Me, a Radical Librarian?

Stumbled upon these slides titled:

Revolting Librarians Redux Review
A Short and Inexact History
of Progressive Librarianship
With some thoughts
about its future
www.librarian.net/talks/tla

by Jessamyn "I have a Masters degree in Librarianship" West (i.e. Librarian.net). Total 14 slides for a TLA presentation (she adds at the end "there was no PowerPoint involved in this presentation except as a nagging bad example"). Heh.

The slides were quite interesting in themselves. I could roughly make out the context of the presentation though not the entire context without listening the the actual presentation. Then I came to slide 11, where under "what other radical librarians are up to", I've been listed as the example point from Singapore (see point 5 "outreach").

Me, a Radical Librarian? Heh. Thanks for the compliment.

I'm not quite sure what Jessamyn had to say about the "thoughts for the future". Would have loved to be there. I popped over to her blog to see if she'd blogged about this talk (she did) and whether there was a podcast (there wasn't... pity). The presentation went well for her, so that's great.

Wonder if any librarians at her presentation asked, "Where's Singapore?"

Oh, TLA = Texas Library Association.

Starting a mailing list for Library Disability Services

For someone who professes to have a professional interest in Library Disability Services, I realise don't post much about the topic. I think about it alot but I don't write about it. I'm not sure why... anyway, this might change.

Yesterday, just before the Paul Theroux session, I had an informal discussion with a few colleagues who shared a certain like-mindedness about the provision of library services to people with disabilities. At the end of our discussion, I decided to start a mailing list for librarians and just about everybody else interested in the topic of Library Disability Services in Singapore.

Specifically, the list would be for people who are interested in doing something -- or already doing, or getting something done -- for, or with People with Disabilties.

To put it in point form:

• A librarian-facilitated network
  
• For those in the library and information profession, as well any other people;
• Who have a shared interest;
• About the provision of library/ information services;
• To people with disabilities

This would be a personal initiative, i.e. not affliated with my employer or any other organisation. I just want to get something going rather than try and raise it through formal channels. Faster that way.

I hope to have some library professionals in Singapore join me in getting this list started or contributing to the list. I don't know how many would be keen... Maybe it will be a list with a membership of one. Maybe it'll turn out to be a mailing list for Ivan's Monologues.

Ah, heck -- what have I got to lose? Just do it : )


Thinking aloud:

• There can be no action without awareness;
• There can be no awareness without dialogue;
• There can be no dialogue without some starting point

Hence, this mailing list would be a starting point for dialogue, that hopefully gets translated into action.

Right now, I'm trying to think of a name for this list:

1. Singapore Librarians For Library Disability Services (SLFLDS)
2. Librarians For Disability Services, Singapore (LFDSS)
3. Volunteer Librarians For Library Disability Services
4. Singapore Librarians Disability Services Support Network (SLDSSN)
5. Singapore Librarians Disability Services Support Group (SLDSSG)
6. Singapore Librarians Disability Services Network (SLDSN)

I'm kinda leaning towards #4.

It's a mouthful but it conveys the scope and intent of the list, it's more inclusive for non-librarians, yet still conveys that it's a librarian-facilitated network.

Suggestions from the Blogosphere for names would be most welcome.


Tag: library disability services

Paul Theroux was at Central Lending Library (or, Why I love working for the library)

"Tell the truth."

That's how Paul Theroux ended his hour-long talk. And prior to that, he also quipped:
"If you tell the truth and you live long enough, you will be vindicated"

"If you want to be a writer, leave home. Don't stay with your parents"

Paul Theroux could sure give a talk. I saw how the 170 strong audience lapped up his words. No fancy-schmancy powerpoint slides. He was basically a good storyteller. But I have to admit I wasn't paying much attention to what he was saying (hence I only picked up those lines). In truth, I was paying greater attention to how the audience was reacting, and how the supporting staff & librarians on duty were holding up.

This post isn't about Paul Theroux's talk. I apologise for misleading you. What I really wanted to blog was the great teamwork and support that when into making this programme happen.

First, it was made possible with the active support of partners like subTEXT and Penguin Books Singapore.

Then the other unsung heroes (or heroines, rather) were the librarians who worked behind the scenes to make this programme happen (of 'cos there were others who contributed but this post is about the colleagues in my team). Without naming names, there was ST (picture-taker/ usher), JL (videographer/ extra courteous lift attendant) and WL (programme co-host/ networker/ overall in-charged).

I wish I could take pictures and blog in details about the days and hours leading to the event -- how the librarians reacted to maximise on the given opportunity (the library visit wasn't in Theroux's initial itinerary); the ideas and last minute discussions; last minute upgrade of venue because of overwhelming response; preparations for publicity; working beyond typical hours to see the programme through... Well I can't blog in details, but you get the picture I think.

This committment to the job is not unique to just that programme only. More often than not, it's repeated across the many programmes and events held at the other public libraries. It does not matter if the events were high-profile ones like Paul Theroux's (most programmes aren't).

Tonight, someone I knew (from working on a collaborative event previously) remarked on how impressed she was on the professionalism and passion demonstrated by the librarians who provided supported for her activities across the branches involved. Her compliments was a reminder to me, of why I love working for the library (it's the people whom you work with, isn't it?)

BTW, my role in making the programme happen was negligible. Mostly I tried to stay out of my colleague's way, heh : )

I shall end this post with a badly taken shot of the audience and Paul Theroux. You just have to take my word for it that Paul is the guy with the red shirt, centre of picture. Better pictures would be posted at High Browse Online soon.


Tag: library event

High Browse Online featured in Apr 06 issue of Challenge Magazine

Minor victory of sorts... the High Browse Online book blog and the NL Programmes blog were both plugged at the April 2006 issue of Challenge Magazine.

The magazine is a monthly publication from the PS21 Office, Prime Minister's Office (Public Service Division). Printed and online versions are circulated to various statutory boards and ministries.

Music Sunday: "Brand New Day" piano composition

Took me about 7 hours to do this:

Original piano composition: "Brand New Day", 23 Apr 2006. Length of recording: 2min 24sec. MP3 file (565KB).

Archived at www.archive.org/details/BrandNewDay_ivanchew_MusicExperiment

NOTE: Audio output is rather soft. The recording sounds better with headphones or via an amp. The volume for this piece increases progressively, so watch your ear-drums or speakers! :)

This is what my "home music studio" looks like. Basically you need (1) a musical instrument, (2) a microphone, and (3) a computer/ software to record and mix.

No expensive equipment required (the piano and computer hardware notwithstanding). The microphone was part of a headset. The software used for recording and mixing was freeware from audacity.sourceforge.net.

Details of the creative and learning process over at My Right Brain.

Enjoy!


Tag: creative learning, music

Being a Librarian Vs. Job title = "Librarian"

Last post before I hit the sack:
Read Billy's post about him landing a job as a teacher. He decided he's "fought the good fight" for a library job but time to move on and try something else. Heh, Billy, always be wary of what you wish for, 'cos you just might get it! LOL

I'm just kidding. I've high regards for Billy (hats off to anyone who sets a target of reading a book a week for 52 weeks AND making it happen!)

What I really want to write is the part where he says he couldn't be a librarian. I feel there's a difference between "being called a 'Librarian' based on job title" and "Being a Librarian" per se.

The former is just a Word while the latter is An Attitude.

Good luck, Billy. You might still find yourself a teacher and placed in charged of the school library. If you set your mind to that, I'm sure you'll make that happen. It could be the best of both worlds.

Selected References:

• Professionalism is an attitude, not a definition (26 Jun 04)
• Questions about becoming a librarian (Part 1) (26 Sept 05)
• Still Water Runs Deep (or, "Wet Blanket Question") (9 Feb 06)

Tag: librarianship

My group boss has a post in our book blog

My divisional boss was sporting enough to contribute this post to the book blog.

At the onset, she asked what we were looking for in a High Browse Online post. We said it could be anything and everything so long it was related to libraries and/ or books. We suggested she write about what she read recently or something she'd like to recommend to others. Said anything between 300 to 500 words would be fine.

She said OK.

When she reverted, I was blown away! She practically submitted a term paper! LOL
Nothing beats having a boss who leads by example, eh? (ooo, brown-nosing!)

: )

Tag: high browse online

Paul Theroux - In Person, Up Close & Personal

A little bird told me that Paul Theroux wanted to tour Singapore incognito, but apparently a minor coup was pulled off to invite him to CLL for a very informal book reading session. This would certainly be of interest to Paul Theroux fans like this guy and this guy.

Check out the details of the event (Thursday , 27 Apr 2006) at High Browse Online.


Tag: library event

Celebrating Libraries: Last call for submissions

Message from my colleague involved in the NLB Celebrating Libraries initiative:

The deadline for submitting stories for Celebrating Libraries will be closing at the end of this month. So far, the committee has received more than 400 entries from the open category, more than 300 entries for the school category and nearly 50 entries for the Librarian award nominations.

The organising committee would appreciate if you help spread the word (where appropriate) to your friends and colleagues to encourage more entries before the closing date. Here's the mail that you could forward. NOTE: The story you share could be for ANY library, not necessarily an NLB library:

• Did a book from the library give you the idea for your first business venture?
• Did a collection of music inspire you to learn an instrument?
• Did attending a library programme enhance your understanding of a subject?
• Did a librarian provide invaluable advice that led you to discover new insights?

How has the library transformed YOUR life?

Share your story of how the library has made a positive difference in your life and stand to win attractive prizes, including an iPod Nano, a 3G mobile phone and hotel stays. What's more, your story could be among the selected stories to be published into a book.

To submit your story, visit www.nlb.gov.sg/celebratinglibraries or any participating library to pick up an entry form.

Closing date for entries is 30 April 2006.

The library (public library in particular) has meant different things to me at different stages in my life. It's certainly transformed my life. If not "transformation", then at least "shaped" my life in very positive and influential ways, though this recognition comes as an afterthought.

During Secondary School days, it was a place to hang out with my neighbourhood friends. For some reason, we liked to meet at the Young Adult section half an hour before the library closed (around 8.30pm). We weren't rowdy or anything. We'd meet there, chat (softly) and browse (sometimes we'd borrow, but more often than not it was a meeting place) afterwhich we'd adjourn to the nearby coffeeshop to have supper before heading home. We did this at least once a week. It was part of our teenage lifestyle even before the concept of a "lifestyle library" was conceived then.

And also during that time up till National Service, the public library represented a place where I could spend my time constructively and save money during the school term breaks.

My first full-time job was with the public library. It's still my only job as of this post. I also got to know my wife at the library. Fwah, romantic right? Not really, my wife would attest... : )

The authors whose ideas and information have been encrypted in the materials I use so often from the public library have been -- at various times -- my teachers, counselors, therapists, and companions (on long trips).

It is through the library (my job, that is) that I was exposed to the Internet. It's through my job with the library that I've had so many opportunities to meet people, Singaporeans as well as guests from overseas. It was an overseas visitor who introduced me to blogs...

I could go on and on... well, not really. My personal story would end here. Not that it would END here, just that my conscious awareness of the influence of libraries in my life is really up to this point. I'm sure in 10 year's time, I'd be able to write a whole lot more when I do the same reflection.

So, how have libraries influenced your life?


Tag: celebrating libraries

Philosophical discussion on "Reading"

I'm blogging my response to Alice's (It's All Good) question, "What's considered Reading anymore?":

A few examples:

• If you are looking at a graphic novel--that does not have any text on the page--are you still "reading"?
• If you are listening to an eAudiobook, are you "reading"?
• If you find yourself in a digital collection of photos, a museum or historical society and you visually absorb "realia" items, would you consider it "reading"? (Passively) "Looking"? Do you become a "looker"!?!

I find it quite an important question -- one that may impact on the role of libraries. Libraries and librarians often pride ourselves as champions of the reading habit. How libraries and librarians define and understand "reading" would determine what we do and how we see the profession developing.

Personally, in the context of today's Information Society, I think of "reading" as: The act of an individual transferring ideas and concepts [1], encrypted in some commonly understandable code [2], and which is contained in Information Containers [3], via their eyes to their conscious brain [4].

Just to clarify:

[1] - Ideas and concepts: This would mean more than text. It includes images, audio, or a combination

[2] - Commonly understandable code: Just my complicated way of saying a common language or common context (i.e. images, sounds)

[3] - Information Containers: This could be a printed book, an audio tape, a DVD, a webpage etc. Whatever materials, tools and technologies used to store and render the "ideas and concepts" in useable form.

[4] - Eyes to conscious brain: What I mean is that the "reading" is a conscious behaviour. The individual has to be an active participant. E.g. I sit down to watch a TV show, or listen to a CD, or read a book, or surf the net.

Of course realistically speaking, this is too broad a definition for libraries to adopt. Or is it?

Libraries in developed countries today are already providing their users access to more than just books (which is just one type of "Information Container"). They are helping customers get access to the Internet, to audio-visual materials. Just that right now, the "ideas and concepts" or information that the library chooses to acquire (for various reasons) use the printed book as the predominant format.

Alice also asks, "Can we still call our information consumers 'readers'". Well, I for one tend to use the term "Library Customer".

I think the real issue is one of "measurement" if we adopt a wider definition of "reading", but that's for another post.


Tag: role of libraries