Working Group on Multicultural Library Services (NSW) Thursday the 13th of May 2015 Margaret Martin Library Randwick
Attendees: List attached
Apologies: Nada Antoun, Joelmon Zungar, Roman Ciereskzo, Stella Tay, Kemal Serdar, Wendy Ford
Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes were accepted by Kasia Malicka and seconded by Vicki O’Rourke without change.
Guest Speaker – Barbara Todes Library Manager Randwick Library
Barbara welcomed the working group to Randwick Library and spoke to the group about the new initiative of the NSW Marketing group called Public Libraries in NSW. The aim of this initiative is to change the face of public libraries across NSW by changing community perceptions of public libraries. This will be achieved by creating conversations, building advocates and by communicating relevancy, services and value to the community. Another aim of the group is to create a Facebook page which will allow them to communicate with patrons directly and while some Facebook posts may feature some coverage of Library events or programs, the purpose of the post will not be to draw visitors to an event or direct call to action, but instead educate the general public on the variety of events/programs libraries offer and use such events/programs as a conduit to perception change. Facebook was chosen as it is a large and growing method of social media. It provides a platform which will enable libraries to appear to be approachable, interesting, funny and self-aware but not boring dry strange places. An example of what libraries should post are human interest stories eg volunteers stories across libraries, or “did you know” type stories etc. The group recommends library should showcase programs and events and they also recommend taking good pictures, in focus and have a good point of interest.
Due to council rules and regulations individual libraries may have problems sharing their ideas etc via Facebook.
To post a message email Barbara Todes Barbara.todes@randwick.nsw.gov.au who will send you the link or you can ask Barbara to share the content. For more information you can also contact maya.mausli@randwick.nsw.gov.au
Guest Speaker – Alex Di Prinzio – Education Officer NSW Federation of Community Language Schools : www.dec.nsw.gov.au/what-we-offer/community-programs
NSW Community Languages Schools offer classes in more than 50 different community languages. Classes are held outside normal school hours, usually at local government schools and families may be asked to pay a small fee to enrol their child. They are open to any school-aged student attending a NSW government, Catholic or independent school. In NSW more than 30,000 students attend every year. Find a school Community languages schools help students learn and use their community language. They are also open to any student who wants to learn a new language and are enrolled in mainstream schools K - 12 The NSW Department of Education and Communities provides funding to eligible community languages schools through the NSW Community Languages Schools Program. Start a community language school Community languages schools are run by hard-working volunteers, including parents and community leaders. They are not-for-profit, incorporated community organisations. There are steps to follow for parents or community leaders who would like to set up a school to teach their community language in their local area. Apply for a grant Around 277 schools receive grants every year through the NSW Community Languages Schools Program. Grants help set up new schools or help communities run their school. There are three types of grants available. Libraries can help teachers involved in the language schools by holding simple readers and bilingual books in their collections which can borrowed and used as a teaching resource. Other support material would also be very helpful. Action: Shauna will ask libraries with collections of books in LOTE if they hold readers, bilingual books, puzzles and games suitable for loan to teachers of the Community Language Schools
Guest Speakers – Joshua Kim and Christine Li – SmallBiz Connect OSBC
The services provided by Small Biz Connect are run through the Office of Small Business Commissioner (OSBC)
For small businesses in NSW, OSBC provides services in; 1. Dispute resolution 2. Business consulting 3. Representation in government.
Four language-specific business advisors (Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean) are currently assisting small businesses on various facets for those who are interested in starting a business, improving their established business or in dealing with difficult issues, eg with their landlord. One-on-one consultation can be provided in LGAs as far as Wollondilly Council in the Greater Sydney area.
Workshops can be held for the Chinese and Korean residents on the topics of commercial lease agreement, accounting and e-marketing. Guest speakers are funded by our program, so if you're interested in hosting a workshop in your library in any of the four languages in June or onwards, they are very happy to discuss with you the logistics involved.
For more information go to www. smallbiz.net.com.au or Li (Christine) Shiying sba_chinese@cmrc.com.au and Joshua Kim - sba_korean@cmrc.com.au
Business arising from previous minutes
Video conferencing Update - This method of communication has moved ahead. Debra Cooper from Logan Library Qld gave a talk in which 10 libraries took part in.. People texted their questions through to Oriana rather than allowing people to all talk at once. This enable the process to be clear and ordered. Further tests will be held and Laurence will send out instructions on how to join in. The next video conference will be held on the 17th of June at 9:50 for a 10:00am start. Chris Kennedy from SA will be discussing state-wide projects. Tech Savvy Seniors – reports form libraries Marrickville. Each session went very well with 7-8 attendees per session. The evaluation forms haven’t all been translated which has made it difficult for attendees to complete. Canterbury – high demand Willoughby – high demand Burwood- Arabic hasn’t been in as high demand however the Chinese is in high demand.
Strategic Plan- progress report. Objective 2: Strategy 2: The remainder of the Strategic Plan is on track.
Re-evaluating working groups The MPLA and Country Library Association has amalgamated. Their old websites will be replaced at this stage no decision has been made on who will host it. When the new website goes live Laurence will send out the link
Standing Orders and Selection Days The Standing Order Trial was very successful and as a result the Cooperative will be rolling this out to other languages. Shauna has sent a report and an invitation to participate to all NSW Library managers and is compiling their replies. The Selection Days have been reduced to 2. Due to the diminishing numbers of libraries purchasing in Croatian, Italian, Greek, Serbian or Spanish it has been decided that these languages will not be represented at the Selection Days in 2015. Purchasing can still be made via Selection Profiles or Standing Orders.
Increasing inclusion – Both the MPLA and CPLA have amalgamated. Due to this Laurence suggested we should try and increase the membership or ur working group to regional libraries. Laurence also suggested that we hold a meeting in the country. Bathurst Lib has been suggested. Laurence will contact the Library Manager at Bathurst to ascertain his interest. Most suitable weekday would be Friday
Chinese online Hurstville Library has integrated the records made available by Auburn Library. Bookmarks will be produced to promote this resources. Please send Laurence any feedback It is hoped that this online information will be rolled out to another library. If your library is able to select a language for the next project please contact Laurence.
Other Business
Marrickville Library – Law Week- is hosting legal talks in 4 languages and English Willoughby Library – Law Week is hosting legal talks in 4 languages and English Fairfield Library- Will be holding Refugee Week events on the 14th – 20th June Canterbury – Will be holding Refugee Week events on the 14th – 20th June Wollongong –The official launch for Refugee Week will be held at Warrawong High School Randwick – Now has Children’s activities in 5 languages
Meeting closed at 13:15
The next meeting will be held on the 20th August - Ashfield Library