Inside The Alberta Library
It’s great to be back in Alberta and part of The Alberta Library once again. Alberta’s library community is incredibly vibrant, and the past month has provided me with many opportunities to reconnect with friends and colleagues across the province. Thanks for welcoming me back and making my transition to CEO of The Alberta Library as smooth and seamless as possible.
On October 2nd it was fun to join the Parkland Regional Library board and staff as they hosted a celebration at the Lacombe Memorial Centre commemorating 50 years of service to libraries in central Alberta. Congratulations to Ron Sheppard and everyone connected with the celebration, which included an appearance by Municipal Affairs Minister Ray Danyluk.
On October 8th I enjoyed attending the launch of the Rural Information Service Initiative (RISE), a partnership between Chinook Arch, Marigold and Shortgrass Library Systems. This project will link together communities in southern Alberta via a library-based videoconference network. Congratulations to Maggie Macdonald and everyone on the RISE team on the successful launch of an initiative that will bring new services to rural communities through enhanced library services, including distance education and training opportunities.
Netspeed 2009 in Calgary was also action-packed. We acknowledged the key role that Minister Danyluk played in last year’s library review, which ultimately led to the release of "Framework for the Future: Positioning Alberta Libraries for the 21st Century", and a 39 per cent increase in public library funding. In addition to a lifetime membership with The Alberta Library, we combined two of his passions by presenting him with a special motorcycle vest that read ‘Alberta’s Libraries: Born to Read.’
We also hosted an appreciation for Punch Jackson, Executive Director of Public Library Services at Alberta Municipal Affairs, who retired at the end of October. There wasn’t time to do full justice to Punch and his remarkable career, so there will be a retirement celebration for Punch and his wife in April in Jasper.
People like Punch Jackson are symbols of what makes Alberta’s library community so strong, and I’m proud to be part of it again. I look forward to talking to you about how we can build on our strengths as we look to the future. In the meantime, please contact me if there are issues you would like to discuss, or if you have comments or suggestions.
top
Clive Maishment, Punch Jackson and Maureen Woods.
Punch Jackson: helping people connect
Punch Jackson, Executive Director of Public Library Services at Alberta Municipal Affairs, retired October 30th. So it was fitting that an appreciation reception was held for him at Netspeed 2009, the conference he helped create.
Over the course of his career Punch served the YMCA, Camp Stevens and the Wilderness Program, the disabled community, the recreation and sports community, the voluntary sector and the library community.
“It’s been a tremendous 39 years with amazing opportunities, challenges and accomplishments,” said Punch. “The people along the way have made it all worthwhile.”
“His work has touched a lot of people,” said TAL Board Chair Maggie Macdonald, “but we in the library community really claim him as our own. Punch has made an immeasurable contribution to library services across the province.”
In addition to planning the first Netspeed Conference, highlights from Punch’s career include playing a lead role in the creation of Canadian Library Month, helping connect libraries to the SuperNet, helping finalize the first federal Community Access Program agreement, helping create electronic performance measures, bringing together the first meeting of Library Ministers, and helping found The Alberta Library and the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network.
Over the past year, Punch also worked with the staff and senior management of Alberta Municipal Affairs to guide the consultation process that led to the "Framework for the Future" document and a 39 per cent increase in funding for public libraries.
“Punch, I know you will continue to be active in your communities, connecting people and ideas,” said Maggie. “But please know that you have touched the lives of many. You have guided many. You have inspired many. And your contribution will never be forgotten.”
An official retirement party for Punch is planned for the Alberta Library Conference in Jasper in April 2010.
TAL Tales spoke to Punch on the eve of his retirement.
Where did it all start? How did you become involved with libraries and with The Alberta Library?
I was involved in a manager rotation exercise that moved me from Recreation and Sport to Libraries (and Lucy Pana from Libraries to the Arts) in April 1996. By January 1997 Lucy had moved over to The Alberta Library and we struck up a partnership to build the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network.
Who had the most influence over your
career?
Several people influenced my career. Early mentors in the YMCA helped me to build a solid foundation of people skills and the importance of listening to input. Deputy Ministers over the years helped me shape sensitivities to government management practices. One Assistant Deputy Minister taught me not to "overbeat the batter” and Lois Hole taught me about patience and perseverance. Everyone I have worked with has helped influence my career in some way.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Being part of connecting all the libraries to the Internet was a highlight as it really moved libraries from being out in the cold to being part of the world. Once connected the libraries were all the same size. Helping to create National Library Month, connecting to SuperNet, creating the electronic performance measures, holding the first meeting of Library Ministers, seeing the success of The Alberta Library and the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network, being part of LibraryNet with Industry Canada, seeing the first public library campaigns – these are all things I’ll look back on with pride.
What has been the most rewarding part of working with The Alberta Library?
Seeing TAL and APLEN stick to the principle of listening to members and actively involving members in key areas of development.
What was your most memorable moment with TAL?
Finalizing the first agreement with Industry Canada on CAP. The agreement set the stage for an initial contribution of $4.1 million which raised our leveraged funds to $5.3 million in 1998. The first Netspeed was also a high point.
Why do you think libraries are important?
I think libraries are important because they are centres of community activity and vital in connecting people to information. Libraries are sensitive to their users and their communities. Libraries have the ability to adapt to change because they listen to their communities.
What is your wish for libraries in the future?
My wish is that libraries will learn to highlight their services, will continue to adapt to change and continue to tell their stories in a positive way.
And what are your personal plans for the future?
Decompress after 39 years of working. Relax until after Christmas and then begin to look for project areas in libraries, community development, not for profit sector or recreation. I have some thoughts about helping people connect the dots.
Netspeed in your own words
A major focus of this year’s Netspeed was how libraries can advance by using new Internet tools. Twitter is one of the new tools that can open up communication and help libraries tell their story.
Using the hashtag #NS09 you told the world what you thought about Netspeed 2009.
Here is some of what you had to say:
@bibliogoddesss had a great time at netspeed!
@amjwatson at Netspeed - 6 mins. Into what Google did next session - so far so good!
@catalogurl Last day in Calgary, There was some great live music at King's Head last night, and some great Netspeed sessions ahead this morning!
@mouseylibrarian Netspeed: the professional equivalent of speed dating.
@kristianmc Netpub rocks!
@jay_macd Excellent session on making websites for libraries mobile ready. Paul Pival and Kenton Good were great!
@wangyip Just on lunch break at #NS09 - great breakout session from SAIT on their redesign & usability testing. Lots of good questions to think about
@sarahjonesy Learning about Twitter at #ns09. Awesome presentation @ppival :)
@oldslibrary learning all about the world of twitter at netspeed. How to use it better!
@jay_macd Margaret Mackey @ netspeed: Big Worlds and New Literacies. Food for thought.
@michaeljanz Interesting panel on cdn copyright, access copyright, fair dealing, future of libraries and the publishing industry.
For more information about Twitter, check out TAL’s Five Minute Guides
Maggie Macdonald and Minister Ray Danyluk.
Minister Danyluk: born to read
Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ray Danyluk loves libraries. He also loves motorcycles. So when it came time to thank the Minister for his hard work on behalf of libraries the question of what to get him was a no-brainer: a motorcycle vest emblazoned with "Alberta’s Libraries – Born to Read."
In August 2008, Minister Danyluk established an MLA Committee to address the future of public library service in Alberta. In April 2009 the Alberta Government released the report Framework for the Future: Positioning Alberta Libraries for the 21st Century as a result of the consultation process. The Alberta Government also strengthened library services with a 39 per cent increase in public library funding in 2009.
“Minister Danyluk is a great supporter of libraries, both in the community and in government,” said TAL Board Chair Maggie Macdonald. “We recognize that much of the credit for advancing the cause of publicly funded libraries goes to him. The entire library community owes him a debt of gratitude.”
In addition to the motorcycle vest, Minister Danyluk was presented with an Honourary Lifetime Membership in The Alberta Library.
Friday morning keynote speaker, Frank Work.
Defending the right to read and search for information
“I feel I’m among friends here.”
Frank Work, Alberta’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, said he felt at home giving his Netspeed keynote address because librarians have long held the principle that the right to read and search for information is the foundation of individual liberty.
“This is absolutely true and the basis of access to information legislation,” he said.
In addition, he noted that librarians have always been staunch defenders of patron confidentiality, even in the face of legislation such as the "Patriot Act" in the United States.
In an entertaining and thoughtful presentation, Frank went on to outline the dynamic tension between individual liberty and the growing demand for security and surveillance.
“It started with terrorism and now, as a society, we have become fearful of everything,” he said. “The fact is that the crime rate is decreasing, and we are safer now than we were 20 years ago.” Frank noted closed-circuit security cameras do almost nothing to reduce crime in cities, and they have been a failure in places such as London, England, which now boasts over four million electronic eyes. He also expressed similar concerns for a proposed national security card, noting that proponents of the card use the argument that it shouldn’t be an issue “for those with nothing to hide.”
“Those are the words that I hate the most,” he said. “The fact that you have nothing to hide is not the point, and it should never be the point.”
As parting advice, he encouraged the library community to “keep up the good work – we need allies.”
Library Q&A - Grande Prairie Public Library
Grande Prairie Public Library
What is your library’s biggest current challenge?
There are many changes that go along with the move to a new facility, but our biggest challenge is to maintain good service to the public during the adjustment period. Both staff and public are familiarizing themselves with changes in procedures, different physical locations for collections, new or enhanced services, programs, and collections. Managing the transition of our library into a new era of service possibilities and collections is challenging and exciting at the same time.
What area is changing the fastest in your library?
Right now it is our usage statistics. Our circulation for September was 145 per cent higher than last September and new memberships are up by 25 per cent. We continue to make staffing adjustments to meet the increased service demands.We now have a training lab, so are able to offer group and individual computer sessions. This is very popular with the public and interest continues to grow.
What idea are you most proud of over the last five years?
For the first time in 70 years we are able to provide a full service library to the public in a facility designed and built as a library – not a converted liquor store, hardware store or court house. We believe this library not only addresses what the public told us they would like to see in a library but will also allow us the flexibility to grow and change our services as public needs change. We are also proud to be able to talk about how well partnerships can work. Many people worked for at least 10 years developing and sustaining partnerships of all sorts to get this Montrose Cultural Centre built: fundraising volunteers, all levels of government, art gallery and library boards, staff and volunteers, donors, architects, consultants, trades and many more.
Where do you see the most opportunity for innovation over the next decade?
Grande Prairie is a young, growing community and I believe opportunities to reach more users outside of our facility through technology will grow. Book distribution through mall kiosks, videoconferencing and a more interactive website are some examples. We are very excited about pursuing innovative partnership opportunities with the Prairie Art Gallery, which shares the Montrose Cultural Centre with us.
How does your library stay in touch with your clients/library users?
Staff members informally pass along patron comments on programs, services and collections. An annual survey and periodic targeted surveys on specific collections and services are more formal methods we also use. A weekly library newspaper column, booths at trade fairs, staff representation on various boards and agencies help us get the word out to a wider audience. Board members also provide us with input from the public and help spread the library message.
Beyond books: telling our story
As the Books and beyond campaign continues to roll out this fall, with TV and radio ads currently on air and online ads to follow, it’s a good time to review marketing needs across the province, according to Karla Palichuk, Director of the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network.
What’s working in your region? What tools do you need to tell your story more effectively?
“As the MLA report, Framework for the Future, points out, the scope of services offered by libraries has changed immensely in recent years, yet many Albertans are still unaware of the services available to them,” Karla said. “Alberta’s public libraries need to better market their services and let Albertans know the wealth of information, services and opportunities available at their local libraries.”
Of course, the issue isn’t necessarily specific to Alberta. A 2005 OCLC survey of 3,300 people in Australia, Canada, the U.S, U.K and other regions, showed that the library "brand", or the promise libraries make to our customers, is books.
“Across all regions surveyed, respondents associate libraries first and foremost with books,” the report noted. “There is no runner-up.”
“Many people still have a stereotypical view of libraries, a view that just doesn’t match the reality,” said Karla. “Libraries go way beyond books – and the response to the Books and beyond campaign shows that we can connect with people in making that point. But we know we’re just scratching the surface, and there is a lot more work to do.”
An overall review of cross-province marketing will take place over the next few months.
“The good news is that because libraries across the province are cooperating and collaborating with each other, we have options,” Karla said. “We also have a marketing budget approved for 2010.”
For more information, contact Karla Palichuk or Bill Rice, The Alberta Library’s Communications Director.