NSW HOME LIBRARY WORKING GROUP MEETING MINUTES
Host: Newcastle Libraries Date: Monday, 2nd November 2020 Time: 10 am – 12pm Venue: Online via Zoom
1. Attendance and apologies
Attendees: Andrea Curr (SLNSW); Annette Schofield (Clarence Valley); Barbara Halliday (Cumberland); Catherine Manfredotti (Lithgow); Catherine Miller (Willoughby); Eileen Smith (Wollongong); Jane Moffat (Randwick); Joanna Goh (SLNSW); Kay Pisel (Newcastle); Kirsten Langlois (Northern Beaches); Kylie Streeter (Canada Bay); Linda Barden (Newcastle); Lorna Phillips (Singleton); Mary Anderson (Northern Beaches); Melissa Angelo (Blacktown); Melissa Donn (Port Stephens); Monique Pockram (LEEF Group); Natalie Conn (Bathurst); Rachel Cody (Leeton); Ruchi Saxena (Inner West); Sandra Brice (Canterbury); Saqib Mahmood (Penrith); Sarah Wild (Canada Bay); Scott Pooke (Inner West); Sonya Campion (Hornsby); Stephen Peacock (Sutherland); Susan Bradley-Hoy (Burwood); Susan Hyde (Willoughby); Susan Jewell (Wingecarribee); Yasmine English (Midcoast); Zora Drazic (Northern Beaches) (31 attendees). Apologies: Bec Edwards (Sydney); Dean Bastian (Georges River); Janelle Sams (Cessnock); Lauren Boyd (Lake Macquarie); Linda Albertson (Bega Valley); Magnolia Szabo (Randwick); Raelene Matheson (Central Coast) (7 apologies).
2. Confirmation to previous minutes
Previous minutes provided in transcript form. Accepted by Mary Anderson; seconded by Scott Pooke. Stephen Peacock outlined the previous meeting’s discussion regarding bereavement and the impact on staff. He briefly discussed the use of EAP services as a general support options as well as specific group engagement with specialised services.
Action: Further information regarding bereavement support services will be provided by Stephen next meeting.
3. Overview of Newcastle HLS – Kay Pisel
A brief overview of the service was provided: - LGA: 150,000 - 226 active members in both individual homes and in aged care. - 27 Aged care homes - 4 staff working across HLS and customer service roles - Volunteer program to commence in 2021 - Move towards Outreach program delivery such as the Memory room Project and access to e-platforms such as Medici and Kanopy in aged care.
4. Dementia Friendly libraries – Newcastle Libraries’ initiatives – Kay Pisel
An overview of the newly launched Memory Room project was provided. The Memory Room is a pilot program tailored specifically for people living with dementia and their carers. The 1.5 hr sessions are facilitated by an art/memory therapist who delivers a program using images and items from the Local Studies collection and current exhibitions from the Library Lounge to encourage discussion, sharing of stories, laughter and connection. The online program provides online access to selected images with a short narrative and conversation starter questions to encourage dialogue between viewers such as those living with dementia and their family and/or carers.
Action: Kay to provide link to program. https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/experience/library-projects/the-memory-room.
5. Tovertafel demonstration – Monquie Pockram (Independent Living consultant, LEEF Group)
Monique provided a presentation about Tovertafel, and its application in library programming for people living with dementia, those living with intellectual disability and children with autism. The Tovertafel (Magic Table) activates people with dementia or cognitive disabilities, using interactive light projections on to a table. Action: Video link provided about the Tovertafel and contact details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm8Vh-XXxzE Monique Pockran | Independent Living Consultant M. 0424 775537 | monique@leef.com.au | www.leef.com.au
6. Large print and audiobook loans – Joanna Goh (SLNSW Multicultural Services team co-ordinator)
Joanna Goh presented information regarding the long-term loans of the State Library LP and audiobooks collections. She provided collection data for the collections and highlighted main survey findings including information to feed back to suppliers. Joanna encouraged users of the service to contact her to update their items, notify her of SL items that have been discarded and if libraries would like to use the service.
Action: Jo will provide presentation highlight to the HLS email group.
7. Promotional videos – Mary Anderson (Northern Beaches)
Mary shared a short HLS promotional video that Northern Beaches created prior to COVID. The film highlights the wonderful social engagement provided by volunteers to HLS members and the appreciation of both members and volunteers for the service.
8. Planning our way out of COVID – the ‘new normal’ - group discussion
A synopsis of the recent email listserv email discussion about best practice in HLS after six months of COVID was provided. The general trends included: - The continuation of non-contact deliveries - The use of regular ‘wellbeing’ phone calls to members - Infection control procedures including the use of PPE and quarantining. - The suspension of volunteer services (and gradual reintroduction) A group discussion focused on how HLS offer social engagement opportunities in the new ‘normal’. Suggestions included: - Providing community information – pamphlets, flyers etc. - Quarterly newsletters with puzzle activities, member book reviews and member profiles Melissa (Blacktown) and Mary (Northern Beaches) provided suggestions from their newsletters. Jane (Randwick) suggested that a template for use by all HLS would be practical and benefit all groups.
Action: Mary will request a collation of answers to the email inquiry by Kylie Streeter (Canada Bay). Action: HLS who have newsletters to share over the list serve. Action: Kay to investigate how a template can be created and used.
9. Re-election of Committee members - Mary Anderson (Northern Beaches)
Mary asked for nominees to fill the vacant steering committee position due to the resignation of Vickey Foggin. Melissa Angelo has accepted the role. On behalf of the working group, Mary thanked Vickey for her commitment and support in the role and welcomed Melissa into the position.
10. General Business - Meeting dates for 2021 - Mary Anderson (Northern Beaches)
At this stage, meeting will continue to remain online. Libraries to host the meetings 2021 include: Monday, 1st February 2021 Northern Beaches (Mary Anderson) Monday, 3rd May 2021 Sutherland (Stephen Peacock) Monday, 2nd August 2021 Woollahra (Rachel Hardy) Monday, 1st November 2021 Wollongong (Eileen Smith)
Meeting closed:12.04pm