6 November 2002

Bright and funky librarians...

...guide you through the information maze.

Librarians of today are bright: Intelligent, lateral thinking problem solvers with a sense of humour - and funky: Willing to take risks, be optimistic and with a generosity of spirit. They help you find accurate, timely information and teach you how to use it effectively. The Australian Library and Information Association's Bright and Funky New Librarians' Symposium in Brisbane in December is a world first. Over 150 new and young librarians will gather at the Carlton Crest Hotel on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December 2002.

Symposium convenor, Sue Hutley said 'This is the first time in Australia that new and young library and information professionals will be able to network and discuss how they can shape the future of libraries and information services in this country'.

A competition on the conference theme 'bright and funky' saw librarians from all over the world log on to the symposium website to give their view on what a bright and funky information professional is all about. Judged by TV personality Rupert McCall and librarian Gail Drinnen, the winners were Virginia Dickson from WA and Fiona Doyle from Brisbane. Their visions:

'One who illuminates their professional work space so that it is a vibrant, enlightening place to visit. Bold yet playful, lively and cheerful, intelligent and promising'

Virginia Dickson, WA

Resourceful pro with consummate grace
Who'll find it online or face-to-face.
Proactive one with style and flair
Knows what's what and what is where.

Fiona Doyle, Brisbane

'Everyone struggles daily to cope and make sense of a bombardment of information' says Sue Hutley. 'Finding the quality in the quantity is our specialty and we are keen to explore ways of helping our clients find what they need more efficiently. Information literacy skills are the key to democracy'.

News and FAQ about the conference can be found at the bright and funky website at http://alia.org.au/conferences/newlibrarian/.