CILIP Cymru Wales writes to Minister over threats to library services

Concerns over threats to library services in Wales raised in open letter to Minister for Culture & Sport

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, Wales (CILIP Cymru Wales) has written an open letter to the Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM, expressing concerns over the impact local authority budget cuts could have on public library services across Wales.

In the bilingual letter the Executive Committee of CILIP Cymru Wales have outlined what a powerful and important resource public library services are in meeting the Welsh Government’s objectives.

The Welsh Local Government Association announced in October 2013 that local authorities are facing reductions in core funding of £175m in 2014/15, with a further £65m in 2015/16. CILIP Cymru Wales are deeply concerned that public library services could suffer disproportionate cuts.

Phil Bradley, CILIP President, said,
 “Libraries are an essential part of any community. Good libraries – that are well stocked and run by professional librarians – transform people’s lives through access to information, reading and learning.  They provide access to the internet to people who cannot afford their own connection. A library can help people back into work, it gives them a safe space to research and educate themselves and it's a cornerstone in children's literacy. A library is a place that people who need support and guidance can turn to, and a librarian can help them find information they need. Cutting resources to a library hits those in the community who are most in need, most in trouble, who most deserve our support.”

The open letter reads:

John Griffiths AM
Minister for Culture and Sport

Dear Minister,

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Wales (CILIP Cymru Wales) wish to express our serious concern at the impact budget cuts to local authorities will have on library and information services across Wales. Although we understand that tough decisions have to be made as the funding available for all public services in Wales decreases, we are keen to ensure that public libraries are not expected to bear heavier cuts than other services.

Public libraries are a powerful resource and important in addressing a number of the priorities set out in the Welsh Government’s  “Programme for Government”, including promoting growth and tackling poverty which the First Minister describes as his top priority. They play an important role in advancing knowledge by providing access to information, supporting entrepreneurial activity, and inspiring life-long learning and reading for enjoyment. They foster social mobility and strengthen our communities, catering, as they do, for the needs of all parts of society from toddlers and their parents, to students (of all ages) and researchers, from local activists to small businesses, and from the frail and elderly and their carers to hobbyists and creators.

Welsh public libraries address poverty by tackling the digital divide, providing access to the internet with trained staff delivering advice and guidance, and helping people develop vital information literacy skills. They will also become an important community resource in helping people claim Universal Benefit and enabling them to take advantage of a broad range of statutory and voluntary support available in their local community.  These and other aspects of the service are planned, shaped and delivered by skilled and knowledgeable professional library staff.

Welsh public libraries are a national resource delivered locally and must be seen from a national perspective. The Public Libraries & Museums Act 1964 requires local councils to provide a local library service which is comprehensive and efficient and that is available to all who wish to use it. We have welcomed the support that you and previous Ministers have accorded to the public library service in the past and your recognition of its statutory status and importance to Wales. We trust that you will continue to provide this support and take a leadership role in promoting proper public library provision across Wales with your colleagues in local government.  We understand the pressures faced by all councils in Wales at this time, but would urge you to work with them to ensure that a sustainable, innovative and professionally run service is still available across Wales and, should it be necessary, that you will intervene to uphold the provision of the statutory service within a local authority.

We would be happy to assist you in this work and look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

Yours sincerely,

The Executive Committee, CILIP Cymru Wales

-ends-

http://www.cilip.org.uk/cilip-cymru-wales/news/concerns-over-threats-library-services-wales-raised-open-letter-minister 

The letter was mentioned by BBC Cymru
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newyddion/24945095

Mandy Powell
CILIP Policy Officer, Wales

School libraries celebrated at the Hay Festival

Recently (23rd May) I had the pleasure of attending a reception for the School Library Association (SLA) at the Hay festival. The event was organised by the SLA and Hay Festival and received sponsorship from Frank Lampard - author of Frankie's Magic Football. 

There was a visit from the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The Royal guests were actually delayed due to a fault with their helicopter ( I know how they feel, I often have a similar problem with the CILIP Cymru helicopter*), but it actually meant there was more time to meet with, and talk with school librarians.

The library profession is full of incredibly dedicated and enthusiastic people and none more so than the school librarian.  Many of you will know of the CILIP Shout About School Libraries campaign, which ran from October 2011 until late 2012 and highlighted the excellent work of library staff in schools and lead CILIP to produce School Libraries -a right 

As well as enthusiastic school librarians, there were also many school children in attendance, which gave the event even more of a buzz; it is always thrilling to see children excited about reading. One of the children presented Their Royal Highness's with a selection of picture books for their forthcoming grandchild. 

It was really good to see school librarians and their work celebrated at such a well known and respected festival.
If you want to find out more about the SLA and the work they support, please have a look at their excellent website 

Mandy Powell
CILIP Policy Officer, Wales

*Please note, CILIP Cymru does not own a helicopter , I mostly use public transport

Keynote Address - Unafraid of the Future - Liz McGettigan - CILIP Cymru Wales Conference 2013

Liz McGettigan discusses the transformation taking place in the library system, how Edinburgh libraries are embracing new technology and partnerships to deliver  “Digital by Desire " not by default and transform to meet the changing needs of the people.
Apologies for the poor sound quality. We had problems with the microphone in this first session. Best played back with headphones.

Conference video roll-out 1 - Nottingham Joint Service Centres

CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to bring you the first of four recorded sessions from last week's Annual Conference.

This session charts the journey in two Nottingham public library partnership projects in forming two Joint Service Centres. In JSC's the libraries have successfully provided citizens and patients with a caring and friendly welcome at each of these centres, promoting a positive image of the centre, partners and modern library services. Partner services include social care, primary and community health, housing, neighbourhood management, welfare rights, play and youth.  Our guides to this journey are Christina Dyer (Head of Library and Information Service (joint)), and Sue Sanderson, Assistant Centre Manager, Bulwell Riverside
Bulwell Riverside, Nottingham City Libraries.

Nottingham City Libraries were shortlisted for Library of Year in The Bookseller awards 2013, recognising the steps being made in bringing the Library Service right up to date and working in collaboration with all colleagues in the service, our partners and the local community who have been key in our achievement.

We are grateful to www.genero-productions.co.uk  for their expertise in filming and post-production of this video.

Welsh Librarian of the Year announced

Photograph courtesy of Dan Staveley
http://www.danstaveley.co.uk/ 

Lori Havard, Head of Academic Services, Information Services & Systems at Swansea University has received the CILIP Cymru Wales Welsh Librarian of the Year Award for her work changing the perception of librarians and promoting the University library’s services.

Bethan M Hughes, Reading Services Manager at Denbighshire Public Libraries has won the public sector category for the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award. The judges were especially impressed with Bethan’s achievements successfully engaging readers.

This new award recognises and celebrates the contribution of librarians and information professionals to contemporary society in Wales and beyond. Awarded to an individual librarian or information professional, this award champions the achievements, impacts and innovation of those who make a significant difference to either the communities which they serve or to the profession in Wales. The Award was kindly sponsored by Sirsi Dynix, the library technology specialists.

Welsh Librarian of the Year Award – Overall Winner

Lori (centre of picture) is Head of Academic Services, Information Services & Systems, Swansea University and a member of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP). At Swansea University Lori has helped librarians become essential and valued partners in the education and research processes.

Lori has created strong partnerships with the Students Union and Students Newspaper, used social media to effectively promote the library service, to engage users, and to receive valued feedback.

Lori was praised for her initiative to celebrate Swansea University’s authors - academics who have written or contributed to key textbooks and works in their field. This initiative celebrates lecturers who have reached the pinnacle of success in providing new teaching and learning publications, who unlike their research colleagues would not otherwise gain wider recognition within the University.

“Lori is an inspirational leader and professional librarian, adapting to the changing shape of libraries and their services to make a difference, where it matters, with students and staff.” Steve Williams (Deputy Director of Information Services & Systems, Swansea University).

Lori was also winner of the Academic and Research Libraries Category within the award.

"I am very proud to have received the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award from CILIP Cymru.  Librarians do so much for the communities in which we serve, and  it was a great night to take time to recognise the value of our profession.  The stories and achievements of all the nominees were very inspiring to me, and I feel very excited for the future of libraries in Wales." Lori Havard, Welsh Librarian of the Year, speaking after the event.

Welsh Librarian of the Year Award – Public Sector Category Winner

In awarding the Public Sector Category Winner, CILIP Cymru Wales were also delighted to celebrate the achievements of Bethan M Hughes, Reading Services Manager, Denbighshire Public Libraries (far right of picture).

Bethan, a Chartered Member of CILIP, through partnership working has contributed to the highest participation rates at primary school level in the annual Summer Reading Challenge, developed and maintained a highly effective Writing Squads programme for children and supported Denbighshire in achieving highest average reading age for school leavers in Wales, as judged by Estyn – the Schools Inspectorate.

The judges praised Bethan’s work to bring children’s authors together with readers through inspiring events as a model of excellent practice. Bethan is passionate about promoting bilingualism and in working with less advantaged communities. She has represented the interests of libraries, librarians and readers on a wide variety of Welsh bodies, organisations and panels. She is also the Welsh representative on the UK-wide Summer Reading Challenge Steering Group.

Key Role

Speaking at the Award Ceremony on behalf of the sponsors, Sirsi Dynix, Barbara Pacut, Europe Middle East and Asia Sales Director, said,

 “The librarian plays a key role in the function of libraries in our communities, a fact that can often be overlooked in discussions and debates around buildings and cultural resources.  It is the librarian who shapes the character of a library, and who drives for its success. SirsiDynix is delighted to sponsor the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award in its first year, recognising the important contribution of an individual and as an advocate for the profession.”

Photograph courtesy of Dan Staveley
http://www.danstaveley.co.uk/ 

“All of the judges have particular nominations which stuck in our minds. If we could have rewarded all of them I think we probably would have.  All five nominees need to be commended on the very real impact they have had on the library sector. This award proves that librarian and information professionals in Wales are doing great things!” Karen Gibbins, Chair, CILIP Cymru Wales and Chair of the Judging Panel.

Stars of the Welsh Library World

All five nominees are worthy of this praise and recognition. Bethan, Carole, Lori, Preeti and Rebecca have all demonstrated achievement, innovation and impact, providing exemplars of good practice and role models for others to follow within the profession. Information about each of the nominees will be shared in forthcoming blogs, so that we can all learn from their successes!

Thank you!

Our heartfelt thanks go to all:

• nominees - for agreeing to participate in the Award
• line managers, colleagues and associates - for making your superb nominations
• the judges - Guy Daines (CILIP), Hywel James (Gwynedd Libraries, representing SCL Wales), Paul Jeorrett (Glyndwr University, representing WHELF), Andrew Green (former National Librarian of Wales) and Karen Gibbins.

And the last word goes to the judges: 

 “It was an invigorating, stimulating and occasionally moving read”

 “It has been a real pleasure and priviledge to take part in the judging,”

“It gives one enormous hope and encouragement to see so many exceptional people contributing to Welsh libraries and the interests of their users” 

"I have been inspired”

Photo credits.

The headline photograph shows all shortlisted nominees for The 2013 Award. (Là R) Rebecca Mogg (Senior Subject Librarian, Cardiff University), Preeti Pathak (Ethnic Services Librarian, Cardiff Libraries), Lori Havard (Overall Winner – Head of Academic Services, IS&S, Swansea University), Carole Morgans (Welsh Department Librarian, Cardiff Libraries), and Bethan M Hughes (Public Sector Category Winner – Reading Services Manager, Denbighshire Libraries). 

The lower photograph show Barbara Pacut (Sales Director, EMEA, Sirsi Dynix), Lori Havard and Karen Gibbins (Chair, CILIP Cymru Wales and Chair of the Judging Panel).

Photographs courtesy of Dan Staveley http://www.danstaveley.co.uk/ 

New Welsh Minister promises to continue "strong protection" for libraries in Wales

Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM, opening the Trade Exhibition at
the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference on Thursday 16th May. 

The recently appointed Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM, whose portfolio includes responsibility for libraries in Wales, attended the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference on Thursday 16th May 2013. Mr Griffiths spoke briefly prior to formally opening the Conference Trade Exhibition. Mr Griffiths said that it was his “chief task” to continue the Welsh Government's support and protect for libraries in Wales, even given the current financially challenging times.

Speaking to over 120 delegates at the Conference in Cardiff, Mr Griffiths applauded the theme of the conference. By working together in partnership and collaboration, libraries can find new ways to “do more with less” and to strengthen and enrich their services. For example, extending  links with health and education organisations will result in stronger and improving services that meet the needs of communities.

Mr Griffiths noted that many good things are currently happening in Welsh libraries. Technology, creativity and innovation combine to enable exciting projects such as:

• the All Wales Library Management System projects in public and higher education libraries; 
• shared online services making high quality news, research and family history  resources available to all public library users across Wales;
• the planned development of a Welsh Libraries app for mobile phones and tablets. 

The refurbishment of public library buildings continues with the support of Welsh Government CyMAL funding, thus ensuring that public libraries are fit for today and are equipped for the future. Indeed the Minister was looking forward to officially opening a refurbished library in Pontycymer (Bridgend County Borough) later that afternoon.

Speaking about the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award established by CILIP Cymru Wales, Mr Griffiths recognized how lucky Wales is to have such talented, professional, committed, innovative and productive library staff. Mr Griffiths extended his congratulations to the shortlisted nominees and for the forthcoming announcement for the winner.

"Strong support and protection"

In recent times the Welsh Government has demonstrated strong support and protection for libraries in Wales. Mr Griffiths said that it was his “chief task” to continue this support and protection in Wales, even given the current financially challenging times.

CILIP Cymru Wales were delighted to receive the Minister at Conference. We extend our thanks to the Minister and to colleagues from Welsh Government CyMAL in making this visit possible.

With Mr Griffiths (2nd from right) in the photograph are: L-R Janet Peters (Cardiff University, representing WHELF), Annie Mauger  (CILIP CEO), Phil Bradley (President, CILIP), Steve Hardman (Swansea Libraries, representing SCL(W)) and Karen Gibbins (Swansea Libraries& Chair, CILIP Cymru Wales). Image credit - Huw Evans.

Hello, it's good to be back!

Hello,  just a few words to say that I am back from maternity leave and very much looking forward to getting in touch with as many of you as possible.

I work all across Wales, so if you would like CILIP Cymru Wales to come to your library / institution and talk with staff about benefits and opportunities, please do get in touch.

I've been catching up on all things library and information and am excited by plans to re brand CILIP, which members of CILIP can read all about in Update . 

In Wales we have a new Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM and CILIP Cymru Wales will be continuing our advocacy work with him, more on this soon.

The financial climate remains a challenging one, but there is positive news out there, with almost £1 million of capital funding to be allocated to modernise 6 public libraries in Wales, bringing the number of libraries modernised as part of the Welsh Government’s Community Learning Libraries Programme to 89.

I've got a lot to catch up on, but right now, it's almost time for the annual CILIP Cymru Wales Library and Information Conference, organised this year by the excellent Stephen Gregory and the CILIP team in Wales, so for the first time in 5 years, I get to put down my clipboard and enjoy being a delegate, bliss!

I hope to see you there.

#cilipw13

Mandy Powell

Swyddog Polisi, Cymru

Policy Officer, Wales


Sefydliad Siartredig Llyfrgellwyr a Gweithwyr Gwybodaeth Cymru

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Wales

Conference build-up 8

In our first foray into video for CILIP Cymru Wales, Helen Staffer briefly talks about her anticipated highlights for the conference and has some tips for first time conference delegates.


Conference Anticipation 1 from CILIP Cymru Wales on Vimeo.

Helen Staffer is currently Events Officer on the CILIP Cymru Wales Executive Committee. In this role Helen has been instrumental in the complex processes of conference:

• venue selection, 
• theme identification, 
• crafting the programme, providing a balanced, pertinent, informative and challenging programme, including identifying potential speakers and breakout session leaders,
• choreography - ensuring that all will flow smoothly in the build-up to, during and after the conference, 
• project management and leadership - liaising with the other members of the Executive Committee and the Policy Officer for Wales.

Helen achieves this on top of the "day job" (the site management of two of Cardiff University's Libraries), as well being extremely involved in many of CILIP Cymru Wales' other activities and interests! Many thanks Helen!

Like Helen, why not join the Committee?

CILIP Cymru Wales is always looking for new Committee Members. Prior committee experience isn't essential, but committee members do need to be:

• enthusiastic and keen to contribute to the profession in Wales,
• able to attend up to four Committee Meetings in a year,
• willing to undertake work on behalf of the Committee,
• a member of CILIP and living and / or working in Wales.

Why not help shape the future of the profession in Wales? In doing so you will be broaden your professional horizons, networks and profile, learn new skills, whilst being informally mentored and supported by a terrific group of colleagues in Wales. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

About the video

The video was shot on a hand-held video recorder and the resultant MP4 file uploaded to WeVideo - a free, cloud based video editing service. WeVideo allows you to trim and re-order video clips, integrate photographs, easily add in title screens, subtitles and transitions between shots. The service also enables the addition of soundtrack files to your video, but in this case only the audio stream from the camera was used.

So, having experimented with this would I do it again? Yes!!! But, clearly there's room for improvement:

• Audio quality. We need to think carefully about the quality and recording level of the audio file, and plan to improve this. This video was originally intended to include "off camera" questioning. But the off camera prompts were much louder than Helen's contribution which made sound balancing very difficult. [OK, that and the fact that I hate hearing my own voice in recordings].
•  Location. It was a beautifully sunny day and so being outside seemed such a good idea at the time. I like hearing the bird song and the City Hall clock chiming in the background, but I guess that these may be distracting for some viewers! Ditto - the  people moving around in the background of the shot, oh and that rather fetching containerised storage facility in the background.
• Careful segmentation of the filming. The spontaneity of the film is an endearing feature but this makes for some editing difficulties. In future I think I would aim to pause between questions to provide really clear edit points and fade outs

In future I think I could put another video together in about an hour. This one has taken longer to produce because I had to learn how to use WeVideo, set up a Vimeo channel, "play" with the video camera etc. So if a clip has enduring value and multiple usage then there could be rewards in time saving. Using video may also  enable reaching and engaging with a new audiences, and provides valued variety of formats.

And what wouldn't I change? Helen - she's a natural in front of the camera!

Conference build-up 7

With just a week to go before conference we continue our look at the conference sessions. This time the Entrepreneurial Information Professional.




Annie Mauger and Rebecca Davies will talk about the changing landscapes of the library and information communities, and how we can better form partnerships particularly with users and with fellow professionals in the delivery of services. This session will also suggest how we can get noticed in the organisations we work in as key people to be involved and engaged with.  Annie and Rebecca will also talk about the kind of skills that we need to do this and how we already have them!

Annie Mauger

Annie joined CILIP as Chief Executive in October 2010 after a career in public libraries in England and Scotland for more than 20 years. She was Head of Libraries and Heritage for the City of York before becoming Chief Executive of MLA Yorkshire in 2003. After this she worked as a consultant to charities and public sector bodies and as Chief Executive of a charity for asylum seekers and refugees. She has a degree from Exeter, a PGDipLib from the University of Wales at Aberystwyth and an Executive MBA from Leeds Metropolitan University. Annie is a passionate advocate for the skills and contribution of information professionals to society and economy, and speaks on this subject often to politicians, the media and other key stakeholders. She is currently working on her CILIP Fellowship.

Rebecca Davies

Rebecca is Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student and Staff Services at Aberystwyth University and performs the function of Chief Operating Officer.  Rebecca is a graduate of Aberystwyth University where she studied Librarianship and Education, and also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Almost 20 years later she returned to Aberystwyth as Director of Information Services, and was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor in 2011. Prior to this appointment she was the Head of the Assembly Library & Public Enquiry Service for the Welsh Assembly Government (2002). Her early career focused on health information provision and research and included; working within a health promotion unit, as Nursing Librarian at Trinity College, Carmarthen, as researcher at the Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth University and as Health Science Librarian for the School of Health Science, University of Wales, Swansea.  Rebecca is passionate about libraries and using technology to make life easier and delivering excellent services.

End Note

We have two librarian Pro Vice-Chancellors presenting  at the CILIP Cymru Conference this year: Rebecca and Maxine Melling. Does this career pathway epitomize the entrepreneurial information professional? Is this something that you aspire to? Are you planning for your career, or is this a more organic process for you? Is there a point on the career horizon that you are heading for? How will you get there?

We will also be celebrating achievement, innovation and impact with the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award. It will be fascinating to see if Rebecca and Annie's description of the entrepreneurial professional mirrors what we see in our nominees and winner! 

Image Credit: Geralt via Pixabay (Public Domain CC0 image)

Conference build-up 6

Shared services in public libraries form the topic for the second session of our conference on Thursday 16th May. We hear of an award winning model being adopted in Nottingham City Libraries, incorporating partners from health and social care, housing, welfare rights, neighbourhood management, play and youth services.

Christina Dyer, Head of Library and Information Service (joint) and Sue Sanderson, Assistant Centre Manager, Bulwell Riverside will guide us through the rationale for, practicalities, realities and benefits of a joint service centre model at Bulwell Riverside and St Ann's Valley Centre Libraries. Both opened last year under this new model, with exceptional increases in performance information in both libraries and positive feedback from citizens, patients and colleagues.

Both libraries were in desperate need of renovation, to stimulate stagnating performance and to develop the full, modern library offer. Including libraries in a JSC environment, has enabled the libraries to become a central part of the facilities at the heart of communities and of the buildings, providing a lively ‘shop window’. These JSC’s include the Library and Information Service as the lead service for the ‘Ask Here’ desk, the focal point of the centre where enquiries concerning all the partner services are responded to and signposted to, including social care, primary and community health, housing, neighbourhood management, welfare rights, play and youth.  The libraries have successfully provided citizens and patients with a caring and friendly welcome at each of these centres, promoting a positive image of the centre, partners and modern library service.

Shortlisted for Library of Year in The Bookseller Awards 2013 which recognises the steps being made in bringing our Library Service right up to date and working in collaboration with all colleagues in the service, our partners and the local community who have been key in our achievement.

"Collaboration in Nottingham: the Bulwell Riverside and St Ann’s Valley Centre Library Partnership projects" is scheduled between 11:00 and 12 noon at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference in Cardiff on Thursday 16th May 2013.

Christina Dyer's professional library career began as a trainee with Hertfordshire County Council. Christina moved to Nottingham City in 1998 by way of a variety of positions with Hampshire CC, Isle of Wight , Cornwall CC, Leicester and Leicestershire CC, and a spell away from public service at the BBC Music Library, and then the Department for Trade & Industry Business Library in London and also as a Marketing Manager for a company making electronic testing equipment for the broadcasting industry. Currently Head of Service, Libraries and Information as part of the Culture, Parks and Open Spaces and Leisure team in a Communities Directorate; Christina is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and the Society of Chief Librarians.

Sue Sanderson. After 20 years in the banking and finance sector, Sue joined Nottingham City Libraries & Information Service in 1999. Sue has worked in libraries across the City as a Library Assistant and Library Manager and was appointed Assistant Centre Manager at Bulwell Riverside in January 2012.   In this role Sue is responsible for library and information provision including customer services within a busy Joint Service Centre. Currently Sue is Acting Centre Manager covering both Bulwell Riverside and St Ann’s Valley Centre.

Image Credit Pixabay under Creative Commons Public Domain license. 

Conference build-up 5

By Alpha du centaure [CC-BY-2.0 ],
via Wikimedia Commons

With a HUGE thanks to our friends in CLIC,   the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference now has a *FRINGE*. Pre-conference dinner meeting on Wednesday.

CLIC (Cardiff Libraries in Co-operation) has decided to organise a social evening for Wednesday 15th May. It’s a chance for anyone working in libraries in Cardiff and the surrounding area to get together with others and enjoy a few drinks!! And, as the conference begins the next day we are hoping that any attendees coming down early will feel free to stop by too. Colleagues will be meeting from 5.30pm at Las Iguanas on Mill Lane for dinner and possibly staying on for cocktails.

If you would like to dine please let CLIC know so that they can inform Las Iguanas of likely numbers. Further information from the CLIC blog.

Welsh Librarian of the Year Award - shortlist announced.

The shortlist for the Welsh Librarian of the Year 2013 has been announced and includes three public sector and two academic & research sector information professional. The winner will be announced at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference in Cardiff on Thursday 16th May.

CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to announce that the following nominees have been selected to form the shortlist for the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award.

Academic & Research Sector:

Lori Havard                                         Swansea University

Rebecca Mogg                                     Cardiff University 

Public Sector:

Bethan M Hughes                                 Denbighshire Libraries

Carole Morgans                                    Cardiff Libraries

Preeti Pathak                                      Cardiff Libraries

Congratulations to the five people who have made the shortlist, and commiserations to those who were long-listed but didn't quite make it this far. In this inaugural year, the competition for Welsh Librarian of the Year has been extremely strong.  With multiple applications in the categories for public sector and academic & research libraries there were always going to be some unsuccessful nominations.  Everyone who was nominated for the Award deserves congratulations. Being nominated shows a great deal of respect and admiration from your colleagues and service users, and is a strong indicator of your professional impact, innovation and achievement.

  

The judges all commented how pleasing it was to receive such inspiring nominations, but especially so for the number of new professionals with Wales. Speaking about the Award, Andrew Green, former National Librarian of Wales, and judging panel member said:

“It gives me enormous hope and encouragement to see so many exceptional people contributing to Welsh libraries and the interests of their users.  I do hope this becomes a regular event, and attracts even more nominees in future.”

Another judge said: “It has been a real pleasure and privilege to take part in the judging”.

The Welsh Librarian of the Year will be announced at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference Dinner on 16th May in Cardiff. The winner will receive a prize of £500 and a trophy, both of which have been kindly sponsored by Sirsi-Dynix.

Further information

Details about the Award are available from the CILIP Cymru Wales web pages. The long-list of nominees was announced here

Andrew Green, former National Librarian and Judging Panel Member has written about the Award in his  Blog [in Welsh]

SirsiDynix connects people with knowledge at more than 23,000 libraries around the world. Through library management technology and search and discovery tools, libraries using SirsiDynix technology bring relevant resources and the power of knowledge to their users and communities. SirsiDynix technology is architected to be open, scalable and robust, offering a complete solution out-of-the-box, and unparalleled flexibility through APIs and web services. Complemented by the most experienced training, consulting and support staff in the industry, SirsiDynix helps libraries create tomorrow’s libraries, today. www.sirsidynix.com

Conference build-up 4

Collaboration in libraries and learning environments

Maxine Melling and Margaret Weaver will open conference proceedings on Friday 17th May with our keynote address for the day. They will draw on their experience and knowledge, including information gleaned whilst editing their recent Facet publication, to identify current trends in library services and what this means for library staff.

The changing environment in public services requires different approaches to be taken to how services are delivered to customers. This may result in the development of shared services, the convergence of many different services to provide a seamless customer facing experience, or the development of more active collaborative networks. Maxine Melling and Margaret Weaver have been closely involved in the changes associated with these developments. They have co-edited a book of essays, published by Facet, which offers an overview of the key challenges and opportunities arising as well as presenting some case study material. This paper will provide delegates with an analysis of current trends and some personal reflections on what this means for those responsible for those working in and leading library services during times of change.

About Maxine 

Maxine Melling is Pro Vice-Chancellor  (Operations) at the University of Gloucestershire. Her portfolio includes responsibility for strategic planning and administration as well as for Executive leadership of a wide range of the University’s professional services. Maxine began her career in academic libraries and has held management posts in further and higher education institutions. Before moving to the University of Gloucestershire she was Director of Library & Student Support Services at Liverpool John Moores University. During her career in libraries she held a range of responsibilities within the profession, including Chair of the SCONUL Working Group on Performance Measurement, membership of Sconul’s Executive Board,  Chair of the North West Academic Libraries Group and Chair of the Northern Collaboration Group. Maxine continues in her role as a Trustee of Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden. Maxine’s interests and publication record are in areas including customer service, e-learning support and quality systems. Most recently she has published on the trend towards the development of so-called super-converged services, which aim to present seamless support services to customers.

About Margaret 

Margaret Weaver is Head of Library and Student Services at the University of Cumbria. She started working in public libraries in Manchester before moving to the academic library profession in 1991. She has worked in a number of north-west universities - at Manchester Metropolitan University, Huddersfield University and University of Central Lancashire before taking up her current role at Cumbria. Whilst at Huddersfield Margaret was instrumental in a JISC funded project on the design of interactive learning materials to develop students’ information skills and founder of the Learning Gateway - a new concept in learning space - at her current institution, which has a wide influence on the designs of other libraries. Margaret has presented and written widely on the pedagogy of learning spaces, integrated learning support and super-converged services. She is chair of North West Academic Libraries (NoWAL) and a Trustee of the Kelsick Educational Foundation.

Collaboration in libraries and learning environments

Maxine and Margaret's book, Collaborating in libraries and learning environments, from Facet Press, was published in December 2012.  

The changing environment in higher education requires different approaches to be taken to the provision of professional support services. This may result in the development of outsourced shared services, the convergence of many different student-facing services or the development of more active collaborative networks. This collection of essays considers the changing context and broad principles affecting the ways in which we need to manage and provide services and offers case studies of changes that have already taken place.

For further information, including access to Chapter 1 online, please see the Facet web site.

Cover image courtesy of Facet Press.

Conference Build-up 3

Liz McGettigan - Keynote Speaker
on Thursday 16th May.

CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to welcome Liz McGettigan as our Conference Keynote Speaker on Thursday 16th May. Liz has titled her presentation "Unafraid of the future".

"Liz will discuss the transformation taking place in the library system, how Edinburgh libraries are embracing new technology and partnerships to deliver  " Digital by Desire " not by default and transform to meet the changing needs of the people."

UNAFRAID OF THE FUTURE 

The way people work, interact, learn, and create information is changing across the world. Nowhere are the challenges of transition more evident that in the public library and information sector. In a world of e-books and the internet, the very purpose and relevance of libraries is under threat. Many, unable to retain customers and survive in the digital age, are closing down.

Facing head-on the ever increasing challenges to improve the quality of services, creativity and innovation are all concepts that Edinburgh City libraries and Information Services (ECLIS) have embraced. ECLIS have been extending service provision for citizens and engaging with the wider community through innovative use of services and apps to deliver a unified and engaging electronic citizen experience. Public libraries in Edinburgh, Scotland, however, are thriving. The library system has seen two new additions to its network of 28 libraries over the last year – a far cry from the tens of closures across the United Kingdom. The Edinburgh library service won the Library of the Year award at The Bookseller Industry Awards in London last year.

Liz will discuss the transformation taking place in the library system, how Edinburgh libraries are embracing new technology and partnerships to deliver  " Digital by Desire " not by default and transform to meet the changing needs of the people. 

About Liz.

Liz is currently Head of Libraries and Information Services with City of Edinburgh Council. Prior to joining Edinburgh in Dec 2008 she was Business Development Manager for TALIS Information Services and before that, Head of Libraries in East Renfrewshire.

Since her appointment in Edinburgh Liz has led a major strategic development and transformation programme. Edinburgh Libraries now reach out to a wider public, increasingly through its digital services and contributes to innovation and creativity in our knowledge society.

An award winning leader in libraries, information, electronic and social media and knowledge management, Liz is known for an innovation and best practice. The service has won several accolades including the Best UK Library Service 2012.

Delivery of the UK’s first and innovative 24/7 Public Library portal, Edinburgh Council’s first-ever social media suite, and Scotland’s first Library App, electronic community information, and self service has transformed the service. Liz has demonstrated an understanding of the drive to support digital by default, new technology, and mobile devices in particular. These initiatives have enabled Edinburgh’s libraries to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Liz has worked on many other key projects including the Scottish Government E-content advisory board and the Scottish Government Interoperability Standards Group. Liz is active in Scotland IS Broadband Policy Group and Advisory Board member of  the Institute for Informatics and Digital Innovation at Edinburgh Napier University.

Liz is active in high level international, European and national bodies concerned with libraries and the information society, digital inclusion, and public libraries leadership.

Liz is an expert adviser on future of public libraries, a trustee of the UK Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and a board member of UNESCO City of Literature and the Library and Information Research Group. She also serves on  the Advisory Board of  Edinburgh Napier University Institute for Informatics and Digital Innovation

With grateful thanks to Liz for this information. Booking for conference, which will be held in the Cardiff Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th May 2013, is still open. Book here.

Conference build-up 2

Conference Drinks Reception in Cardiff
Central Library - 2012

Conference Dinner !?*! The social animals will flock to this annual celebration of the information community in Wales. Those of us who are not quite so extrovert may fear and dread it. But as a seasoned professional, and someone who most definitely is a "wallflower", let me assure you that your reservations and concerns will soon be quashed and left  at the door. If you have the opportunity to attend, you are most definitely destined for an enjoyable evening!


Conference Dinner and its preceding Drinks Reception mark the end of a hectic day of attending inspiring and informative sessions, meeting new people, and finding out about new suppliers and their products. The networking and professional conversation continues into the evening, aided by the relaxed atmosphere of fine food and drink.

For many delegates the Drinks Reception and Conference Dinner  will be an opportunity to renew old friendships, to take stock of the year that has been and to look forward to things to come. For conference "first timers" the welcome will be equally  friendly. CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference deserves its reputation as "the friendly conference".

Not yet convinced? Perhaps this Q&A may help:

Who is invited? All full conference delegates and trade representatives, plus day delegates who have purchased their additional attendance at the Drinks Reception and Dinner.

Dress code? There is no formal dress code but most people wear "smart formal". Most importantly you should feel comfortable and confident in what you wear.

Where and when? Thursday 16th May at 6.30pm in Cardiff Central Library. This is very close to the Radisson Blu Hotel (the conference venue). If you are really unsure of where to go please ask a Conference Helper or Committee Member. Groups of delegates will  meet in the Hotel Reception and walk over together. The dinner is back in the Radisson Blu Hotel conference suite and starts at 7.30pm.

Anything special I should look out for? Lots!

• If you haven't seen Cardiff Central Library before then you are in for a treat!
• Drinks in the Library, with the book shelves as bars (see image above)
• The Tir na n-Og Award ceremony - this occurs during the Drinks Reception. More information about this here.
• The inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award - after the conference dinner.

What won't there be? A disco, quiz or other party games. This is just a relaxed, friendly, chatty evening.

Any further tips? 

• Fearful of your networking skills? You could do far worse that read Jo Alcock's excellent blog "Networking for introverts" and try some of her tips!
• First-timer? Arrange to meet other first-timers by contacting them on Twitter beforehand (use the hashtag #cilipw13). Alternatively, talk to a conference helper or committee member and ask them to introduce you to a few people. Talk to the speakers, workshop presenters and trade representatives. They will all be delighted to talk to you. Read the delegate list and aim to meet people who work in a similar role to you.
• Unless you are really brave, arrange to sit next to someone you know at the Conference Dinner. Seating isn't allocated, so you can chose where to sit.
• Most importantly, relax, be yourself and enjoy the evening.

CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference justly deserves its reputation as "the friendly conference".

Conference build-up begins

With less than three weeks until the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference we will be posting content here, as well as on Twitter and Facebook, to help you prepare for the Conference.

First off ... the Tir na n-Og Awards.

The Conference Drinks Reception forms a social high point in the proceedings for the conference. It is also the stage for the announcement and presentation of the Tir na n-Og Award for Best English Language Book. For nearly forty years the award, organised by the Welsh Books Council, has celebrated and championed the best books published for children and young people in Wales. CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to support The Council and Tir na n-Og through a annual funding from the Kathleen Cooks Bequest. 

"The Tir na n-Og Awards were established in 1976 with the intention of raising the standards of children’s and young people’s books in Wales, and to encourage the buying and reading of good books. Three awards are presented annually by the Books Council and are sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Cymru/Wales and Cymdeithas Lyfrau Ceredigion".

This year’s shortlisted titles for the Best English-language Book are:

Friends at War  –  Alan Lambert (Pont)
The Gardening Pirates  –  Ruth Morgan and Chris Glynn (Pont)
Tree of Leaf and Flame  –  Daniel Morden with illustrations by Brett Breckon (Pont)

Having just read David Almond's Skellig for the first time recently I'll be trying to get my hands on these titles prior to conference. Might this be an opportunity for you to broaden your professional horizons, or just spend some time re-living childhood?

Further information:

This Year's Tir na n-Og shortlists via the Welsh Books Council New Pages and details of past winners are available here

Bags of fun!

We've been very proud of our CILIP Cymru Wales conference bags in the past. They have been robust, fit for purpose, and generally been carried with pride. With a limited budget we've generally fulfilled the brief ... job done. Well, that's what we thought....

More recently we've noticed a strong creative undercurrent with our bags. Some incredibly talented members, in responding to, or perhaps even adding to, the zeitgeist for handicrafts, have been adapting and embellishing their bags.


Not one to miss a trick, we would love to encourage this creativity.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to embellish a CILIP Cymru Wales conference bag. Your embellishment can be in any method that you wish, but should be permanent (i.e. washable). I have a small stock of last year's bags, and so I can send a bag to you if you would like to have a go.

Email a photograph or two of your conference bag creativity project result to wales@cilip.org.uk by Friday 24th May 2013, and include a paragraph of text about your inspiration and the methods used. Don't forget to include your name, but unlike Blue Peter, we won't need your age, unless you really want to tell us.

We are grateful to Sarah Barker for providing us with the inspiration.  We hope that it fires you up for the challenge too.

 

"I got the inspiration for the bag after seeing Mandy's button bag at conference last year.  I loved it so much I thought I'd embellish my Conference bag when I got home.  I collect buttons so had a fair few I knew I could use.  I also decided to strengthen the bag by sewing two together, this I did by hand as it gave a nicer, handmade finish. I sewed this together when I'd sewn on all the buttons so it hides all the threads. The design came about by the large green square buttons which looked like plant pots to me, so I decided to have two plants (trees) growing out of the pots up the back.  I deliberately chose predominantly green and red buttons to represent the colours of the Welsh flag.  The green tree has some cream buttons scattered about to represent blossom.  And because they are my favourite, a ladybird sits on the C of the CILIP.  It attracts comments from all who see it, including my Welsh class today."

 There will be a small prize for the winner, as well as the kudos of being included in this blog!! The judge's decision will be final, in fact, by then, it will all be in the bag.

Conference 2013 - Rising to the challenge: developing library and information services through partnership and collaboration. Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff. 16-17th May 2013.

And if thought of creative projects aren't for you then just a reminder that we are now in the final countdown for Conference 2013. If you tweet please checkout #cilipw13 and follow the build-up for the 16 and 17th May. It's not too late to register! Full details including how to book are given here.

Nominees announced

CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to announce the long-list of 12 nominees for this, the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award. 

The judging panel are diligently working on selecting a shortlist of nominees, and also the overall winner, who will be announced at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference Dinner, in Cardiff on 16^th May.  Sirsi-Dynix, the library technology specialists, are kindly sponsoring the Award, enabling a prize of £500 to be awarded to the winner.

The following library and information professionals, who live and /or work in Wales have been nominated by their colleagues:

Public Sector category (local authority, government and health);

• Geraint Bowen                   Cardiff Libraries
• Elizabeth Evans                  Swansea Libraries
• Gwilym Games                   Swansea Libraries
• Bethan M Hughes                Denbighshire Library Services
• Rebecca Jones                   Welsh Government Library & Archive Services
• Carole Morgans                   Cardiff Libraries
• Preeti Pathak                     Cardiff Libraries
• Cassie Tozer                      Cardiff Libraries

Academic & Research category (H&FE, Research, National Library);

• Lori Havard                       Swansea University, ISS
• Marie Lancaster                 Cardiff Metropolitan University Library
• Rebecca Mogg                   Cardiff University Libraries
• Helen Staffer                    Cardiff University Libraries

Nominees, we celebrate you!

These nominations highlight the achievements, impacts or innovation of our nominees and mark the significant contributions that library and information professionals make to their patrons, communities, organisations and society as a whole.

“The librarian plays a key role in the function of libraries in our communities, a fact that can often be overlooked in discussions and debates around buildings and cultural resources.  It is the librarian who shapes the character of a library, and who drives for its success. SirsiDynix is delighted to sponsor the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award in its first year, recognising the important contribution of an individual and as an advocate for the profession.”

Barbara Pacut, SirsiDynix EMEA Sales Director

The judging panel includes distinguished representatives from the library and information community in Wales and from CILIP within the UK.

In addition to saluting the nominees we also wish to mark our appreciation and gratitude to our members who embraced the Award with such enthusiasm and who went that extra mile in submitting nominations for their colleagues. Your time and effort is very much appreciated!

Further information:

Welsh Librarian of the Year - CILIP Cymru Wales web pages

Press release - Sirsi Dynix

Follow the discussion on Twitter #WLYA13