Inside The Alberta Library

 

 

 

There is an evolution taking place within the Alberta library community. It’s an evolution that has major implications for all of us over the next few years, providing opportunities to come together to provide even better services for Albertans.

Much of this evolution is the result of the 2009 MLA committee report, Framework for the Future: Positioning Alberta libraries for the 21st Century. One of the recommendations in the report called for a province-wide technology plan to create a standardized, seamless network of library services, including a single library card available to all Albertans.

The report called for the initiative to be “led by the Alberta Public Library Services Branch and supported by The Alberta Library.” Earlier this summer, the Public Library Services Branch released the plan in the form of the Alberta Public Libraries Technology Report and Recommendations.

The Alberta Government has invested $2 million with the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network to support implementation of seamless access and infrastructure, two of the key recommendations in the plan. We’re pleased to partner with the Public Library Services Branch on this important initiative.

While we will be working with our partners in the public library community to implement these recommendations, there is no doubt that we will be able to apply solutions that benefit all TAL members. The experience gained in implementing these recommendations should prove to be invaluable.

Also this month, the Alberta Government brought key library stakeholders from all sectors together to review a draft integrated library policy document developed by a cross-ministry of Assistant Deputy Ministers. Again, this is an initiative outlined in Framework for the Future that has implications for all publicly-funded libraries.

Meanwhile, here at The Alberta Library, we are continuing work on our 2012 – 2014 strategic plan, with a team that includes Gerry Meek, Dan Mirau, Eve Poirier, Mary-Jo Romaniuk, Shelley Ross, Ron Sheppard and Linda Scott. The strategies will support The Alberta Library’s new vision, ‘Together. One Card. One Click’.

Having a vision that makes a clear statement about coming together seems appropriate. After all, that’s the nature of the evolution.

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APLEN to play lead role in implementing technology plan

The Alberta Government is making a significant investment in implementing elements of the recently released Alberta Public Libraries Technology Report and Recommendations.

“Alberta Municipal Affairs has invested $2 million with the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN) to support implementing the finalized plan,” said Minister Hector Goudreau on releasing the report in July. “Public Library Services Branch will work with APLEN to implement select candidate projects that fall under the first and sixth recommendations in this report, to support achieving transparent / seamless access and ensuring stable technology infrastructure.”

According to APLEN Standing Committee Chair Ron Sheppard, the technology report is a template for Alberta public libraries to build an environment that supports the provision and delivery of public library services in Alberta.

“Since the report is not prescriptive, APLEN and the Public Library Services Branch will be responsible for how the recommendations are implemented, to ensure they fit the public library community’s needs,” said Ron. He added that the government’s $2 million investment “will create a solid foundation for the implementation of other recommendations, if additional funds become available.”

The APLEN Standing Committee also recently approved up to $90,000 from its existing operating budget for a mobile digital media creation lab project. The mobile digital media creation lab will assist with training as future recommendations are implemented.

The release of the report follows an unprecedented level of consultation in the library community. In 2008 a committee of MLAs travelled across the province talking to library community stakeholders, which led to the 2009 report, Framework for the Future: Positioning Alberta Libraries for the 21st Century.

The MLA report called for a province-wide technology plan to create a standardized, seamless network of library services, including a one-card system for all Albertans. After further consultation with public library stakeholders, Alternetive Converged Solutions Inc. produced the technology plan.

“This is an exciting development in the history of the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network, since the plan has major implications for the library community over the next few years,” said Ron. “It creates opportunities to focus on province-wide initiatives that benefit all public library users.”

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APLEN marketing: Make it yours

 

 

APLEN’s new marketing campaign – Make it yours – will help public libraries increase their exposure in their communities.

“Our goal is to get people talking about their local public library,” says Julia Reinhart, APLEN Director. “We’re offering libraries a variety of tools they can use to open up a dialogue with library users, non-users and community leaders about what their library has to offer.”

One of the most visible tools will be the ¼ page ads placed in local newspapers. “In small communities, newspapers are a very effective way of reaching people,” says Julia. “The Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association is a valued partner in the campaign and is providing value-added exposure in communities across the province.”

In addition to the newspaper ads, radio spots will air on a variety of stations across the province and an online ad campaign will begin in October. Julia adds, “We hope that seeing and hearing the ads will start a conversation about the value of libraries in people’s lives and in the communities they serve.”

Libraries will also be provided with screensavers, digital slideshows for in-library display systems and tradeshow displays. One of the most exciting tools is a web-based app that allows people to create personalized posters that reflect what they get through their local library. The posters can be shared through social media which generates even more exposure for the library.

An important element of the campaign was providing customizable tools. “Feedback from previous campaigns indicated that libraries wanted the ability to customize tools by adding their library’s name,” says Julia. “For this campaign we were able to provide each library with a set of professionally-printed posters with their library’s name and as much as possible each newspaper ad will be customized.”

A wiki has been developed to support Alberta public library staff in implementing Make it yours. The wiki describes the tools available for libraries to use, explains how to get the tools, and provides resources to help library staff implement the campaign. As the campaign proceeds it will also showcase examples of how libraries are using the tools and share best practices about campaign implementation to spark ideas.

We encourage public library staff to use the Make it yours campaign to bring attention to their libraries and get people talking!

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Netspeed 2011: The human side of technology

Provocative. Engaging. Entertaining.

Netspeed 2011, October 19-21 in Calgary, brings together library and technology leaders from across North America to focus on the human side of technology.

Together, we’ll explore how technology makes life easier, improves service, helps meet customer demands and connects people in new and interesting ways.

Opening keynote speaker Jesse Hirsh focuses on technology, libraries and the notion of the greater good. Closing keynote speaker Kevin Franco channels the power of transmedia storytelling – from social media to audience participation.

Over 20 breakout sessions highlight the human side of technology – universal design, peer-directed technology assistance, engaging your community virtually, digital collection and preservation, text messaging, ebooks and more.

In addition to powerful presentations, Netspeed 2011 has you covered with fun, food and festivities. Challenge your friends and colleagues to some head-to-head gaming action at Gameapalooza. Tour the new Taylor Family Digital Library and enjoy mixing and mingling.

You’ll be renewed, refreshed and reinvigorated. Not to mention ahead of the technology curve.

Register now for Netspeed 2011: The Human Side of Technology! The registration deadline is October 12. For conference updates visit our blog and view the most current program on the Netspeed website.

 

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Your library: A place unbound

The theme for this year’s Canadian Library Month–Your Library: A Place Unbound–celebrates the vision of libraries as places of endless opportunities.

Libraries remain places where Canadians of all ages, races and social status can access information and resources. Libraries are expanding their resources through innovations such as downloadable books and music, gaming and electronic databases. And libraries are pushing boundaries in other ways; constantly striving to surprise, meet customers’ needs and offer transformative experiences.

Sample news release and backgrounder templates are available on the Canadian Library Month website as well as ideas for special events, contests and media opportunities. These tools, in conjunction with the posters and bookmarks distributed by the Canadian Library Association, can help you promote your library during Canadian Library Month.

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Trustee education benefits public libraries

The new Trustee Learning program developed by the Alberta Library Trustees’ Association (ALTA) will benefit public libraries by helping trustees translate their enthusiasm for libraries into effective governance and representation. “Trustees need information and skills to be effective governors and representatives of their libraries,” says Stephanie Gregorwich, ALTA’s Executive Director. “Engaging trustees and helping them turn their passion for great libraries into great communities is a significant part of Trustee Learning.”

ALTA provides resources and training for their 2000 trustee members across the province. While all trustees share a passion for libraries, they have diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Trustee Learning “is a range of resources designed to help both new and seasoned library trustees master the multi-faceted role of an effective library governor,” says Stephanie.

In June 2010, ALTA board members reviewed the existing education programs and found they were regulation-heavy, in need of updating and didn’t address adult education principles for effective learning. In the fall of 2010, a committee composed of trustees, public library staff, Public Library Services Branch staff, former ALTA workshop facilitators and adult educators was tasked with developing a new trustee training program. Over the fall of 2010 and winter of 2011, the committee developed the materials for the first phase of training available now.

The first phase of Trustee Learning “serves as an orientation to the roles and responsibilities of being a trustee or board chair,” says Stephanie. Topics such as functions of the board and library manager, meeting procedures, and organizations involved in the Alberta library community help orient new members to the library world.

The training also builds the skills of trustees and board chairs by offering such topics as leading effective meetings, financial basics, and promotion of the library.

For future phases of the Trustee Learning program, ALTA will consult with trustees to determine which skills they want to build and develop corresponding training. ALTA also plans to create materials related to working together as a board and developing a shared understanding of issues. Library staff and trustees are invited to suggest topics for future training and resource development.

ALTA’s intention is to provide training that is not only informational but also dynamic and engaging. To this end, two professionally-produced videos featuring actual trustees are posted to the ALTA website and a third will be coming soon. Stephanie hopes that trustees will watch the videos at home individually or as a group at the start of board meetings as part of their learning process.

Other Trustee Learning materials such as handouts, checklists and guides are accessible on the ALTA website 24 hours a day. According to Stephanie, ALTA has received very positive feedback about the online resources. “Trustees appreciate being able to learn online and at their own pace.”

The information can also be delivered via in-person presentations. New Trustee Learning training sessions will debut at the Northern Lights and Yellowhead Regional library system conferences in September. In addition to conferences, ALTA is also happy to coordinate in-person Trustee Learning sessions for individual library boards. These sessions are delivered by seasoned trustees who can share their knowledge and experience.

Providing trustees with essential knowledge and skills is the goal of the Trustee Learning program. “ALTA recognized an opportunity to provide valuable learning for trustees, giving them the opportunity to ensure Alberta’s libraries continue to thrive and grow,” says Stephanie. By helping trustees be effective governors and advocates of their library, the Trustee Learning program will benefit more than just the trustees who take the training; it will benefit all public libraries.

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Library Spotlight: Alberta Legislature Library

Each issue TAL Tales shines the spotlight on one of Alberta’s many great libraries. This month, Val Footz tells us about the Alberta Legislature Library.

 

 

Who does your library serve and what services do you offer users?

The Legislature Library was established in 1906 to serve as the parliamentary library for the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. The Library provides authoritative, confidential, timely and nonpartisan information and reference services to all Members of the Legislative Assembly, regardless of their party affiliation. The staff of the Members (including researchers, legislative assistants and constituency staff located throughout the province) are also considered primary clients.

Many people might think that your library is only accessible by Members of the Legislative Assembly. What access does the public have?

While the needs of Members and their staff must be the Legislature Library’s first priority, service is also provided to the civil service, students and the general public. Unlike many other jurisdictions, the Legislature Library is open to the public without having to make special arrangements.

In addition, the Legislature Library provides access to selected full text Alberta electronic government documents through the library catalogue. This archive was established at the Legislature Library in 2002 to ensure that persistent access was available to digitally-born Alberta government publications.

What is the scope and/or focus of your collection?

The Legislature Library has to be able to provide information on any topic that may be raised in the Legislative Assembly. Our collection includes a wide range of subject areas that would be expected: law, government, education, science and technology, business, energy, economics, and the environment.

However, to our knowledge, we also have the largest historical collection of Alberta community newspapers in existence, a significant number of Alberta local histories, and a number of in-house resources that Library Staff over the years have developed in order to answer specialized questions we receive.

In addition, the Library contains supporting materials for effective speech making and public appearances, comparative legislation from other jurisdictions in Canada and Commonwealth countries, and historical audiovisual recordings of Alberta legislative proceedings back to 1986.

How is your library different from the Government of Alberta Library?

The Legislature Library is not part of the Government of Alberta Library or in fact part of the Government of Alberta at all. The Legislature Library is part of the Legislative Assembly Office (LAO) which is not a government department.

The Legislative Assembly is the legislative branch which is responsible for establishing laws; government is the executive branch which is responsible for applying and enforcing law. The Legislature Librarian reports to the Clerk of the Assembly.

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

Rather than an idea, it is a project. In 2007, after five years of research and writing by Legislature Library staff, The Centennial Series was published. The Centennial Series celebrates 100 years of democracy in Alberta (1906-2006). The four volume set focuses on Alberta’s Lieutenant Governors, Premiers and Speakers as well as Alberta’s provincial election results. The collective 2,698 pages weigh over 17 pounds with over 8,500 resources consulted during the research and writing process! Over 35 Library staff participated in one way or another over those five years. The Library worked together as a team, and with the support of the Speaker, Clerk and entire LAO, delivered a well-researched and carefully written chronicle of Alberta parliamentary history.

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

With the rapid technological advances being made, there are many opportunities for us to provide more context-driven information. Somewhere in the literature recently, there was a quote to the effect that “context is king, not content.” This is particularly true in our environment. With the extensive demands on their time, the Members require their information quickly and precisely.

Is there anything else you’d like people in the library community to know about your library, services or staff?

One of the most common errors made is referring to us as the Legislative Library. In a 2002 interview, Mr. Gerard Amerongen (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1986) recalled: “when I first got in, the building used to be called the ‘Legislative Building.’ Gee, it ain’t a legislative building; it doesn’t legislate. It’s a ‘Legislature Building.’ Well, the government accepted it… and it was all changed.” Accordingly, in 1974, the name of the Legislature Library was also established. Most jurisdictions in Canada continue to have a Legislative Library.

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People You Should Know: Carlee Pilikowski, Marigold Library System

Each issue TAL Tales introduces you to another member of Alberta’s vibrant library community. This month, say hello to Carlee Pilikowski, Communications Officer with Marigold Library System.

 

Carlee Pilikowski

 

How long have you worked as Communications Officer for Marigold Library System?

In 2002 I became the Communications Officer, which was a newly created position. Marigold was the first of Alberta’s 7 regional library systems to create a communications position. I started at Marigold as the office manager in 1986 and that morphed into the Consultants’ Assistant, so I have a strong understanding of and belief in Marigold, its services and its members.

My first Marigold Newsletter was produced on an IBM Selectric typewriter – I used Letraset to painstakingly construct the headings one letter at a time.

What drew you to working in the library community?

The chance to work in the library community was a bit of a lucky break. I applied for the office manager job at Marigold not really knowing what Library Systems were or how they functioned. Marigold had been in existence since 1981; however, information about regional systems, or rural libraries in Alberta for that matter, was not widely published or promoted. At that time I was someone who simply took libraries for granted. During the interview I was immediately fascinated with the concept of a regional library system. It didn’t take long to recognize that Marigold was going to be a good fit for me.

How would you describe your job if a friend asked you what you do?

I have an amazing job filled with variety and interesting challenges. One day I’m a graphic designer, the next a participant in a special project, the next a creator of displays and posters, other days a writer of publications.

Some of what I do is planned while much of what I do is randomly determined by requests from headquarters staff who are embarking on a project or by the needs of a local library. I am privileged to work with such dedicated and talented staff, both at headquarters and in the member libraries.

What are some of the things you’re working on right now?

Marigold launched its new website in June in conjunction with our 30th Anniversary. I’m tweaking the website and there is much to be added to make it more interactive. Website templates for member libraries is also an ongoing project for the communication and IT staff of Marigold. A website for every member library is one goal in Marigold’s recently completed Plan of Service. Member library staff are very excited about this project. It will transform the way that member libraries communicate and connect with the Marigold community.

Currently I’m in the process of revamping a document entitled Overview of Headquarters Staff which will put a face to a name at headquarters. This informal document, intended for library staff and board members, has pictures of Marigold’s 26 headquarters staff and includes background information, a brief description of responsibilities and a personal tidbit about each staff member. Library Managers will particularly appreciate this booklet. Staff in both headquarters and in the local library also value the opportunity to have videoconference for short meet and greet sessions.

How does what you do support your library system?

In some ways the Communications Officer is the guardian of the Marigold brand. I play a role in how prospective member municipalities and stakeholders view Marigold – either through presentations, publications, the website or promotional materials. Twenty-five years of living at headquarters during the workweek has given me ample opportunity to put myself in the shoes of the local library community regarding promotion of Marigold’s resources and services. I have the big picture in mind, whether it’s creating a display for a local library to use at their fall fair, designing a PowerPoint for a Marigold Board meeting, or synthesizing information from many sources to depict an outcome in a graphic manner or in a publication such as Marigold’s annual report.

Libraries are in the front seat of the roller coaster when it comes to asking for additional funding. Frequently decision makers measure the library’s success by its number of cardholders. To that end, I am always looking for ways to assist member libraries with their card campaigns and to generally help them spread the word. In addition, I work closely with Marigold’s Director as she strives to clarify the roles, value, services and funding structure of Marigold and public libraries to local councils. I also collaborate with Marigold’s TRAC and RISE partners in the area of promotion, helping to create awareness of Systems by providing brochures and displays for various trade shows that regional library system directors attend and by creating posters to support videoconference events.

What do you like most about your job and working with the library community?

Working in a multigenerational environment. It allows for such great diversity of management and project teams. There is also a remarkable mix of boomers and gen xer’s on councils and library boards in Marigold communities –communicating and marketing to such a varied audience is somewhat challenging, yet always rewarding. I never have a boring minute or a lack of things to do. I feel that the collaborative nature of headquarters staff would be the envy of many corporations. And, there is such genuine passion for providing and enhancing library service.

What is the next idea you’re excited about exploring?

I have a fantasy that someday I’ll have the budget for a glossy 40-page publication that is tucked into every rural newspaper in Sothern Alberta. Regional library systems, the library experience, and the value and importance of libraries to the community will be thoroughly explained. Because of this publication all residents in Marigold’s area will have a library card, understand and appreciate everything connected to libraries and systems...

Back in the real world, I will be happy when the greening of the Marigold Board Manual is complete. I’m half way there, with our 200 page policy manual now on the website. It remains to be seen if our goal of a paperless manual is practical for a 41-member board. Finding that balance between paper and digital is definitely on my agenda for the future, as is assessing the impact of going paperless on Marigold’s various stakeholders.

I’m also exploring the possibility of a ‘share your story’ section on Marigold’s website. There is a wealth of library stories, activities and wonderful events to be shared with the library community and beyond.

What do you do like to do in your spare time outside of work?

I enjoy painting mixed media pictures and graphics inspired by bizarre and curious drawings of the early 1500s. I’m trying to perfect my golf swing. And, one of these days I’ll take my gardening seriously and do the research to find the names of perennials I planted five years ago.

 

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