Everyone with an interest in Scottish education will have the opportunity to engage directly with Government and share their views on what is going well and what needs to change.
Engage for Education - www.engageforeducation.org - is a new website for teachers, young people, parents, school staff and others across the wider education community. Participants will have the opportunity to influence government policy by providing feedback on the key issues facing Scottish education.
The process will be two-way, with quick responses from the Scottish Government - including direct input from Education Ministers.
'Workshops' on hot education topics will help facilitate discussions and encourage feedback, while all three Education Ministers will share their own views through regular blogs.
For further information, please see the full article.Added: 25 May
The draft programme for the CILIPS Conference is now available online. To be held 7-9 Jun at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow, this year's conference features a wide range of speakers on a variety of topics including keynotes from Professor Anton Muscatelli of Glasgow University and commentator Gerry Hassan.
There are a number of themed strands running through the 3 days, including:
Speakers represent a wide range of interests and expertise in the information sector. For further information, and to book your place, please visit our conference pages, which feature more information and links to our online booking form.
Please note that this programme is provisional and may be subject to change.Added: 25 May
The Scottish Library and Information Council(SLIC) is aware that some librarians have been concerned by a recent report in the Sunday Post about the implementation of collaborative procurement contracts for the supply of library books and textbooks. The tenders for these contracts are being managed by procurement organisation, Scotland Excel, on behalf of local authorities throughout Scotland.
SLIC has been involved in lengthy discussions with Scotland Excel, both during the development of the library books contract and in the days following the press report. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to provide you with some further background on the collaborative procurement process which we hope will address some of the concerns that have been raised.
Scotland Excel is currently evaluating offers for two contracts, one for the supply and delivery of library books and the other for the supply and delivery of textbooks. The purchasing strategies for both contracts were developed by Scotland Excel in consultation with local authority stakeholders including procurement, education, and librarian staff. Additionally, Scotland Excel collaborated with SLIC on the development of the library book strategy to ensure customer needs were understood.
SLIC have provided further details of each bid, which are available to download as a pdf.Added: 24 May
A Preservation Advisory Centre free event aimed at librarians, archivists and collection care professionals.
With increased pressure on resources and many organisations facing funding cuts it can be difficult to make the case for long-term, core activities such as preservation. Most institutions want what preservation achieves: ensured continuity of access to collections. This event explores how to make the case for preservation in terms of the outcomes it achieves and value to the organisation. It promotes use of the Preservation Assessment Survey as a method of collecting evidence of preservation strengths and weaknesses, and it outlines the Preservation Advisory Centre’s work to refresh the overall picture of preservation practice and usability of library and archive collections in the UK and Ireland.
Registration is free but places are limited. Reserve your place.
Added: 19 MayNominations are now being sought for the prestigious Jodi Awards from museums, libraries, archives and heritage sites in the UK and overseas. The Jodi Awards 2010 are for best use of digital technology to widen access to information, collections, learning and creativity for disabled people.
For the first time, the UK Jodi Awards will be presented outside London at a high profile event in Edinburgh in December, to coincide with a National Archives of Scotland seminar on the problems and possibilities of online historical research by people with disabilities. Museums Galleries Scotland , the Scottish Libraries and Information Council and Digital Access Scotland will take part in the collaborative event. The deadline for Award nominations is Friday 13 September.
The International Jodi Award for Overseas (non-UK) countries is travelling across the Channel to Belgium this year. The award will be given in Brussels as part of the European Congress on E Inclusion (ECEI10) , 'Delivering a Digital Europe in Public Libraries', an official EU Belgian Presidency event hosted by the Flemish Community and Civic Agenda . The International Award is for 'best website' and the deadline for nominations is Monday 9 August.
This conference is being organised within the framework of the European Year of Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and will seek to explore the future roles that public libraries have in supporting European policy agendas, looking at e-inclusion; enterprise; anti-poverty; social inclusion; learning; accessible cultural content; creativity; personal development through life; citizenship and accessible information society services.
Matthew Cock, Jodi Mattes Trust Chair and Head of Web at the British Museum:
"Holding the Awards Ceremony in the heart of Brussels as part of this influential Congress will put the International Jodi Award firmly on the European map. We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the European Union and the Flemish Community and its partners to help spark excitement, enthusiasm and initiative around web accessibility and e-inclusion and to learn from new international best practice."
First given in 2003, European Year of Disabled People, the Jodi Awards celebrate practice that inspires locally, nationally or internationally. We welcome nominations from all kinds of projects, small and big, low-tech and hi-tech and for small and large audiences. These may be as varied as computer literacy courses in a library, accessible touch screens in a museum or online archival materials accessible to disabled researchers. What counts is the value of the project and the quality of engagement with disabled people.
Nominated projects, services and facilities pass before an experienced panel of judges. Disabled users will test entries, and websites submitted for an Award will also be subject to automated testing.
This year, the Jodi Mattes Trust is stepping up activity to promote awareness of the power of technology to provide a shared experience for disabled people, in the UK and overseas. On Thursday in Nurnberg, Marcus Weisen, Jodi Mattes Trust Director will be giving the key-note talk at the 'Mai-Tagung', the German Museums and the Web conference. We are presenting at this year’s online TIE (Technology in Education) conference of the American Association of Museums in June. From 22-24 September, we will be running 'Digital Inclusion for Disabled People' seminars in partnership with CyMAL (Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales) and the Human-Computer Interaction Research Group of the University of York.
For more information and a Nomination Form visit the Jodi Awards Website.
Added: 19 MayYour CILIPS NE branch committee is funding a student place and travel between Aberdeen and Glasgow for the Branch and Group day at CILIPS Conference which will be held on 9 Jun at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. In return we ask that the student provides a written summary of the day and their experience. We shall circulate this amongst the branch.
Additionally we will be funding 3 travel tickets between Aberdeen and Glasgow. We will travel on a group ticket. These are open to any CILIP member from the NE Branch area and not restricted to students.
Please email Jennifer Morrison (or telephone 01224 303712) if you are interested in either the student place, or the funded travel tickets. Interest should be registered before 28 May.
The CILIPS NE speaker will be Chris Banks, University Librarian & Director, Library & Historic Collections: From stronghold to threshold: building a library for all.
Committed to maximising the potential of its collections, and opening these up to the wider public, the University of Aberdeen’s new library will embody the transformation of the service into one that is truly welcoming to all. Chris Banks joined Aberdeen in October 2007 as the University embarked on one of the biggest and most important cultural projects undertaken in Scotland in recent years: the creation of a new GBP57million library. With over twenty years' experience at the British Library, she is an active member of the Scottish Confederation of University Research Libraries, Research Libraries UK, Association of European Research Libraries and the national and international arms of the International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres (IAML).
Added: 13 MayThis is the first time CILIP has accredited library and information courses outside the UK and will improve the mobility of library and information staff between the UK and Germany.
Cologne University of Applied Sciences was particularly interested in applying for CILIP accreditation as the programmes have a strong international flavour. CILIP accreditation was highly valued and it was felt that the University's reputation would be enhanced by this external peer review from an international awarding body.
The newly accredited programmes are at both Bachelor and Masters level; BA Library Science, BSc Information Management and Business Administration and MA Library and Information Science.
The accreditation process followed a thorough review of all the course materials and supporting documentation. Representatives from the CILIP Accreditation Board visited the University and met with the staff and students.
The Chair of the Board, Dr Ian Lovecy commented "This initiative came from the University and is an endorsement of the value of CILIP's accreditation process. This process ensures that accredited courses give students the background they need, not only in information skills but in knowledge of the legal framework, management and marketing, information literacy teaching, and of course IT skills."
Prof Dr Haike Meinhardt from the Cologne University of Applied Sciences welcomed accreditation "We are the first university in Germany to apply for and achieve CILIP accreditation in the field of library and information science and we are very proud of completing this process successfully. International accreditation by one of the most important associations of our profession opens new opportunities for international interchange and cross-border collaboration for the whole University. The overall experience was very pleasant and co-operative and we appreciated the very helpful professional support of the CILIP Accreditation Board."
Professor Dr Achim Osswald from the University of Applied Sciences said "Since the work based Master programme Library and Information Science is based on an international view on developments in the field, accreditation by CILIP will offer advanced opportunities for further cooperation and exchange. In addition accreditation will be very helpful to increase awareness of the programme by students and colleagues in Germany and abroad."
Prof Ragna Seidler-de Alwis from the University of Applied Sciences added "The accreditation will enhance the opportunities for students in the field of Library Science and Information Management and Business Administration to find traineeships and work placements in the UK and other English-speaking countries - an excellent initiative towards internationalisation."
Added: 13 MayThe Scottish Government has launched a consultation on the governance and role of the National Library of Scotland. Responses should be submitted by 23 June 2010. See link below. There is also a 'Q and A' on the NLS website at www.nls.uk.
Consultation on the Role and Governance of the National Library of Scotland.
Added: 5 MayA report in the Sunday Post has claimed that moves towards collaborative procurement in Scottish local authorities could lead to massive losses for Scottish booksellers.
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has been involved in lengthy discussions with Scotland Excel, the organisation responsible for coordinating the procurement strategy, during the development of the contract and in recent days. Scotland Excel has confirmed that they are creating a framework contract which local authorities have the option to decide to use.
The move could involve up to 80% of school text books and library books for schools. A second tender will affect public library books. It is expected that special and Scottish material is to be sourced locally as required. Therefore, Scotland Excel does not believe that the tendering process will adversely affect Scottish SME’s, and the process adopted is designed to balance user requirements with efficiency.
SLIC will work directly with local authorities, procurement and library managers to ensure that this message is clearly understood.Added: 4 May
We require an outgoing, enthusiastic and motivated Chartered Librarian to develop and support the delivery of young people’s services for Moray and to ensure the continued success of Forres Library which is a Learndirect Scotland Centre.
You will be required to provide professional support in the delivery of young people’s services and to effectively promote reading, ensure the delivery of learning, liaise with community planning partners and lead and develop staff.
Moray offers a high quality of life in one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland.
Application packs are available from Friday 7 May online at http://moray.myjobscotland.gov.uk alternatively call the Moray Jobs Line on 01343 563384.
For an informal discussion please contact Sheila Campbell, Principal Librarian (Central Services) on 01343 562610.
Closing date: 25 May 2010.
Added: 4 MayMore than 1,500 Silver Surfers’ Day events to help older people get online will take place on 21 May, many held in public libraries.
Digital Unite is calling on libraries across the UK to:
All registered event holders are invited to enter a competition to win a £1,000 prize for the ‘best’ Silver Surfers’ Day event this year. For further information about promoting Silver Surfers’ Day events please contact Nick Harvey, Silver Surfers’ Day Campaign Manager. t: 0800 077 6144 e: nick.harvey@digitalunite.net.
Added: 4 May
Scotland's Information
Research Collections Online
Scottish Library and Information Resources
Scottish Distributed Digital Library
Scottish Collections Network
Co-operative Information Retrieval Network for Scotland
© Send comments, suggestions and queries about SLAINTE to Gillian Hanlon. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 UK: Scotland License 01-Dec-2011
