Massey Librarians Double Finalists in Innovation Awards
by Massey University Library
Massey librarians have taken out two of the three finalist spots in the national 3M Innovation in Libraries Award.
Spencer Lilley and Sheeanda Field, library Māori Services staff, were shortlisted for developing the Ngā Kupu Ora Māori Book Awards. Heather Lamond, head of Distance Library Service, is a finalist for the library’s sustainable strategic approach to online tutorials.
Well done Spencer, Sheannda and Heather and well done Ikaroa Region, haven't we done well. Ikaroa Region are innovative and can do anything!
http://libraryblogs.massey.ac.nz/loud.php/massey-librarians-double-finalists-in-in
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Ikaroa Hui : Dinner (Te Haonui - Open to all) with an after dinner speaker: Gareth Hughes MP on the “State of the Libraries”
Dinner (Te Haonui - Open to all) with an after dinner speaker: Gareth Hughes MP on the “State of the Libraries”
Gareth Hughes was entertaining yest at the same time informative and waas supportive of Libraries. He was doing his best to keep libraries free. He was there supporting Tauranga Libraries when their council were trying to impose charges, and again for South Taranaki Libraries. He is drafting an amendment to the local government act to include that libraries should be free to borrow as they are for the community good.
Gareth Hughes was entertaining yest at the same time informative and waas supportive of Libraries. He was doing his best to keep libraries free. He was there supporting Tauranga Libraries when their council were trying to impose charges, and again for South Taranaki Libraries. He is drafting an amendment to the local government act to include that libraries should be free to borrow as they are for the community good.Pre-Dinner drinks
Ikaroa Committee have provided an excellent programme a combination of serious keynote spaeakers, and concurrent sessions combined with awesome social interludes.
The predinner drinks was just one of many. Great choice of drinks, nibble and lots of networking ensued. we had to be interrupted to move into the dining lounge.
The predinner drinks was just one of many. Great choice of drinks, nibble and lots of networking ensued. we had to be interrupted to move into the dining lounge.
Ikaroa Hui : "Never say never again"
"Never say never again" by Rosalie Blake Horowhenua Library Trust was on Catalyst by Contec Data Sytems, it was never a windows based sytem. Tthe company ownership had moved to Singapore. It was not being supported anymore. They knew the system wasn't Y2K-compliant, and they realized it no longer fit their needs. HLT also knew that buying a new system would cost them a lot of money up front and would require capital improvements they couldn't afford to make (up to $1000 communication lines and gear to support the new system).They wanted to keep with their $1 a day technology connection courtesy of Telecom.
In 1999, HLT made a momentous decision. They were using a 12-year-old integrated library system (ILS) that was no longer being developed they need a new library system. They had be advised to never hire any some to write a programme for you, cost to much and ends up becoming obsolete and not supported. They convinced their Council they need a new library system by 1 Jan 2000 as the present one would not cope with Y2k. This was approved by Council.
The approached Katipo and after much discussion they suggested that if they did write a programme it would involve a lot of testing and that they should release it open source under a GNUPLto prevent obsolence. In september 1999 Katipo systems were hired to write a programme for HLT ready to start in Jauary 2000
Koha was developed during the fourth quarter of 1999 and went into production on January 1, 2000. The first installation went live in January of 2000 and it was the first open source integrated library system There was a brief flurry of work on the system, and it was released to the world early that year. Koha won two awards in 2000: the 3M award for Innovation in Libraries and the ANZ Interactive Award (Community/Not-for-Profit Category).
It didn't take long for Koha to cross the Pacific. In the fall of 2000 the rural Coast
Wethen went to the Massey Library on the Horowhitu campus to have a look at the Horowhenua Library Trust website and Library catalogue.
Ikaroa Hui : "Best Seller" Best retail practice for Library Displays
“Best sellers”: Best Retail Practice for Library Displays by Paul Brown from Manakau Libraries.
Since 2008 Manukau Libraries readers advisory training program (2) has been intrinsic to enabling frontline staff to rethink and improve services. However far from representing a simplistic model of operational instruction Best Sellers is predicated upon key sociopolitical considerations. While advancing readers advisory work, it has challenged librarians to review organisational pedagogies and behaviours which have been allowed to act as delimiters in the repositioning of readers advisory services as the core business of public libraries.
Let me begin with a problem statement, or at least an acute transTasman observation, but which is also variably applicable throughout New Zealand and internationally. It is one at the heart of the ability of public libraries to execute a core role to a professional level
... libraries now need to refocus on the core
business of books and reading ... The main
challenge here is that many Australian library
staff have lost confidence in giving people
advice about books and offering borrowers the
chance to try something new to read.
Since 2008 Manukau Libraries readers advisory training program (2) has been intrinsic to enabling frontline staff to rethink and improve services. However far from representing a simplistic model of operational instruction Best Sellers is predicated upon key sociopolitical considerations. While advancing readers advisory work, it has challenged librarians to review organisational pedagogies and behaviours which have been allowed to act as delimiters in the repositioning of readers advisory services as the core business of public libraries.
Let me begin with a problem statement, or at least an acute transTasman observation, but which is also variably applicable throughout New Zealand and internationally. It is one at the heart of the ability of public libraries to execute a core role to a professional level
... libraries now need to refocus on the core
business of books and reading ... The main
challenge here is that many Australian library
staff have lost confidence in giving people
advice about books and offering borrowers the
chance to try something new to read.
Ikaroa Hui : The Cheat's Guide to Project Management by Sally Pewhairangi
A project is a temporary endeavour to create a new product or service. A successful project is one that is on time, on budget, on specification and too the customers and managerment satisfaction.
Key obstacles that hinder sucessful projects are:
1. Lack of direction
2. lack of a plan
3. lack of resource
4. lack of communication.
A good project should define the project, then plan it, then check it adjust if necessary then do it check it adjust long the way only if necessary and finish project. Stay within teh scope of teh project and don't stray.
Ikaroa Hui : Professionalism
Professionalism is defined by the Concise Oxford Dictionary (2nd ed. 1992, p. 905) as practicing "the qualities or typical features of a profession or of professionals especially competencies, skills, etc."Carolyn said the professionalism among librarians is shown by the way we act and practice the professional competencies of being a librarian 
and abiding by the LIANZA code of conduct.
and abiding by the LIANZA code of conduct.Professionalism has been shown by Canterbury Librarians in their response to the earthquake. Pitching cleaning up the library, helping others in the community. The rest of the profession has shown their professionalism in their supportive messages and also asking how they can help? and their appeal contribution.
Caroyn then went on to show us some photos of Christchurch City Libraries and their devastation.
Ikaroa Hui : Engaging with your Community & Building Relationships
Working with you community will be to your benefit. There is nothing better than having your community as an advocate for your library, especially in these tough times.Everything we do must fit within the four well beings, cultural well being, environment well being, social well being and economic well being.
We need to work with our local community, the business community the educational community and the council community. They are our greatest assets.
It is not what you know but who you know. So get involved, say yes!
Sponsorship is the key to sucess in what ever form you can get.
Local Groups like operatic society, repetory groups, teachers, scouts guiding etc can all be useful know, you never know when a theme for a holiday programme a book launch they may be useful to help you.
Working with you community will be to your benefit, so get involved in your community, get to know your community.
Local Groups like operatic society, repetory groups, teachers, scouts guiding etc can all be useful know, you never know when a theme for a holiday programme a book launch they may be useful to help you.
Working with you community will be to your benefit, so get involved in your community, get to know your community.
Managing for Change Jo-Ann Ransom Keynote Speaker.
Managing for change, the only thing that is constant is change. We must work with change and we can do this by:a) managing to cope
b) managing to control
or a combinationation both.
Remember to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Coping is:
Surviving, making do, just getting through and achieving despite the odds.
Control is:
Influence, having options, having choices and developing strategy.
We have spheres of influence, starting with me the workplace, the sector, and society.
We should be looking ahead at the big picture and where better to start than
Bookends Scenairos "Alternative futures for the public library network in NSW in 2030" there is alot there very applicable to New Zealand Libraries.
The environment is a major factor and next 20 years
1. Cliamte Change
2. Water scarcity
3. Peak Oil
4. pandemics
will be our biggestes challenge.
Society is changing
Ageing
Urbanisation
Households
Generational
Educational
Multicultural
Paper vs Pixels
Economics
Economic growth is struggling
Employment is down
Workloads increasing
Web usuage is rising by 60% per year. The amount being uploaded on put on the web is exponential.
Culture
Is becoming a poluar one
Digital
Risk aversion
Inwards focus
Consumerism
Downshifting
Technology is changing
Internet
web 2.0
E-books
other digital media
copyright
We have to cope with all this while budgets are being cut funding is stretched to the max, will it look like changing? I think not...
But we can exert influence over the following we just need to lok outside the box.
Funding
1. Sponsorship
2. Partnership
3. Open Source
4. Collaboration
Resources
1. Sponsorship
2. Partnership
3. Open Source
4. Collaboration
5. Governance
6. Lobbying
7. Community engagement
8. Consortium
Joannn talked about the Generation WE http://www.gen-we.com/
Millennials are the largest generation in American history. Born between 1978 and 2000, WE are 95 million strong, compared to the 78 million Baby Boomers.
WE are politically, socially, and philosophically independent, and are spearheading a period of sweeping change in America and around the world.
The new book, Generation We, explains the emerging power of our Millennial Generation, and shows how WE (and older people who think the way WE do) are poised to change our nation and our world for the better.....
Remember to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can, and
the wisdom to know the difference.
Ikaroa Hui : The marae sleepover
There were about 14 of us that took up the offer of the sleepover at the marae to get the full experience of the mare visit and hui weekend. Sheeanda led with some korero on marae Tikanga and the background to marae protocol. She explained how we were now whanau (family).
Sheannda explained that sleeping together in one building – the wharenui or meeting house may be a new experience for some so please remember the key rules of politeness:
- Respect each other at all times
- Shoes are to be removed upon entering the wharenui and placed neatly on the veranda or taken beside your baggage.
- Please do not step over others.
- Use space wisely, you are allowed to share a mattress.
- Normally the tangata whenua occupy the left hand side of the meeting house while the manuhiri occupy the right side, this also applies to sleeping arrangements. (but as it isonly us sleeping over we can spread out)
- Try to avoid standing on mattresses or sitting on pillows.
- Tidy mattresses and bedclothes before going to breakfast. It is offensive if you enter the wharekai in your pyjamas.
- Keep clothes in bags, suitcases or neatly folded on top. Please do not hang thinga from carvings or pictures. Special hangers may be provided.
- The majority of Marae prohibit food and drink to be taken into the wharenui including the surrounding area, i.e. courtyard.
Sheannda that there was a reason for the earplugs that were handed out too. No guesses on that.
As I was the only male in the wharenui with 13 female colleagues I was a little anxious how it would go.
But as said Sheannda we are family and my colleagues soon put me at ease. We had a ball.
Sheannda explained that sleeping together in one building – the wharenui or meeting house may be a new experience for some so please remember the key rules of politeness:
- Respect each other at all times
- Shoes are to be removed upon entering the wharenui and placed neatly on the veranda or taken beside your baggage.
- Please do not step over others.
- Use space wisely, you are allowed to share a mattress.
- Normally the tangata whenua occupy the left hand side of the meeting house while the manuhiri occupy the right side, this also applies to sleeping arrangements. (but as it isonly us sleeping over we can spread out)
- Try to avoid standing on mattresses or sitting on pillows.
- Tidy mattresses and bedclothes before going to breakfast. It is offensive if you enter the wharekai in your pyjamas.
- Keep clothes in bags, suitcases or neatly folded on top. Please do not hang thinga from carvings or pictures. Special hangers may be provided.
- The majority of Marae prohibit food and drink to be taken into the wharenui including the surrounding area, i.e. courtyard.
Sheannda that there was a reason for the earplugs that were handed out too. No guesses on that.
As I was the only male in the wharenui with 13 female colleagues I was a little anxious how it would go.
But as said Sheannda we are family and my colleagues soon put me at ease. We had a ball.
Ikaroa Hui : Welcome Drinks & Dinner
5.30pm - 8pm Welcome Drinks (open to all) Sponsored by the Ikaroa Region LIANZA Committee
A great evening of meeting everyone and enjoying the drink and nibbles. Ikaroa committee made us feel instantly welcome.
Lots of networking ensued and eventually around 8ish we headed into town for some dinner.
Jay was a great host and took us for a brief tiki tour through the Pa;lmerston North City Library on
our way to dinner. Having the LIANZA president at our table was great. Hearing about LIANZA and of course Christchurch's earthquake and the Libraries.
A great evening of meeting everyone and enjoying the drink and nibbles. Ikaroa committee made us feel instantly welcome.
Lots of networking ensued and eventually around 8ish we headed into town for some dinner.
Jay was a great host and took us for a brief tiki tour through the Pa;lmerston North City Library on
our way to dinner. Having the LIANZA president at our table was great. Hearing about LIANZA and of course Christchurch's earthquake and the Libraries.
Ikaroa Hui : Powhiri
The Powhiri was at 5.30pm and due to the fact it was threatening to rain with howling wind, we had the powhiri start in the corridor instead. Spencer Lilley led manuhiri (visitors) or us on to the marae answer the call of the karanga (wahineof of Hosts). We advanced slowly towards the wharenui (meeting house) making our way into the wharenui lining up on the left hand side men in front and women at the rear. (normally this takes place out front of the wharenui). we then paused and bowed our heads for about two to three minutes in memory of those that have passed away. We, the visitors then wereseated, with speaker Spencer Lilley sitting in the top of the front row. The kaumatua of the tangata whenua then commences with a whaikorero which includes acknowledgement of the Land, the wharenui, the dead, the people present and the reason for the gathering.
with few words of thanks this was followed by waiata from the rest of the tangata whenua in support and then Spencer Lilley replied on behalf of the manuhuri, we then followed with the waiata we had all learnt.
When the powhiri concluded, we (manuhiri ) were then invited to come forward in a line from to hariru (shake hands) and hongi (pressing of noses). It is through this ritual that peace, oneness in thought, purpose and hope is expressed. The hongi is a sign of life symbolizing the action of the God’s breathing into humans the breath of life. By this action the life force is permanently established and the spiritual and physical bodies become living entity.
The marae powhiri was very engaging and we were made welcome and became whanau. Our waiata was well received and this ignited the fellowship family atmosphere that was to make the weekend relaxing yet engaging and inspiring to everyone. We very quickly felt at home.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
"E tipu E Rea" Ikaroa Weekend Hui
Nau mai haere mai, the hui was a fantastic weekend. despite the rain and thunderstorms and lightning we learnt lots, engaged well met new colleagues and made new friends.
The marae powhiri was very engaging and enjoyed by all. The experience of sleeping over was great, we bonded well and the atmosphere was great. A few snores here and there bug ear plugs were issued. I was the only male with 13 females that in itself was an experience. We were all made welcome and felt like whanau instantly. It wasn't long before we were taking over, we felt rigt at home.
The speakers were engaging, informative and the standards of the presenters were great.
It left us inspired and pround to be Librarians. We had plenty of ideas to take back to our respective libraries. Our revaildation journals are now looking great thanks to Barbara Garriock and Heather Lamond for the help and inspration. We were fortunate also to have Spencer Lilley there too who is on the registration board.
Well done to subcommitte of Ikaroa who organised the weekend Hui. Jay Robinson, Wendy Macskill, Amanda Curnow, Sheannda Field.
More on the weekend to follow in subsequent posts.
The marae powhiri was very engaging and enjoyed by all. The experience of sleeping over was great, we bonded well and the atmosphere was great. A few snores here and there bug ear plugs were issued. I was the only male with 13 females that in itself was an experience. We were all made welcome and felt like whanau instantly. It wasn't long before we were taking over, we felt rigt at home.
The speakers were engaging, informative and the standards of the presenters were great.
It left us inspired and pround to be Librarians. We had plenty of ideas to take back to our respective libraries. Our revaildation journals are now looking great thanks to Barbara Garriock and Heather Lamond for the help and inspration. We were fortunate also to have Spencer Lilley there too who is on the registration board.
Well done to subcommitte of Ikaroa who organised the weekend Hui. Jay Robinson, Wendy Macskill, Amanda Curnow, Sheannda Field.
More on the weekend to follow in subsequent posts.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Web Collaboration new initiatives
Web collaboration
Tinychat lets you instantly set up a temporary chatroom with its own short url you can share with anyone you want to join you. Once everyone has left the chat it disappears.
Flockdraw does the same for the virtual whiteboard. To try this out, pop over to http://flockdraw.com/4r5dur and doodle something; all content should disappear once I log out today, unless someone takes a screenshot.
Tinychat lets you instantly set up a temporary chatroom with its own short url you can share with anyone you want to join you. Once everyone has left the chat it disappears.
Flockdraw does the same for the virtual whiteboard. To try this out, pop over to http://flockdraw.com/4r5dur and doodle something; all content should disappear once I log out today, unless someone takes a screenshot.
Monday, September 13, 2010
ITSIG Bar Camp @ end of LIANZA Conference 2010
Over the Edge BarCamp
Thursday 2 December 2010
At the Edge? Over Conferences? Have an interest in IT? Then the Over the Edge BarCamp may be just what you are looking for.
ITSIG is holding a one day BarCamp / unconference immediately after the 2010 LIANZA Centennial Conference in Dunedin.
For the uninitiated this is a participatory workshop type event where the participants decide on the topics to be discussed, and provide the content, the ideas and the solutions. The whole day is planned around having conversations, creating connections and working together.
The "programme" for the day:
1. Suggest the topics and plan the sessions
2. Participate in the sessions (4 periods are planned with as many streams as ideas and space will allow)
3. Break for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (provided)
What you need to know to be there:
Date: Thursday 2 December 2010
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Where: St David Lecture Theatre Complex, Dunedin (the same place the 2010 Centennial Conference is being held)
Cost: $45
How to register: On the LIANZA Conference registration form ( http://www.conference.co.nz/index.cfm/lianza10/registration.html )
Thursday 2 December 2010
At the Edge? Over Conferences? Have an interest in IT? Then the Over the Edge BarCamp may be just what you are looking for.
ITSIG is holding a one day BarCamp / unconference immediately after the 2010 LIANZA Centennial Conference in Dunedin.
For the uninitiated this is a participatory workshop type event where the participants decide on the topics to be discussed, and provide the content, the ideas and the solutions. The whole day is planned around having conversations, creating connections and working together.
The "programme" for the day:
1. Suggest the topics and plan the sessions
2. Participate in the sessions (4 periods are planned with as many streams as ideas and space will allow)
3. Break for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (provided)
What you need to know to be there:
Date: Thursday 2 December 2010
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Where: St David Lecture Theatre Complex, Dunedin (the same place the 2010 Centennial Conference is being held)
Cost: $45
How to register: On the LIANZA Conference registration form ( http://www.conference.co.nz/index.cfm/lianza10/registration.html )
IKAROA SIG COMMITTEE
Congratulations to the incoming Ikaroa SIG Committee
mmittee
Chair
Jay Robinson
Palmerston North City Library, Palmerston North
Regional Councillor
Heather Lamond
Massey University Library
Secretary
Amanda Curnow
Massey University Library
Treasurer
Anne Odogwu
Leather & Shoe Research Association
Committee
Heather Manning
Robyn Wilson
Palmerston North City Council
Judi Kercher
Massey University Library
Wendy Macaskill
National Library, Palmerston North
Sheeanda Field
Massey University Library
Corresponding Members
Christine Nana
Taranaki SIG
Maureen Roache
Napier Libraries
Kim Salamonson
Hastings District Libraries
Dianne Friis
EIT Library Manager
mmittee
Chair
Jay Robinson
Palmerston North City Library, Palmerston North
Regional Councillor
Heather Lamond
Massey University Library
Secretary
Amanda Curnow
Massey University Library
Treasurer
Anne Odogwu
Leather & Shoe Research Association
Committee
Heather Manning
Robyn Wilson
Palmerston North City Council
Judi Kercher
Massey University Library
Wendy Macaskill
National Library, Palmerston North
Sheeanda Field
Massey University Library
Corresponding Members
Christine Nana
Taranaki SIG
Maureen Roache
Napier Libraries
Kim Salamonson
Hastings District Libraries
Dianne Friis
EIT Library Manager
New Zealand Books
New Zealand Books is this country's only periodical dedicated to reviewing our books.
It focuses on New Zealand publications, particularly those that reflect our society, our individual expression in literature and the arts in general, our history, and our relationship with the physical environment. It also carries lively opinion on any and all book-related topics.
Well worth a look...
Since it was launched nearly 20 years ago by the late poet Lauris Edmond and others, New Zealand Books has established itself as this country's literary journal of record.
Edited by Harry Ricketts and Jane Westaway, it is valued both internationally and nationally by those interested in New Zealand literature: the general reader and booklover, as well as students, academics, professional writers, funding and arts-related bodies, and community, school and university libraries.
New Zealand Books aims to challenge its readers with well-informed argument, and encourages debate. Its reviews treat books in considerable depth (up to 2500 words), placing them in their context, and often standing as important essays in their own right.
New Zealand Books is published quarterly by the Peppercorn Press Charitable Trust and appears in March, June, September, and December.
It focuses on New Zealand publications, particularly those that reflect our society, our individual expression in literature and the arts in general, our history, and our relationship with the physical environment. It also carries lively opinion on any and all book-related topics.
Well worth a look...
Since it was launched nearly 20 years ago by the late poet Lauris Edmond and others, New Zealand Books has established itself as this country's literary journal of record.
Edited by Harry Ricketts and Jane Westaway, it is valued both internationally and nationally by those interested in New Zealand literature: the general reader and booklover, as well as students, academics, professional writers, funding and arts-related bodies, and community, school and university libraries.
New Zealand Books aims to challenge its readers with well-informed argument, and encourages debate. Its reviews treat books in considerable depth (up to 2500 words), placing them in their context, and often standing as important essays in their own right.
New Zealand Books is published quarterly by the Peppercorn Press Charitable Trust and appears in March, June, September, and December.
Google Instant
In case you haven’t heard the news, Google has radically changed the entire nature of web searching with its new real time and predictive Google Instant service. You can read about it here or see the introductory video or full launch video.
By far the best option is to see it in action yourself. You can do this simply by visiting the main Google.com home page (on google.co.uk you have to sign in to your Google account to switch Instant on) and then starting to type in the search box (assuming that you’re using one of the currently supported browsers: Chrome 5/6, Firefox 3, Safari 5 for Mac and Internet Explorer 8).
How it works
The basics of Google search are the same, including how results are ranked and how Google determines relevant results. What has changed is the path you can take to get to relevant results.
Here's what happens when you search:
Start to type. As you type a search on Google, the homepage automatically starts displaying your search results -- no need to press Enter. A list of predicted queries is generated using the autocomplete algorithm. These predictions are displayed in a drop-down menu below the search box.
See results. The algorithm tries to predict what the rest of your query might be based on popular queries typed by other users. The first prediction is shown in light grey in the search box, and the search results you see instantly will be for that predicted search. If instead you want to see results for only the text you've typed, just press Enter or click the Search button.
Type more, see more. If you continue to type, we'll dynamically update the search results to match the first prediction for what you've typed.
Refine your search. Don't find the information or website you want? It's easy to refine your search after seeing what results appear. Here are some options:
If you see what you're looking for in the list of predicted queries, click the query to see relevant results.
Use your keyboard's down arrow key to scroll through the list of predicted queries, and see results appear for each query you pause over.
Continue typing your query until the results show what you're looking for. As always, you're still able to type your full query and press Enter or click the Search button.
By far the best option is to see it in action yourself. You can do this simply by visiting the main Google.com home page (on google.co.uk you have to sign in to your Google account to switch Instant on) and then starting to type in the search box (assuming that you’re using one of the currently supported browsers: Chrome 5/6, Firefox 3, Safari 5 for Mac and Internet Explorer 8).
How it works
The basics of Google search are the same, including how results are ranked and how Google determines relevant results. What has changed is the path you can take to get to relevant results.
Here's what happens when you search:
Start to type. As you type a search on Google, the homepage automatically starts displaying your search results -- no need to press Enter. A list of predicted queries is generated using the autocomplete algorithm. These predictions are displayed in a drop-down menu below the search box.
See results. The algorithm tries to predict what the rest of your query might be based on popular queries typed by other users. The first prediction is shown in light grey in the search box, and the search results you see instantly will be for that predicted search. If instead you want to see results for only the text you've typed, just press Enter or click the Search button.
Type more, see more. If you continue to type, we'll dynamically update the search results to match the first prediction for what you've typed.
Refine your search. Don't find the information or website you want? It's easy to refine your search after seeing what results appear. Here are some options:
If you see what you're looking for in the list of predicted queries, click the query to see relevant results.
Use your keyboard's down arrow key to scroll through the list of predicted queries, and see results appear for each query you pause over.
Continue typing your query until the results show what you're looking for. As always, you're still able to type your full query and press Enter or click the Search button.
Sony's new e-book Reader
Sony’s new eBook readers: first-look review
The new Reader Touch Edition and Reader Pocket Edition were on show, and lovely devices they are indeed.
Both screens boast the same old resolution as before (600 x 800) – one 5in the other 6in – but Sony claims they have a whiter background and increased contrast. It’s clearly a big improvement and nearly as good the new Amazon Kindle’s screen, as a quick side-by-side test at the event revealed. Sony provided samples of its rival for comparison.
Both also sport 2GB of internal storage, improved 10,000 page-turn batteries, and are lighter and slimmer than their predecessors. But what the new models don’t have is any kind of wireless connectivity. The prices are high too. You can pre-order the Pocket from for $300 and the Touch for £480 and the devices go on sale officially from September 17.
What intrigued me at least as much as the new hardware though, was the announcement of Sony’s two-pronged attempt to lure readers away from the charms of the huge Amazon bookstore. With Sony eBook readers it’s no longer just about the hardware.
The first part of this is Sony has hatched a deal with Google to place a custom search of Google books on the Sony website, opening an estimated 500,000 titles up for quick and easy download. Google’s standard book search doesn’t let you filter results in this way, so finding titles you can take away on an eBook has, up until now, been a hit and miss affair.
The second, and more interesting development, is support for free eBook loans from local authority libraries, a feature the Amazon Kindle doesn’t support. If you’re lucky enough to be a member of a local library supporting the service (50 have signed up so far – here’s a full list) you’ll be able to visit its website, tap your library card number in and borrow any book in the eBook catalogue, for free, for a period of 14 or 21 days.
The odd thing about this is it works in a very similar way to the good old bricks-and-mortar library. While a title is out on loan, it’s unavailable to others to borrow (unless the library has purchased multiple copies); it only becomes available again once the loan period expires and the book removes itself from your reader.
To be fair, this isn’t something exclusive to Sony; other readers which support the DRM technology needed can also be used to borrow books in this way, and owners of older Sony readers will also benefit. It’s also clear that the system’s still in its early days: on my local authority website I found only 398 titles available for loan.
The new Reader Touch Edition and Reader Pocket Edition were on show, and lovely devices they are indeed.
Both also sport 2GB of internal storage, improved 10,000 page-turn batteries, and are lighter and slimmer than their predecessors. But what the new models don’t have is any kind of wireless connectivity. The prices are high too. You can pre-order the Pocket from for $300 and the Touch for £480 and the devices go on sale officially from September 17.
What intrigued me at least as much as the new hardware though, was the announcement of Sony’s two-pronged attempt to lure readers away from the charms of the huge Amazon bookstore. With Sony eBook readers it’s no longer just about the hardware.
The first part of this is Sony has hatched a deal with Google to place a custom search of Google books on the Sony website, opening an estimated 500,000 titles up for quick and easy download. Google’s standard book search doesn’t let you filter results in this way, so finding titles you can take away on an eBook has, up until now, been a hit and miss affair.
The second, and more interesting development, is support for free eBook loans from local authority libraries, a feature the Amazon Kindle doesn’t support. If you’re lucky enough to be a member of a local library supporting the service (50 have signed up so far – here’s a full list) you’ll be able to visit its website, tap your library card number in and borrow any book in the eBook catalogue, for free, for a period of 14 or 21 days.
The odd thing about this is it works in a very similar way to the good old bricks-and-mortar library. While a title is out on loan, it’s unavailable to others to borrow (unless the library has purchased multiple copies); it only becomes available again once the loan period expires and the book removes itself from your reader.
To be fair, this isn’t something exclusive to Sony; other readers which support the DRM technology needed can also be used to borrow books in this way, and owners of older Sony readers will also benefit. It’s also clear that the system’s still in its early days: on my local authority website I found only 398 titles available for loan.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Message of support for our Canterbury colleagues
Our thoughts and best wishes to all our colleagues in Christchurch. We realise you will all be working hard to reinstate your libraries and to return to some semblance of normality. We also hope that you are getting the support you need to look after your families and friends and of course yourselves.
Donations can be made at any ANZ National Bank, Westpac, ASB & TSB Bank
Donations can be made at any ANZ National Bank, Westpac, ASB & TSB Bank
LIANZA Professional Registration Board - Revalidation Journals
LIANZA Professional Registration Board - Revalidation Journals
The process of revalidation journal submissions is now in progress for registrants. The Profession Registration Board would like to clarify for registrants that the Board is looking to assess your best quality entries and in depth reflection on your learning outcomes and application. The Board wishes to stress that the revalidation journal is not a record of all the activities that you have undertaken in the period, but those that best reflect your continuing professional development.
The revalidation guidelines states at least 10 activities per year covering all the BOKs and the Board would like to emphasise that this translates to about 1 activity per month for the total period of three years, or in some cases four years.
All 11 BoKs need to be covered, and over all the entries in your journal, 3 of the 4 domains should be covered - see the sample journal at http://lianza.org.nz/resources/professional-registration/revalidation/ex....
Journals that are more than 20% over the recommended guideline may be returned and a more concise submission requested.
Any queries can be directed to registration@lianza.org.nz
Beryl Anderson
Chair
Library and Information Profession Registration Board
The process of revalidation journal submissions is now in progress for registrants. The Profession Registration Board would like to clarify for registrants that the Board is looking to assess your best quality entries and in depth reflection on your learning outcomes and application. The Board wishes to stress that the revalidation journal is not a record of all the activities that you have undertaken in the period, but those that best reflect your continuing professional development.
The revalidation guidelines states at least 10 activities per year covering all the BOKs and the Board would like to emphasise that this translates to about 1 activity per month for the total period of three years, or in some cases four years.
All 11 BoKs need to be covered, and over all the entries in your journal, 3 of the 4 domains should be covered - see the sample journal at http://lianza.org.nz/resources/professional-registration/revalidation/ex....
Journals that are more than 20% over the recommended guideline may be returned and a more concise submission requested.
Any queries can be directed to registration@lianza.org.nz
Beryl Anderson
Chair
Library and Information Profession Registration Board
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