Aussie Readers discussion
Archives
>
What do you think of libraries?
Hypatia seems like an amazing woman and I'd love to see that movie. Thanks Carmel! The website I used to link to her name is all about famous women throughout history so would be an interesting site to check out as well. I can't imagine what treasures the National Library in Egypt holds. They are irreplaceable. Good on the youth in Alexandria for defending their cultural heritage.
I've never been to Egypt either and I hope these events don't prevent us from going there one day.
A keen library user in New Zealand is setting out theis year to visit all 55 public libraries in Auckland. Read her blog here: http://aucklandlibrariessupertour.wor...
Weird you should bring up Hypatia...I just rented the movie about the Library in Alexandria that was destroyed by Christians.
Don't know if any of you remember I complained to my local councillor about being charged $2.50 to reserve a book or to get one transferred from another library. On the same day (Dec 3) he forwarded my comments to the head librarian saying he agreed that at least for book clubs the fee should be waived.Well,yesterday I got an answer (I had forgotten all about it). The answer was actually better than I expected (though I'm still going to have to pay). She said the fee had been introduced because many people put books on hold and never picking them up which meant popular books actually were harder to get ahold of and weren't being fully utilised. That is a perfectly reasonable policy, but I think $0.50 would be more reasonable than $2.50. But I'm stingy.
As for the bookclub, apparently at different libraries in the same network they do provide book packs (I think they chose the books, not you) for free to book clubs. Of course if my club wanted to make use of these packs one of us would have to drive to the other library to get them because they won't deliver them to our library (huh?).
So I'm happy I got an thorough answer but I'm not thrilled with the answer and still won't be reserving books for $2.50 so will have to just wait for a couple of years until they lose their popularity (*sigh*)
I am in a book club associated with my local library and they charge us each $24.00 to be in the book club and with that money they buy new books for book club use. At the moment they have about 250 titles for book club use where they have 8 - 10 copies of each book and we just have to choose a book order it online and it will be sent to our closest library for pick up. I think that is pretty good.
Bronwyn wrote: "I am in a book club associated with my local library and they charge us each $24.00 to be in the book club and with that money they buy new books for book club use. At the moment they have about 2..."that sounds like a good system
Laura wrote: "Don't know if any of you remember I complained to my local councillor about being charged $2.50 to reserve a book or to get one transferred from another library. On the same day (Dec 3) he forwarde..."
Well at least they listened to your enquiry. I checked out my local Library. They charge $2 to hold books.
Well at least they listened to your enquiry. I checked out my local Library. They charge $2 to hold books.
Mod
My Library in Falfurrias Texas, it has nothing but top bestsellers, which is good for those that cant afford books, but God Forbid I should want a to read a classic. And the Librians have sour faces and they gave me a hard time when I wanted a book transfered from some other county. They never called me. The Library in Hollister California is much better, but your never sure when it will be opened :(
It sure is interesting how policies vary. Thanks for getting back to us Laura. My only complaint (in 'rural' Nevada) is that we only can request 6 books at a time. So, if I have a couple that are taking a long time to fill, and I want a batch for my group that reads themed picture-books, well, now I'm stuck reading something off Mt. TBR! (Oh No! )
for anyone who has an innovative or technical bone in their body (I am sadly lacking in both), this competititon may be of interest ...http://libraryhack.org/
Mod
I'm sure Laura, Knowledge and Melanie would be interested!! :)
I work in a library (I know its a dream job)in Townsville (yes, also in a dream place) and we have libaries in three locations plus a mobile library. If you are a member of one you can use all 3 branches and the mobile library. If you borrow a book from one, you can return it to any of the other branches. You can do just about everything online except collect the item. They will even get books from other places or purchase it if they don't have it.
Most items are loaned out for 4 weeks except some high demand that is for 2 weeks but you can get 25 items (5 DVDS at a time though). You can also renew if no-one has a reserve on it. You can use the internet for free and there are XBox and Playstation games for the kids (or adults).
I work in programs and we host 5 book clubs but provide kits to about 18 clubs, we also provide internet and computer training, storytimes and baby rhyme time, lots of different workshops and lectures, we host other groups such as family history and the local university. We have an ATSI collection and an Indigenous Resource Officer. All of this and we don't even charge late fees.
Mod
Wow Jodie...you work at a fabulous library! Sounds definitely like the dream job in the dream place..:)
Jodie wrote: "I work in a library (I know its a dream job)in Townsville (yes, also in a dream place) and we have libaries in three locations plus a mobile library. If you are a member of one you can use all 3 br..."Jodie, you sure you don't want to move to Chatswood in NSW and take over our library? I love the sound of your system!
Hey Jodie, I work in a library at the other end of the state from you - that would be on the Gold Coast (yep: dream job, dream place). Our Queensland libraries are excellent! We also have no late fees or ILL charges or hold charges. We're part of the second biggest Council in Australia, so 12 branches and a local studies library and a special needs library and two mobile library trucks. Free internet, free wifi, hundreds of free events - you can have a look at our current calendar of events to see some of what we do. And it's all FREE!
Even before I worked in public libraries I was a supporter of them - you pay for them in your Council rates so you might as well use them (so kind of not free.... but you get to read books, so what's not to love!?)
Mod
Wow Carmel!!! It looks really great. I might just have to come to Bendigo to visit your library when it's all finished..lol
Mod
We also have no la..."
Loupie, yours sounds amazing as well! All councils need to adopt the same system as you guys.
Welcome to the group by the way...we'd love you to introduce yourself in that particular thread!! :)
Jodie wrote: "I work in a library (I know its a dream job)in Townsville (yes, also in a dream place) and we have libaries in three locations plus a mobile library. If you are a member of one you can use all 3 br..."I would love to work in a library part time - what qualifications do you need to get a job in one do you think?
Bronwyn wrote: "Jodie wrote: "I work in a library (I know its a dream job)in Townsville (yes, also in a dream place) and we have libaries in three locations plus a mobile library. If you are a member of one you ca..."Bronwyn, I think the short answer is, "it depdends". When I lived in Darwin I asked the librarians I met there what their qualifications were and they literally had none (housewives wanting part time work when their kids were older). Of course the head librarian plus a handful of others had degrees in library science.
I have a friend who asked at her local libarary (Lane Cove, a suburb just north of Sydney) and was told that even for a part time position she needed a degree or certificate in a relevant area of study.
Go ahead and ask at your local library, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Good Luck!
Loupie wrote: "Hey Jodie, I work in a library at the other end of the state from you - that would be on the Gold Coast (yep: dream job, dream place). Our Queensland libraries are excellent! We also have no la..."
It looks very similiar to our library. Most of my family live on the Gold Coast so next time I visit them I will definately take a look at some of the Gold Coast libraries. Maybe I can get my library to send me on a junket!!
Yah! a junket. That would be... unlikely, knowing how these things tend to work. But we'd love you to visit, Jodie. To Bronwyn @85 - everyone who works in a library ends up being called a librarian, but libraries employ librarians (qualified at degree or post-grad levels), library technicians (qualified at diploma level) and library assistants (not qualified....or more to the point, not qualified in library and information studies - they may have a couple of doctorates in something else).
As Carmel says @87 being a volunteer can be a good way to get a foot in the door.
And keep an eye on your local Council's vacancies website if you want a library assistant job. Where I work, we have a large pool of library assistant's who are on call for covering sick leave, etc - they are recruited as casuals, but then when a permanent job is advertised they have a better chance at it because they can point to having experience.
Thanks Loupie, I will definately visit but it will be on my own ticket.Another way to try and get a coveted library position is to apply for Traineeships, a lot of libraries appoint a trainee every year and although the pay is terrible you do get a Certificate in Library and Information Services at the end of it and this can go towards future study if you choose to carry on with Diplomas or Degrees.
Those of you who might be interested in volunteering at a library who live in northern Sydney might be interested in checking out the Willoughby Council site. http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Libr... I got an email today saying they need a lot more volunteers because soon (July-Sept) our library is moving into its new home - a huge modern facility.
Our library (Karrinyup, WA) has had a facelift and looks really good now - new computer stations, furniture, carpet... all digitised. Wow. Keep an eye on your libraries, because something tells me they will have cloud lending stations soon, where you can load your iPod, Kindle or whatever with eBooks. I still can't get my head around how that will work, but I've heard it discussed on more than just one thread. Does anyone know more about this?
Mod
Mod
Carmel wrote: "Brenda wrote: "What's happened to the Mall Carmel??"Hmmm, someone thought they'd try and make it into a mini Federation Sq and built these ridiculous monstrosities of toilets with these stupid ..."
Eeeewwww! I hate when this happens to a place :( We've got a few odd horrible creations here as well. They are all eye sores! And one is even splitting/breaking already!!!
Mod
Mod
The Cameron Park retail area isn't built yet, so hopefully it will mean my library won't be going anywhere for awhile...
Mod
At least we have 3 years before it happens..
Mod
Mod
Mod
I ..."
Renee, it's a wonderful meeting place for elderly people, people who are disabled..it's a great source for new readers, young children, there are still a huge amount of things that can be done with/by/in libraries. They are not just for us, even though you're correct about ebooks. But our youngsters who need to learn to read with pictures certainly can't read and interact with ebooks.
Brenda & Carmel, I talked to my local library (Willoughby Council in NSW) a few months ago about eBooks and they said they want to get them and make them available for loan and are looking into it, but there are some logistical problems (made more difficult by the protective Aus publishing laws). They have a lot of non-fiction electronically but they haven't made the leap yet to fiction. They want to outsource the whole thing and I guess finding someone to do it isn't as easy as ordering a book. My guess is that once a couple of Aus libraries make it over this hurdle, there will be a landslide of libraries in their wake.Does anyone know of an Aus library loaning fiction e-books? If so, how does it work? Which ereaders?
Mod
I thought my library loaned out fiction e-books Laura, but I just searched, and can't find them anywhere. I will ask next time I'm in there and let you know!
Brenda wrote: "Renee wrote: "Don't like them and I no longer see a point in having them. Everything is online. Ebooks are amazing. Such a less invasive wasy of reading. And you can have prettier things on your bo..."I totally agree, plus ebooks hurt my eyes after a while, and I love actually holding books in my hand. Also, browsing library shelfs are good ways to find new books.
And anyone who says "And you can have prettier things on your bookshevles" is clearly not a real book lover. (http://bookporn.tumblr.com/page/2)
And with the attitude that 'everything is online', I suppose in an ideal world we never have to leave the house?
It might be just me, but I disagree with everything you said so much, and need to stop myself before I go on a ten thousand word rant :)
Mod
Mod
I dont think Renee has been to a library in a while...
I agree with that, but I borrow CDs from the library.
How do you know before you read a book if you'll want to keep it forever? I use my library a LOT and because I don't feel obligated to like or even finish a book I'm sharing with the whole community I'm much more willing to read books that I might not think I'll love. Which is one way I've stumbled upon a lot of books I do love.I don't know if I'll ever give up print books for ebooks totally, but I'm open to the concept. I certainly gave up hand writing letters for email and I've never looked back. Like email, ebooks are greener, easier to get your hands on, available everywhere and have a search function (don't tell me I'm the only one who has to flip pages and pages looking for a character I can't remember).
As for libraries, my local library has been totally rebuilt in the modern manner - low shelving, massive computer/study area, separate conference rooms, tables for group activities. It's more a meeting hub than a library. I like it in some ways but I admit to missing that old stuffy quiet place the library used to be.
Mod
Oh yeah, I totally forgot about the 'early years' when you're just learning to read and finidng what you like. When I was 7-11 I used the library so much. Dad would take me to the library, we'd bring back 10-15 books as well, and I'd read what ever I thought looked good, and go back for more. Today, not so much. I just buy, unless its a sequel to a so-so book, or a hit-and-miss author. And I dont browse anymore, because I've got so much on my shelf at home.
The point is, I can totally see where you are coming from Carmel! Definitely brining back some good memories :D
Ah, see I'm still younger than you, and still say I dislike ebooks and prefer brick-and-mortar book shops any day of the week. You say that technology development is more important than curing cancer for scientists. Firstly, I guarantee that if a cure for cancer is found, the doctors responsible would be house hold names, and billionaires, within minutes.
Also, I dont think 'scientist' is the term you are looking for when you mention new plasma TV's.
No one says there is nothing wrong with technology, but that doesnt mean we can not keep solid books and librarys. So many of my friends prefer a hard book over ebooks, and I cant see e-books completely taking over like you would suggest for many, many, many years to come.
Mod
As much as i enjoy finding and getting ebooks, it will never ever ever ever! be the same as walking through the aisles and sliding out a book that looks good from the spine or an author you like! I used to come home an find a pile of 20-30 books mum would have borrowed(5 siblings haha so no pesky book limit to bother us :D) and read through em:) Also the library was the only place to read Tintin and/or Asterix and Obelix. Not many e-readers are good enough yet to provide comic/graphic novels a good base. As to Carmel, i also used to go either hardy boys/nancy drew or Tamora Pierce books too :P (most other fantasy novels had boys as main characters, it was refreshing with her novels with a female lead). During late highschool i didn't go to the public libraries (high school library was fine) but i've found them again, and its just as good. Also its excellent to see the upgrades in nearly all of them. Always had a small dream to become a librarian..ahh :P
I love libraries. I could live in one. The ones in the UK are pretty good and the staff are helpful They keep up with the times and there are internet rooms with plenty of computers.
I think all libraries should have coffee shops inside, where you can buy coffees and read books... my two favourite things, and also should have an eReader for loan, where you can loan the books which aren't in the library. Anyway I love libraries and frequently visit the one where I live.
Aussie Readers
Books mentioned in this topic
Hatched: Tim Winton Award Winners 20th Anniversary Collection (other topics)Exile (other topics)
Fury (other topics)
Mercy (other topics)
Muse (other topics)
More...
Egyptian youth protect Alexandrian library from vandals
"Most people are probably aware by now of the turmoil going on over in Egypt, with the government cutting off all Internet access as part of its effort to stay in control. While much of this is outside the scope of TeleRead’s coverage, this is not: National Geographics’s News Watch blog, reposts a letter of gratitude from Alexandria’s Librarian Ismail Serageldin, director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, to a number of the mobilized youth of Egypt for banding together to help protect the library from vandals and thugs during this troubled time.
“The library is safe thanks to Egypt’s youth, whether they be the staff of the Library or the representatives of the demonstrators, who are joining us in guarding the building from potential vandals and looters,” Ismail writes. He notes that the library will be closed to the public for the next few days, until the lawlessness subsides.
Hypatia would be proud.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is one of several sites around the world that hosts a complete copy of the Internet Archive. (Though I expect it’s currently a little out of date, given Egypt’s current disconnection from the Internet.)"