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Welcome to the November 2009 edition of aliaPUBNEWS.

aliaPUBNEWS is an initiative of the Australian Library and Information Association's Public Libraries Advisory Committee http://www.alia.org.au/governance/committees/public.libraries/

aliaPUBNEWS is a free monthly electronic bulletin for those concerned with supporting and promoting the further development of Australia's public library services. aliaPUBNEWS spans the policy and strategic issues and service developments having an impact on public libraries in Australia.
aliaPUBNEWS
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In this aliaPUBNEWS broadcast:


NEWS FROM ALIA STATE NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES WEB RESOURCES
NEWS FROM ALIA

Developing a vision and national framework for Australian public libraries

ALIA is eagerly 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.

We 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. We would appreciate receiving your response on or before Friday 11 December 2009. Submission details are in the document.

http://www.alia.org.au/summit09/

Public librarians on the ALIA Board of Directors

ALIA President, Jan Richards, encourages public library members of ALIA to nominate for the Board of Directors. Nominations close 13 January 2010. More details in the November and December inCite magazine or online.

http://www.alia.org.au/governance/elections

New national standards for public libraries

ALIA, PLA and the state and territory public library associations are collaborating in supporting the development of new national standards for public libraries. Libraries Alive! will carry out the work, reporting to a specially formed ALIA and NSLA committee. The library consultants will use a similar project carried out for NSW public libraries as the basis for this work.

Want to write for inCite?

ALIA is calling for Expressions of Interest for an experienced researcher/writer to produce a monthly inCite column, starting 2010.

On The Edge will be a monthly thematic column that looks at cutting edge research, controversy, or an area of interest within that month's theme. This column will be in addition to our member-provided content, and will be a conversation piece, designed to engage readers with the theme. We are looking for someone with a keen interest in the industry, and strong writing skills, who will be unafraid to address issues, but will maintain the fine balance between debate and discord. This is not about conflict, but being cutting edge.

A small monthly payment is made. For more information, or to express interest, please contact Kate Cuthbert, Publishing Manager, incite@alia.org.au, 02 6215 8231.

http://www.alia.org.au/publishing/incite/

Rebuilding with Books

When the bushfires swept across Victoria in February, offers of help were received from library staff around Australia. At the time, there was little anyone outside the affected area could do, but now there is an opportunity to be part of a nationwide library campaign.

ALIA has launched Rebuilding With Books, an initiative to help families who lost their main home and its contents in the bushfires by providing new books for families with empty bookshelves.

Rebuilding with Books is a cooperative venture led by ALIA and the Australian Booksellers Association. Find out more and be part of this worthwhile endeavour:

http://www.alia.org.au/disasterrecovery/

Living Libraries Australia and ALIA

ALIA has recently joined in partnership with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Lismore City Council to manage Living Libraries Australia. Living Libraries Australia is a national strategy for connecting and strengthening local communities through conversation. Members of the public are able to borrow a living person for a conversation rather than a book.

Living Libraries Australia promotes and supports the establishment of Living Library projects to communities across Australia by providing:

  • A website of downloadable resources
  • Promotional strategies and materials, and
  • A national network for information exchange and support
Tahnee Pearse has taken on the role of Living Libraries Project Officer and looks to further capitalise on the work that has been completed to date by the Lismore City Council. The ALIA Living Libraries Project Officer is tasked with the role of continuing project management work, including further developing the Living Libraries Network, fostering the sharing of information and spreading the word about Living Libraries.

Tahnee Pearse can be contacted via email at tahnee.pearse@alia.org.au

http://www.livinglibraries.org.au/

Little book of public libraries is now available in full on website

There has been a fabulous response to The little book of public libraries and we continue to fill orders. Place an order via the website. Don't forget that there is a list of ways your library and library-supporters might use the Little book to get the public library message out. There is now an electronic copy of the book available to download from our website.

http://www.alia.org.au/publiclibraries/

Summer Reading Club 2009/2010 - Read on the Wild Side!

Hear the call of nature with the Summer Reading Cub, READ on the WILD SIDE 2010 program! The Summer Reading Club will be run from 1 December 2009 to the 12 February 2010. Swap and share planning ideas at the SRC wiki at http://www.alia.org.au/src/wiki/pmwiki.php

http://www.summerreadingclub.org.au/

ALIA on Twitter

You can keep up with the tweets at http://www.twitter.com/alianational and also the ALIA CYS group at http://twitter.com/aliacys

ALIA Access 2010 Conference - logo competition

Mark your diaries now! This conference will be held in Brisbane from 2-3 September 2009 and it will include a public libraries stream.

We are now calling our creative ALIA members! We need your help in designing a logo concept for the conference. Ideas by 18 November 2009. Visit the conference wiki for more information and to keep up-to-date with ALIA Access 2010.

http://www.alia.org.au/events/2010wiki/pmwiki.php

STATE

One Search (VIC)

The State Library of Victoria has launched a new search interface that allows you to search across all the Library's collections in one easy, powerful search.

New features for all users:
  • smarter searching
  • streamlined searching
  • improved article searching
  • enriched search results
  • keeping selected items
New features for registered users:
  • ratings, reviews, comments and tags
  • eShelf
http://tinyurl.com/slv-one-search

Cost shifting issue (NSW)

The Local Government and Shires Associations have surveyed NSW councils to determine the burden of costs and responsibilities shifted to councils from the State Government.

http://tinyurl.com/lgsa-costshifting

NATIONAL

Letters of a Nation

Australia Post has launched a project called Letters of a Nation as part of a national campaign that encourages people to upload old letters into a public archive. The online archive has been developed to preserve all letters submitted and act as a resource tool for generations to come.

https://200years.auspost.com.au/html/loan/archive/

Emerging themes for public libraries looking forward

An interesting paper from Christine Mackenzie that draws out the themes, discussions and learnings around the use of library buildings; staff development and workforce planning; and the increasing use of research to inform decision making and implement evidence based practice.

The paper may be downloaded in PDF from: http://www.ifla.org/files/hq/papers/ifla75/91-mackenzie-en.pdf

100 favourite books

Borders have listed their list of the 100 favourite books of all time.

http://tiny.cc/QEOpk

Collections Council loses funding

Following its meeting on 9 October 2009, the Cultural Ministers Council has verbally advised the Collections Council of Australia (CCA) that it will:

  • Cease funding the CCA
  • Provide funding to the CCA for a 'transitional' period (the details of which are subject to further discussion)
  • Establish a working group that would consider any future approach to matters relating to the collections sector
Established by the Cultural Ministers Council in 2004, the CCA has worked to bring the collections sector - archives, galleries, libraries and museums - together and to provide advice to Ministers on the long-term sustainability of, and issues facing, the sector. Last month, the CCA released plans to develop and promote a new model for sustainable scientific and cultural collections in Australia.

The CCA's operations over four and half years with its four person staff have been supported by the Cultural Ministers Council and the Australian Government with grants totalling $2.1 million.

Discovering the favourite Australian novel

Australian Book Review invites you to vote in the ABR Favourite Australian Novel (FAN) Poll. Vote now and be in the draw to win one of three major prizes.

  • Anyone can vote
  • Votes close 15 December 2009
  • All Australian novels are eligible - any era or genre
  • Superb prizes for three lucky voters
  • The winning novel will be announced on 1 February 2010
Cast your vote now via:

Email poll@australianbookreview.com with the author and title of your favourite Australian novel and your contact details.

Mail or fax the entry form to ABR - Entry Form available at:

http://home.vicnet.net.au/~abr/FAN%20Poll%20entry%20form.pdf

Win a fabulous prize

Three voters will receive one of the following prizes:

  • The complete set of 99 Popular Penguins - valued at nearly $1000
  • The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, Deluxe Leather Bound Edition - valued at $410
  • A three-year complimentary subscription to ABR - 30 issues valued at $290


INTERNATIONAL

Catchup on IFLA items

There are a number of new interesting public-library related publications and reports on the IFLA website. Take a look here:

http://www.ifla.org/en/new-on-site. You may also be interested in the website for the PL Section of IFLA http://www.ifla.org/en/public-libraries or any of the other sections http://www.ifla.org/en/activities-and-groups#list3

Libraries Connect Communities 3: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2008-2009 (ALA)

Libraries are serving as crucial technology hubs for people in need of free web access, computer training, and assistance finding and using e-government and job resources. This report is the third in a series first published in 2007 under the title "Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2006-2007." The second report was titled "Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access"

http://www.ala.org/ala/research/initiatives/plftas/2008_2009/librariesconnectcommunities3.pdf

Ulverscroft Foundation Best Practice Awards

IFLA LPD and Ulverscroft wish to encourage worldwide applications from all persons and organisations interested in improving library services for visually impaired people.

The Ulverscroft Foundation and the IFLA Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section (LPD) are pleased to announce that the Foundation has agreed to provide renewed sponsorship of 20,000 GP Pounds in 2009 to continue a best practice development programme which commenced in 2003.

Applications should be submitted by 31 December 2009.

http://www.foundation.ulverscroft.com/award809.htm

Three Horshams Read

This is a project between the libraries in Horsham, West Sussex, England; Horsham, Victoria, Australia; and Horsham, Pennsylvania, USA to share and enjoy reading 3 different books. Each Horsham library has selected a favourite book.

http://3horshamread.wordpress.com/

CONFERENCES

SWITCH: Public Libraries in a Changing Environment

2009 NSW Public Libraries Conference & Exhibition, 22-24 November 2009 at the SMC Conference and Function Centre, Sydney, Australia

"S" in SWITCH = Sustainability. The Conference & Exhibition focuses on the role of public libraries in economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, working with their partners from the business, government, education, cultural and community sectors.

There will be:
  • 40 local, national and international exhibitors
  • 4 keynote speakers:
    • Michael Pascoe, Sydney Journalist and Economics/Finance Commentator: Economic Sustainability keynote address
    • Hugh MacKay, Leading Australian Social Commentator and Author: Social Sustainability keynote address
    • Frank Panucci, Director of Community Partnerships, Australia Council: Cultural Sustainability keynote address
    • Associate Professor Tony Masters, University of Sydney: Environmental Sustainability keynote address
  • 16 local, national and international Panel Speakers.
  • Lucy Broad, ABC Radio, facilitating interactive sessions between Panel Speakers and Conference Delegates.
  • Registered conference delegates from across Australia, New Zealand and the USA, including Library Managers, Library Professionals, Local Government General Managers and Local Government Councillors.
  • Exhibitor Passport for all registered Conference Delegates with prizes kindly donated by the Sponsors and Exhibitors.
  • Sponsors and Exhibitors Welcome Reception on Sunday 22 November 2009 at 5:30pm
  • Gala Awards Dinner on Monday 23 November 2009 at 6:30pm, which includes the presentation of the sponsored NSW Public Libraries Marketing Awards and the Multicultural Services Award.
http://www.plmnsw.org.au

QPLA / PLA Conference Evaluation

All those that attended the recent and highly successful Change and Challenge Conference in Townsville are invited to complete a conference evaluation survey.

To complete the survey please click on the following link or copy and paste it into your web browser address bar:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=HJXl8rBn_2fxHVQbT0tnD5uA_3d_3d

Please note that Conference presentations / PowerPoint's are in the process of being collected and will be put up on both the QPLA and PLA websites sometime in November 2009.

12 to 24s@your Public library in Australia and New Zealand

Conference announcement and call for papers
When: Conference Friday 11 June - Saturday 12 June 2010
Optional preconference public library study tour Thursday 10 June 2010
Where: Beenleigh Events Centre, Logan City, Brisbane, Queensland

Further information about the conference and information regarding the submission of papers can be found at:

http://www.auslib.com.au/

WEB RESOURCES

Grab some quick updates from Slideshare

One example is Evaluating Reference Services http://www.slideshare.net/iclark/customer-service-2342773 but take a look through other library-related slideshows, and share them amongst your staff.

Now and Then - Cultural Heritage Website

The Collections Council has launched the Now and Then website, which uses wiki technology to enable communities to share information about their cultural heritage. With funding from the '.auDA' Foundation http://www.auda.org.au/foundation/foundation/, the Collections Council of Australia has worked in partnership with the Mallala and Districts Historical Committee and its Museum in regional South Australia to develop this community heritage wiki.

Go to http://www.nowandthen.net.au/ to visit the Now and Then wiki, and learn about the places, people, events, organisations and things that represent Mallala's history and heritage. You can also add your own information, including memories of Mallala!

Dictionary of Sydney

An exciting and innovative new set of resources covering every aspect of the history of Sydney is being built. You'll be able to access it soon through a new website but also using other methods as new technological possibilities arise. This project site allows you to follow and participate in the development of the Dictionary of Sydney as it evolves.

If it happened in Sydney, then it belongs in the Dictionary. Essays have been commissioned on many themes in Sydney's history, on Sydney's Aboriginal history, on all of Sydney's suburbs and on Sydney's many ethnic communities, and entries on everything from bridges to bird species, crimes to carvings. The Dictionary covers the whole of the Sydney basin, from the earliest human habitation to the present. It will contain images, sound, film, documents and maps, as well as new scholarship, research and bibliographies.

Sydney's historians, researchers and writers are donating their time and expertise and writing for the Dictionary right now. Technical and editorial staff are preparing the software and the content and hope that you will explore this site, find out what's going on, discover how you can participate and watch the Dictionary of Sydney grow.

For more information and to see a demonstration of the site go to:

http://www.dictionaryofsydney.org

FEEDBACK

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