We will be launching the new early literacy framework for NSW public libraries at a seminar on Monday 5 November 2018 at the State Library. The program will include presentations by the research team including Dr Emilia Djonov, Associate Professor Jane Torr and Maree Stenglin from Macquarie University. Please save the date, more information will be available soon.
For an overview of the project please see: Early literacy project The Literature Review
The research methodology included a survey of public libraries (a complex task as regional libraries are very different to stand alone library services); review of the available statistics (ABS, Public Library Statistics) and focus groups (Public library staff from Greater Metro Sydney LGAs who have a focus on multicultural library services in their roles; Existing CALD library users at Blacktown Library; Future CALD library users at Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre (WSMRC) in Liverpool). The research updated previous multicultural services research (2003) and we were aware that one area that needed particular attention was digital inclusion for CALD community members.
As a result of the research, the benchmarks have been updated. They move from Exemplary Level 5 which is the best possible practice for public libraries in relation to multicultural services and collections to Entry Level 1 which is representative of a low level of practice. They consider the following:
For an overview of the project please see: Reserch Multicultural Services NSW Public Libaries The Multicultural Benchmarks
Abir met with Nicky Shortridge from Kookie magazine recently. Kookie Magazine is a new magazine targeting the 8 to 12+ girls and is seeking to provide an alternative to “thinking pink”. It has articles on inspirational women, science, original fiction and comics, sports. It has only just published its 3rd issue so take a look: Kookie Magazine
The Home Library service is now running a book club with one of the nursing homes and selection is mostly done by staff with the occasional suggestion by the Activities co-ordinator at the nursing home. It started in November 2017 and they have 10 members with one listening to the book for discussion. The books read so far are Go set a watchman, Jasper Jones, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Breath, Black rock white city.
Jacinta talked about 3 different resources she recently found and has provided links (See Attachment - Jacinta Craine Professional Reading Notes 19 June 2018).
Mylee presented reports on the Literacy Framework and Multicultural Research earlier in the meeting. She also informed us that People Places is being reviewed as the last edition was 2008.
Christian Birkett from Gunnedah sent the following information about their literacy programs. Gunnedah shire library has several programmes that assist with literacy in the district :
If you need any information about any of these programmes Christine will be happy to send some along.
Abir also told us about the Parallel Parks initiative of the Wellbeing Organisation. Parallel Parks VR is a virtual reality experience that makes the world’s great National Parks accessible to people with disabilities. During June City of Sydney Libraries made the Great Barrier Reef, Murray River and Kangaroo Islands experiences available to all who were interested at three of their libraries. See what Parallel Parks has to offer : Parrallel Parks