Working Group on Multicultural Library Services (NSW) Thursday the 7th of November 2013 State Library of NSW

Apologies: Danju Wong, Yan Ping, Laurence McDonnell

Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes were accepted by Wendy Ford and seconded by Roman Ciereszko.

Matters arising from previous minutes

Spanish Audio Books - The site has been tested however as it is in Spanish it could be difficult for staff to use. Its an excellent resource for book clubs. The Librarian from the Cervantes Institute will issue libraries with a password to enable them to access the site.

Action: Oriana will send out instruction for the use of this website

Multicultural website

The current website is difficult to navigate however the new design will make it easier to find information.

LOTE magazines and newspapers

Any library that has not yet sent their holdings to Shauna could you please do as asap.

Guest Speaker – Barry Nunn

Barry provided a brief overview of accessibility of the State Library of NSW. Working with Oriana Barry will be offering adaptive technology resources to the LOTE community. He recently purchased the Readit Wand for the State library. The Readit Wand is a highly advanced portable autoreader/CCTV system for close up work. It is lightweight and suitable for computer uses of all ability levels. Once the wand is fully operational Barry will notify libraries and offer demonstrations on its use.

Guest Speaker : Douglas Chen, BMV

Currently Chinese readers find it difficult to source e-books, newspapers and magazines from one source. Douglas is currently negotiating with Chinese publishers to develop an aggregated e resource service which will be able to deliver books, magazines and videos in simplified and traditional Chinese. The advantages include one platform to service the library and online connection therefore simplifying the cost. Multiple vendors will provide access to a larger variety of titles and catalogues can be supplied with MARC records.

Action: Shauna will arrange a hands on demonstration in early 2014.

LOTE Purchasing Information sessions 2014

The Cooperative Coordinator is organising a LOTE purchasing information session for all NSW public libraries in 2014. The aim of this session is to bring together LOTE suppliers and libraries to discuss their needs, expectations and requirements.

Action: Send any suggestions on how you think this session should be run to Shauna

Strategic Plan (SP)

The group updated the current SP.

Action: Wendy Ford, Kathy Yang, Oriana Acevedo and Laurence McDonnell will form a new committee to follow up on the new objectives.

Giggly Times

The two volumes et (including a CD) titles Giggly Times is available for purchase. The cost is $25.00. Please contact Shauna if you wish to purchase a set.

My Language: Oriana has requested feedback re the MyLanguage website. Some libraries are using it well but it is starting to get harder to navigate due to the amount of information on the site.

Electronic signage

Signage consists of a welcome sign in several languages. If you want a copy please contact Oriana. If you experience any problems opening the signage let Oriana know. Please note the new bookmarks are ready and Nepalese has been added to the list of languages.

Providing Services to minorities

Oriana has been sending resources to libraries for their CALD communities. This material includes Taxation in Australia, Diabetes- what you need to know etc.

Grant applications

Last year Noel Willis and Anne Hall worked on a grant application to raise awareness of library services for emerging communities. We have reapplied for this grant. Laurence McDonnell will update the application and resubmit on behalf of the working group.

SBS Project

Oriana met with SBS Radio to discuss a partnership with public libraries and the State Library on how to promote services to CALD communities via the radio. She is waiting to SBS to get back to her with a programme. Volunteers will be asked for. If you are interested please contact Oriana.

General Business

• The Multicultural Excellence Award will be presented at the Switch conference in November
• Canada Bay is looking for supplier of Chinese magazines. Please contact Lisa Benham if you can help.
• The Diwali festival was held at Canterbury Library
• in house selection of Korean, Chinese, Greek and Vietnamese will be held at Canterbut=ry Library all libraries are welcome to attend.

Meeting dates and venues for 2014

13th February - Canterbury Library 8th May - Burwood Library 13th August - Manly Library 13th November - State Library of NSW