Forty-seven enthusiastic library staff attended, from a wide range of public libraries from across Victoria. After a quick introduction and some guidelines, people put down their topics of interest on presentation paper. Astoundingly, after a big of juggling with the program for the day, we managed to find a place in the schedule for all 15 topics – with three concurrent sessions over 5 time periods.

As organiser, I tended to float around the different sessions, putting in my two cents worth and picking up gems of wisdom from the amazing people who work with ICT and the Internet in libraries.

You can see our final program at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tang02/7009523295/

In the first concurrent session, the Library Design for Tech sessions discussed new building design and the things we hope to try and plan for the future (difficult when we don’t know what they will be) ,as well modifying our existing buildings for things that weren’t even imagined when they were first built. Thinking revolutionary challenged us to think outside the box. To leave aside our preconceived ideas of everything and to consider ideas that we wouldn’t normally associate with libraries. Staff training explored how we keep our staff up-to-date with new technologies and more.

In the second concurrent session the Mobile web design and apps session discovered that there are some apps already around suitable for our public libraries that we didn’t already know about. Lending e-readers and iPads discovered what Geelong is doing with their program and explored issues around this and Internet speed/NBN discussed what type of speeds should be considered standard and just what we will be wanting and able to do once we have the NBN in our libraries and our neighbourhoods.

A lunch break, where most of the attendees ate and then stuck around and networked and then it was back into the program.

The third concurrent session explored what we would like in a Digital Media Lab – everything from creative software suites, to tech staff and 3D printers.  Responsive web design talked a bit about options for making our library websites the way we want, from choosing the platform to getting in with Council’s IT on choosing same. RFID Devices and Returns was the largest session by far and the queries of those who are planning to or embarking on the RFID path, were well-answered by those who have been there and done that.

We then all came together for our next session, which was supposed to be two guest speakers, but which fell through. Taking the idea from Library Camp Oz, we ended up with a bunch of wonderful volunteers, who each gave 2 minute lightning talks on innovative things that were happening at their library. I thought this ended up being one of the highlights of the day!

The topics covered were: lending iPads, using Pinterest in the library, iPad program for toddlers, automated suggestion for purchase system, next phase Learning 2.0 program for staff, library apps, touch screens for kids, Yammer group for Library IT communication and more……

The fourth concurrent session explored the IT Department and Vendor relationships – how to improve them and get the best out of them for the library, eBooks which are on everyone’s agenda for this year and Statistics and how we can get some useful data from those resources we use that don’t give it to us.

The final concurrent session expanded on iPads as tools, using Tech for local history and I finally sat down for an entire session, which was on Social integration. In Social integration, we discussed how to amalgamate our web presences, how to get more users to those same presences, using tricks and tools that are readily available, but not necessarily well known.

So finally, what did I learn as an organiser of the event.  I learned that:

• the day truly does belong to those who attend. We had great feedback and from that alone, I would like to run another unconference. Not everyone had been to an unconference before, but almost all of the 47 attendees so it was perfect for IT and libraries.  
• that you can’t run it alone. I had great organisation skill and arrangements from Elisabeth Jackson at PLVN, who took all the bookings, handled all the payments and organised all the food.
• that you can’t run it alone, part 2. The PLVN ICT Committee, which was responsible for this event, not only were invaluable in the organisation of the day, but also in convening concurrent sessions and sharing their expertise and in stepping up and giving lightning talks with virtually no notice.
• that you can learn a lot from others doing the same thing – so thanks to Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries and Library Camp Australia who both gave me wonderful examples of library unconferences to learn from.
• that you can either organise or attend, but can’t really do both to any level of satisfaction – I was really only able to attend the lightning talks (where I was time keeper) and the last concurrent session, as I was too busy organising and then keeping an eye on the sessions the rest of the day.  Still, it was absolutely worth it.  Even with only being able to attend those few sessions and picking up bits and pieces as I checked, I still got a lot out of the day, as an attendee as well as an organiser.

If you haven’t attended an unconference, then you must add it to your list of things to do. And if you ever get the chance to organise one, do it – its a fantastic experience all of its own.

However, there are many people who never get there.  I know that I was terrified at my first conference presentation, but because I survived it intact and because I got good feedback, it gave me the courage(?) to go back and try again.

So anyway, I’m looking at my son the other day, who was getting all excited about his own presentation (he’s 9). The differences between his and mine? He’s a child and his presentation is called ‘Show and Tell’.

We all remember ‘Show and Tell’ at school. How we would get excited, particularly after Christmas, birthdays and holidays, at being able to tell our classmates all about the wonderful new thing we got from said occasion. We would extol its virtues and proudly show it off without fear of judgement or ridicule.

What happened to the excitement we used to have when presenting “Show and Tell”?

Are we more concerned about the opinions of our audience than we were then? Maybe, but if we got a bad review then, we shrugged it off and either dished it back to the bad reviewer when it was their turn, or came up with something even grander at next “Show and Tell”.

Are we less excited about the subject of our presentation than we were at “Show and Tell”? Could be, but if we aren’t excited, then why aren’t we? We do really great stuff in libraries and we get the chance to present on these things, because other people think they’re great too.

What else is there? Can we step back to our childhood and recapture that confidence and excitement we had for “Show and Tell” and bring them into our presentations today? Can you imagine if every presenter at a conference had that? It would make for an amazing conference – over the top maybe, but I imagine you wouldn’t be able to help but get excited about what they were presenting on.

So can we get past the adult blocks that stop us from presenting or presenting well? A little bit of childhood magic might just be the trick. I’ll have to try using that mindset next time I present – I’ll let you know what happens.

It started on Tuesday night with a welcome reception and the opening of the trade exhibit. Drinks and horses doovers met everyone who had mostly arrived on librarian full planes from all Australian capitals on Monday and Tuesday. We were entertained by Drums Atemwe – a group of young indigenous girls who captured our attention with their beats and smooth moves.

On Wednesday morning I attended the first-timers breakfast – with lovely food and new faces. Met some lovely people from around the country and across library sectors. I even met up with an old friend, who I last saw at our shared workplace 18 years earlier. For everyone who remembers who, Marita Thompson sends her greetings to all who used to be at DVRLS.

Wednesday night was Happy Hour followed by the Australian Premiee of the Hollywood Librarian documentary movie. Even though I had read reports and seen snippets from it I didnt know what to expect. Appropriately armed with popcorn, I was pleasantly surprised, it was an enjoyable, insightful and emotional look into the public library scene in the USA at present. Ann Seidl, the producer, director etc here and shared both with us on the night and with individuals at the trade exhibit the next morning. It will be screening in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide in coming months, so check it out if you can.

Thursday morning I attended the ALS Breakfast, which I have already blogged about separately. Thursday night was the awesome conference dinner. About 600 people were bused 30 minutes out of Alice Springs to Ooraminna Homestead – most of that way on corrugated dirt roads. We arrived to find an open arena, with beautifully laid out tables out in the open resting on that amazing red sandy soil. We found out during the course of the evening that the buildings surrounding us were built as a movie set for a film which never eventuated. Our MC, the son-in-law of the owners, was friendly, irreverent and hilarious. The food was BBQ style with the option of steak or barramundi – the steak was mmmmmmmm! We did some star gazing which was amazingly easy in the middle of nowhere, led by an amateur astronomer, learnt some line dancing and boogied away to live music. It was a great night.

Friday morning was a late start fortunately. We finished the day with farewell drinks and a visit from some of our reptilian natives. It wa very amusing to watch as several people bolted as the handler brought out the python for a look see. A large group of Victorian public and other librarians went out for dinner in Alice to finish off a great social time.

I was fortunate to spend most of my conference time with two good friends, inspirational to me in their own ways. Thanks Melissa and Glenn for helping to make it such a good time.

]]> http://connectinglibrarian.com/2008/09/05/alia-dreaming-08-the-social-side/feed/ 1 http://connectinglibrarian.com/2008/09/04/alia-dreaming-08-fri-pm-plenary-loriene-roy/ http://connectinglibrarian.com/2008/09/04/alia-dreaming-08-fri-pm-plenary-loriene-roy/#comments Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:27:51 +0000 Michelle McLean http://connectinglibrarian.com/2008/09/04/alia-dreaming-08-fri-pm-plenary-loriene-roy/ ALA and the intersection of indigenous library services and values – Dr Loriene Roy – University of Texas

As ALA president, you get money for assigned tasks, an assistant etc ($250,000) and then $100,000 for programs. Routine duties include communications ie. presidential message quarterly reports and much more such as greetings, blogs, messages, cards/greetings. It also involved talking to media – she gave 150 interviews and did a media day amongst other things. Did 60 presentations worldwide and innumberable national presentations,including state and national organisations, as well as selected local events.

Chairing the executive board, the executive council, ALA council, ALA-APA executive board, ALA-APA council. Made more appointments than the speaker of the house – 250 in all. Appointments to ALA committees as members and chairs and task forces. Then there were ALA Presidential initiatives which included an Indigenous project.

Workplace wellness included a website, a wellness passport, workplace wellness inventory, tips for health conference travel and a workplace wellness fair with a wellness pavilion where they taught seated exercises.

Supporting LIS Education through practice include education forums, a book – Service learning and meetings with relevant organisations.

CIrcle of Literacy – Gathering of readers with schools from around the world in April 13-19 2008.

Indigenous writings were highlighted through writers, teen graphic novels, many voices-many nations performance event at the ALA conference.

Demonstration projects included National Library Camps – got grant info to develop this, Capturing our stories – developing a national oral history program of retiring librarians, Meeting effectiveness – tip sheets and podcasts on how to improve your meetings – also has a website.

Fun stuff included handing out gaming awards, gave out citations on innovation in international librarianship, had a theme of celebrating community, collaboration and culture.

It was a year of gifts – the dance of Honor, the Inauguration event, tribal community connections, renewing friendships.

Now – member of ALA Council, Executive Board and Committee. Chair of some committees and liason between ALA and other organisations. She is doing work for IFLA and will return to teaching at UT. Gets to be past-president forever! Check her out on Facebook.

Not been easy to stand in front of rooms, but it has been well worth it , both personally and professionally.

Margie began by saying that she was impressed by our library websites and what we do with them, that they are not just about information.

The retail market for books has 3 major segments: discount department
stores like Kmart and BIg W, with 22% of the market, chain bookstores like Dymocks, Borders and A&R with 50% of the market and independent bookstores with 25%. The latter is a fast disappearing breed in the US, due to price competition, which has also resulted in a lack of diversity. In Australia, our markets is very vibrant, generally successful and still very diverse.

The Book Scan service has helped suppliers and publishers to recognise
trends and ajdust their business strategy on the fly as the trends are revealed.

The 2008 top sellers in Australia so far are: Ingredients, Underbelly, Change of heart by Piccoult and Breath by Winton. Last year it was The Secret, ahead of the adult edition of Harry Potter and the deathly hallows. For childrens books, this year so far has been Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyers and last year was Harry Potter. Interestingly, many of the attendees
were not aware of many of these titles, because they were mainly managerial staff.

At present, the big sellers in each of the markets are; Breaking Dawn in the chain bookstores, Very hungry caterpillar in the discount department stores and Gallup in the independents. The US top titles at present are New Earth – a republishing of Eckhardt Tolls book an the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. The same titles will follow here as our markket is similar to the US. In the UK, the top titles are A thousand splendid suns and the latest Delia Smith cookbook.

Across all 3 markets there are only 3 books in common in the top 10 bestsellers – Atonement, Kite runner and A thousand splendid suns. Australia and UK have 5 titles in common, Australia and US have 8 in common and the US and UK only have those 3.

The Australian market leans slightly towards the US in trends. If a title is going to work here though, it does so quickly. However, UK covers and formats work better here. Why? Margie believes because it is better quality, more stylish, more anglo is design. Our covers are more subtle, not so blatant.

An issue of interest to the book industry at present is the 30/90 rule, which is under review. The rule was introduced in the 1990s to allow certainty of copyright and to provide consumers with titles in a timely manner. Publishers buy rights for a territory so only they can bring the title in. This means that publishers had to publish that title within 30 days of it being
published in English anywhere else in the world. If it goes out of stock, publishers have 90 days to restock. If neither of these conditions is met the copyright is lost and the title goes back to the open market.

The government is reviewing this and looking at making Australia a totally open market, where anyone can bring in titles from anywhere at any time. The UK and US markets are not considering doing this at present.

Booksellers say that it will bring book prices down. Publishers are concerned that they will not be able to invest in new authors, because they wont have the certainty of their protected business to support the risk. It may also put Australian book printers out of business.

Drivers for this change? US currency makes US book prices look cheap. The
Australian Booksellers Association is in support of the change, although not necessarily all of its members. As for the book printing business, although colour printing is done overseas, 50-60% of Random Houses black and white printing is done in Australia. The rule has been reviewed several times over the years, so this is only the lastest in a series. It will be interesting to see what develops.

Margie Seale was an engaging speaker. It was interesting to hear the publishing perspective and see how it matched with the borrowing behaviours we see in our libraries.

In SA, community libraries were established in the 70s and 80s. Of the 142 public libraries in SA, just over 1/3 are joint use. There is an agreement in place outlining the responsibilities, funding etc.

The Two Wells library operated at the Primary School since 1983. In July 2006 the Council opted to have their own library, which was launched in 2007. It opened in the Two Wells Institute. Such a split is a rare occurence in SA.

In 2004-2005 a new joint use agreement was being negotiated and that was the time for reassessment. A new agreement was finalised in 2006, but was reviewed in May 2006 and a statistical snapshot was conducted. In July 2006, Mallala Council opted not to renew the agreement. August the library staff visited their future home and vision for the library was defined.

September 2006 they developed change management tools, purchased the Spydus system. October 2006 they reviewed magazines coordinated the asset division and received donated shelving.

November 2006 they undertook training, management committee had last meeting, resources reviewed. December 2006 – joint library closed, moved resources and had broadband installed. Jan 2007 – the move, but without a phone for 2 weeks.

Feb 2007 – opened to the public, promoted and worked without computers. March 2007 – trained on Spydus, which finally went live in May – when the library was officially launched.

Library open 28.5 hours per week, with other branches open very short hours. Slight reduction from the joint use library, but open longer on school holidays. Good reception to the hours opened.

Challenges – design and fitout of the library was limited due to preexisting bookings of the facility, the heritage nature of the building and budget. Donations assisted with the budge restrictions, with more than half the shelving and the circulation desk being donated.

Higher loan figures in many collections, reference requests, internet access, access to Council services and more. Very positive feedback on the new library.

Review the change process regularly, celebrate achievements, list all tasks and network with local colleagues. Dont implement a new ILMS, dont be afraid to ask for help, dont paint laminate, keep participating in your profession. Remember to maintain a good work life balance, take more photos, provide recognition, include everyone in the journey.

The future: increase and improve marketing, stocktake, development of the local history collection, review library policies and procedures.

Question: what was the schools response to the change. Mostly positive as they were happy to get the extra space, have the security of school attendees only and they were able to take their library in a new direction, not problem free, but handled well.

Question: how using volunteers. In move, packing and unpacking. Now general circulation and currently writing job descriptions for them.

Libraries to 2025: turning dreams for new public libraries into reality – Carolyn Robertson

Greater Christchurch area is expected to grow by 50,000 in the next 20 years. They have 18 community libraries an 2 joint use libraries, with 70% membership. Over 1.1 million items, 6 million loans, 3.8 million visits.

The plan began in 2005, at the completion of a 10 year library development plan, but no new libraries were identified and no capital funding assigned for the next 10 years. In early 2006, surburban libraries and a mobile were identified for potential closure due to budget restrictions – was overturned.

Library planning proper didnt restart until 2007. It is not an asset management or refurbishment plan or facility plan. Built within the framework of local government, educational and national strategies, both government and library.

Collaboration and consultation with local governments, the public and staff. Partnership was a guiding principle. Used an external working party which gave them a cross section of representation, included key stakeholders and gave them Council and community buy-in at an early stage in the process.

The plan – criteria for future library planning (effectiveness, efficiency, affordability, equity), size-function and range of services, options development, identify priority areas. They modified their hierarchy of libraries to metropolitan, suburban, neighbourhood and rural outreach and other. Priority areas were identified, by looking at growth, community need, asset condition, resulting in the 51 options reducing to 28.

Stakeholder engagement also undertaken through meetings, newsletters, market research, online surveys, targetted community events survey and staff workshops. Asked the same questions of all groups.

Public participation included public forums, public participations, one on one and group invitations, public hearings and feedback, which ended in the final plan.

Plan supports options for a new central library, recommends 3 new libraries (1 a larger replacement), replace a current library due to poor condition. More projects other than the capital developments are also outlined, which include 7 day opening, a library cafe, review of services in smaller libraries and volunteer library arrangements. Partnerships will also be reviewed in line with criteria established.

Adoption of the plan is no guarantee of funding – which is being developed at present along other Council budget reviews. Final sign off will be in June 2009.

Have learned that the Working Party was a successful model, lots of work to support this though, use of language is important (dont use closure), repeat key images continuously, make connections. Overall has been a very rewarding experience.

Redevelopment and reinvention: rethinking reference services at SLQ – Vicki McDonald and Sandra Duffield

Planning framework was service delivery groups – had to rethink current services,how they were delivered and how they could be delivered in future. This included client empowerment and encompassed service delivery and building design.

The Info Zone was developed and is distinctive in its lack of shelving. Staff rove and provide assistance at point of need. Talking and eating in this space are allowed here. Clients are able to access the catalogue and the internet without authentication in stand up and sit down system and uses a queueing rather than the booking system which is used throughout the rest of the library.

One of the most successful services offered was wireless – which is available 24/7 without authentication. It will extend to the whole building soon and will comprise a separate network for staff and clients.

e-services card is available for clients to book a PC on upper library levels, call slip an item, access databases- both done remotely and locally, copy, print and more.

Once in the new library, the review continued but moved away from building considerations. They undertook a value management study and surveys. The study reviewed teh delivery of reference services to individual clients. The study recommendations confirmed earlier study as well as NSLAs strategic plan. The survey was client exit from upper levels only and mystery shopper and onsite only. Survey found that staff skills, behaviour, knowledge an experience and clients satisfaction was based on the entire experience of the library and resulted in a 80% satisfaction rate.

Latte Librarian was trialled at the Library Cafe – with a coffee and a laptop – highly desired slot, but finished early due to the low uptake of service and the instability of the wireless access. Once wireless is expanded, the trial will be continued.

IM reference is being trialled during business hours, using Meebo from the Ask Now page and no results page on the catalogue. They have been very happy with the response so far to this offering.

Convict Transportation Registers database is now available to all web users – the result of 12 years of volunteer work. Much international recognition for this. Can be accessed via Google.

NSLA comprises the Australian state, territory, national libraries and the national library of New Zealand. They are working to build the next stage of libraries for our users. The 4 key points and 10 projects are making way and getting librarians out of the way.

One library, transforming our culture and accessible content are the core of what they are trying to achieve. 5 year plan with a central office to help push it forward.

Do it now – SLV – opening up services
Access now – NLA and NLNZ – one library card
Virtual reference – SLV – next generation of online reference – not looking at the next version of Ask Now
Delivery – SLWA – being able to deliver content into peoples hands, wherever they are
Community created content – SLQ and NLNZ – communities of geographic and interest, being able to create their own digital libraries
Creating culture – SLSA – organising and storing
Collaborative collections – SLNSW and SLQ – trying to limit duplication and improve resource sharing – consortial arrangements
Flexible cataloguing – improving access to content – reengineering cataloguing
Scaling up digitisation – industrialise it, working on business case for significant national investment
Connecting and discovering content – NLA – improve coverage and quality of data, partnerships to improve discovery – a common catalogue interface and a national metadata store.

We need to tell good stories – tell each other about the good things that happen, not the bad, which is what we usually do.

Stephen said that our stuff is awesome, we are in good standing amongst the libraries of the world. We need to let go of the nostalgia. Change has been really slow relatively speaking, especially compared to the baby busters. Big changes coming, which will be fun if you like riding a roller coaster.

What are we going to do to get good results for our users – how can we negate the skewed results of search engine optimisation – where anyone can make sure their content, true or not, lists high in results.

Some people have 40 year careers. Ensure it is 40 years of incrementally better years, not just the same thing year after year. Choose to make the difference. You need to put your meat in the game = professionals commit.

Libraries matter – the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grants is just one example. Stephen gave a long list of examples where librarians are making a real difference, doing things that get people connected to the net and to the information they need, saving money, saving lives, saving our culture and our history and so much more. We need to tell our government about the competitive edge that libraries give Australia. Who do you think built Yahoo – librarians were pulled in to make it work.

What is the competitive advantage we have in our environment? The difference between us the internet is us – sensitive, intelligent, helpful – we are not a list. Put ourselves out there, with photo and social networking profile. Show who we are as well as what we can do.

DREAM BIG – start small, but dream big.

We dont know every little moment of truth that happens in the library. We can be the human touch for people. We may never know the difference we make to each individual.

Democracies persist because of libraries. Its not coincidence that libraries are often the first casualty of war. Librarians protect freedom of information, giving access to all, regardless of what our opinion of it is – we are truly bipartisan.

We have to learn the things that are making a difference, improving service to our users. If you dont want to learn, then get out of the profession.

We are a global profession, a bottomless network. Every librarian has hundreds of moments of truth, where we fight for our freedom, save lives, cure disease, challenge poverty and ignorance. Not dreaming 08, but dreaming big. Say yes every chance you get, encourage others and dont get discouraged. Those who say it cant be done, get out of the way of those who are already doing the impossible.

We are about books, we dont have to advertise that, what we do need to advertise is that we have people who can help you with just about anything. Show who we are and what we can do.

Web 2.0 is about things you can do and people you know. When you go online do you see people you know. You need to be where your users are, otherwise you are on a march to irrelevance.

Stuff will change faster now – by 2020, all content ever created will fit on an iPod. Video games outsell most content combined, ringtones are huge! Pocket size devices will dominate, the devices coming out are about having ubiquitous access on your person.

New? Semantic web, the cloud, no choice search engines, GIS oriented search, virtually unlimited fulltext books, streaming media and spoken word search, personalisation 3.0, microblogging, registries and so much more.

Normal now is RSS, blogs, YouTube, social networks tagging, wikis, SEO and GIS. If libraries arent involved in that, then they are behind. Resist the library culture of poverty, victimisation, risk aversion and passive resistance. We have to pass the chasm of early adopters and into the space of early majority. We have a technology lifecycle, we have to get on the curve early and stay there.

If we dont get into social networking, then we are going to miss it when they progress to the next stage – this is just the tip of the iceberg.

So what should libraries be paying attention to? The user-centred universe, be more open to users paths. A few things to do right away – the time is now! Need to play, pilot, trial, experiment. Mobile is important, confirm your presence, be where your users are, how your presence appear – personal,, professional; get good at the cloud (where users are going), play at e-books, get serious at literacy (dont use that term for users) and check out XML, get serious about e-learning, care about our cultures, just expand, know that most physical objects are dead, get real about influence, the next generation content.

Humans are our competitive edge. Be open to lifelong learning, our careers have seasons, need to have reciprocal mentoring – peers, be important, we can invent the future and make a difference. Just have some fun! Dream big!

Approximately 60% of Australians use public libraries. 50% of public library users visit weekly, 90% borrow books mainly, 37% use computers, 46% get information, 61% for social ontact and 50% to meet new people.

Why dont the other 40% use public libraries. Original LBC study showed that 27% dont use them for lifestyle reasons. 13% dont use libraries but have much to gain by doing so. The study aimed at finding more about this 13%.

Had to choose groups – criteria were universality, achievability, policy connectedness, research efficiency and coverage. The groups identified were indigenous, disadvantaged young people, Horn of Africa communities, low income families, vulnerable learners.
The groups were not mutually exclusive.

Searched out the groups that worked for them and with them, consulted with them, conducted literature reviews and more. Each target group had a report produced about them. Principles of engagement were developed – which included awareness, engagement collections-programs-services, policies-procedures, customer service.

In future, the SLV estimates that this group will drop down to as low as 8% of non-library users.

Summary of Horn of Africa – most arrived since 99, 20,000 in Victoria mainly in 4 municipalities, from many countries with many languages. Many come on refugee and humanitarian services. Limited access to government service, had little education, training and work experience, young people are caught between cultures and domestic violence, health and gambling are also issues.

Focus groups identified 4 key areas where libraries could help which were: a conduit for information about government and community services, help them with IT skills, access to computers and the internet connections to the broader community.

Factors influencing library use; awareness was low, but those aware were good users limited collections, difficulties in joining libraries and behavioural policies, sensitivity of library staff to their difficulty in asking for assistance.

Public library staff suggested that collaboration between the serving libraries could help improve service to this group, as would partnerships with groups involved with them. That libraries should provide computers with arabic keyboards and employ a staff member from that background.

Followed up with workshops for library staff. The six year project has now come to a close but the work is ongoing.

Question: whats next? Work in public libraries will continue, the SLV is about to start a new piece of research on the economic benefit of pubic libraries.

Why public libraries need partnerships- maintaining relevance requires innovation, which needs resources – which means money. Public libraries have many users, tight budgets, have little state support and no commonwealth funding. But just in case……

Why are partnerships possible – Public libraries have a unique position in their communities where we leverage the corporate social responsibility trend. We can partner with businesses, education, not for profits, clubs and more.

Example – Fairfield City Library Service – first Your Tutor customer in 2003, begun with local club funding. Demand grew so it was incorporated into the Council budget into 2004. In 2007 they partnered with the UWS to broaden access beyond what the library could provide.

The UWS has a Community Engagement Strategy – which aims to build a relationship with councils and to support local students. Most universities have such a strategy. For Fairfield it meant expansion of the program, marketing support from UWS and deeper institutional ties with them.

Example – Mornington Peninsula – Babies love books too. MP saw a program in a similar area, partnered with the library, put in an application to the Telstra Foundation and got $20,000 over 3 years follow up funding from BHP and Hillview. Now its in the library budget.

Example – Connected City Library and Melbourne City Mission.
Targeted learning support for at risk of becoming homeless children.

Example – Mobile Library Wireless Broadband
Upper Murray Regional Library Service – 3 mobile libraries. Got funding from 2 State Libraries and the Federal Government.

These were the only publicly visible examples. Need more like them. Critical skills required to make this happen – a desire to innovate: there is risk, which isnt a welcome option – need to be creative; brainstorming, teams, ownership – commercial sensibility: leveraging the librarys assets, outlining who benefits and how.

Making it happen:
1. Choose an appropriate project
2. Assemble your team – identify an owner, provide support
3. Think strategically – what are your librarys strengths – your users, your facilities, your role, your relationships
4. Identify a short list of potential partners – including businesses, associations, clubs, sporting groups, universities
5. Prepare your pitch – background, your assets, clear description of the opportunity
6. Hold a launch event – give them public recognition, raise the library profile, generates interest in the project and good media coverage
7. Follow through – objective is a long term relationship, maintain communication channels, acquit regularly and thoroughly and share success stories.

Corporate social responsibility – growing trend which includes community engagement policies an establish deep and meaningful partnerships. Need to take advantage of this.

Think big – ask for more rather than less, dont be put off by initial responses, remember your strengths and the needs of your partners.