Inside The Alberta Library

 

 

From the desk of Clive Maishment, CEO

 

One of the best traditions of the holiday season is taking a moment to reflect on the past year. And that’s a nice twist because, for The Alberta Library, much of 2011 was about focusing on the future.

Earlier this year, we released Listening in, speaking out – Ideas and insights from NEXT: A Library Futures Symposium. The report distilled the conversations of over 250 participants talking about the future of libraries.

The NEXT report played an integral role in the creation of our new 2012 – 2014 Strategic Plan, including our new vision and mission.

Post-secondary library directors also took a significant step forward this year by using survey results and dialogue to create shared understanding of what they want to do together and a consensus on future directions.

Meanwhile, thanks to the Alberta Government’s investment in digital services, The Alberta Library negotiated province-wide licenses for Mango Languages, Canadian Points of View Reference Centre and Career Cruising.

The Alberta Government is also focused on implementing the Alberta Public Libraries Technology Report and Recommendations. As a result, the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN) began to work closely with the Public Library Services Branch to support achieving transparent / seamless access and ensuring stable technology infrastructure.

To help with training as future recommendations in the technology report are implemented, APLEN approved $90,000 for the purchase of a mobile digital media creation lab.

With the theme Make it yours, a new multi-year, multi-media campaign for public libraries was launched. The campaign is designed to tell Albertans about the incredible range of resources available at their local libraries.

Netspeed 2011 provided a number of highlights, with CBC technology commentator Jesse Hirsh and Enthrill Entertainment’s Kevin Franco presenting engaging, provocative and entertaining keynote addresses.

The Online Reference Centre celebrated 10 years of ensuring that every student studying the K – 12 curriculum has access to a consistent core of high-quality digital reference resources.

And finally, Punch Jackson and Lucy Pana were named Honourary Lifetime Members of The Alberta Library, recognizing their contribution to improving library services across the province.

At The Alberta Library, we may be focusing on the future, but we’re building on a tradition of innovation, cooperation and collaboration. That’s something that is always in season.

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Outside the book thinking

In many people’s minds, libraries are synonymous with books. Some Alberta libraries are working to change that stereotype by offering innovative lending initiatives that show there is more to libraries than books.

Although offering items that are outside the norm may stretch the boundaries of library acquisitions and cataloguing, they also present opportunities to build relationships with new library users and offer additional value to existing ones.

We continue our series showcasing innovative lending initiatives in libraries across the province by featuring the Grande Prairie Public Library’s Toy Library.

Outside the book thinking: toys

Kids and parents alike love the Toy Library offered by the Grande Prairie Public Library.

The Toy Library contains 150 toys suitable for children up to the age of 12. None of the toys use batteries and most are educational. Toys of all kinds make up the collection including rattles and pull toys for younger children, games, skipping ropes, toys for blind and hearing impaired children and puzzles. In 2010, 1,415 toys were circulated and there are no signs of slowing down!

Lending toys presents some challenges that more typical items don’t. Parents must sign a waiver before being allowed to borrow toys. When a toy is returned, staff must count all the pieces to ensure the proper amount of pieces are present (this is why the maximum number of pieces a toy can contain is 100). Toys are washed and disinfected before going back into circulation.

Even with all these challenges Linda Senenko of the Toy Library says, “The advantages and benefits far outweigh the time and effort involved. Knowing that the library is providing educational toys for children and helping parents provide toys no matter what their economic level is, is very rewarding.” Even if money isn’t a factor for a family, the opportunity to borrow different toys that will keep kids interested and engaged is a plus.

The Toy Library has been operating for at least 10 years and part of the funding for the program comes from the local Elks club. The Toy Library is promoted in flyers for children’s programs and on the GPPL website but Linda says that the program doesn’t need a lot of promotion. “Once kids know about the toys they’re hooked.”

Another fine example of “outside the book thinking”!

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Make it yours reinforces unique library experiences

Staff and patrons at Rocky Mountain House Public Library are having fun with the Make it yours campaign and showing off their uniqueness.

For the library’s Snapshot Day in October, staff and board members created personalized Make it yours posters and displayed them in the library. Janette Crawford, Library Systems Administrator, reports that the display not only caught people’s attention but also got them thinking about their experience with their library. “The display really showed the diverse interests of each individual and people were made aware of the unique experience everyone has with their library,” says Janette. She adds, “Our staff and board members had a lot of fun doing this.”

 

 

During the open house, staff encouraged patrons to make their own posters using a library computer. One person commented, “I enjoyed looking through the options available, and was able to choose what fit best for me and my library. I was awed at the number of programs and offerings in my library.” One of the library’s young patrons thought it was “very cool” to make her own poster and was excited to show it off to her friends. Both staff and patrons enjoyed seeing other people’s posters displayed in the library and in the online gallery.

Janette believes the online poster app emphasizes the personalized aspect of the library experience while also making people aware of the variety of services offered. “When making a poster it makes you stop and think of your experience and enjoyment of your library. All of the different icons one can choose really bring home the vast array of services that the library offers. This is a great way to showcase all that libraries have become,” says Janette.

We agree!

 

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Mango Mania made easy

Thinking about entering the Mango Mania Contest, but not sure where to start? According to APLEN Director Julia Reinhart, a good approach is to keep it simple.

“Because Mango Languages is fresh and fun, there are lots of creative ways to engage people,” says Julia. “The promotion doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.”

Have fun telling people about Mango.

Mango online language learning tools are a great way for all kinds of people to build their practical conversation skills in the world’s most popular languages.

The Mango Mania Contest gives you an opportunity to use your imagination to develop and implement a promotional plan that:

• describes and demonstrates the benefits of Mango
• uses creativity to engage audiences
• engages staff in learning about this cool new language tool

Here are a few promotional suggestions:

• Host a Mid-Winter Mango Party
• Decorate your library in Mango colours (orange and green)
• Greet library patrons in a foreign language
• Wear Mexican sombreros
• Treat people to Mango smoothies or Mango spritzers
• Organize a ‘find the mango’ game or a scavenger hunt
• Organize a flash mob
• Create library signage in foreign languages (with a Mango promo in English)
• Use QR codes to direct people to your Mango web page
• Involve friends of the library, trustees or (if you’re in a post-secondary library) your student union.

Mango Mania is your chance to win a Samsung Galaxy 10.1 tablet, a Logitech Headset with microphone, a set of 20 Lonely Planet travel guide books and a big basket of Mango swag.

Document your activities and submit your entry by Friday, March 16, 2012. More information about the Mango Mania Contest is on our website.

Contest winners and submissions will be profiled at the Alberta Library Conference in Jasper in April 2012.

And starting this month and continuing through April, a Mango Languages ad will run on CKUA Radio. The ad encourages Albertans to “Get your library card, go Mango, and start learning today!”

 

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Gifts for the inner child

 

 

TAL staffer Trina shows off some of the gifts from TAL's “inner child” gift exchange. All toys were donated to Santa’s Anonymous.

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E-reader subsidy encourages staff development

Strathcona County Library has an ingenious way of encouraging staff to develop their skills with e-readers and tablets – offer a rebate to staff members who purchase the devices.

After reading about a subsidy program offered by a library in Colorado, Jocelyn Badley was eager to implement something similar at Strathcona County Library. “It seemed like a great idea, since one of the main limitations on staff improving their skills with these devices is just having access to them to practice and become comfortable,” says Jocelyn who is the library’s Virtual Services/Reference Librarian.

The initiative aims to build knowledge and skills with a variety of devices to help staff meet the needs of library patrons. As Jocelyn explains, “One ongoing challenge we face is that our patrons bring their electronic gadgets of all kinds in to the library and expect the staff at the desks to be able to help them use them. Many of these questions are related to our electronic services like e-book downloads, but it’s not limited to that – we get asked all kinds of questions.”

Staff will be reimbursed for $50 on the purchase of Android tablets, Sony e-readers, Kobos, or anything from Apple’s line of mobile products (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch). These products were chosen because they are the most common devices staff get asked questions about and also because the library offers e-book services for these devices.

Although the final participation numbers won’t be tallied until the end of December, Jocelyn reports that the response has been positive so far. She says that many library staff members have mentioned they are considering taking advantage of the subsidy and some have asked for advice on which devices they should purchase.

If the early response is any indication, this subsidy program is an investment that will pay dividends.

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Library Spotlight: Taylor Family Digital Library, University of Calgary

Each issue TAL Tales shines the spotlight on one of Alberta’s many great libraries. This month, we learn about the University of Calgary's Taylor Family Digital Library.

 

 

What vision did you (as a staff) have for the library?

The Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) is envisioned as a vibrant community that will encourage innovative collaborations in teaching and research and in student engagement and deep learning. It is a place where all members of the university can engage in dialogue and in the creation and production of new knowledge using traditional, digital, primary and other resources. The TFDL offers services to support clients in these activities.

Tell us about the planning process. What factors did you consider? Did you look at any other facilities to get ideas?

We looked to the best and brightest in library and educational designs from around the world, including Scotland, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States, and incorporated them into the TFDL.

In 2009, we established six library staff teams to consult with our stakeholders both on and off campus to determine their needs and expectations from the building.

The Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre and the offices of Alumni Relations are now located in the building, allowing us to work together to support student achievement and life-long learning.

Technology plays a key role in your library. Describe some of the noteworthy features.

The technology is designed to respond to the needs of students and researchers, both now and in the future. Experiential learning is actively supported through collaborative work rooms; multi-surface computer screens; an amazing visualization room featuring a wall-sized screen which allows large data sets to be projected; laptops on loan from the front desks; large media walls and touch tables that encourage students to share their projects and work together.

How has the space been designed to be flexible for students’ needs?

The building is designed to meet the changing needs of students during the year and also to allow students to determine their own use of the space. The first two floors are the Learning Commons and feature open spaces with lots of natural light, designed for collaborative, experiential learning. The Good Earth café on the main floor helps support a casual atmosphere, and students meet and discuss projects while enjoying the flexible comfortable furniture.

The upper floors are designed for more individual, reflective study, close to the stacks of more than 600,000 books. At the beginning of the year, the lower floors are active and filled with laughter and conversation as students meet and plan their year. As exams and finals begin, the whole building grows quieter as intense studying takes place.

How has the space been designed for collaboration?

The Learning Commons on the first and second floors features collaborative work rooms where up to eight students can work together on a project, sharing their research on a common screen. A special presentation room enables students to film their presentations for review and feedback. Touch tables and large media walls provide the larger “digital real estate” important for group work and research. Many computers have two screens, allowing one or more students to work together.

What type of technology has been implemented to assist staff with their duties?

All library materials have been tagged with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that allow quick identification and discoverability. A seven-bin automatic book return system means that materials are returned to the shelves more efficiently. The High Density Library off-site provides state-of-the-art storage for additional materials that can be delivered within one business day.

What features are faculty members excited about? Students?

Faculty asked for large computer screens to be able to project larger data sets. We responded with the visualization room, featuring a large wall-sized screen on which artists can develop visual artworks or physics professors can explore deep-space datasets.

Students asked for more electrical outlets to allow them to work anywhere in the building. The entire building is wireless and there is an electrical outlet for every public seat in the building. We went further. Recognizing that not every student has their own laptop, we have made 48 new laptops available for loan within the building and they are already in constant use.

Everyone appreciates the natural light on every floor of the building. The spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and the downtown city lights at night are popular attractions.

Is there anything else you’d like the library community to know about your library and staff?

The Taylor Family Digital Library is the most advanced library facility in North America, says Tom Hickerson, Vice Provost (Libraries and Cultural Resources) and University Librarian. It is designed for learning in the 21st century with cutting-edge technology that supports collaborative and experiential research and study.

The unique convergence of visual arts, rare books, and historical archives and artifacts offers the broadest cultural experience for students, faculty, and visitors, further enhanced by the presence of an active art gallery in the heart of the building. The Taylor Family Digital Library is helping to shape the future of learning.

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People You Should Know: Van drivers with Chinook Arch Regional Library System

Each issue TAL Tales introduces you to another member of Alberta’s vibrant library community. This month, we profile a group of people! David Van Hees, Del Homulos, Ronald Neil, and Bruce Storey are van drivers with the Chinook Arch Regional Library System.

 

Bruce, Dave and Del

 

How do the van drivers support your library system?

Terra Plato, who supervises the van drivers, tells us how important the drivers are to the Chinook Arch Regional Library System.

The drivers are an integral part of Chinook Arch services. They are essentially on the ‘front lines’ everyday at our libraries, representing Chinook Arch to our members. Patrons eagerly await the at-least-weekly deliveries knowing that they are likely to get that latest novel, or blockbuster movie they have been waiting for. Library staff have described receiving their bins in delivery like ‘unwrapping’ a Christmas present.

In 2011, regional lending throughout the System increased by 60% from 2010, and our drivers have taken on that extra load without a word of complaint. The Chinook Arch van drivers have a great rapport with library staff and do a great job of representing Chinook Arch’s philosophy of customer service.

How many kilometres do you travel in an average month/year?

In 2011, Chinook Arch increased our number of delivery days. Currently, the drivers drive about 11,159 km a month and 145,069 km per year.

What is the longest distance you have to drive from Chinook Arch headquarters to one of the member libraries?

145 km (to the Crowsnest Pass Municipal Library).

How would you describe your job to a person you just met?

Del: I tell them that I found a perfect job for a person who is looking for a laid back, no pressure job; a job that is the driving force in the corporation.

Bruce: I deliver boxes of books and videos between libraries in southern Alberta – that way all libraries have the resources of every library in Alberta – not every library has to have a copy of the latest John Grisham book, for example.

Dave: Lots of driving, but a chance to see the country change over the seasons.

What is the best part of being on the road?

Dave: Freedom of the road and the outdoors.

Del: Meeting with all the staff and librarians, joking with them and trying to make their day more pleasant.

Bruce: I enjoy driving and the physical activity is good for me. For most of the year I am embarrassed to take pay for what I do – go for a drive in the scenic countryside. The winter is a different situation of course, but that is only a short portion of the year and if the roads are bad we just don’t go out at all. Librarians tend to be interesting people – probably because they read a lot. At each stop I enjoy talking with them.

What is the oddest thing you've seen on the road?

Del: Dodging deer, dogs and potholes.

Bruce: While driving on a major highway in Toronto during rush hour, I saw a man playing a trumpet. Since the horn would have hit the windshield he had to have his head turned to one side. Please tell me no one in Alberta would do such a thing!

How long have you worked at Chinook Arch?

Bruce: 2 ½ years. Del: 10 years. Dave: Over 7 years. Ronald: just under one year.

What drew you to working in the library community?

Dave: Type of work and the hours (lots of time off)

Bruce: I wanted to work part time but only a few days a week and this job at Chinook Arch fits me perfectly. I think total retirement is a myth – you have to DO something.

Del: Short work week, easy job, no pressure.

What career did you have before becoming a van driver for Chinook Arch?

Del: Communications: Telus 35 years, School Board (Trustee) 18 years, Credit Union (Director) 14 years.

Dave: Bell Canada – service manager for NWT (telephone business systems & data)

Bruce: I worked for Pratt & Whitney Canada, an aircraft engine manufacturer, for 32 years. For most of that time I worked in the Experimental Test department developing new products and making improvements to existing models. Later I worked in the Manufacturing department as a Quality Assurance Manager.

What do you like to do in your spare time outside of work?

Dave: summer – camping and shooting; winter – ham radio, time in the workshop, making wine.

Del: Gardening, wood working, handy man, golf and just taking it easy.

Bruce: I play a lot of duplicate bridge. A couple of years ago I earned the rank of “Life Master”. That’s a big deal among bridge players and means absolutely nothing to the rest of the world. I like to downhill ski in the winter and sail in the summer.

 

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TAL board meeting highlights

The Alberta Library’s November board meeting was accompanied by the usual blast of winter but, in keeping with tradition, the weather failed to dampen spirits.

On behalf of the Strategies Project Team, Eve Poirier presented draft strategies for The Alberta Library’s 2012 – 2014 strategic plan. The strategies were approved and the team commended for the clarity of the document.

Building on the approved strategies, board members had an opportunity to provide direction on The Alberta Library’s 2012 business plan, engaging in conversations and considering questions such as, “From the point of view of your library, what would success look like over the next year? Two years? Three?”

 

 

TAL Treasurer Mary-Jo Romaniuk then presented a balanced budget for 2012. Board members thanked the Finance Standing Committee, TAL’s CEO and Finance Director for their efforts over the past few months.

Keith Walker, Liz Fulton Lyne and Linda Scott were appointed to the Nominations / Elections Standing Committee.

Helga Kinnaird was re-appointed and Linda Duplessis was appointed to the Governance Standing Committee.

Committee reports were accepted for information. Public Library Services Branch Director Dr. Diana Davidson updated members on a number of initiatives, including the Alberta Public Libraries Technology Report and Recommendations and a draft Integrated Library Policy.

Are TAL board meetings doomed to coincide with winter storms throughout eternity? The issue of future board meeting dates was referred to TAL’s executive committee. Rumour has it that the discussion will be covered live on the Weather Network.

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