ALIA Queensland Library Technicians

January-June 2002 report

Six-monthly report to the ALIA Board of Directors

On Wednesday 11 September at 5:30pm, a general meeting was held in the State Library of Queensland's Theatrette with guest speaker, Noeleen Fleming giving an insight into the UQL Cyberschool.

Noeleen explained the needs - most Queensland high school libraries have limited resources. Real books and real journals and e-books and e-journals are expensive. Teachers and students need access to quality information resources at an affordable rate. For geographically isolated students and schools, the issues are compounded. In addition, the internet provides a vast range of information resources but finding appropriate and reliable information for effective teaching and learning can be challenging.

The services - The University of Queensland Cybrary's award-winning program and its qualified and experienced teacher-librarians provide:

• Quality information resources at a discounted purchase price for school access
• A website with links to valuable information and resources
• Advice, support and solutions to technical problems
• Training and updates for teachers, teacher-librarians and students
• Tours and guidance in the use of relevant information resources

The Queensland National Policy Conference was held on Wednesday 2 October. The convenor, Jennifer Parker, attended as the representative of the Queensland Library Technicians Group.

On Tuesday 5 November, Susan Sawyer (vice-convenor), Margaret Mowberry (student representative) and Jennifer Parker (convenor) addressed a class of student library technicians at the Morningside Campus of Southbank Institute of TAFE. The students were introduced to ALIA and the information available on the website. They were also informed of the opportunities offered locally for them to attend meetings and seminars organised by the Queensland Library Technicians Group.

A Christmas breakfast was held on Sunday 24 November at 9:00am at the Stones Corner Hotel which allowed 19 members to enjoy each others company and catch up on what has been happening in the library world during 2002.