage collections across Australia. The program provides grant funding of up to $10,000 for preservation projects, and preservation and collection management training through community based workshops. Community organisations such as historical societies, museums, public libraries, archives, Indigenous and migrant community groups which collect and provide public access to their cultural heritage collections are also eligible to apply. The 2007 program of grants will open in early March.
http://www.nla.gov.au/chg/

L2 Unconference Blog
Victoria's L2 Unconference is fully booked. If you missed out, or are unable to attend, you can follow the blog so you won't miss out on the action. We'll look forward to a full report on this innovative undertaking in a future edition of aliaPUBNEWS.
http://l2unconferencemelbourne.blogspot.com/

Digital Forums at the State Library of Victoria
Information in the digital age is the subject of a series of forums hosted by the State Library of Victoria. The next forum on March 6, "Making Information Mobile" is on that ubiqitous item, the mobile handset. "Mobile handsets have become rich-media devices with faster connection times helping users to get online wherever and whenever they want. Content providers now face the issue of how to reach audiences via their mobile. In this up-to-date presentation, Keren Flavell, Director of OMG.tv, will discuss current trends in mobile content and portable computing. Flavell will look at the many ways in which people are accessing, exchanging and manipulating content and information using mobile phones and portable media devices. She will identify the technical challenges and constraints and how these are being met in the marketplace."
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/programs/ltf/forums/digital.html

Innovative Ideas Forum
The NLA is again hosting an Innovative Ideas Forum. The 2006 event was received very enthusiastically, and the 2007 program aims to inform and challenge you in a similar way. The Forum is on April 19 at the National Library. Registration is essential if you want to attend but there is no charge for attendance. Please register early to avoid missing out! Among the many comments received after the 2006 Innovative Ideas forum were: "It was an intellectual approach and that is completely refreshing - I love discussion of ideas!. The quality of the speakers reflected the intellectual framework of the forum. I went away knowing that as a participant my horizons had been stretched" "I thought it was excellent. Very well organised; ran smoothly; good venue; and an excellent choice of presenters" "it was extremely interesting and worthwhile; one of the better seminar days I have been to in recent times" "opened up a whole new thought process, not only for my role in libraries but in information management generally"
http://www.nla.gov.au/initiatives/meetings/iif07hm.html

2007 PLA Conference
Public Libraries Australia has announced its 2007 Conference will be held on 5–7 Aug 2007 with the theme "Public libraries building balance". Details soon from the PLA website, or contact Robert Knight, ph 02 6926 9777, knight.robert@wagga.nsw.gov.au.nospam
http://www.pla.org.au/Conferences.htm

Message from the editor
Welcome to the first edition of aliaPUBNEWS for 2007. With Library Lovers Day just over, reports are filtering in about all the wonderful things public library clients and staff did to celebrate what we love about libraries. If Library Lovers Day happened to pass you by this year, gear up now for 2008. See www.librarylovers.org.au for great ideas. Your feedback on this year is also actively sought, as you'll see at the above address. I've taken over the task of editing PUBNEWS on a temporary basis. Although I've never worked in a public library, I've been a member of a public library since before I could walk, and I worked extensively with public libraries while serving as Manager, Education and Training at the State Library of NSW. Putting this newsletter together, though, has made me realise that I still have much to learn about public libraries. I hope you'll share your interests, questions and concerns with me, as well as your favourite sources of information. In return I promise to share your insights with the more than 700 subscribers to aliaPUBNEWS. Public libraries are high on ALIA's agenda for 2007, and supporting the developing partnership with Public Libraries Australia is also one of my responsibilities. I look forward to sharing an exciting year with you. Niki Kallenberger PLA / ALIA Project Officer niki.kallenberger@alia.org.au Tel: 02 9799 5992

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