Did you say ode?: October 2014

I attended many different sessions at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2014; too many for me to write-up my notes! So instead, I am offering you a collectanea (yes, it's a word; look it up!) of the little things that struck me.


Me listening intently at the "Google is not enough" session CC BY-SA Guillaume Gast (Source: Flickr)

Olaf Eigenbrodt (Germany), managed to make an International Standard Organisation technical report sound like a very interesting read. He was talking about ISO/TR 11219:2012 for the planning of library buildings (available on British Standards Online, for those whose library subscribes to it). It contains chapters on how to define different areas of the library, the library as a place for learning / living space, event space, the quality and size of space for collections, space for users, etc.; all chapters reflecting best practice and trends.

Are libraries' Acceptable Usage Policy for computer and internet access written in the best way for the user? We should be advising the user - using positive statements and explanations of why something is acceptable - rather than presenting them with a list of things they can't do and citing laws they will never read. Watch out for the Policy development for Acceptable Use in Libraries project in the UK.

Libraries Without Borders' Ideas Box
CC BY-SA Charlotte Henard (Source: Flickr)

Users of the National Diet Library (Japan) can access a crazy number (1691) of search guides, created by librarians on very specific topics based on enquiries they have had.

When it comes to protect your users' privacy online, there are things you can do in your library: EDUCATE customers, think of how much you yourself filter/watch them and whether it is "necessary and proportionate" and possibly offer them a different browser e.g. Firefox or Tor. [More on the whole online surveillance and privacy in libraries topic in this other blog post]

There are people whose job title is "Library Innovation Manager" and sometimes whole teams whose task it is to try out and implement new things! (eg. the National Library Board, Singapore, "Technology and Innovation division")

Learning strategies for staff: in many organisations we're not allowed to close the library (anymore) for staff training! Try having 5min each in staff meetings for everyone to share highlights of conferences they have attended or articles they have read.