From the Desk of Lucy Pana, CEO
As my time as CEO of The Alberta Library gets measured in weeks rather than months, I find myself thinking even more than usual about how our organization is working.
Fortunately, that process has coincided with an extensive Governance Structure Review, led by consultant Toni Lashbrook. The review was designed to objectively assess the effectiveness of TAL’s current governance structure to ensure it supports the organization’s work by providing appropriate leadership and stewardship.
The final report will go to the next Governance Committee meeting in March, and will be a significant part of the discussion at The Alberta Library’s April Board meeting. Based on that discussion, the Governance Committee will make its final recommendations this spring.
While there is still work to do before the final recommendations are in, it’s clear from the preliminary results of the review that Board members are generally pleased with the overall direction of the organization.
"Cooperation and collaboration will perhaps be even more critical over the next decade as they were during the past 10 years."That’s good news, because the library community continues to face a variety of challenges, including rapidly changing technology and growing competition for limited resources and staff. Cooperation and collaboration will perhaps be even more critical over the next decade as they were during the past 10 years.
And that’s why we are so pleased this month to welcome Concordia University College of Alberta Library, Canadian University College Library, the Alberta Government Library and The King’s University College Library as individual TAL members. In addition, TAL’s Executive Committee has approved Yellowhead Tribal College’s membership application. Welcome to all.
Thanks to everyone who has sent messages of good wishes over the past few weeks. I was thrilled with the thoughtful (and warm!) gift, created by Chris Nelson, from the APLEN Nodes Directors.
I look forward to sharing some final thoughts with you in February.
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Share and win!
Who wants to “reinvent the wheel” when some of your colleagues have already created a great hand-out, tutorial, or presentation on a topic you’ll be teaching? The Information Literacy Toolkit provides library staff with instructional materials to help students and researchers make the most of the LHCADL resources.
We’re still looking to add more tools and make this a truly well-stocked resource. So, we’re calling on all staff of Alberta libraries to either submit your own teaching materials, or recommend a colleague’s.
Your submission could make you eligible for a prize in our Submit & Win contest! Every entry or nomination of someone else’s material is eligible. Prizes will be awarded to the winning entries later in the year.
To submit, please use the form provided on the LHCADL website.
To nominate a colleague’s creation, or learn more about the Information
Literacy Toolkit, contact lilac-tookit-contest@lists.talonline.ca.
Netspeed 2009 call for proposals
It's that time of year again! The Alberta Library invites proposals for conference sessions at Netspeed 2009 on October 21-23, 2009, in Calgary, Alberta. Proposals for conference and pre-conference sessions are welcome, as are suggestions for speakers and topics. All submissions must be received by February 13, 2009.
Netspeed is a conference for librarians and technical staff from all library sectors. Sessions cover a variety of topics including emerging tech trends, new technology, and the impact these have on the library and the community.
Update on TAL’s digitization project
TAL’s Digitization Readiness Project started last March with funding from the Public Library Development Initiative. The primary goal was to identify content held in public libraries in Alberta and to create an inventory of digitization projects. This phase of the project has been completed and submitted to the Alberta Municipal Affairs – Library Branch.
In order to discover this content, I travelled throughout the province presenting at library managers meetings, and spoke with individual librarians and library staff. We also created a survey which was sent out to TAL-member public libraries.
At the library meetings I found a wide range of responses. Some libraries were interested in digitization, others had no real knowledge of the processes involved. Some were excited by the prospects and potential digitization presented, and others thought their libraries had nothing worth digitizing.
This range was repeated in the responses to the survey. Although only 62 libraries responded to the survey and of those only three were actively involved in a project, there was interest among some of the other libraries to digitize parts of their collections. The majority of these thought their community newspapers should be digitized. Others identified local history books, photographs of their area, etc. Most left the question unanswered. The vast majority of responses show that public library staff in Alberta are unaware of the processes, procedures and technical requirements involved in digitization, and their libraries lack the resources to embark on projects at this time.
Currently, the inventory of Alberta’s libraries includes contributions from three public libraries. There are several other projects in various states of completion. Cold Lake Public Library is digitizing its history, Lomond is creating a community archive, Didsbury is looking at two projects and the McPherson Library in Ryley has completed an oral history project for their centennial celebrations. Additional content discovered during the process came from other institutions’ digital content.
As I was preparing the inventory, it became apparent that most cultural institutions are operating in a vacuum. There are many projects in development, but because there is no central registry, the probability of duplication is high. This is another reason for making all heritage content available through one portal – everyone could become familiar with what other agencies are doing, increasing possibilities for partnerships, and avoiding duplication.
As the project moved along, additional objectives became apparent. We needed not only to recognize existing projects, but also identify barriers stopping public libraries from entering into the field. We also needed to determine TAL’s role in the national scene as a host and/or aggregator for Canadiana.org. And, as many of the libraries reported lack of resources in their surveys, we determined a need to identify potential for partnerships with other institutions in the province.
To further these objectives, TAL added a one day pre-conference session on digitization at Netspeed 2008. Attendees were given an overview of the national digitization scene and TAL’s place in this picture. Two additional presentations from representatives of the Glenbow Museum and Our Ontario provided information on partnerships and the nuts and bolts of digitization.
A significant goal of the project is to develop a comprehensive and collaborative plan to preserve these identified materials through digitization. Part of this phase includes TAL’s Information Technology Services putting into place the technical plans and infrastructure needed to host and/or harvest metadata from our contributors. A repository for this type of project is an immense undertaking and, as the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day! The Know Alberta portal is currently in test mode and is scheduled to be ready for the public in April.
To continue the digitization project in a timely, organized and measurable way, we also need to determine standards, guidelines, policies and procedures. Once these fundamental elements are in place, TAL will be ready to go beyond libraries and seek content from other memory institutions in Alberta, making a significant contribution to Canada’s digital memories.
Books and beyond gets
thumbs up!
The results are in – and the recent provincial library campaign went beyond expectations. Way beyond.
“The best provincial library campaign we’ve had.”With the tagline Books and beyond the TV, radio, print and online campaign not only revealed a wealth of exciting resources available at the library, but also linked topics in an amusing way (check out the campaign at www.booksandbeyond.ca).
In December, a survey went out to public library marketing and communications staff, Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN) Nodes Directors and the APLEN Technology and Training Committee.
With a 90 per cent response rate, there were several survey highlights:
- 100 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that the Books and beyond campaign was effective.
- 100 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that the media mix of TV, radio and online ads was appropriate.
- 96 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that the campaign target demographic (18 – 35 year olds) was appropriate.
- 93 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that the Books and beyond website added value to their libraries’ promotion efforts.
Many survey comments were glowing:
“The best provincial library campaign we’ve had.”
“It was a catchy campaign, funny but educational – making libraries look like a fun place to be.”
“I loved the creative. Fun and quirky … it helped show libraries in a non-traditional way.”
“We’re grateful that so many people took the time to complete the survey,” said APLEN Director Karla Palichuk. “This gives us a lot of feedback to work with in planning the next phase of the campaign. We learned some things as we launched the Books and beyond campaign, and we’re looking forward to rolling out the 2009 campaign this fall.”
“Everyone at ad agency Rethink is excited about taking the campaign to the next level,” said TAL Communications Consultant Janis Galloway, who met with agency representatives in December. “Everyone involved, including Creative Director Chris Staples, look at the campaign as a labour of love.”
TAL Profile
Mircea PanciukWhat is your involvement with The Alberta Library?
Currently, I’m on the Executive Committee and Advocacy Committee. But, I’ve been involved with TAL since its beginning. I was involved in the very early process of building the foundation for TAL, including a project called Libraries ASAP.
What drew you to your profession?
I’ve been working in libraries since 1976 and truthfully, I got into it for practical reasons. I needed a job! But I quickly became passionate about libraries, especially working with people. I love the political side, trying to create awareness about the importance of libraries in our communities. Public libraries exist in a political environment and I believe we need to use that to our advantage.
Who had the most influence over your career?
Lucy Pana, The Alberta Library’s CEO, has definitely been an influence. I remember meeting her at a library tour early in my career. She has guided TAL to become the collaborative model it is today. Other influences include Keith Walker, Chair of The Alberta Library, Chris Nelson from Northern Lights Library System and Bonnie Gray, Manager of Public Library Services at Alberta Municipal Affairs. It has been a pleasure working with them over the years.
What major changes have you noticed during your time with The Alberta Library?
Obviously technology. TAL is constantly changing to meet the needs of libraries users. As time goes on, members of TAL are more and more open to the idea of change and evolving the way we do things. The consortia model is always evolving. Things like the TAL Card and Super Net were monumental achievements over the years.
Why do you think libraries are important?
There are many answers to this question. Libraries are the keepers of information, wisdom and knowledge for the public. Society moves forward based on the foundation of the past. Libraries help to preserve the past so we can move forward and build a society based on life-long learning.
What have you enjoyed the most about working with TAL?
The Alberta Library has given me the opportunity to collaborate with others across the province. Working with TAL enables me to consolidate ideas, express my own passion about libraries and educate others about the importance of libraries. I have made so many contacts through TAL and it has given me the ability to reach important audiences, especially in terms of advocacy.
What is the best thing you ever borrowed from the library?
That’s a tough one. I use the library as an instrument to fill my needs.
It’s pretty amazing to think that almost everything I need information
on can be found at the library. And with TAL’s collaborative model you
can access millions of resources across the province. Truly, a library
is a one-stop shop for knowledge. Whether it’s through the voice of a
librarian, a computer screen, a book or a DVD, it’s there. We’re very
lucky to have access to so much information.
Library Q & A – Three Hills Library
Three Hills Public Library Juvenile Section.
What is your library’s biggest current challenge?
I don't think the Three Hills Municipal Library's challenges are different from others. I believe we are all struggling with similar issues. Things like staying relevant in an increasingly paperless society; drawing the public out from behind their computers and cell phones to the physical library; keeping staff current in a time of ever-changing technology; right down to the fundamental question of what is our role in this current society? It all gets a little philosophical.
What area is changing the fastest in your library?
Perhaps what is changing the fastest for libraries is the role they play in communities. At some point in history, we became the place for quiet study and the keepers of deeper knowledge. However, a computer in a home office can do a far more efficient job of that. So, what is our new role? I believe we need to look hard and be painfully honest with ourselves. Yes, we will always carry books. Yes, we will always have those who come in to our facilities and make use of our study areas. But what I am seeing more and more is people coming to ‘hang out.’ They come to sit and look in a magazine. They come to meet a friend. We have an older couple that has a weekly Sunday afternoon date on the library loveseat. They peruse the newest issues of Popular Mechanics and Alberta Gardening and quietly talk of things they find interesting. This is one place without a cover fee, or large screen televisions broadcasting the sports and news simultaneously. It's relatively quiet. It's comfortable. It's safe. And everyone is welcome here. Our library is a favorite hangout of a family with a developmentally delayed daughter. She loves the books and the quiet; they love the spaciousness and the safety. As I said, everyone is welcome here.
What idea are you most proud of over the last five years?
The library seems to have a stuffy, boring image that doesn't appeal to the younger generation. So, I surfed the web and stumbled upon an image designer that sells her images royalty-free. For five dollars I purchased 124 images of a gecko in different poses. He's now on every poster and ad and on our website. He garnered a lot of attention at the schools and is lending a fun and fresh new interest to library advertising.
Where do you see the most opportunity for innovation over the next decade?
I love this presence we are developing in our community and I see mountains of potential in it! We have recently had major renovations in our library, and they are almost finished. With a new look, and a new manager, comes a renewed vision and sense of purpose. New programming is being introduced. Service for all demographics are being reanalyzed. All decisions are being revisited. However, change needs to be fostered and grown. The greatest challenge is getting the word out and having the rest of the community catch the spirit and excitement.
How does your library stay in touch with your clients/library users?
I have taken great advantage of advertising opportunities that have come my way. I write a weekly column in our local newspaper. It's a 'you scratch my back, I scratch yours' deal: they need local articles of interest to the community, I need free advertising. Talk about a win-win situation! I get to discuss changes, programming, renovations, introduce staff, schedules, etc. They get a fuller paper. Our local paper gets sent to all county residents for free. The readership for our local newspaper is extremely high. I also approached the two schools in town and asked if they would allow me to put ads in their school newsletters. They too were very happy to have community content for their publication. The public school has a PowerPoint slide show that runs every lunch hour in the cafeteria. I approached the coordinator about having our program ads run on it. She was very excited to have community events brought in for it.
How do you stay in touch with political leaders in your community?
It is also important to stay in touch with those who approve the budgets! To keep in touch with the political leaders in my community, I simply ask to talk to them. I share information and exciting things that are going on. We recently received a grant to purchase assistive technology. After the ordered items came in, I was asked to bring some of the items to the Town Council meeting so the Council members could see what the library now featured. It was both an honour and a thrill to brag about the library to the Town Council. What an opportunity to put our best foot forward and put a face to the library! A PowerPoint presentation with pictures of programs, etc. would be a great way to keep the council up to date on the happenings at your library. Don't wait to be invited. Most Councils are happy to hear good news!
In short, the role of the library is still evolving and I believe we can see it as a sad demise of the way things were, or as an opportunity to create something bigger and better for our communities. The current changes offer us a wonderful opportunity to tap into new areas of programming and services that we have not looked into before. We need to look to our facilities, our staff and our technology as resources to flaunt and utilize. The future looks bright in library-land!
Three Hills Public Library Teens Section.