TAL Tales


Inside The Alberta Library

From the desk of
Karla Palichuk, Interim CEO

The Alberta Library community has a reputation for being helpful and cooperative. Over the past few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to get the full benefit of that goodwill, as I assumed the position of interim TAL CEO. Thanks to all of you who have expressed your support and provided advice and assistance on a range of issues. Your cooperation and encouragement is much appreciated.

On behalf of the TAL community, I would also like to thank Keith Walker for his excellent work as Chair of The Alberta Library. Keith’s three-year term comes to an end this month, and we will miss his leadership, experience and thoughtful optimism. We also wish him well as he makes the transition from his current position as Director of Medicine Hat College Library to Director of the Lethbridge Public Library, and becomes the President-elect of the Canadian Library Association.

This month, the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library Information Literacy and Awareness Committee hosted an Information Literacy Symposium in Calgary. Information literacy is increasingly important – and not just for librarians. Clearly, it’s not enough to simply provide information resources to people. We have to make sure they have the skills and strategies to ensure these resources are accessed and used effectively. Congratulations to the committee for putting on a successful symposium.

I am also pleased to report that The Alberta Library’s Books and beyond campaign took third place in the 7th IFLA International Marketing Award for 2009. The award recognizes the best library marketing projects worldwide each year. We are honoured by the recognition, and look forward to taking the campaign to the next level this fall.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Jasper at the Alberta Library Conference later this month. In the meantime, please feel free to drop me a line with your comments and questions.

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Keith Walker takes on new roles

This spring, TAL Board Chair Keith Walker is facing a number of milestones. On April 17th he chairs the final TAL Board meeting of his three-year term. On May 4th he leaves his post as the Library Director of Medicine Hat College to take up a new post as Lethbridge Public Library Director. He also takes on a new appointment as the Canadian Library Association President-elect.

“I’m excited about this transition,” says Keith. “I have learned so much working with TAL, and I plan to take The Alberta Library spirit with me to my new roles in Lethbridge and the CLA. It’s interesting to make the move from a post-secondary library to a public library. It’s a whole new world where I’ll be more involved in the community and be able to build important relationships at that level. I’m also looking forward to working more closely with the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network.”

The best part about his time as TAL Board Chair, says Keith, was working side-by-side with former CEO Lucy Pana, learning how the organization works from the inside. “Lucy and I had a telephone meeting almost every week, and it was a pleasure working with her.”

Highlights over the last three years include the development of the new Strategic Plan, working on the new TAL management structure and the launch of the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library. “Some important milestones occurred, and I’m proud to have been a part of them,” says Keith.

While there have been a number of achievements, the road isn’t always smooth. The increasing cost of databases due to a weaker Canadian dollar and the process of recruiting a new CEO are two current challenges. But, as Keith notes, “The library community has a positive attitude and everyone always works together to meet the challenges we face and turn them into opportunities.”

Keith says he also learned a lot as TAL Board Chair, especially the protocol around meeting with government. “It’s empowering and really reminds you of why this is such a great cause when you hear Alberta MLAs say what a wonderful job The Alberta Library is doing in terms of collaboration across the province.”

Keith plans to continue working with The Alberta Library through his position as Director of Lethbridge Public Library. “TAL has an important place in Alberta. We’re the leaders in collaboration in the province. It’s amazing what we can provide through cooperation and innovation. When I think about what we had 10 years ago at Medicine Hat College, and what we have now through The Alberta Library, it’s incredible. And TAL continues to grow, it’s always evolving, seeking the next solution and grasping new opportunities.”

And his advice for the next Board Chair? “Get to know the people you’re working with, establish a close relationship with the CEO and Management. Also, remember that The Alberta Library is all of us, it includes the whole library community of Alberta, so you don’t have to solve all the problems by yourself. TAL has a strong group of people to support you. But the most important piece of advice I can give is…relax and have fun!”

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Books and beyond gets international recognition!

books and beyond logo

TAL’s Books and beyond public library campaign not only speaks to Albertans, it has global appeal! The Alberta Library is proud to announce the campaign received third place in the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) 2009 International Marketing Award.

IFLA is the global voice of the library and information profession. It created the award to honour the best library marketing projects worldwide each year, encourage marketing in libraries and give libraries the opportunity to share marketing experiences. Altogether there were 22 applications from 16 different countries for this year's award.

The applications were judged on strategic approach, creativity, originality, innovation and social value, potential for generating widespread support for libraries, effectiveness, commitment to ongoing marketing activities, expression of emotion, sustainability and ethical aspects.

The Books and beyond campaign was created not only to promote the exciting wealth of resources available at Alberta's libraries, but to break existing stereotypes with a serious dose of irony. Check out the campaign again at www.booksandbeyond.ca.

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Information Literacy Symposium helps build capacity

Round-table discussions at the Information Literacy Symposium

On April 3rd, over 55 members of the library community from across Alberta gathered at the University of Calgary for an Information Literacy Symposium, presented by the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library Information Literacy and Awareness Committee (LILAC). Delegates were from all library sectors including schools, public, colleges, technical institutes and universities.

The keynote speaker was Gordon Coleman of British Columbia’s Electronic Library Network (BC-ELN), a post-secondary library consortia. He shared the story of how LINK, British Columbia’s rapidly growing repository of learning objects for academic librarians, is growing into a vital means for librarians to share information literacy resources. He applauded LILAC for creating an Information Literacy Toolkit and pointed out that by sharing instructional materials through the Toolkit “your work has an even greater impact on students and faculty.”

Other sessions touched on the how’s and why’s of information literacy assessment and evaluation, information literacy and e-learning, engaging new students in the library, the value of digital video games to teach information literacy skills and the information literacy parallels experienced by the K-12 school library and university library sectors.

“One of the goals of LILAC is to create and support a community of practice around information literacy that will help students and researchers across the province” says Christina Wilson, Director of the Lois Campus Alberta Digital Library. “Becoming literate about information, particularly electronic information, is an increasingly important skill whether you’re a student doing research or a citizen deciding who to vote for.”

LILAC’s Information Literacy Symposium was planned as a first step towards the goal of information literacy capacity building among library staff. Alberta’s library community responded with their support.

The organizing committee wishes to thank the following for their support of the Information Literacy Symposium: Canadian Association of College and University Libraries, University of Calgary, Grant MacEwan College, Mount Royal College, Red Deer College, University of Alberta and the University of Lethbridge.

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Help to Grow the Information Literacy Toolkit – and Win!

Winners of the “Share & Win” contest were announced at the Information Literacy Symposium, held at the University of Calgary on April 3, 2009. The contest intended to raise awareness of the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library (LHCADL) Information Literacy Toolkit. Prizes were awarded to:

The contest will be extended for the next six months with winners announced in TAL Tales each month. Keep submitting your instructional materials to help learners, researchers and colleagues make the most of the LHCADL resources. Currently the toolkit holds some amazing easy-to-use resources, but we can always find room for more.

The contest rules are simple: submit your own information literacy material or recommend a colleague’s. To submit, please use the form provided on the LHCADL website

To nominate a colleague’s creation, or learn more about the Information Literacy Toolkit, contact us.


 


New TAL Card!

New TAL Card

Your library’s next TAL Card order may look a little brighter, modern and more fun! The Alberta Library, with help from the library community, has redesigned all the TAL Card materials to an updated look that reflects The Alberta Library’s new visual identity.

The redesign aimed to give the TAL Card, brochure, and book flag a look that appeals to all ages and would really stand out in libraries.

The Alberta Library has also developed a new tool to help libraries market the TAL Card. Every participating library in the province will receive a TAL Card window decal (pictured above) that can be placed on any window or glass surface. The decal acts as a sign telling patrons that the TAL Card is available and accepted at that library.

Once The Alberta Library has distributed its remaining stock of TAL Card materials with the previous designs, it will be filling orders with the new look. Visit www.thealbertalibrary.ab.ca/forms.html to see all the new TAL Card materials. If you have any questions about ordering or using the materials please contact Janis Galloway, Communications Coordinator at The Alberta Library.

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Tell Me More campaign a success!

Last November, The Alberta Library launched a campaign to promote Tell Me More, the language learning software now available through public libraries across Alberta. Since November, over 2,000 Tell Me More accounts were created through public libraries.

“That is an amazing increase in only four months,” says Language Learning Software Project Coordinator, Marian Enow. “I’m so pleased that the word is spreading and people are seeing the value of the program.”

The campaign was aimed at new Canadians interested in learning English and featured TV, print and radio ads broadcasted on ethnic media outlets across Alberta. The media ads completed running in early March. A toolkit was also sent to public libraries with promotional materials to market the service inside libraries. The toolkit included an FAQ sheet, website logo, news release, print ad, posters and more.

If you have stories about how Tell Me More has made positive changes in your community please share them! Contact Janis Galloway, Communications Coordinator at The Alberta Library. You may also contact Janis if you require more toolkit materials or have questions about the campaign.

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TAL Profile


Mary Weasel Fat, Library Coordinator of Red Crow Community College, shares her story about becoming a part of Alberta’s library community and the passion that has kept her in it.

What is your involvement with The Alberta Library?


Mary Weasel Fat

Red Crow Community College is the first, First Nations Library to become a member of TAL. I sit on TAL’s Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library Steering Committee as the First Nations Library Representative. At one of my first meetings I was inquiring about becoming a member. I was concerned about our students at the satellite campus located in Lethbridge, Alberta. We have upgrading courses, workplace literacy and a pre-trades program for students wanting to upgrade their skills to enter the trades programs. Our students had no access to a library at our satellite campus due to space limitations.

I had just returned to work from a two year educational leave to pursue a combined education degree through a University of Lethbridge/RCCC Niitsitapi (means real people in Blackfoot) Teacher Education Program. As a U of L student I had a TAL card which I used to access the Lethbridge Public and Lethbridge College libraries. I felt a TAL card would meet our student’s library information needs there. Some of our students were unable to secure a library card at Lethbridge Public Library due to the cost and having no way of proving their Lethbridge residency due to living with extended family members. These students required access to a library the most.

At the time, the University of Alberta recognized the need to upgrade the six tribal college libraries in Alberta to enable us to participate in the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library project, which provides free access to electronic databases to all post-secondary institutes, including tribal college libraries. The University of Alberta received funding from several organizations and they developed the First Nations Library Initiative which provided library infrastructure, such as new computers, new automation system-SirsiDynix, travel and training on the new system, travel to the Alberta Library Conference and to the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Tribal College Librarians Professional Development Institute hosted by Montana State University Library. RCCC is the only Canadian Tribal College to be a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Tribal College Librarians Professional Development Institute which is comprised of 34 tribal colleges including three universities. Through the First Nations Library Initiative our library was brought up to par to become eligible to become members of TAL. I would like to thank former TAL CEO Lucy Pana for encouraging me to apply for membership.

What drew you to your profession?

Probably my background in disseminating information through my newspaper days and going to college twice and to university for two degrees. I was a reporter/editor for seven years for a native newspaper prior to RCCC. It was also by accident, I was looking for part-time work when I applied for one of two part-time library clerk positions. I was in a Mount Royal College Business Administration program at RCCC and was hired and started to work part-time in the library. Upon completion of the Business Administration Program, my supervisor Sr. Anne Murtagh, asked what I was going to do after graduation and I said look for a job and she offered me a library assistant job in the library. I accepted because I loved working in the library and having access to information as well being able to assist our students. Needless to say, libraries played a major role in my educational pursuits.

Who had the most influence over your career?

Sr. Anne Murtagh, our Library Consultant. She felt I was a natural library person and hired me when I completed my Business Administration Diploma.

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

New members, most notably Yellowhead Tribal College, a First Nations college located in Edmonton, will join the group at the next meeting.

Why do you think libraries are important?

Libraries are keepers of knowledge and provide access to information. For tribal college libraries we are keepers of tribal knowledge, which includes language & culture. At RCCC library we also allow tribal members to use the library because there are no public libraries on Indian Reserves in Alberta.

What has been challenging during your career?

The 2001 fire destroyed the Red Crow Community College Library and we had to rebuild the library again. We were moved several times and finally ended up in the basement of the college. RCCC is housed in St. Mary’s, an old residential school. We turned the other residential school into student housing for our students due to lack of housing on the reserve. We are currently fundraising for a new state of the art facility which will house a library, archives and classrooms. We have to fundraise for our facility because we do not receive funds from the federal government for infrastructure. We had a fundraising gala this past November in Calgary, Alberta, some of the TAL member libraries attended the event - I would like to thank them for their support. It has been an exciting 12 years working in the library.

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

The people. I learn something new at each meeting. It is such a lively, diverse group of academic, public and government libraries.

What is the most memorable item you ever borrowed from the library?

I borrowed an old year book (1936) from St. Paul’s Anglican Residential School on the Blood Reserve. It was part of the Middleton Collection which was donated to the college for safe keeping. My late father attended the school and he received an agriculture award that year; he was a successful rancher/farmer. I showed it to my mother and she enjoyed reading it; it brought back many memories for her and she told me stories about the people in the year book.

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Library Q&A – St. Albert Public Library


Pam Forsyth, Director or St. Albert Public Library, shares what her library is up to.


St. Albert Public Library’s reading corner.

What is your library’s biggest current challenge?

Our biggest challenge right now is our lack of space and the need to convince City Council to fund additional space for the library. Our library of about 25,000 square feet, which opened in 1983, was designed to serve until the City population reached 50,000 and our collection reached 100,000 items. Currently the population is close to 60,000 and we are housing over 165,000 books and audiovisual items. We are short of space for additions to the collection, for study tables, chairs, programming and new services.

What area is changing the fastest in your library?

Technology is the fastest changing area; keeping up with all the innovations is a challenge. Customers have come to expect immediate availability of new services to complement their hectic lifestyles. More of them are also expecting to use their library from home or have quick access to items without coming into the library. For example, customers recently voiced their desire to pay their fines and fees online. We were able to find and implement software to deliver this service, but this sort of success story may not always be achievable due to cost or staffing limitations. Our operations are heavily dependent upon specialized software, hardware, and skilled staff. Also, with materials frequently becoming available in new formats it is difficult to afford to keep up with customer preferences.

A fine balance is required to maintain existing services while attempting to offer new and innovative services.

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

We are most proud of the innovative ways in which staff members have learned to adapt to our space limitations and to continue to improve services. In the last five years we have added an Assistive Technology Centre to provide equipment and software for the use of the visually challenged and we have also contracted with the Province to provide a Career Resource Centre. The latter started as a pilot project which we think will lead to other public libraries having this opportunity to provide services to job seekers, combining work that our reference staff have always done with opportunities to attract new users to the library. People looking for work or to change jobs are able to take advantage of assistance from our staff plus free access to telephone and fax for contacting potential employers anywhere, free photocopying and computers with software for resume preparation.

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

In Alberta, the best innovation would be for the Province to supply the funding needed to ensure free public library memberships for all Albertans!

Secondly, in order to remain viable to a new generation of library users, we must embrace the idea of the library having a strong visibility in the virtual spaces that this generation inhabits. Our websites and catalogues must continue to evolve to offer interactive opportunities to these users.

How does your library stay in touch with your library users?

Our primary point of contact with users is our friendly, helpful staff at the circulation and reference desks! We also produce a monthly newsletter which is available in print and on our website. The website is used for information on events, programs and services, and we still prepare traditional posters and use a digital signage system in-house. Every 18 to 24 months we do an in-house survey of users asking questions regarding satisfaction with services and soliciting their suggestions. In addition, we provide suggestion forms and collect verbal comments from patrons at our public service desks. We review all suggestions and act on as many as feasible.

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

We have regular meetings, formal and informal, with politicians at all levels. Our major focus is on keeping our City Council informed of our needs and plans as they provide over 75 per cent of our funding. One member of Council is also a member of our Library Board and acts as a regular liaison between the two groups. We meet annually with our two MLAs, providing them with a library tour and some brief printed material regarding the library's contribution to the community as well as our views on provincial library issues and funding. Finally, we also contact our federal MP regularly to convey information on national issues such as copyright, library postal rates and Public Lending Right.

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