Disasters - how can we help?

With the horrendous disasters in Burma and China, it makes me think how we - the library industry - can help? There's the obvious money tin on the counter asking for donations, but I feel we should be doing something more constructive. I do know that after human-made and natural disasters in other countries, libraries donated books and computers to help affected schools and libraries in those countries (e.g. East Timor). And how many books do we send off for pulping? Wouldn't it be better to send them to people who need them?

So how would my library go about this? Should we contact ALIA? or SLNSW? Or should we contact a charity such as UNICEF or Red Cross? I guess what I'm trying to say (and without having done any research into this whatsoever so far) is that I think the world would benefit from a permanent Library Aid Programme in Australia. What do you think? If I get many positive comments, I would be happy to look into setting up some sort of programme and discussing it with ALIA, SLNSW, NLA etc.

I'll do some research now in case I get a positive response from the blogsphere.

That's all folks!

Well I've just finished Week 12 - but haven't done the feedback yet!

I decided to go back over the weeks and refresh what I'd learnt, and really benefited from it. Its so easy to forget things! And as I finished it from my home computer, I was able to access some of the sites I couldn't before. It was also easier re-reading the blogs after I was more familiar and comfortable with the terminology.

So I just wanted to say thanks to SLNSW for putting this all together, and thanks everyone for your comments.

I'm actually looking forward to having some time to view more of the other blogs now!!

Good luck to everyone - and see you in cyberspace!

Mash me up?

I was really looking forward to this week's activities, as Mashups are something I've heard about, but didn't really know about. And this week did answer some of my questions, but not all. For instance, what are the copyright implications of using these programs on our official websites? Is there anything official we have to sort out before we do it, or can we just start mashing?

If we can just start mashing, I can see great possibilities - fun stuff, like getting kids to create badges and jigsaw puzzles - as well as using maps and photos and frames to promote our local studies collection. It could also be a great way to advertise the location of our libraries and upcoming events - especially if they are held off site!

Podcasting the library world.

Unfortunately our IT restrictions made it too difficult for me to listen to any of the Library related podcasts, but I had a look through the libsuccess.org list and thought most of the libraries had used podcasting very effectively. I especially liked how so many schools are doing it, with teachers, students and librarians all offering information for everyone else in the community to share.

I'm a fan of ABC podcasts from way back - I must admit that I never really understood all the technical mumbo-jumbo, but figured out how to listen to my favourite Radio National programs regardless! My favourites are "The national interest" and "The Science Show" - and I try and podacst them if I ever miss them 'live'. I've also 'vodcast' a few episodes of 'Chaser' and 'summer heights high' that I've missed when they were broadcast - better than illegally video recording them!

To Slam or not to Slam? That is the question!

The question was posed "Is there a role for your library in 'Slamming the boards'?" and it made me consider the different opportunities we might have as a library to promote our specialist services. As a local studies librarian, there is a real opportunity for me to promote the local studies and family history collections in all libraries, but with particular reference to my area where possible. And the Children's and Youth Librarian could more effectively answer questions relating to HSC materials or Children's literature and again use the opportunity to promote their collection. But is this then taking away from the integrity of the event? I think not, as long as the answers are given honestly and any advertising is done at the end and it is made clear that these events are run at most libraries.

I've heard of the 'Slamming the boards' events each month and have honestly considered participating, but I have always been either too busy (aren't we all?!) or not confident enough with the technology to feel I could give my best. I think I feel that if its going 'in print' (albeit online) it needs to be 100% perfect and accurate, and whenever I've drafted an answer, I tend to spend hours tweaking it to make it perfect, only to give up because, of course, it never is!