From the Desk of Lucy Pana, CEO

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iming is everything. We’re reminded of that every September as days get a little shorter, students go back to class and life gets more focused.

"The goal has always been to find creative solutions and seize new opportunities."

This is a particularly important time for libraries. Public libraries have never been busier, and demands on them have never been higher. Yet funding continues to be an issue. Post-secondary libraries also seem to be at a crossroads. A recent report noted that while information is the focus of attention more than ever, the profile of the library in higher education circles may not reflect that attention (Ithaka’s 2006 Studies of Key Stakeholders in the Digital Transformation in Higher Education, August 18, 2008).

The fact is, libraries have never been more relevant, and The Alberta Library is committed to working with you to advance the cause.

Our annual Netspeed Conference in October is always an opportunity for the library community to come together to discuss leading-edge developments.

This October, the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network will also launch a new phase of the public library campaign, designed to show how libraries are part of people’s lives.

Over the past 10 years, libraries across the province have worked together to find better ways of providing services. The goal has always been to find creative solutions and seize new opportunities.

This is a key time for libraries, and there are opportunities to tell the real story of the benefits of a progressive library system, including improved literacy and education, and access to information anytime, anywhere.

I look forward to working with you in the coming year.

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Minister announces public library consultation

On September 9th Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ray Danyluk announced stakeholder consultation sessions in 11 locations across the province “to review and make recommendations on how to keep libraries strong as they look to the future.”

Discussions will focus on how the province can support a strong province-wide public library service, encourage collaboration to achieve benefits not possible from working independently, and maximize service delivery through the use of technology.

Watch for October’s TAL Tales to find out how The Alberta Library participated in the review process.

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October is Canadian Library Month

TAL is pleased to be working with the Canadian Library Association to distribute the CLM posters and bookmarks to post-secondary institutions (Alberta Municipal Affairs will distribute material to public libraries). This year’s theme is “Your Library, Your World”.

If your post-secondary library does not receive its CLM materials by September 20th, please contact Janis Galloway, TAL Communications Coordinator.

To post your library’s Canadian Library Month events and see how libraries across the nation are celebrating in October, visit www.cla.ca/clm08.

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Campaign takes a new look at libraries

A new campaign launching in early October as part of Canadian Library Month will be a fresh take on how people are using libraries, says Karla Palichuk, Director of the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network.

The campaign, created by Rethink Communications, will use TV, Internet, radio and print ads to show real-life library scenarios – with a twist.

“Many people still have a stereotypical view of libraries – a view that just doesn’t match the reality,” says Palichuk. “Last year, over one million Albertans took part in one of over 50,000 public library programs across the province and asked 4.5 million reference questions. Libraries go way beyond books, and we’re going to show that.”

The campaign features scenarios that show how people use not only books, but DVDs, CDs, the Internet and library programs to make life better. Or at least they try. That’s where the twist comes in, says Palichuk.

“The impressive thing about Rethink’s approach is that they tell stories, even in brief 15-second spots. This is a fresh take on the library – and that’s what we’re looking for.”

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Copyright: Can I Digitize This?

by Merrill Kemp, Digitization Project Coordinator

There has been quite a buzz about copyright over the last few months. Copyright is a broad and complicated issue that is about to change, largely due to the growth and development of the digital age. This article will deal with the basics of copyright, but should never replace the advice of a copyright expert.

According to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, copyright means “the right to copy.” The only person legally allowed to copy, publish or disseminate a work is the owner of the copyright, which may or may not be the one who created it. A ‘work’ must be original and fall under one of these general categories: literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works. A wide variety of things belong to each of these categories, some of which could certainly affect digitization projects. For example, photographs, videos, sound recordings and maps each carry copyright, as do websites and databases; and there are many, many more. Check the Copyright Act for more complete information. It is not necessary to register a work with the copyright registry in Canada; once the work has been created, it is automatically covered.

Copyright does not cover certain items: news, facts, ideas, names, and titles are amongst the exceptions. However, the expression of these can be covered. For example – an idea cannot be protected, but once that idea has been ‘fixed’ (that is having some sort of permanence, i.e. a published article) it becomes so. If you were to have a blog and write about something covered in the news, the event itself would not have copyright but your expression of it in your blog would. However, other forms of protection (for example trademarks) may protect trade names, slogans, etc.

Ownership does not necessarily belong to the one who ‘created’ the work. Anything that is done during the course of one’s job is owned by the company, not the creator. Thus, a digitization project undertaken by staff at a library belongs to the library, not to the staff member. There is some confusion as to the ownership of photographs: at this time, depending on the actual photograph in question, copyright belongs to the person who took the photo, except in the case of commissioned photos. In those cases, copyright is held by the one who asked for the photograph to be taken. However, this is one area which will change if the new amendment comes through (Bill C-61). If Bill C-61 is accepted, then copyright will always belong to the photographer, no matter who commissioned the work.

Generally speaking, the term of copyright ownership is the lifetime of the creator plus 50 years (from the end of the calendar year of the death). This is true for most of the various mediums covered by copyright. Where the creator is anonymous or otherwise unknown, duration of copyright lasts 50 years from the end of the calendar year of the first publication, or 75 years after the “making of the work” (Section 6.1 [a][b] of the Copyright Act). If at some time during these time periods the author of the work becomes known, the copyright switches back to the life + 50 years as stated in Section 6 of the Copyright Act. This area gets a little more complicated if the works is of joint authorship: if the authors are known, copyright last life + 50 years from the death of the last living author. If the authors are unknown, the same rules as stated above apply. This does not necessarily mean that you cannot use items covered by copyright – it means you must get permission from the holder of the copyright, and you must give credit to the owner.

Alongside copyright is what is termed “moral rights.” Moral rights are about respecting the honour and reputation of the creator. They always belong to the creator and cannot be given away (copyright can be) even if the owner of the copyright and moral right are not the same entity. However, they can be waived if the creator grants it.

Once copyrights have ended the material becomes “public domain.” This means anyone can use it in any manner without getting permission. So, if your collection contains materials no longer covered under any of the rules mentioned above, you are free to go ahead and digitize them! Of course, you can also digitize anything for which you own the copyright.

Copyright is a very complex issue, and I must reiterate, if you are unsure either don’t use the item or get expert help! The old cliché, “ignorance is no excuse under the law”, is absolutely true in the matter of copyright.

Websites to check out for more information:

- Department of Justice Canada

- Canadian Intellectual Property Office

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Netspeed 2008

Netspeed 2008 is fast approaching! The annual library technology conference will be held on October 22-24th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edmonton.

The Netspeed 2008 Program and Registration Form are now available on our website. We have a diverse lineup of speakers from across the country presenting on a wide array of topics. In particular, The Alberta Library is excited towelcome keynote speakers David Chalk, an entrepreneur and technology forecaster; Larry McKeown, a Senior Researcher at Statistics Canada; and Ben Hyman, Manager of Policy and Technology at the B.C. Public Library Services Branch in the Ministry of Education. We're also pleased to present three great pre-conference workshops to enhance your conference experience.

Please join TAL staff for another great Netspeed. We hope to see you there!

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Tell Me More Language Learning Software

Tell Me More is language learning software that supports new Canadians and people with low literacy skills. It is delivered as a pilot project through The Alberta Library, and is available in public libraries across the province. The software is provided to library cardholders and includes unlimited access from any computer with Internet access at any time. As the coordinator of the software, I provide training and support to the regional library systems, large public libraries, interest groups and government bodies in the province of Alberta.

While I am giving workshops and/or training sessions, I ask for suggestions and appreciate feedback. Discussion and questions are open in my sessions, and I believe listening is one of the ways The Alberta Library can provide a program that addresses the needs of the communities we serve. I am impressed with the suggestions that have come out of these sessions. Some of the great ideas I have heard include:

• Start newcomers learning the language while they are still in their countries before they move to Canada. One idea to accomplish this is to issue temporary library cards to migrants (with the assistance of Employment and Immigration Canada) to permit access to the software.
• Training for managers who work directly with the migrants, in the language that their new employees speak, so they will feel more comfortable.
• Tell Me More can be used by ESL students over the summer holidays, so they can increase their skills when they are away from class.
• Expand to include K-12 schools, so newcomer students will have a chance to practice the new language outside the classroom. Tell Me More will also be useful for students studying a second language, as it will provide them with opportunity to practice at home.
• Tell Me More will encourage learners to speak the language they are studying and reduce the intimidation, frustration and stress of learning a new language.
  

All of the people that I have met at workshops and conferences are highly interested in the software. The statistics show the number of people using Tell Me More is increasing every month and I am very pleased about that. A campaign to promote the software in Alberta’s libraries is expected to launch this fall.

If you would like to share any inspiring success stories about the Tell Me More software, or if you have questions about it, please contact me.

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Emerging Technologies of Interest

By Christina Wilson, Emerging Technologies Librarian, APLEN

Christina Wilson

There is a new team working for APLEN. The SuperNet Services Team (SST) was established by the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN). Standing Committee to identify emerging technologies of interest to public libraries. It provides advice on potential emerging technologies projects and services that could be delivered using the SuperNet broadband network. This will demonstrate the SuperNet’s value as a delivery method for new library services that keep pace with library users’ needs.
"The chief theme that emerged was the desire to optimize use of the SuperNet"

In mid July, the SuperNet Services Team met in Edmonton. Members of the Team include representatives from the public library community, the University of Alberta and The Alberta Library staff. As preparation for the meeting, each library representative was asked to come with four or five suggestions for a service and or technology deemed “emerging” and of value to the public library sector.

The SuperNet Services Team meeting began with an overview of the SuperNet, a review of public library projects supported by APLEN and The Alberta Library’s information technology plans. These presentations provided a levelling background for what became a creative and inclusive discussion resulting in 15 emerging technologies for the public library sector to consider. The meeting was remarkable in the range of issues discussed and the inclusiveness that extended to all public library service areas. Participants expressed their own ideas, but had obviously polled colleagues for ideas gleaned from conferences, readings, and needs.

The chief theme that emerged was the desire to optimize use of the SuperNet to develop and deliver centralized services that would encourage partnerships among libraries and others. For example, several libraries are individually introducing an online gaming service. It was suggested that this service could be delivered as a province-wide initiative. It would be inclusive of all ages and interests, model best practices, encourage community interaction and provide an image of the public library as exciting, fulfilling and fun. Oakville Public Library captured this with their program “Play Wii for FWii at the Library”.

The Team strongly recommended pursuing initiatives that sustain the public libraries’ technology infrastructure. Data warehousing, sharing centralized servers and even disaster recovery protocols were identified as potentially ideal ways to use the SuperNet. Exploring virtualization technology to mirror (or “virtualize”) data for efficient retrieval was suggested with the added pitch that, by ensuring redundancy, it could become part of a shared disaster recovery program for public libraries.

Other areas discussed during the Team’s meeting were the impact of social networking, the potential of videoconferencing, the value of public Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services and the need to position library services for our patrons’ increasing use of mobile devices.

The mid summer meeting of the SuperNet Services Team has re-started our conversation on emerging technologies of interest to the public library sector. You are welcome to join in. For more information, please contact me.

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TAL Profile

Brad Neufeldt, Director of Library Services at St. Mary’s University College Library and member of TAL Board of Directors, shares his experiences working within the library community.

What is your involvement with The Alberta Library?

I have been on the TAL Board of Directors for the last three years while at St. Mary’s University College Library.

What drew you to your profession?

It definitely wasn’t planned. I began a PHD in English, with a focus on First Nations Literature. Unfortunately, the job market wasn’t looking very good at the time, so I started looking at other options. I have always enjoyed an academic environment and wanted to continue following that path. So, this is perfect fit because I still get to teach, but I don’t have to mark papers!

Who had the most influence over your career?

Although there were many people throughout my life who motivated me to follow this path, two people influenced me the most. I received my MLIS from the University of Western Ontario, but I also attended Mount Royal College, and Janet Monteith, Library Chair and Coordinator for Technical Services worked very closely with me. She offered powerful encouragement and advice to me while I was working in the library at Mount Royal College.

My sister was also a large influence, as she was just finishing the MLIS program when I was starting. She spoke highly of it, which encouraged me to enroll.

What major changes have you noticed during your time with The Alberta Library?

Within The Alberta Library, I have noticed a constant process to “tighten the ship” in terms of administration, finance and services. It has continued to become more open and transparent, and it has truly come a long way over the last few years. TAL continues to enhance its offerings, especially with the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library and the Universal Core, and it is continually growing technically to enhance its services and meet the needs of its members.

What major changes have you noticed in Alberta’s libraries over the last few years?

There is a real uphill battle for the presence of libraries in Alberta. Librarians are taking on a stronger advocacy role to convince our governments that we need support. People seem to think everything is online, and they don’t need libraries anymore. They have forgotten the permanency of books in comparison to electronic resources. We have to work hard to get the public and our governments to acknowledge that the infrastructure is still needed in our communities.

Why do you think libraries are important?

There are so many reasons. Not only is it a repository, but it is a shared utility, a tool of the trade. We are the central path finder for professors, researchers and historians. We are a teaching facility with an “open stacks” model. Anyone can walk through the shelves and pick out whatever they want. There is a sense of independency in this that the library offers. You can teach yourself what you want to learn, and request assistance if you need. It’s literally at your fingertips.

Maybe most importantly, libraries are a social space. At post-secondary libraries, students gather and share knowledge and resources. There is an interaction that happens in libraries, which doesn’t always exist elsewhere in today’s communities. We’re seeing gaming in libraries becoming more and more popular too, increasing the social aspect even more.

What has been the most rewarding part of working with TAL? What have you enjoyed the most?

I truly appreciate the sharing culture that The Alberta Library has fostered. I am often amazed when attending meetings, conferences and symposiums at the wide range of skills and disparate backgrounds of this community. Everyone has a different personal profile, so there is so much to be learned through networking and sharing our knowledge with each other.

We are all contributing to the same cause; enhancing the level of resources for Albertans. It is amazing to think of the wide range of stakeholders TAL has brought together to provide such a huge range of services. The Alberta Library has created a great model of collaboration.

Last question, have you read any good books lately?

I’m actually reading about three books at the moment. Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake, Alberto Manguel’s The Library at Night, and Dan Simmons’ Hyperion saga. If I had to choose two favourites in my book collection, they would have to be Frank Herbert’s Dune and William Gibson’s Pattern Recognition.

 

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Fort McMurray Public Library

Library Q & A - Fort McMurray Public Library

Craig Shufelt, Director of Fort McMurray Public Library tells us what his library is up to.

What is your biggest current challenge?

The biggest challenge we currently face is to ensure a smooth transition to our new building, as we’ll be moving to a larger facility in January of 2009. There are so many pieces that need to be brought together properly to make a library move work well, and it’s really a daily challenge at this point.

There is also the ongoing challenge of finding and retaining staff. We’ve been fortunate in limiting turnover, but it’s going to be a challenge to find enough staff for our new library. However, it’s difficult to really complain about this problem because every employer in town faces the same challenge.

What area is changing the fastest in your library?

At this time our children’s programming is the fastest growing service. We’ve got a very young average age here, and not surprisingly, that means plenty of young children, many of whom are now attending library programs. We’re responding by not only offering more programs, but by using our marketing acumen to see if there are other audiences out there.

What idea are you most proud of over the last five years?

I’m very proud that we are eliminating library membership fees beginning in September. The credit for that move goes to employees, my Board, and our municipal leaders.

I also believe our collection has improved significantly in my time here. We’ve spent a lot of time on this area, and it’s finally rounding into shape.

Where do you see the most opportunity for innovation over the next decade?

I’m not much of a futurist, and I hate to even guess what technologies might be most beneficial because there are likely things out there with which I’m totally unfamiliar. I do think, though, that we need to look for innovation beyond technology – by this, I mean being innovative in our collections, the way we operate, and even our physical space.

How do you stay in touch with your clients/library users?

We’re small enough up here that I’m able to walk around the library on a daily basis and talk to patrons, or sit in casually on some programs. Personally, I’m also pretty active in community groups and sports, so I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of our users outside of the library.

How do you stay in touch with political leaders in your community?

We’re located in the same building, so it would be tough to avoid them if we wanted to! I personally keep in touch by attending meetings, talking to them on a regular basis, and by being available to answer any questions they have. We also make sure they’re involved with any big event happening in our library.

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