Libraries and Web 2.0 Conference

I'd like to shameless promote an online conference that I am participating in. It concerns Web 2.0, online communities, libraries, Facebook, social media and networking, online identities, gaming, privacy issues and all other things Internet.

The 2011 Online Communities and Social Networks
Student Conference

http://networkconference.netstudies.org/2011/

My paper entitled "Library 2.0: Reading the Social Network" deals with how libraries are engaging with people online by using Web 2.0 and benefits reaped by libraries, patrons and online communities.

If you are interested in the future (and present) of libraries online, please pop by and have a look...

The changing role of Libraries (and our library)

It's obvious that libraries are going through a period of great change.

The integration of technology into the library sector has had (and will increasingly have) a big impact on what services we provide and how we provide them.

Gadgets like iPhones, iPads and tablets. smartphones and ebook readers give people the freedom to communicate and interact from anywhere. Are we doing enough to engage with these people? What do service do they expect from us? Do we need more training on how these technologies work or even more exposure to them?

What are your thoughts and concerns? I know we have briefly touched on this at previous meetings, but maybe this is something we look at in more depth to get a better understanding of how we feel as library staff.

I don't think this is about drawing a line in the sand but just seeing the need for change if the justification is there.

National Year of Reading 2012

Did you know...there are 46% of Australians who can’t read newspapers; follow a recipe; make sense of timetables, or understand the instructions on a medicine bottle.

Australian libraries and library associations are behind a campaign to turn 2012 into the National Year of Reading, linking together all the great things that are already happening around books, reading and literacy, and giving them an extra boost, with fun programs and activities taking place across the country.

A planning session for the National Year of Reading 2012 was held at Falcon eLibrary and Community Centre last Friday. Library staff and managers gathered to brainstorm the four local initiatives to be tackled by Mandurah Libraries. These were:

• Library membership drive
• One Country Reading
• Workplace literacy campaign
• The Reading Hour

I'll be posting some of the ideas that came in the next few posts, so feel free to add your thoughts!

Check out the website for more info: http://www.love2read.org.au/

Ten Reasons to Hug a Librarian

Today is International Hug a Librarian Day, so I've put together a list of reasons why librarians deserve a hug. Feel free to add more ...

1. S/he encouraged your love of reading
2. S/he recognises that the library experience is different for everyone
3. S/he answers questions ... all sorts of questions
4. S/he values and promotes learning and literacy
5. S/he organises events and guest speakers for the community for little or no charge
6. S/he provides stimulating school holiday activities, reinforcing that libraries and learning are fun!
7. S/he is continually upskilling to maintain relevancy, and supports and encourages his/her colleagues in their endeavours
8. S/he can show you how to trace your family history, help your children with their maths and science homework, and use online resources for school assignments
9. S/he works hard ... Contrary to popular opinion Librarians don't sit around reading books all day!
10. Librarians are people too ... sometimes they just need a hug!

Kindles, ebooks and us!

This afternoon, a patron walked into Falcon eLibrary and Community Centre, hopped onto the wireless network with her Kindle ebook reader, downloaded a latest release ebook from the Amazon store and then left! All in a matter of minutes!

This really highlights how we can provide for patrons now and in the future. Happy days!

Lakelands Library Planning Day

What did everyone think of yesterdays session?

I thought it was a great to see discussion on what libraries can be, what they will look like and some other interesting topics too! I liked the emphasis on the importance of future staff roles too!

Hopefully we can use this blog as a place for new ideas, discussion and contribution .... and somewhere to have a bit of fun. Because it is difficult to physically meet together as a group, perhaps we do the next best thing, meet online here!

A single word...

In the comments section of this post, write down some single word thoughts, ideas or visions about what the new Mandurah Library should be. Think about every aspect of the library; tangible and intangible. For example 'light', 'open' or 'free'. Go for it!