Information Scotland The Journal of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland ISSN 1743-5471 Issue contents | Journal contents | About the online edition of the journal June 2008 Volume 6(3)

Conference: Reviews

Services thriving, not just surviving

I was delighted that the theme of this year’s CILIPS conference was ‘Inspire and Transform: regenerating services’. As all public library staff know, in recent years we have experienced radical changes in service provision and customer demand. I anticipated that given the range of topics and speakers, I would gain a valuable insight into the issues facing libraries today, and I was not disappointed. The programme, expertly organised by Elaine Fulton, Director CILIPS/SLIC and Rhona Arthur, Assistant Director CILIPS/SLIC, was truly inspiring.

Alan Hasson, CILIPS President, set the benchmark with a thought-provoking opening speech. Speakers from public and academic libraries then described inspirational projects which have revolutionised their service delivery. Kari Lamsa from Library 10 in Helsinki described an amazing place which provides a recording studio, musical instruments for loan and even has a library radio. Their latest event was a ‘Eurovision Karaoke’, where customers could record themselves singing and produce their own CD. Susan Carragher, Head of Libraries from Essex County Council painted a wonderful picture of libraries which are ‘thriving rather than just surviving’ with a highly motivated workforce dedicated to service delivery who are rewarded for their achievements.

The visible passion and dedication of the speakers was infectious and the lively discussions during breaks and evenings reinforced my own belief that the library profession is vibrant and dynamic and on the verge of a new era. The Awards Dinner was a perfect illustration of this, with centenary medals presented to 12 people who have made a considerable contribution to libraries. I felt particularly proud to see a colleague, David Kett, receive an awarded for his extensive work with people in the early stages of recovery from drug and alcohol addictions, and Moira Methven, Head of Libraries, Information and Cultural Services in Dundee, become an Honorary Vice-President. It was also interesting to see that librarians are multi-talented (as we probably already knew) with Robert Ruthven from Stirling playing guitar with the evening’s entertainment, the Bearded Pigs.

The Trade Exhibition gave a perfect illustration of the range of suppliers available to assist libraries in sourcing products which will enhance service provision.

Reflecting on the key messages I received throughout the event, I am reassured that library colleagues across Scotland and further afield are striving for the same aims; to develop and extend our services, motivate staff and aspire to keep libraries relevant and inspirational.

The strong message delivered by all is that libraries are ready for the new challenges. As a profession, we have recognised, accepted and indeed embraced the fact that we cannot stand still and that by transforming the range and methods of service delivery, we can ensure that we are equipped for the new generations of library users.

But to do so successfully, we need to shed our reticence to boast about successes and claim our place at the heart of corporate strategies.

Judy Dobbie is Central Library Manager, Leisure and Communities, Dundee City Council.

Information Scotland Vol. 6(3) June 2008

Information Scotland is delivered online by the SAPIENS electronic publishing service based at the Centre for Digital Library Research. SLAINTE (Scottish libraries across the Internet) offers further information about librarianship and information management in Scotland.