proACTive

Number 224: June 2002

ACTive ALIA convenor's column

ACT Libraries change lives!
The theme of this year's Library and Information Week 20-26 May was how Libraries change lives! The focus was on success stories that showcase from users' perspectives the impact of library and information services on individuals and society.

In a joint initiative, ACTive ALIA and the ACT Library and Information Services held a competition for the best short story, of 500 words or less, on the theme of Libraries change lives -how library and information services make a difference.

Libraries change lives prize winners
There were three categories: primary, secondary and open; and there was a $150.00 book voucher as the prize for each category. A $50.00 'Highly Commended' prize was also awarded in the Open category.

The prize winners were announced on 24 May - the Friday of Library and Information Week. You can find the details and the winning story in the open category on page 3.

Inspiring stories
The stories show how librarians and libraries have indeed changed lives. They made the judges of the competition feel proud of the profession and the wonderful people in it who touch so many lives so positively. It was very hard for the committee to select the prize winners and as they read and reread the entries they were very glad the word limit of 500 words had been set. I though you would like to share parts of the stories of those who did not win a prize.

'Its not just the library, it's the person behind the desk. The person who understands, listens and encourages', wrote a migrant who had been helped 'by a very understanding librarian, who worked hard to teach me English.' 'Libraries are treasure troves and such an important part of education and pleasure.'

Users tell how much libraries mean to them and how much a kind or helpful word can assist them. 'On many nights sleep evades me, however since the introduction of audio books, nights are no longer miserable for now I happily plug in my earphones to hear my latest choice. Many times I am lulled to sleep by a melodious voice'. 'The library ladies came to know me: "You liked Biggles. Why don't you try a real war book?"'. 'Being diagnosed with a serious illness I felt I needed to read the right material. I joined Woden Library in October 2001; a lovely lady attended me and at the same time commented on how good I looked - 10 points. I picked up a book on How to heal your life. I could feel myself healing already.'

Funny stories
'I love the library. We love the library. Gene analysis has shown the library loving gene to be dominant in my extended group of linked human beings. The gorgeous Emily just celebrated her first birthday and it was time for her first proper library bag. We posted off her new library bag with a big smiling Winnie the Pooh. My dad loves the library, and was a member of our town library and of the towns to the east and the west because restrictions of the number of items you could borrow were not enough for his week. Dad always borrowed the max in each category and used the four children's cards as well. Lismore Library borrowing figures would have registered a sharp decline the year my Dad left town. Mum likes a good book or two as well, and she used to let us use our library cards.'

National archive of Libraries change lives stories
On 1 March this year, ALIA launched a national archive of success stories. This celebrates the contribution library and information services make to the fabric of our nation. The national archive will be an ongoing program for the Association. The success stories can be submitted to and viewed at the Libraries change lives! website at http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/stories/. Why don't you send in your own personal story or encourage users to do so?

The new ALIA
Jennefer Nicholson, ALIA executive director, will speak to us on 'the new ALIA' on 12 June, at the next ACTive ALIA monthly meeting. I certainly found the new concept of the ALIA conference very rewarding.

Come along to hear Jennefer on the changes to ALIA and the regeneration of the association, and what these changes mean for us all. All welcome. See the events column and page 3 for details.

Helen Roberts
Convenor ACTive ALIA

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