FLA is now accepting applications for the Rachel Chan Memorial Grant. The Rachel Chan Memorial Grant assists those FLA members with limited or no access to funding to attend a library conference related to their work, in the form of a grant of up to $500.00. The grant may be applied to cover registration fees, accommodation and/or travel to the conference.
For more information or to apply please visit the FLA website at http://www.fla.org/home/grant
For more information or to apply please visit the FLA website at http://www.fla.org/home/grant
The deadline to apply is Thursday March 26th 2015
In 2014 the FLA executive had the pleasure of being able to award two grants. The recipients so graciously provided a write up to the Gazette describing the conferences that they were able to attend.
ALC Recap: Starting Out with Change
By Amy Southgate
April 2014 was an exciting month for me. I was working at my
second practicum placement for the SAIT’s Library Information Technology
program and counting down the days until the end of my final year of library
school. To cap off this exciting time I also had the opportunity to attend the
Library Association of Alberta’s, Alberta Library Conference in beautiful
Jasper, with the generous support of FLA’s Rachel Chan Memorial Grant.
When I was first registering for the conference I was struck
by the theme “Be the Change”. It seemed like a redundant title for a conference
considering that they are usually focused on change, featuring new
technologies, research, theories, and of course new books. But I was very
impressed with the conference committee’s choices and development of this
theme, every presentation and keynote addressed different aspects of the theme
of change in meaningful ways ranging from new technology to personal wellness.
I was impressed by the inclusion of presentations that were not all focused on
shiny new things that were successful; but also including presentations that
addressed our deficiencies and threats. This ability to look at the less
positive aspects and question the past will allow us to truly move forward as a
profession. Two presentations in particular spoke to me, and made me wonder
about the future of libraries as I embark on my career.
I was excited to attend “The Elephant in the Room: Changing Roles
of Librarians and Library Technicians” presented by Norene James, Lisa Shamchuk
and Katherine Koch. You may remember the call to participate in their survey
earlier this year; this presentation was the preliminary findings of their
research. The purpose of their research was to get front line information about
the roles of librarians and library technicians to see what their jobs entail
and also to see how those roles have changed in recent years. This research is
useful for many things including curriculum development, management, job
descriptions and importantly, fostering understanding among library
professionals and paraprofessionals. Unsurprisingly respondents reported that
their positions have changed in recent years. Further, they noted that job
descriptions did not adequately describe their work and responsibilities. So
what is the point of having survey results that show what everyone knows from personal
experience? Foremost it’s the realization that you are not alone, the results
span all types of libraries and library workers, and shows that there is great
potential for systemic reformation. Further it is the realization that many
people are unhappy with how things stand, that we are ready for change, and can
now work towards a new future for libraries.
My curiosity was sparked when I saw Michael Ridley’s
presentation “Beyond Literacy: Exploring a Post-literate Future” listed for
registration. I couldn't miss such a controversial sounding topic for a library
conference. This presentation was not about literacy in terms of the ability to
read and write, as we are typically concerned with in library land. Ridley’s
work is about the destruction of literacy in terms of reliance on the alphabet,
written language and writing as a means of information transference in general.
Even more controversial than I first imagined! Ridley has done extensive work
on this topic and while some of it seems like it is straight out of science
fiction such as: mind to mind communication, organic computing and artificial
intelligence, I think his theories are worth exploring. In recent years we have
seen the rapid development of technology and information systems, so maybe a
post literate future is not so far away. I have neither the time, nor ability
to do this topic justice but please feel free to explore Ridley’s work yourself
at http://www.beyondliteracy.com.
Topics like this one never fail to get normally placid library folks riled up
in defense of their life’s work, but remember critics predicted the death of
libraries with the advent of the internet and eBooks but we are still
surviving. Dare I predict that the post literate future will be merely a new
phase in the evolution of libraries, because libraries were never really about
books were they? Rather the dissemination of information, no matter it’s medium.
So what’s the take away? Libraries are in the midst of a
great change; but where this change will take us is hard to predict. I feel
fortunate to be entering the profession at this point, certainly the library
world that I will retire from will look nothing like the one that I am starting
my career in, but I think it will be great none the less. We are at a
crossroads trying to establish the new path that libraries will take, but I am
not worried that libraries will disappear. I see the
positive opportunities for change that are being developed by the talented and passionate
people around me. So, compatriots, in the face of impending change, may we
embrace it and be the change.
Amy holds a Certificate in General Studies from Mount Royal
University, a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of
Calgary and a Library and Information Technology Diploma from SAIT. She is currently working at the University of
Lethbridge as a Library Operations Specialist.
Photo Credit: "Chairs" (c) Jason Nahrung. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonnahrung/6343177973. (CC-SA-A-NC 2.0)
40th Annual AALT Conference: Honouring History, Building our Future
By Erin Storey
Earlier this year, from May 23 through to May 25, I attended
the 40th annual AALT (Alberta Association of Library Technicians) library
conference as both a delegate and presenter. The 2014 theme was “Honouring our
History, Building our Future” and the conference was held at the Edmonton Marriott
at Cree River Resort in Enoch, Alberta.
Both keynote speakers were from outside the library world
but spoke to issues that are important to library technicians, library work and
libraries as a whole. Denise Millar introduced PeopleScan, her technique to read faces and emotions in order to
get a deeper connection with the people we interact with. Ruben Nelson spoke
about the future of libraries and strategic foresight.
Sessions were varied and included workshops mostly geared
toward school, public, small and rural libraries. I presented the session Legal Research Bootcamp, intended for
reference staff at public or academic libraries who want to brush up on basic
legal research skills in order to guide patrons to useful legal information. Although the turnout was small, the feedback
from the session was very positive and the topic was well received by
delegates. Included in the session was a discussion of what kinds of legal
information patrons often ask, and what challenges can arise from legal
information reference questions. Free
resources for government information, case law research and legislation
research were introduced as well as some accessible legal books and databases.
The basic steps in the legal research process and researching legislation were
demonstrated. And finally, suggestions for referrals to community resources and
organizations were also given.
As a delegate I was also able to take in some sessions myself.
One session that stood out to me was Library
statistics : Not just a hoop to jump through presented by Kerry Anderson, a
library consultant with the Public Library Services Branch, Alberta Municipal
Affairs. Kerry’s session positioned library statistics in a very positive light
by offering insights and ideas on how statistics can be a tool to strengthen
community engagement. The session was also interactive, as Kerry facilitated
group discussion from session attendees on how library statistics were being
used in their own libraries. It was valuable to see what others are doing
around the province.
I also enjoyed the session You’re not “Just” a Staff Member: You too can be Instrumental in “Being
the Change presented by Karen Hildebrandt, Assistant Director, Library Services
at Concordia University College of Alberta.
The session matched the conference theme every well and dealt with issues
surrounding change management and staff engagement during difficult times. The
ultimate message was that leadership is a skill available to everyone,
regardless of title.
In addition to the sessions, the conference also included
social events such as a tour of the Royal Alberta Museum, a book club and a
trip to West Edmonton Mall, plus ample coffee and snack breaks which allowed
for time for catching up and networking. One of the highlights of the
conference for me was the banquet performance by the Running Thunder Dancers.
Attendees were wowed by traditional Aboriginal dancing, drums, singing and
regalia and were entertained and informed by the stories and introductions made
by MC and dancer, Adrian Lachance.
This is the third AALT conference I have attended and it
afforded me a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues from around the
city (and province!) and to make new connections through networking.
It is always rewarding to see what others in the profession are doing in their
libraries and to go home to your own with food for thought!
Erin holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Mount
Royal University and a Library and Information Technology Diploma from Langara
College. She currently works as an
Information Specialist at University of Calgary’s Bennett Jones Law Library.
Photo Credit: "High Level Lights" (c) Kurt Bauschardt. https://www.flickr.com/photos/kurt-b/14953631213. (CC-SA-A 2.0)
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