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Ipswich library tour

Sharon Uthmann ALIA Qld Library Technician Group committee member (QUT)

At 9:00am on Saturday 27 March 2004 ,the ALIA Qld Library Technicians Group converged on Ipswich for a tour of three libraries: Ipswich Library and Information Service; Ipswich Hospital Library; and University of Queensland Ipswich Campus Library.

Ipswich Library and Information Service

Susan Lee (co-ordinator of reference services) and Sue Cicolini (reference librarian) led the tour of the Ipswich Library and Information Service. There are four branch libraries within the Ipswich Library and Information Service, these are: Ipswich, Redbank Plains, Redbank Plaza, and the mobile library. A total of 65 permanent staff, made up of a mixture of full-time, part-time and casuals, assist in the running of the library service. The Ipswich branch is open seven days a week and the other branches five and a half.

Sue gave us a tour of the library website. Having been a member of the Ipswich library since I can remember, and a regular user of the website, I was pleasantly surprised to note a few things I had yet to discover about the website. Sue emphasized that the library is trying to push the 'virtual library' and provide remote access for the users.

The Ipswich library uses Horizon library system, and have been adventurous in providing a number of initiative services. These services include the sessions on various topics such as pilates. The sessions include a guest speaker, and the library markets itself by producing a number of handouts that give article citations and call numbers for areas that relate back to the topic covered. These can all be accessed via the library.

Another project in process is the outreach program in which the library visit's local schools and gives a session on how to use the catalogue and databases etc. This is arranged via the school and the school librarian. Ultimately, this has increased school age use of the library.

A very yummy morning tea was provided, after this very informative and fun session which kick started the day!

ALIA Qld Library Technicians at Ipswich Library & Information Service

Ipswich Hospital Library

After a brisk walk up the hill, we converged on the Ipswich Hospital Library, in which Lyn Bogaart (library technician) gave an excellent tour and talk about what services are provided by the library. The library is staffed by two members at .5 each.

The Ipswich Hospital Library has recently implemented Voyager library system. There are nineteen other Queensland health libraries on the library system, so that resource sharing is enabled.

Clients that use the Ipswich Hospital Library include resident doctors and nurses, as well as students who may be doing pracs at the hospital.

University of Queensland Ipswich Campus Library

After a long and entertaining lunch at Brothers Leagues Club, the group headed over to UQ Ipswich campus to meet with library manager, Sue Hutley for a presentation and tour.

The UQ Ipswich campus has been operational for the last 5 years. It is located on the former Challinor Centre grounds and occupies some of the old buildings. A yet to be named photographic record of the development of the library building is available online.

During the presentation about the UQ libraries, Sue mentioned how there now seems to be 'e-everything', or the 'googleisation' of everything due to the rapid increase in use of the internet and electronic resources. She feels that libraries have moved on from being gatekeepers and protectors, to being places, collections and experiences.

Thirteen branch libraries make up UQ libraries, and all of the colour schemes and signage have been standardised to ensure that students have a feeling of familarisation upon entering each different library. The carpet patterns and colours, at UQ Ipswich library even act as a directing force. These patterns lead users to different areas within the library, including an integrated information desk.

'Study spaces' are emphasized by creating different areas within the library. These are separated down the middle by a very catching garden and flowing stream. This creates a very relaxed atmosphere conducive for study.

On behalf of the ALIA Qld Library Technicians Group, I would like to thank all those that participated in presenting their libraries to us, and also to those involved in arranging such a fantastic tour!

Qld library technicians with Sue Hutley, UQ Ipswich Library

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