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Editorial Viki Lagus: 1976 – 2011 Donna Carroll: How my ignorance informed my library Annette Earl: Pride goes before a fall… Nicki Forgham-Healey: Under the Umbrella Forthcoming Events (including New Professionals Conference 2011)
It is sad that this first issue of 2011 must be overshadowed by the death of the Group’s Honorary President, Viki Lagus. She worked tirelessly for the group, and will be missed by all who knew and worked with her.
Viki was involved in organising Career Development Group sessions at Umbrella, and this year’s Events Coordinator, Nicki Forgham-Healey recounts her experiences organising this year’s planned sessions on page 12.
Donna Carroll tells us about how she has used her academic experience to improve services at the University of Warwick. Turn to page 5 to discover how a non-librarian’s perspective resulted in a better understanding of the needs of students and researchers.
Everyone will be aware of the difficult times facing many library and information workers at the moment, and Annette Earl explores the value of professional involvement and networking for all, whether employed or seeking a new post on page 8.
As you will be aware, this is our first online-only edition of Impact. We have worked to make articles more accessible, and this first issue of 2011 is freely available to allow all potential readers to contribute suggestions for improvement. Major changes include:
If you have any feedback or constructive criticism, please email the editor:
impact@careerdevelopmentgroup.org.uk
I hope you all enjoy the issue.
Lizz Jennings Editor
Viki Lagus, Honorary President of the Career Development Group passed away peacefully on 17th March 2011, after courageously battling a long and debilitating illness.
Viki had a passion for learning and continuous professional development, remaining a life-long learner throughout her short life. She held a first degree in Social and Public Policy and a MA in Information and Library Management (Northumbria University, 1998-9). Viki gained her CILIP Chartership in 2002, which she revalidated in 2006 and again in 2009.
She further fulfilled her passion through her work with the Career Development Group where she joined her local committee in 2002, serving as Candidate Support Officer until 2009. Viki took on the national role of Honorary Events Coordinator from 2007 until the end of 2009, during which time she organised several successful National Conferences, as well as coordinating our group sessions at Umbrella. Viki had a strong understanding of what would work and how to put an attractive and viable programme together.
In January 2010 Viki moved onto the Career Development Group Presidential Team to take on the role of Vice-President. She had also been a CILIP Mentor since 2005 and greatly enjoyed supporting candidates working towards gaining CILIP Qualifications.
Throughout her illness, Viki always remained positive and truly committed to her work; her last public appearance with the Career Development Group was in May 2010 when she attended the group’s Activist Training Day in Nottingham. After that, she continued working behind the scenes, always giving us the benefit of her wisdom and enthusiasm, literally up until her last few days when she was involved in planning this year’s New Professionals Conference. I will always remember our many telephone conversations where she remained positive but realistic about her future.
Viki worked as a School LRC Manager at Wolsingham School and Community College in County Durham, and as a Children’s / Young People’s Librarian both in the London Borough of Harrow, in London and in Middlesbrough Libraries, before moving to South Tyneside to take on the role of Community Development Librarian, where she did a sterling job working with adults and diverse community groups until she retired last year on health grounds.
Everyone who came into contact with Viki will remember her as a very caring and fun loving person. Her quiet demeanour often belied a strong sense of humour, and her love of quizzes led to appearances on The Weakest Link and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Viki will be remembered as a great ambassador for the Career Development Group, CILIP, libraries and the profession, and as a dear friend to many colleagues. She would have made a great President and when it became clear she was going to be unable to take on the role we felt it appropriate to bestow the unique honour of making Viki our Honorary President for 2011.
We are planning to further commemorate Viki’s considerable contribution to the group and will make an announcement about this later in the year.
Jon Scown Past President 2011
Jon Scown
Past President 2011
I have been working in the library sector for two years now but I’m no librarian. I came into this field after first studying for a PhD in physics and then working as a further education lecturer in mathematics – not your typical humanities degree followed by work experience and library school. I never thought I would be working in a library but then libraries never used to have as many diverse posts and services as they do today.
I currently work in research and development for the Academic Services division within the University of Warwick’s Library. This role involves the management of service developments through evidence‑based research, in response to users’ changing practices and expectations due to developments in the wider environment (such as advances in web 2.0 tools and other technologies). I am also responsible for the delivery of a range of projects including the production of e-learning packages and other initiatives supporting the needs of our users. This is where my previous experiences of research and the education sector help me to offer a different range of skills to the typical librarian.
So, if I didn’t have the usual library experience and skills, just what do I bring to the library?
Over the last two years I have used my experiences to manage a new facility within the Library that is dedicated to the Library’s research community, the Wolfson Research Exchange. My understanding of the research process has enabled me to empathise with our users and thereby tailor our provision of services to suit the community. The users also acknowledge that I have been through the same process as they are currently undergoing and so I am seen as a mediator or a bridge of communication between them and the library management – ‘I speak their language’ so to speak!
I now head up the Academic Services development wing within the Library’s Academic Services Division so once again my previous experience of the research process has been invaluable in providing me with a systematic approach to my research, especially when it comes to planning and managing project work, writing up and disseminating results and analysis.
My experiences in teaching and learning have also provided me with a pedagogic perspective to our developments so that the learning applications can be fully considered when creating new e-learning packages, e-tutorials and other online teaching and learning resources for the Library. As a member of the University of Warwick’s alumni (where I studied from 2001 to 2008), I also fully understand and appreciate the needs of the average user since I was one! This can help to inform developments and also allows me to empathise with users when we collect feedback and survey their needs.
Aside from the skills that I bring to my library role, I also bring with me a whole load of ignorance. What do I mean by that? Having never trained as a librarian, I do not know about the Library and the services it has on offer. Although I was a university student for many years (I completed my undergraduate degree and PhD at the same university and a PGCE at a different institution) I had not really used a physical library in all this time I was studying. Moreover, I had never even heard of a subject librarian. This lack of awareness may now appear rather shameful, especially as I have spent the last two years learning with amazement about all of the support and information skills I could have found so valuable and time effective when I was studying. However, what this insight (or should I say, lack of insight) provides me and my managers with is a clear identification of what works – and what doesn’t work – for libraries. As I don’t speak the library language and I do not reside in the library ‘box’, I have a better idea about what the students want, what they care about, what they haven’t got a clue about and what messages are or aren’t getting through.
When I came for my job interview at Warwick’s Library I was amazed to find back offices in the library. Before that I had no idea that there were other people working in libraries except those who work on the front desks and those who stamp or shelve books! But now, everyday I watch such hard working people trying to get their message out to students (and staff) who are just as ignorant as I once was. Librarians are so keen to help and yet the rest of the university community are so quick to overlook the library and the full range of services they now offer.
Libraries are not just about books, journals and silent reading spaces, they offer one-to-one consultations to help with your research, advise on where to publish and can teach us to understand journal impact factors, bibliometrics, referencing techniques, video-editing skills and even provide technology-enriched spaces to facilitate new ways of working whilst bringing communities together to encourage a more collaborative approach to learning. This is an opportunity of which everyone could – or should – be taking advantage. Through my prior ignorance I am now able to help by pointing out the key barriers that the library needs to overcome to get their message out to the rest of the university, while also acting as an advocate of the service – “I didn’t know any of this but if only I had…!”. That is the message I can deliver and this is what the librarians and managers at Warwick Library recognise and appreciate most – the outsider’s perspective that I am able to offer and because of that, they have given me the opportunity to come and work for a library without being a trained librarian. What’s more, the library have now even taught me how to do the research part of my job more effectively using the services and support I had missed out on whilst a student, and I am certainly making up for it by making the most of it now!
So my advice is that it’s time not only that libraries embrace non-librarians for the different skills sets and strengths that they offer, but also that non-librarians should seek the challenge and interesting environment the modern day library has to offer. Together we can make a difference.
Dr. Donna Carroll Academic Services Development Manager Academic Services, The University of Warwick Library Email: donna.carroll@warwick.ac.uk
Dr. Donna Carroll
Academic Services Development Manager
Academic Services, The University of Warwick Library
Email: donna.carroll@warwick.ac.uk
I wrote the following piece in the second week of January this year, a time for resolutions and starting things with good intentions. Little did I know I would soon be tested to see if I could practice what I preach…
I have a rather unprofessional and embarrassing confession to make: I can’t remember what I agreed to write about. Have you noticed how the Christmas holidays magically wipe your memory of anything vaguely work-related that occurs in early December? Therefore I have decided to indulge myself in writing about something I am passionate about – me! It’s the start of a new year, and so it seems rather fitting that I’m thinking about how to develop myself personally and professionally without costing me the time and money I don’t have.
It’s likely to be a tough year for the profession with a number of problems and challenges predicted for the coming months. How are we to meet them? Collaboration is key. Networking, learning, and supporting each other is the easiest, quickest and most effective way to remind ourselves that we are part of something tangible. And that is important. To know and to feel that you ‘belong’ encourages us to strive forward in the most difficult of times and offers an intrinsic level of support that can and should be acknowledged. Most of us have little or no time and money to be able to do many of the things we would like and this includes our professional development. If that is the case for you, do any of the following offer a partial solution to filling the gap?
Attend a Committee Meeting or AGM Yes, meetings can be boring but they are great for networking with people you would never normally meet, especially from other sectors. Committee roles are also good for filling in the gaps on your CV that your job can’t – budgeting skills as treasurer, website coordinator, events management and so on.
Fundraise for international projects Check out http://www.cilip.org.uk/get-involved/special-interestgroups/careerdevelopment/cdgbenefits/ international/pages/internationalprojects.aspx A simple cake bake at work could help our LIS colleagues in less fortunate circumstances than ourselves.
Talk about your ACLIP/MCLIP experience Chartership and Certification workshops really benefit from people willing to share their experiences of the process. These occur a couple of times a year but can really help those working on their portfolios as well as give you useful presentation and public speaking experience.
Get yourself signed up to Jiscmail lists Sure, you’re a member of all the popular ones but extend your search – you can often find nuggets of information gold in the most surprising of places.
Get yourself Published Peer-reviewed journals are great but it’s just nice to see your name in print and contribute to the professional literature. Has your organisation implemented a new policy or have you got a new service to promote? Been on a visit? Then a newsletter near you would be delighted for you to get in touch…
If you believe you could do with a little extra support in your professional world then have a think about trying one of the options listed above. It’s the old adage, ‘You reap what you sow’. After all, you never know what it could lead to… Happy New Year!
The piece was never published and I was reminded of it only a month later when I went into work on a seemingly normal Wednesday to discover an hour later that I had been given three months’ notice and would be unemployed by March.
Wow. Did not see that one coming.
I admit, I spent 24 hours in shock and there were a few tears. I have never been in this situation before and I wasn’t really sure what to do. The jobs market is, at best dire, and my options are not great. There is a strong probability that I will have to relocate if I want to secure a job at a professional level. It would also be fair to say that I will consider myself lucky if I am able to find work in the LIS profession, especially if I want to stay in the South West. But this is the really interesting part; I have taken great comfort from being involved in CDG and it’s all to do with the key concept I was referring to when I wasn’t in this situation – belonging.
The support and kind words offered to me by colleagues who don’t even really know me have been much appreciated. Organising an upcoming Chartership day has given me something positive to focus on and it helps me to know I’m still in a position to help others which in turn motivates me to do so, and so on. I contribute to lists, I write about my woes for others to read (lucky you) and I continue to keep my eyes open for opportunities to learn new skills and develop the ones I’ve got. I have no idea where, when or what my next job will entail but I do know that it is easier to apply for them knowing that I have a whole support group to turn to should I need to.
Sure, being involved with the CDG doesn’t stop me being unemployed. But it does help to secure my confidence in a time when it could easily be eroded. And that, for me, is enough.
Annette Earl Chair, Devon & Cornwall Division
As I opened the latest issue of Update, the Umbrella programme for 2011 fell out. I was really impressed with its glossy cover and layout, the programme looks interesting and relevant to the changing times which we are now facing in the various library sectors. I feel very proud that I have been working behind the scenes with others from the various special interest groups to develop and put the programme together.
One of the roles of the National Events Co-ordinator is to help organise the CILIP flagship conference, on behalf of the Career Development group. Of course, this part of the role only happens every two years, and I had a lot to live up to as Viki Lagus (previous events officer) put together an interesting and varied programme for the group at Umbrella 2009.
The Umbrella meetings have been organised and chaired by CILIP Events. At the first meeting it was obvious that there were a few people who had not previously helped to organise the event before, so I was not the only newbie. The meeting discussed the feedback which had been given after the previous event and discussions were held on how we can improve and address the issues raised. One aspect was reducing the number of themes down from nine to seven, as attendees though that there was too much choice and that they missed out on interesting talks.
Ideas were discussed around the different tracks which could be used to help shape the conference talks, such as Skills and Professionalism, Promotion & Advocacy and Workshops – Tools and Techniques. Once these had been decided upon, I then had to come up with ideas for speakers and talks that would match these tracks. I have to say that this was very daunting as despite having organised a number of events at a local level, I soon realised that my knowledge was limited at a national level. It also helped to reinforce the importance of networking, as to misquote an old AA advert, “I know some librarians that can”.
After discussions with Jess Humphrey, the Associate Events Co-ordinator we came up with a number of topics which we then took to national council to discuss. Council then helped by giving me some names of speakers who they thought would fit the bill. I think I can truthfully say that it has been a collaborative effect and I just want to thank those people who have supported me and given me ideas to take forward. Discussions with others outside my own library sector of the NHS also informed me of what was happening in other areas and what mattered to them in these changing times, which I hope shows in the speakers which the CDG have put together.
I have also been able to collaborate with librarians in completely different sectors which has benefited me in both personal and professional ways. It also has given me the opportunity to learn about other sectors and I don’t think I would have been able to work with them in any other capacity. This really is in essence what Umbrella is all about, getting the profession to learn from each other and the different roles which we all do. There are a number of sponsored places being offered by different groups, so look out for these. Some divisions of the CDG are going to be offering a place, so please check their websites.
I am very much looking forward to attending my first Umbrella conference, and I do think that I would not have attended if it weren’t for this involvement. So I will be attending the first timers lunch, so please if you do see me wandering by, stop and say hello.
Nicki Forgham-Healey E-Resources Co-ordinator North Somerset Healthcare Library National Events Co-ordinator
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Date: 10th May 2011 Location: Exeter Central Library Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm Cost: FREE
A half day workshop primarily designed to give new Chartership candidates an understanding of the Chartership process, and the related CILIP regulations. ACLIP regulations will also be included. This is a mandatory event for those seeking Chartership.
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Date: 10th May 2011 Location: Exeter Central Library Time: 13.30pm – 16.30pm Cost: £15
A half day workshop designed to give both Chartership and Certification candidates a chance to develop their own portfolios through a number of facilitated sessions including dedicated networking opportunities, troubleshooting exercises and focussed help for individuals. This workshop is suitable for candidates at any stage of the Chartership/Certification process. The workshops for MCLIP and ACLIP candidates will be conducted separately.
For further information on both these events please contact: a.clibbens@plymouth.ac.uk
Date: 9th June 2011 Location: Zones4learning, Northumbria University Library Time: 10am-12pm Cost: £10 plus VAT for student/unwaged (Total £12.00) £17 plus VAT for CILIP CDG (Total £20.40) £25 plus VAT for others including other CILIP groups (Total £30) Total prices include VAT Speaker: Dr Alison Pickard (Director of Quality and Student Experience Northumbria University)
9.45-10.15 Registration. Tea & coffee 10.15-11.00 Introduction to reflective practice and reflective writing: Looking at why we reflect, how we reflect and who reflection is actually for. 11.00-11.45 Writing my story’- experimenting with your own writing style and sharing your story. 11.45-12.00 Round up and close.
To reserve a place, please contact Michelle Walker, 27 Cherrytree Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 6TY Email: Michelle.Walker@northumbria.ac.uk Cheques made payable to ‘Career Development Group North Eastern Division’ All bookings must be finalised before 3rd June. Access Code: W
Date: 9th June 2011 Location: Zones4learning, Northumbria University Library Time: 12.45-4.15
1.15-1.30 Registration. Tea & coffee 1.30-2.30 Introduction and ‘how to build a portfolio’ – Patricia Crosier (Candidate Support Officer) and Michael Martin (CILIP Adviser) 2.30-3.00 The Chartership Candidate’s perspective – Jackie Dunn 3.00-3.30 Comfort break/Chance to look at Portfolio examples & network 3.30-4.00 The role of the mentor – Patricia Crosier / Carol Bevan 4.00-4.30 What the assessor looks for – Annie Kilner 4.30-4.45 Questions/discussion 4.45 Close
The event is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited. To express interest in attending please contact Patricia Crosier: p.crosier@tees.ac.uk, stating whether you are working towards Chartership, Revalidation or Certification. If you wish to attend both events please contact the named individual:
Michelle Walker for Reflective writing event at michelle.walker@northumbria.ac.uk Patricia Crosier-Building your portfolio at p.crosier@tees.ac.uk
Please note if you are attending both events there is no lunch provided. You can either bring your own lunch or you will be able to buy sandwiches from our Basement Café or use the nearby facilities.
Date: 9th May 2011 Location: Explore York Library Learning Centre Time: 6.30 – 8pm Cost: FREE
The Career Development Group warmly welcomes you to our Annual General Meeting.
Join us on Monday 9th May 2011 6.30 – 8pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre, Museum Street, York, YO1 7DS
The AGM is open to Career Development Group members and friends. Come along and make the most of an opportunity to meet and network with fellow library and information professionals from a range of sectors and workplaces across the region.
The AGM will be followed by a presentation on the Explore concept by Fiona Williams, Head of Libraries & Heritage, City of York Council and a tour of the centre. Refreshments will be available.
The newly refurbished Explore York Library Learning Centre opened on 24 May 2010. The transformation has seen the building become a welcoming and well-designed flexible space that brings together a modern city library, with a full and vibrant programme of learning. The City Archives and Local History Library have merged, and are now located upstairs in the Explore Centre.
For full details visit
http://www.york.gov.uk/leisure/Libraries/Library_facilities/exploreyork/
Access codes: E: Hearing loop system W: Venue with un-stepped access via main or side door, wheelchair spaces and adapted toilet G: Provision for guide dogs.
AGM papers will be available on the day, or in advance from the Past President Jon Scown: JMScown@somerset.gov.uk 01278 451201 Libraries Centre, Mount Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3ES
This event is free but to help us cater for the right number we’d be grateful if you could notify your attendance by the end of Friday 6th May at the latest to Honorary Secretary Chris Barker: cmb81@cam.ac.uk
