An Leabharlann

October 2015 Volume 24: Issue 2

CONTENTS Inside Guidelines For Contributors 2 Editorial Marjory Sliney 3 ARTICLES 1. Subject Librarians and VLEs in Irish Universities: level of involvement, attitudes and challenges Twitter Laura Zaliene and Clare Thornley 4 2. “It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the use of Twitter at #asl2015 Laura Rooney Ferris and Martin O’Connor 10 3. Health in Mind Project Helen Kielt and Julie Russell 18 CONFERENCE REPORTS 1. Ten Years Back, Ten Years Forward: achievements, lessons and the future for digital curation Kate McCarthy 24 2. Innovation and Evolution: challenges and opportunities for 21st century academic and research libraries Catherine Clehane and Claire O’Brien 26 3. Looking Back, Moving Forward: open repositories at the crossroads Padraic Stack 28 4. The Inside Out Library: collaboration, inspiration, transformation Shona Thoma and Niamh Walker-Headon 30 5. Building a Europe of readers Zoë Melling 33 OBITUARIES 37 Íosold Ní Dheirg Mary O’Doherty and Joe Donnelly 37 Kieran Swords Fionnuala Hanrahan 38 NEWS FROM THE STACKS 40 VLEs Health in Mind Page 1 of 40 Conference Reports, Book Reviews Library Association of Ireland, Cumann Leabharlann na hÉireann, Guidelines For Contributors c/o 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2 An Leabharlann: The Irish Library publishes articles on • Book reviews should include the full title, author or www.libraryassociation.ie libraries, librarianship and related topics of interest to editor, publication details and price. the library and information community on the island of • Conference reports should include details such as the An Leabharlann An Leabharlann: The Irish Library is published 24–2 by The Library Association of Ireland and The Ireland. The Editorial Board invites original, unpublished sponsoring organization, the date, place and title of October 2015 Chartered Institute of Library and Information articles for publication. Articles should be between 1,500 the conference. and 3,000 words. Occasionally, longer articles may be Professionals (Ireland). Style ISSN: 2009-6062. published. • Microsoft Word and other word processing programs Editor: Marjory Sliney. Articles Editorial Board: Heather Anderson (Ulster allow for a language to be selected. Please ensure that University), Helen Fallon (Maynooth University), • Manuscripts will be reviewed by the Editorial Board. the language selected is either UK or Ireland English Kate Kelly (Royal College of Surgeons in • Authors are asked to submit an informative abstract (i.e. NOT United States English). Ireland), Terry O’Brien (Waterford Institute of of not more than 200 words. 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For consistency, all material submitted will Frequency formatted in Times New Roman 12 pt., double-spaced, be copy-edited. An Leabharlann: The Irish Library is published with margins of 2.54cm (i.e. standard A4 margins). • For additional information on style and referencing, twice a year in March and October. Formatting of text (e.g. italics and bold) should be please consult: Ritter, R.M. (Ed.). (2003) The Oxford kept to a minimum. Style Manual. Oxford: OUP Acknowledgements • Authors should provide their name, organization, Copy Deadlines Photos: pp18-23, Libraries NI position and the title of the article at the top of the This journal is deposited with edepositireland.ie. first page. If the article was presented at a conference, • 31 December 2015 for March 2016 issue details of the sponsoring organization, the date and • 31 July 2016 for October 2016 issue Page 2 of 41 title of the conference should be given. Lottery Fund, the article details the workings of single catalogue for Irish public libraries. Editorial the project. Many aspects of the programme will The report from the Open Repositories (OR) now be mainstreamed as the funding comes to an Conference (p28) reminds us that LIS staff must Editorial, Vol 24 (2), October 2015 end in January 2016. While many public libraries collaborate with other professionals-software devel- and some academic libraries offer a Healthy Mind An Leabharlann For reasons outside my control there are no book opers, metadata creators and others- to maximise service, this would appear to have been more 24–2 reviews in this issue. However, you will find much the potential of ORs. Many ORs are in place across ambitious. inspiration in the articles and Conference Reports. Ireland- edeposit Ireland, LENUS, RIAN, TARA and Library Ireland Week 2015 is just around the corner and The sentiments in conference reports indicate others. ORs are a significant means of showing and hopefully you will find many ideas on these pages. that they were worth attending. Quite apart from encouraging Open Access. While some government In editing this issue, two figures stand out which having the opportunity to attend, everyone bene- departments and agencies are depositing with reflect opposite ends of the LIS world- 75 million fits from international perspectives. edeposit Ireland, reports and articles from the local Europeans are illiterate, $1.8 billion is the global While most of the Reports cover conferences authority sector are notable by their absence. annual spend on Library Management Systems. in the academic sector, the topics should be In the News from the Stacks section, there are That libraries are dynamic and evolving places of interest to all sectors: Digital curation, Open several advance notices for international confer- can be seen in the range of topics covered. Articles Repositories, challenges and opportunities. The ences coming to Dublin in 2016 and 2017. This is and conference reports give examples of collabo- EBLIDA/NAPLE conference addressed various welcome news for local delegates who may be ration, innovation and transformation. aspects of reading at its conference on Building a able to attend without the usual expense involved The article on the use of Twitter at conferences Europe of Readers. Klaus-Peter Bötteger noted that with conference attendance. Congratulations to all provides a dynamic change in how we can partic- there are 75m people who are illiterate in Europe who worked hard to bring these conferences here. ipate. Apart from publicising events, benefits of (p35). This is a shocking statistic in a wealthy area. Publicity for libraries has been mentioned tweeting include more active involvement of dele- Public libraries have long provided facilities to help several times in articles and conference reports. gates but also the chance for remote colleagues to tackle illiteracy in terms of rooms and appropriate VLEs should be highlighted more in academic participate. Ferris and O’Connor‘s article provides a resources. All LIS services now deal with a range of libraries as the main article suggests. Reaching template for the content analysis of tweets. literacies: basic literacy, information literacy, digital new audiences via Twitter and other social media Zaliene and Thornley’s article on VLEs and literacy and transliteracy. should raise the profile of all libraries. There will be subject librarians shows that improved collabo- Another conference speaker notes that many opportunities during Library Ireland Week. ration will raise awareness of library services and $1.8billion is spent annually globally on Library As this is the last issue with which designer library promotion. However, the article suggests Management Systems (p.27). Expenditure of David Cooke will be involved, I would like to thank that more needs to be done in Ireland. It would this magnitude should free LIS staff to engage him very sincerely for his commitment to this seem that LIS staff need to be more forceful in more with library users as routine tasks are auto- journal over many years. His creativity, design and utilising these content delivery platforms. mated. In the context of LMS, it is great to see patience are much appreciated by me and the Page 3 of 40 LibrariesNI’s initiative on mental health is developments at http://librariesireland.iii.com/iii/ Editorial Board. described by Kielt and Russell. Funded by the Big encore/?lang=eng This is the start of the planned Marjory Sliney, Editor, [email protected]

Editorial Subject Librarians and VLEs in Irish Universities: An Leabharlann 24–2 level of involvement, October 2015 attitudes and challenges Laura Zaliene and Clare Thornley

Abstract Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are used by educational institutions as content delivery platforms that connect students, academics and administration together. In this context, subject librarians can utilise VLEs to increase visibility and use of library resources, improve collaboration with the faculty and enhance information literacy instruction delivery. The article reports on a study that aimed to identify trends in subject librarians’ use of VLEs and makes a contribution to a better understanding of influencing factors and challenges experienced by subject librarians in relation to their use of online tools and involvement in VLEs to deliver course-specific support.1

Keywords: Subject Librarians, Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), Ireland, Academic Libraries

1 Based on a Masters in Library and Information Management Page 4 of 41 thesis (Zaliene, 2014), Dublin Business School irtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are information sources on the Internet (Bowen, 2012, Also, McGuiness’ (2009, p.273) large scale investiga- “online teaching-learning-evaluation p.449; Essinger and Ke, 2013, p.55). Therefore, tion into the practices of information skills training Vdomains that permit synchronous and numerous case studies in the literature describe (IST) in Irish higher education institutions showed collaborative interaction among teachers and initiatives by single institutions to improve and that online tutorials were one of the least favoured students, while also providing asynchronous maintain a library presence in VLEs. methods of delivering information skills training. At An Leabharlann 24–2 learning resources for individual use by students the same time, taking into consideration advances October 2015 at any time” (Das, 2014, p.41). VLEs in educational Irish context in technology and eLearning, it can be assumed institutions can be defined as the core digital space that the situation has been changing since 2008. The main body of literature presents imple- connecting students, academics and administra- mented initiatives and studies conducted in the There is evidence that educational institutions tion together. VLEs also provide a means for course United States of America. In comparison, despite are trying to address the low impact of libraries material delivery, assessments, recording of grades, the fact that VLEs have been widely adopted in in current VLE use through involvement with the and student-tutor interaction. In this context, the higher education institutions in Ireland since 2005 eLearning strategies of individual institutions and, in importance for academic libraries to maintain (Cosgrave et al., 2011), the number of such studies this way, awareness of library services and resources their presence within VLEs is discussed throughout in the Irish context is low. is being raised. Examples of single institution’s the literature. The key benefits include: increased efforts to increase library visibility in and access visibility and use of library resources, improved through VLEs are: the use of VLEs for information collaboration with the faculty, and enhanced “ … support material and subject literacy instruction through the creation of instruc- information literacy instruction delivery (Leeder guides which are related to specific tional tutorials on the use of library resources (Ward, and Lonn, 2013, p.1). Additionally, subject librarians courses, as facilitated by VLEs, 2010); and a guide for academics with step-by-step can utilise VLEs to provide support by one-on-one instructions on how to add videos and tutorials to instruction, promoting their subject guides and, receive more attention and use any module in the VLE (UCD, 2012). also, by collaborating with academics to better link than generic tutorials” course materials and course-specific resources. The purpose of the study was to identify trends of Irish studies mainly discuss VLEs as a medium subject librarians’ use of VLEs and to contribute to Throughout the literature the subject librarian’s for delivering information literacy tutorials and a better understanding of influencing factors and use of and involvement in VLEs is discussed as instruction. For example, Russell (2008) investi- challenges experienced by subject librarians in an important factor for successful outreach. To gated the ways information literacy instruction relation to their use of online tools and involvement be more precise, support material and subject can be brought to distance education students in VLEs to deliver course-specific support. Also, guides which are related to specific courses, as and reported that Irish academic librarians were the study aimed to explore the underlying aspects facilitated by VLEs, receive more attention and not utilising the potential that VLEs can offer (only that may influence subject librarians’ use of VLEs or use than generic tutorials provided by the library 19% of respondents indicated that a VLE is used for attitudes towards library integration into VLEs. and have the potential to encourage students Information Literacy (IL) training). to use library resources instead of consulting Considering the role and the functions of subject Page 5 of 41

Subject Librarians and VLEs in Irish Universities: level of involvement, attitudes and challenges librarians, key areas of interest were defined for the Additionally, five in-depth interviews with subject Moreover, both survey and interview results study: librarians from five different subject areas were show that VLEs, if used at all, are mostly utilised conducted in three Irish universities’ libraries. as a medium for delivering information literacy 1. The extent to which subject librarians’ use VLEs. tutorials. This approach supports the definition While the size of the study and a low response rate 2. Individual experiences and attitudes towards of VLEs in the library context provided by Corrall An Leabharlann of the survey did not permit conclusive generalisa- library integration into VLEs. and Keates (2011, p. 29-30) who state that VLEs are 24–2 tions about the whole population of the research, October 2015 3. Factors influencing subject librarians’ use of primarily used by lecturers for presenting course both interviews and the survey generated new VLEs. content and delivering information literacy skills knowledge in the research area and provided rich tutorials. data that was utilised to investigate underlying Methodology aspects of the experiences, trends and issues of Lastly, in contrast to the ideas of De Jager-Loftus In order to best address the key areas of interest, subject librarians’ use of VLEs. (2009) and Whatley (2009) who advocated VLEs both interviewing and a descriptive survey were as an effective medium for library promotion and chosen as the most appropriate strategies to Subject librarians’ use of VLEs increased visibility, the study showed that subject conduct the research. Anonymity was ensured librarians’ integration into VLEs is not realised as Both interview replies and survey results showed during both survey and interview data collection. one of the strategies of reaching wide audiences that library presence in VLEs is very limited and and promoting library resources. The questionnaire consisted of ten close-ended subject librarians have minimum or no direct input questions and three open-ended questions that into VLEs, i.e. the majority of respondents indi- At the same time, this phenomenon does not allowed for the collection of additional data from cated that they mostly manage resources that are solely depend on librarians’ commitment to better the participants. Fifty subject librarians from seven linked to VLEs instead of providing access to them engage themselves in VLEs, but is rather a multifac- university libraries were invited to take the survey. through VLEs. Also, both the survey and inter- eted case of related influencing factors. Although, the survey returned low response rate views showed that VLEs are not fully exploited by of only sixteen replies; three of them were incom- librarians as a platform for outreach and personal Challenges in using VLEs plete, leaving thirteen completed questionnaires support, and that discussion forums and blogging While the importance and perceived benefits of for the analysis. This constitutes a response rate are the least used features, if used at all. These seamless library-VLE connection (e.g. customised of 26% which, regardless of being low, is fairly findings illustrate what has been defined by Shank library information and direct input of librarians in common for questionnaire-type data collections and Dewald (2003, p.38) as a macro approach of individual VLE sites) are discussed and advocated across different institutions. integrating library resources into VLEs. That is, in in the literature, the study results showed that contrast to recommendations from the literature Out of seven university libraries, four did not there is some VLE-library marginalisation. This may on specific focussed help (e.g. course-specific data- provide any responses. Hence, the majority of the be partially due to multiple influencing factors that bases and guides), the resources which are mostly approached librarians who participated in the were repeatedly discussed during the interviews promoted in VLEs are generic such as information survey (13 out of 20) were from the three remain- and indicated in the survey. Page 6 of 41 ing libraries. literacy tutorials, library guides, opening times, etc.

Subject Librarians and VLEs in Irish Universities: level of involvement, attitudes and challenges To start with, direct access and editing rights of VLE confirmed that disciplinary culture and approach site content, as identified by interviewees and in of individual academics have a great impact on the survey, depends upon the academics, i.e. the how the value of a subject librarian is perceived “owners” of the individual courses within the VLEs. (Walters, 2008; Cooke et al., 2011; Corrall and Keates, 2011). An Leabharlann Also, the issue of feasibility and scalability of direct 24–2 presence in individual VLE courses was an impor- Lastly, limited access to editing rights of individual October 2015 tant feature of the overall library-VLE relation VLE sites and barriers to effective integration (e.g. discussion. This issue was repeatedly mentioned providing subject-specific links or resources within in a number of responses – in both interviews and the VLE site) raise another important question open-ended questions in the survey- regarding about the role of the librarian in University teach- time and human resources needed for effective integration into VLEs. This issue is common in large “ Also, the issue of feasibility and institutions where small-scale initiatives are diffi- scalability of direct presence in individual cult to implement throughout the whole institu- VLE courses was an important feature tion, mainly due to a large number of courses and limited number of subject librarians where their of the overall library-VLE relation direct input to VLEs at course level is simply not discussion” feasible (Daly, 2010; Jeffryes et al., 2011). Therefore, regardless of librarians’ willingness to participate ing. While the literature shows that the teaching in VLEs at course level, such input might be too role of the librarian is evolving (Walter, 2008; Polger specific and not attainable in practice. and Okamoto, 2010; Austin and Bhandol, 2013), the study results showed that, from librarians’ perspec- Interestingly, the study showed that the perceived tive, their teaching role is not recognised as widely role of a subject librarian has an important effect as their support function. It has to be noted here on his/her participation in VLEs and in the academ- that the authors do not claim that subject librari- ic-librarian relationship in general. Research find- ans have the same subject expertise as academics ings indicate that subject librarians have varying or that their teaching role is equivalent to that of levels of interaction and acceptance by course the academics. However, a lack of recognition of instructors in different subject areas depending subject librarians as a part of the academic struc- on how their role is perceived by the academics. ture in the institution may be perceived as a barrier These results are in line with the findings in the to successful communication and collaboration literature on studies that explored the impact of with academics, including in VLEs. This, in turn, Page 7 of 41 subject librarians on an academic community and

Subject Librarians and VLEs in Irish Universities: level of involvement, attitudes and challenges can result in an overall reduction in the quality of beyond fulfilling the purpose of course-content way to address this problem would require better the learning experience for the students and thus repository. library promotion and adoption of a systematic is a teaching issue that is beyond the scope of this approach to increase library visibility in VLEs, e.g. Lastly, the research results showed that a library study, although an important one that would be automation of providing library links within VLEs. presence in VLEs is endorsed by subject librarians. worth addressing in future research. An Leabharlann However, instead of direct input, it is interoperabil- Also, increased clarity of librarians’ role in 24–2 ity, linking and automation that are considered the University teaching could be incorporated into October 2015 Perceived opportunities in VLEs most effective ways to integrate libraries into VLEs. institutions’ policies and explained to the academ- Research findings confirm Buehler’s (2004, p.75) To be more precise, use of other content manage- ics in a comprehensive way in order to address the statement that library resources are not perceived ment systems to organize and present subject gap in effective collaboration between librarians as an integral part of VLEs. Such claims recurred in specific library content, e.g. Libguides, is perceived and academics. the interviews and the survey where the majority as an important and effective way to deliver of the participants agreed that library resources are course-specific support to large audiences. Conclusion not represented enough in VLEs. In other words, use of Web 2.0 tools to automate This study showed that the VLE-library separation The general attitude of librarians towards their library resource management and promotion is in the researched institutions is common. However, institutional VLEs is another important aspect of an alternative to direct presence of subject librar- with current progress in improving subject guides library-VLE integration debate. Whereas literature ians in VLEs, especially in large institutions where and making library materials easier to integrate presents multiple discussions and advocates library staff numbers are inadequate for such initiatives into VLEs, we can ascertain that libraries have integration and active participation by librarians to be implemented. This perspective is similar to already found and will be finding ways to integrate in VLEs, the study findings partly contradicted this the approach adopted in a number of initiatives into Virtual Learning Environments. This can be position, i.e. interview participants expressed their encountered throughout the literature where achieved by the direct presence of subject librar- doubts about the effectiveness of VLEs. Also, there library integration into VLEs was achieved by using ians in VLEs and also by harvesting resources that was a level of dissatisfaction with VLEs expressed Web 2.0 technologies to populate library links can be linked to or integrated into VLEs. by the participants of the research: some described within individual courses in the VLE (Black and This study presented just a snapshot of subject VLEs as “dated” and “clunky”. This aspect can be Blankenship, 2010; Jeffryes et al., 2011, Hristova, librarians’ attitudes, practices and challenges in viewed as an important factor influencing percep- 2013). using VLEs, the key issue discovered being inad- tions of a VLE as a content delivery platform and, equate communication and collaboration levels also, the reason why VLEs might not be utilised to Recommendations between the librarians and academics. It is a call their intended extent. The research findings suggest that challenges for both of these parties to build relationships and Overall, the study results raised a new question of experienced by subject librarians are at least partly find ways to best fulfil their role in VLEs. whether VLEs have become somewhat dated and caused by varying perceptions of librarians’ role This relationship needs to be clarified and if they still serve as an effective platform that goes and status within the university. Thus, a practical Page 8 of 41 improved for progress to occur and for the full

Subject Librarians and VLEs in Irish Universities: level of involvement, attitudes and challenges potential of VLE technology in enhancing the • Cosgrave, R., Rísquez, A., Logan-Phelan, T., Farrelly, T., • Russell, P. (2008) ‘Information literacy support for learning experience to be realized. This study Costello, E., Palmer, M. and Vaughan, N. (2011) ‘Usage off-campus students by academic libraries in the and uptake of virtual learning environments in Ireland: Republic of Ireland’, Journal of Information Literacy, 2(2): showed the need for communication and review of findings from a multi institutional study’. AISHE-J:The 46-62. the possibilities VLEs can or cannot offer. All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher • Shank, J. and Dewald, N. (2003) ‘Establishing our pres- Education, 3 (1). Available from: http://ojs.aishe.org/index. ence in courseware: adding library services to the virtual An Leabharlann php/aishe-j/article/download/30/31. 24–2 Laura Zaliene, MSc, Dublin Business School and classroom’, Information Technology & Libraries, 22 (1): October 2015 Clare Thornley, MSc, PhD, Dublin Business School. • Daly, E. (2010) ‘Embedding library resources into learning 38-43. management systems: a way to reach Duke Undergrads • UCD (University College Dublin) (2012) ‘Linking to library at their points of need’, College & Research Libraries e-learning videos/tutorials from within Blackboard: a References News, 71(4): 208-212. Available from: http://crln.acrl.org/ guide for academics’. Available from: http://www.ucd.ie/ content/71/4/208.full.pdf+html. • Austin, T. and Bhandol, J. (2013) ‘The academic librarian: t4cms/Guide77.pdf (Accessed: 10 June, 2014). buying into, playing out, and resisting the teacher role in • Das, A. K. (2014) ‘Fundamentals of Virtual Learning • Walter, S. (2008) ‘Librarians as teachers: a qualitative higher education’, New Review Academic Librarianship, 19 Environments (VLE) and its Components’, Indian Journal inquiry into professional identity’, College & Research (1):15-35. of Library & Information Science, 8 (1): 41-48. Libraries 69 (1): 51-71. Available from: http://crl.acrl.org/ • Black, E. and Blankenship, B. (2010) ‘Linking students • De Jager-Loftus, D. (2009) ‘Value-added technologies for content/69/1/51.full.pdf. to library resources through the learning management liaison and outreach’, Journal of Electronic Resources in • Ward, J. (2010) ‘Applying e-learning technologies to system’, Journal of Library Administration, 50 (5/6):458-467. Medical Libraries, 6 (4):307-315. library information literacy instruction’. Available from: • Bowen, A. (2012) ‘A LibGuides presence in a Blackboard • Essinger, C. and Ke, I. (2013) ‘Outreach: what works?’ http://eprints.dkit.ie/93/1/Ward_Chapter.pdf (accessed: environment’, Reference Services Review, 40 (3): 449-468. Collaborative Librarianship, 5 (1): 52-58. 15 June, 2014). • Buehler, M.A. (2004) ‘Where is the library in course • Hristova, M. (2013) ‘Library Widget for Moodle’, Code4lib • Whatley, K.M. (2009) ‘New roles of liaison librarians: a management software?’, Journal of Library Administration, Journal, 19: 1-10. liaison’s perspective’, Research Library Issues, 265: 29-32. 41, 1/2: 74-84. • Jeffryes, J., Peterson, K., Crowe, S., Fine, E., and Carrillo, • Zaliene, L. (2014) ‘Investigation into the level of involve- • Cooke, L., Norris, M., Busby, N., Page, T., Franklin, G., E. (2011) ‘Integration innovation: launching the library ment of subject librarians with VLEs (Virtual Learning Gadd, E., and Young, H. (2011) ‘Evaluating the impact into a course management system’, Journal of Library Environments) in Irish Universities’, MSc Thesis, Dublin of academic liaison librarians on their user community: Innovation, 2 (1): 20-34. Business School. a review and case study’, New Review of Academic • Leeder, C., and Lonn, S. (2013) ‘Faculty Usage of Library Librarianship, 17(1): 5-30. Available from: https://dspace. Tools in a Learning Management System’, College & lboro.ac.uk/dspace-jspui/bitstream/2134/8255/1/ Research Libraries, crl13-459. Available from: www.acrl. EAcademic_Liaison_project_2009NRALFinal_IALL_ org/content/early/2013/05/13/crl13-459.full.pdf. MLA_rev%5B1%5D.pdf. • McGuinness, C. (2009) ‘Information skills training prac- • Corrall, S. and Keates, J. (2011) ‘The subject librarian and tices in Irish higher education’ Aslib Proceedings 61 (3): the virtual learning environment: a study of UK universi- 262-281. ties’, Program: Electronic Library and Information Systems, • Polger, M. and Okamoto, K. (2010) ‘Can’t Anyone Be 45, (1): 29-49. a Teacher Anyway: Student Perceptions of Academic Librarians as Teachers’, Library Philosophy & Practice: 1-16. Page 9 of 41

Subject Librarians and VLEs in Irish Universities: level of involvement, attitudes and challenges “It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the use An Leabharlann 24–2 of Twitter at #asl2015 October 2015 Laura Rooney Ferris and Martin O’Connor

Abstract Twitter has changed the dynamic of the academic conference. Before Twitter, delegate participation was primarily dependent on attendance and feedback was limited to post-event survey. With Twitter, delegates have become active participants. They pass comment, share reactions and critique presentations, all the while generating a running commentary. This study examines this phenomenon using the Academic & Special Libraries (A&SL) conference 2015 (hashtag# asl2015) as a case study. A post-conference survey was undertaken asking delegates how and why they used Twitter at #asl2015. A content and conceptual analysis of tweets was conducted using Topsy and Storify. This analysis examined how delegates interacted with presentations, which sessions generated most activity on the timeline and the type of content shared. Actual tweet activity and volume per presentation was compared to survey responses. Finally, recommendations on Twitter engagement for conference organisers and presenters are provided.

Keywords: Social Media, Twitter, Conferences Page 10 of 41 Introduction A&SL Conference the hashtag. Physical and virtual attendees feeding Twitter usage at conferences is becoming stand- The Academic and Special Libraries (A&SL) annual back their thoughts on presentations and shar- ard practice (Roland et al., 2015: 210). Active usage conference has become one of the largest annual ing insight in real time has now become a central at Irish Library and Information Services (LIS) events for information professionals in Ireland. It feature of the A&SL conference experience. conferences is growing and a number of recent attracts delegates, from Ireland and abroad, from An Leabharlann 24–2 Irish LIS conferences trended nationally (#asl2015, a wide range of Library and Information environ- Rationale October 2015 #conul2015, #dbslib2015). By using an agreed ments. The @ASLIBRARIES account is integral to While live tweeting LIS conferences has been hashtag (#), a dynamic, real time virtual conversa- the marketing and promotion of the conference. happening for a number of years, its adoption as tion space is created – this virtual space has been Engagement by a core activity and conference measurement tool called a ‘back-channel space’ (Ross, 2011). This back delegates is actively is relatively recent. Ross noted that the bulk of channel allows for dialogue between delegate and encouraged in activity on conference hashtags was attributable presenter, delegate and other delegates. Dialogue the lead up to and to a small percentage with the majority taking from beyond the conference centre can also be during the confer- more passive or lurking3 roles (Ross et al, 2010: 221). included simply by following the relevant hashtag, ence and the hash- Therefore, it is no surprise then that Dalton’s (2013) tag is included in all Tweeting on a conference hashtag generates a study indicated residual reticence amongst the promotional mate- live stream of conversation from and of multiple wider Irish information professional community rial and communi- perspectives. A content and conceptual analysis around the use of Twitter. Despite this caution, a cations about the of tweets on #asl2015 was conducted to deter- dedicated and prolific core of Twitter users has event. mine the sessions generating the highest volume developed in the Irish LIS community.4 of Twitter engagement. A post event survey was Figure 1 #ASL2015 Poster Increased usage volume at Irish LIS conferences also distributed to attendees inviting feedback on Integration of Twitter into the A&SL conference would seem to indicate an engagement tipping motivations for tweeting. promotion and the growing number of Irish infor- point has been passed. The surge in Twitter activity mation professionals using Twitter has resulted in generated at LIS conferences implies an increased What is Twitter? a steady increase in Twitter activity on the confer- normalising of live tweeting. To date little empir- Twitter is “a microblogging site for exchanging ence hashtag over the last three years.2 Since ical examination has been undertaken on how messages under 140 characters long” (Neal, 2012: 2013 the conference plenary sessions have been 25). These messages are called Tweets. According live streamed online facilitating a growing virtual 3 A lurker is somebody who reads web messages with- to the Twitter site a tweet is “an expression of a audience. This virtual attendance option has in out getting involved in the discussion. In the case of moment or idea. It can contain text, photos, and turn opened up additional conversation around Twitter a lurker would read the tweets but not share, videos.” A tweet is, in essence, a nugget of infor- retweet or engage in dialogue with the Tweet or person who tweeted. mation and, by extension, Twitter a tool for the Page 11 of 41 2 Archived tweets from 2013, 2014, 2015 available at 4 https://twitter.com/libfocus/lists/librarians-in-ireland/ sharing and dissemination of information. https://storify.com/ASLIBRARIES2014 members

“It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the use “It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the useof of Twitter Twitter at at #asl2015 #asl2015 and why delegates use Twitter during conferences to examine motivations. Use of the pre-assigned and after. Tweets captured in Storify7 were edited and their perceived benefits in so doing. There is conference hashtag #asl2015 enabled collation to remove unrelated tweets on the hashtag and a particular lack of studies on Irish LIS profession- of all tweets featuring this dedicated hashtag. Retweeted (RT) items. Using the social media als’ motivations for conference tweeting. Some Since the introduction of Twitter’s hashtag func- analytics tool Topsy8 the volume of tweets on the evidence to date suggests the bulk of activity is tion in 2009 a range of hashtag tracking tools hashtag was measured in the same inclusion date An Leabharlann 24–2 attributable to a small core of primary tweeters has emerged. Tracking of range. October 2015 motivated to share information in a community of #asl2015 was done in real The Storify archive was filtered practice (Ross et al., 2010: 217). time during the event with for duplication and irrelevant a detailed analysis of the Reinhardt et al. (2009) highlight some of the items removed. Tweets were captured body of tweets benefits and motivations for Twitter usage at searched and counted manu- conducted post event. Real conferences and an emerging number of studies ally. The tweet archive was then time impact and usage of have been conducted among medical profession- reviewed and a quantitative the hashtag was monitored als on its value for conference communication listing of tweets per individual during the conference using and the transfer of knowledge (Nason et al., 2015, conference session created. Only Twitter’s analytics function McKendrick et al., 2012). Dissemination of infor- original content tweets, directly and Hootsuite,5 a social mation and the integration of new technology to associated with the session were media management and share ideas are fundamental to the information counted in the quantification of monitoring tool. profession. Much focus has been given to detailing tweets per session, retweeted benefits of Twitter for library services, options for A post event archive to items were not included. A inclusion in service provision and its potential as capture all individual tweets on the hashtag was content analysis of these tweets was conducted to a knowledge gathering tool (Milstein, 2009, Del created using Storify.6 To ensure captured tweets determine the type of information shared. Bosque et al., 2012, Vassilakaki & Garoufallou, 2015). focused on the days of the conference an inclu- To get qualitative insight on the nature of the Studies probing information professionals’ motiva- sion range was determined as February 25th to Twitter activity on the hashtag a survey question- tions for live tweeting conferences and the nature March 1st spanning the two days of the confer- naire was distributed to conference attendees by and content of conference tweets are scarce. ence (February 26th & 27th) and the days before email and via the @ASLIBRARIES Twitter account. The questionnaire consisted of ten questions, Methodology 5 Hootsuite is a social media management system that to be answered anonymously. Questions were The volume of tweeting and attendees’ motives for allows you to manage many social media channels all tweeting during the conference were examined. A from the one place 7 https://storify.com/ASLIBRARIES2014/ mixed methods approach was employed combin- 6 Storify is a tool that permits you to find, collect, and asl2015-the-inside-out-library-collaboration-insp share what people are saying all over the web. It allows 8 Topsy is a free social analytics tool– it allows you to ing quantitative measuring, content analysis of Page 12 of 41 you to gather together all items on a particular topic search, analyse and draw insights from conversations tweets and a post-event survey questionnaire for example, a hashtag and trends on Twitter

“It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the use “It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the useof of Twitter Twitter at at #asl2015 #asl2015 largely multiple choice or rating scales with one The analysis of the open question. The survey invited respondents tweet dataset in Storify to indicate perceived volume of tweeting during closely reflected the the conference, the sessions they tweeted about trends and volume and what their motivations were for tweeting. seen in Topsy. Initial An Leabharlann 24–2 The survey also asked respondents about their activity during the October 2015 general use of Twitter, the primary purpose of conference opening their account, what was most likely to prompt remarks and the first them to tweet and which sessions they tweeted sessions was slow with about most. Respondents were invited to outline tweets in this time any specific benefits of tweeting at #asl2015 via an frame coming from open question. a small number of accounts. Much of the Figure 3 Tweets per plenary session Survey responses were compared to the tweets activity in this time frame per session to determine any correlation between also consisted of retweeted content. The quan- the actual and reported volume of Twitter activity titative review of tweets per session for both per session. the plenary and parallel sessions revealed clear spikes in interest and activity associated with Results specific speakers. Figure 3 illustrates associated Using theT opsyTwitter analytics tool 1,840 tweets original tweets per individual session for the were registered on the #asl2015 hashtag in the plenary speakers. February 25 to March 1 date range (Fig. 2).The Mirroring the data on the hashtag use captured volume and density of activ- in Topsy, initial engagement levels ity on the hashtag accelerated and tweets directly referencing the through day one with activity speaker or session were low. Of the peaking late morning on early wave of live tweets the content the second day (Feb 27). The analysis revealed most to be scene bulk of the Twitter activity setting and conversational in nature consisted of live tweeting with overviews of upcoming speakers insights and commentary on and venue details. The live tweets plenary and parallel sessions. during sessions are observational and Figure 4 Observational & Information sharing tweets Figure 2 Tweets registered in Topsy information sharing in nature (Figure 4). Page 13 of 41

Figure 5 Tweets per parallel session Figure 6 Average Twitter usage

Review of the volume and content of tweets Respondents self-reported average Twitter revealed that sessions or speakers for which usage was relatively high with 48% (n. 12) high volumes of tweets were produced indicating they tweeted several times per were highly visual. For sessions generating day or several times per week. The link high numbers of tweets the content anal- between Twitter usage and conferences or ysis showed most tweets related to these events was highlighted with 20% reporting sessions featured pictures. Pictures in these that they tweeted ‘Only for specific occa- tweet were largely of the presentations sions or events (conferences)’. slides or images or items associated with the The survey asked respondents to define the presentation. primary purpose of their Twitter accounts by selecting from a range of options. Figure Survey Responses 7 illustrates responses were consistent with The survey had an overall response rate of the existing literature on information profes- 25.17% (n.36). Of the respondents 71.43% sionals’ use of Twitter as a knowledge and Figure 7 Primary purpose of Twitter account (n. 25) indicated attending the conference information sharing tool. These responses in person and 28.57% (n. 11) viewed the live are also consistent with the nature and Page 14 of 41 stream and followed via Twitter. content of the tweets in the content

“It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the use “It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the useof of Twitter Twitter at at #asl2015 #asl2015 analysis. Twitter accounts were largely reported as being for the purpose of profes- An Leabharlann 24–2 sional knowledge October 2015 sharing (88.77%) and news and information gathering (50%).

Figure 8 Respondents Two survey questions directly questioned primary reasons for motives and specific inspiration for tweeting The peaks in volume and number of tweets associated Figure 10 tweeting during #asl2015. Respondents were asked about primary with specific presentations for plenary and parallel Survey reported reasons for tweeting and specific aspects of the confer- sessions evidenced in the content analysis were mirrored plenary session ence which encouraged tweeting. Answers to these in survey responses. Respondents were invited to indi- tweets questions were largely consistent with trends in the cate the plenary and parallel session they felt they tweet content analysis. Desire to both make a ‘real time’ tweeted about most. With the notable exception of the Figure 11 record of events and give first sessions where survey reported Twitter activity did Survey reported feedback was cited by 40% not reflect actual activity the survey responses correlate parallel session and 50% of respondents closely to actual activity levels (Fig. 10 & 11). tweets respectively. Contributing to a body of knowledge by adding to discussion on the hashtag was the dominant motivation with 75% of respondents.

Overall, presentation content and inspirational Figure 9 Aspects presenters were most likely prompting tweets to prompt tweets with 92.31% and 69.23 % respectively citing these as motivational factors (Fig.9). Page 15 of 41

“It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the use “It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the useof of Twitter Twitter at at #asl2015 #asl2015 Overall Findings • Respondent 6: It is a really effective time to enhance the experience and aware of the The tweet archive of #asl2015 provides a useful capsule. The information is captured raw with- ecosystem of conference twitter interaction. snapshot of the observations and responses of out filtering it gives an authentic quality that Ross (2010) highlights the potential negative delegates to conference sessions. It illustrates the is not possible with any other communication impact of the Twitter ‘backchannel’. There are also nature and flow of Twitter conference interactions. tool An Leabharlann other possible negatives. People not involved in 24–2 The gradual build up of activity on the hashtag • Respondent 12: Love being able to read them live tweeting, or those not used to Twitter might October 2015 indicates a ‘warming-up’ phase in live tweeting at a later stage, don’t have enough time during find the sight of people typing away on their sessions. Analysis of actual tweets and reported the conference devices distracting. People tweeting the event may survey responses also revealed a true connection misrepresent what a speaker is saying. And people between the actual activity – the tweets and their • Respondent 13: It makes you feel part of the tweeting may miss the substantive parts of papers survey responses –and what people said they community who are physically and virtually because they are so engaged in tweeting. tweeted about. The Survey reported activity and attending the event. volume of tweets were correlated per session for While the tweet content analysis for #asl2015 the majority of sessions. Recommendations revealed little negative backchannel activity, or negative feedback from survey respondents about A small number of respondents (n.2) highlighted Twitter interaction has become integral to confer- the tweeting taking place, the negative possibil- the potentially distracting nature of live tweeting. ence participation as it allows you to actively ity is something to be conscious of in promoting Potential duplication or dilution of the message participate both physically and virtually. Organisers Twitter engagement. when viewing live tweets for a session attended- and presenters should be cognisant of its potential was also cited as a possibility. However, the vast majority of respondents were overwhelmingly positive citing Twitter engagement at conferences Figure 12 Visual as adding to a sense of community, generating content as a prompt dialogue and contributing to a body of knowledge. for tweets However the vast majority of respondents were overwhelmingly positive citing Twitter engagement at conferences as adding to a sense of community, generating dialogue and contributing to a body of knowledge:

• Respondent 2: It’s great seeing other people’s reactions to and interpretations of the topics being discussed Page 16 of 41

“It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the use “It’s just like passing notes in class…”: a content analysis of the useof of Twitter Twitter at at #asl2015 #asl2015 Reviewing tweets provides valuable insight for Conclusion Findings demonstrate how Twitter can make the presenters on the dissemination of their message. This paper aimed to address a gap in understand- conference experience more interactive and richer It is evidenced in the quantitative and qualitative ing conference live tweeting. Despite an increasing and take that dialogue beyond the conference analysis that inspiring presenters and appealing amount of literature on Twitter use at conferences centre walls to a global audience. visuals are a catalyst for twitter activity. (Ross. 2010. 232; McKendrick. 2012; Nason et al. An Leabharlann 24–2 2012) there is a paucity of material examining use Laura Rooney Ferris, MA, PGDipLiS, Information As an initial warming up or ‘lurking’ phase is October 2015 of Twitter by Library and information professionals. & Library Manager, Irish Hospice Foundation / evident, a strong Twitter voice from confer- This paper aimed to provide empirical evidence of Communications Officer, Academic & Special ence organisers is recommended to encourage how people tweeted at #asl2015 and through the Libraries, and engagement. post conference survey it gave qualitative insight Martin O’Connor,MA, PGDipLiS, Senior Library into why people tweeted. Assistant, Academic & Student Engagement, Boole Library, UCC / Editor & Blogger, Libfocus

Bibliography • Milstein S. (2009) ‘Twitter for libraries (and librarians)’ in • Roland. D et al. (2015) ‘Will social media make or break • Dalton, M. (2013) ‘What would I tweet? Exploring new Computers in Libraries 29 (5). 17-18 accessed at http:// medical conferences?’ in British Journal of Hospital professionals’ attitudes towards Twitter as a tool for www.infotoday.com/cilmag/may09/Milstein.shtml Medicine 76 (6) : 318-319 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/ professional development’ in Library Innovation vol. 4 (30.07.2015) hmed.2015.76.6.318 (2): 101-110 accessed at http://www.libraryinnovation. • Nason, G J et al, (2015) ‘Twitter expands the reach and • Ross, C. et al, 2011 ‘Enabled backchannel: confer- org/article/view/296 (30.07.2015) engagement of a national scientific meeting’ in The Irish ence Twitter use by digital humanists’ in Journal • Del Bosque, D. Leif, S A &Skarl, S. (2012) ‘Libraries Society of Urology DOI: 10.1007/s11845-015-1277-6 · 0.57 of Documentation 67(2) pp. 214-237 http://dx.doi. atwitter: trends in academic library tweeting’ in • Neal, D R. (Ed) 2012.Social media for academics: a practi- org/10.1108/00220411111109449 Reference Services Review 40 (2): 199-213 DOI: cal guide. Oxford: Chandos Publishing • Soder, C. 2010 ‘Conference organizers embrace Twitter as 10.1108/00907321211228246 • Reinhardt, W., et al (2009) ‘How People are using Twitter #conversation tool’ in Crain’s Cleveland Business 31(42) • McKendrick D R, Cumming G P, Lee A J (2012) ‘Increased during Conferences’, in Creativity and Innovation Accession Number: 510940651 use of Twitter at a medical conference: A report and a Competencies on the Web, Hornung-Prähauser, V., • Vassilakaki, E & Garoufallou (2015) ‘The impact of Twitter review of the educational opportunities’ in Journal of Luckmann, M. (Ed.) Proceeding of 5th EduMedia confer- on libraries: a critical review of the literature’ in The Medical Internet Research 14(6) DOI: 10.2196/jmir.2144. ence: 145-156, Salzburg accessed at http://lamp.tu-graz. Electronic Library 33(4): 795 – 809 DOI: http://dx.doi. ac.at/~i203/ebner/publication/09_edumedia.pdf org/10.1108/EL-03-2014-0051 (30.07.2015)

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Abstract Health in Mind is an innovative five-year partnership project led by Libraries NI and funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Libraries NI works with four local voluntary sector partners, Action Mental Health, Aware, Cause and MindWise to deliver a range of wellbeing events and activities in public libraries throughout Northern Ireland. Programmes are free and open to all.

Keywords: Mental Health, Library initiatives, Northern Ireland

ccording to the Public Health Agency,9 at least one in five adults in Northern Ireland may suffer from some form of common mental health Adisorder in any year. Conditions such as depression are extremely common and anyone of us can go through times when we feel stressed, anxious or low. Good mental health improves our ability to cope and bounce back from setbacks and challenges. Even if we do not consider ourselves to have a mental health problem, looking after our emotional and physical

Page 18 of 41 9 http://www.publichealthagency.org/directorate-public-health/ health-and-social-wellbeing-improvement/improving-wellbeing-through-peace- wellbeing prepares us for whatever life may bring. and learning activities enabling them to play Health in Mind provides high quality information a fuller role in community life and to access on mental health and wellbeing, accessible both The Health in Mind project is delivered by Libraries further training and potential employment online through the website www.yourhealthin- NI staff, project partners and workshop facilitators mind.org and through resources in libraries. A across all 96 public libraries in Northern Ireland. 4. 15,000 people will have a better understand- range of leaflets and brochures signpost people to An Leabharlann Libraries whether large or small, urban or rural, ing of mental illness and awareness of positive trusted sources of help both locally and nationally. 24–2 provide inclusive, neutral and welcoming spaces mental health thereby improving their own October 2015 A quarterly newsletter gives tips and hints about for events and activities. Other community spaces mental health as well as contributing to toler- keeping well, showcases the value of the project may also be used, dependant on need. This project ance and social inclusion and outlines upcoming events. This is the latest aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness of 5. 40 volunteers will have enhanced skills and edition http://bit.ly/HiMnews mental health issues and provide opportunities confidence to participate in local community for people to look after their wellbeing through activities and will offer a longer term resource Libraries NI offers a range of therapeutic books to services and resources. for all partner organisations. help you relax and maintain your mental health and well-being or simply to make you laugh. Participation has exceeded expectations and by Objectives Health in Mind promotes bibliotherapy collections the end of year five, the project had achieved all which provide a wide range of self-help books and The objectives10 of Health in Mind are that by the of the objectives. More than 50,000 people have audio CDs on many topics, for example: overcom- end of the project: now benefitted through a combination of attending anxiety, coping with addiction or improving 1. 40,000 people will have accessed up to date ing programmes and accessing online services. self-confidence. and relevant information to enable them to Following this success, there was an opportunity to Your Health Online improve their mental health extend the project for a further year, again funded by the Big Lottery Fund. 2. 2,000 people affected by mental illness will Your Health Online is part of the Libraries NI Go have acquired the self-help skills and knowl- Outcomes for the project are achieved through ON initiative, which offers a number of modular edge necessary to access and use relevant three key strands: Information, Learning and courses in online skills, ranging from online shop- information to assist their recovery process Reading. ping and social media to digital photography. This short course is designed to assist people, who have 3. 3,000 people affected by mental illness, their 1. Information basic online skills, to access high quality, relevant families and carers, will have enhanced oppor- information to help them improve their health tunities for social interaction through reading When we experience difficult times we can some- and well-being. The course provides participants times feel like we are the only person that feels with a glimpse of many reliable sources of health that way. Finding information about how we feel in information online, as well as a number of useful 10 The outcomes are taken from the Health in Mind the words of others can help us to feel better and Business Plan drawn up after extensive consultation interactive exercises such as healthy eating self-as- Page 19 of 41 with a variety of stakeholders and agreed by the part- respond to our problems positively before they sessments and stress tests. ners and funder. become too much to cope with.

Health in Mind Project 2. Learning Nutrition workshops help motivate and encour- mental, social and emotional wellbeing. Music Learning throughout life can build self-esteem and age individuals to make small, positive changes therapists engage groups by using a range of develop social relationships. Health in Mind’s learn- to their diet and lifestyle. Interactive talks include activities and instruments to get creativity flowing. ing opportunities offer free access to mental health topics such as Food and Mood, Nutritional Stress Having the opportunity to improvise on a range and wellbeing courses, workshops and group Busters and Kickstart Your Health. These are of instruments, to sing and to write songs can An Leabharlann 24–2 activities, some of which are outlined below. packed full of simple and practical ideas to help promote confidence and self-esteem, as well as October 2015 people make immediate positive changes for the being a fun and relaxing way to interact within a Health in Mind aims to encompass the entire good of their health. group. spectrum of well-being and to promote better understanding of mental illness and of the impor- Laughter yoga helps participants to relax and Mindfulness has become hugely popular with tance of positive mental health. The wide range connect in a fun environment. Laughter Yoga a high demand for these workshops. Health in of activities delivered by partner organisations teaches that remembering to laugh is one of the Mind has brought a range of one day and six week includes topics such as depression, suicide aware- best things we can do each day and that laughter mindfulness programmes to library users, focusing ness, stress management and personal resilience. makes us feel good. Research proves that laughter on topics such as Mindfulness for Stress Reduction One participant in Personal Resilience stated: “It has positive effects on the body, reduces stress and and Mindful Eating. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive helps very much to know techniques to overcome builds the immune system.11 These workshops are Therapy is recommended by the National Institute the stresses and pressures of life.” often accompanied by positive thinking activities, for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the where people can learn how to use affirmations to prevention of relapse in recurrent depression.12 It As well as these one-off workshops Health in Mind feel and act more positively in life. As one partic- also offers longer courses such as Living Life to ipant shared: “I really 12 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg90 the Full (six weeks) and WRAP-Wellness Recovery enjoyed the session, it’s Action Plan (eight weeks) which take a compre- Laughter definitely a good way hensive look at personal wellbeing and everyday Yoga event to help relax and relieve positive tools for coping. held in stress.” Finaghy Through the Go ON programme, people can Music therapy is the Library to improve their IT skills, competencies and confi- use of organised sounds mark World dence in a supportive environment. They can also and music to support Mental discover new ways to look after their wellbeing and encourage physical, Health Day through workshops focusing on nutrition, laugh- 2014 ter yoga, stress management and more. Health in 11 American Physiological Mind supports knitting and crochet groups which Society. “Laughter meet regularly in libraries and provide an opportu- Remains Good Page 20 of 41 nity for customers to connect with new people. Medicine.” ScienceDaily, 17 April 2009

Health in Mind Project combines mindfulness techniques like meditation, Knitters with breathing exercises and stretching, with elements Barnardos Bears from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help break – Members of the negative thought patterns that are character- Ballyhackamore Knit istic of recurrent depression. Mindfulness gives us and Natter group An Leabharlann who designed and 24–2 the tools to be more present and cope with every October 2015 day stresses. As one course participant shared: produced jumpers “I know that there are difficult times in every- for the campaign one’s lives but I feel ready and able to cope with ‘Knit a Jumper for anything the future throws at me!” Barney Bear’.

Knit and Natter Knitting and needlework have become regular activities in libraries. Health in Mind has supported libraries setting up Knit and Natter groups to promote craft activities such as The repetition of needlework is known to have embroidery, knitting and crochet. Along with the a calming influence on the body by helping to therapeutic benefits of learning new skills, these reduce stress and focusing on the work in hand groups encourage people to share ideas and build can help to manage anxiety and chronic pain by relationships. Since Health in Mind first became diverting the brain’s attention. involved with a new group in Comber Library As knitting and crafts groups continue to flourish in November 2011, the enthusiasm for knitting in public libraries, so too do the opportunities for together has grown and there are currently 84 libraries to form creative partnerships. Libraries groups meeting in 78 libraries across Northern NI’s Knit and Natter groups frequently work Ireland. on projects that benefit others and have been This strong network of groups provides an involved in projects for many causes and charita- excellent framework to develop opportunities ble campaigns, such as Age NI’s Big Knit, Tiny Life, for enhanced wellbeing and social interaction. Oxfam and Barnardo’s NI. There has been heart-warming feedback from library staff including the story of a lady whose TechnoStitch-Skill Sharing – TechnoStitch event in Brownlow 3. Reading first outing after the death of her husband was to Library to mark Adult Learners Week June 2014. Taking part Reading is a great way to take the focus of atten- attend the knitting group. She said she was so glad were members of Brownlow Knit and Natter group and local tion off everyday troubles and worries for a while to have met such friendly people and took away pupils from Lismore Comprehensive School. as it transports you to seemingly better places. Page 21 of 41 some information about support for bereavement.

Health in Mind Project Reading can give you an insight into things you One Book Campaign As a result of reading the book, one person know little about and it can open your mind to plucked up the courage to tell her personal story The duration of the project has also seen a number new ways of thinking. So the importance of read- in a moving way at a One Book event. This has led of milestone projects, including the One Book ing for wellbeing runs through many aspects of to positive changes in her life and she now helps Campaign for Northern Ireland in 2013. This Health in Mind. others by volunteering with one of the Health in An Leabharlann campaign resulted in a number of inspirational Mind partners. 24–2 Read Aloud regional events being held to promote discussion October 2015 of mental health themes around the chosen book, Health in Mind promotes the natural link between Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold The Future reading and wellbeing through Read Aloud, a Fry, which was borrowed by over 7,000 library The Health in Mind project officially ends in group activity designed to offer literature (poetry users throughout the seven month campaign. As January 2016. It has surpassed all initial expec- or prose) in a shared reading experience. Material one reader eloquently said: tations both in terms of the objectives set at the is read aloud in the session itself and open-ended beginning of the partnership but also in the way discussion is encouraged by the facilitator. Group “Harold’s story is deceptively simple and yet very that the project in now held in high regard by members participate voluntarily and interact in profound. He is struggling with the same things professionals, partners and customers alike. relation to what is happening in the story or poem most of us struggle with in life – regrets, fears and and what may be happening to them as indian urge to do something, to make a difference. The Big Lottery Fund generously awarded an addi- viduals, in response to the shared reading of the He finds that he is not alone. He sees that people tional year to the project – an acknowledgment of text and the wider group discussion. Read Aloud are all the same really. This book is so simply and the success of the team and programming. This has sessions are a unique opportunity for people to beautifully written, it will stay with you long after enabled the project to enhance the events deliv- experience the joy of shared reading in an inclusive you’ve read the last line.” ered, pilot some new activities and extend some and informal way. services to families as well as individuals.

The project has also been successful in the last World Book two years in the Department of Culture, Arts, Night Read Aloud and Leisure (DCAL)’s13 Learning and Innovation session in awards. Last year saw the project winning the Skianos Centre Individual Learner award, no small feat given the East Belfast, large number of submissions across the whole of led by Sarah DCAL. Pauline Corrigan was the lady at the centre Crowther of of this award. She attended a Mindfulness course Health in Mind and Vital Nutrition workshop in Fivemiletown Library. She describes the information and tools Page 22 of 41 13 See http://www.dcalni.gov.uk/about_us.htm

Health in Mind Project she received as “absolutely mind-blowing” and Currently in its sixth and final year, and due to has been using them since to enhance her coping be concluded in January 2016, Health in Mind skills. Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Carál Ní continues to deliver wellbeing programmes across Chuilín, speaking at the event said: Northern Ireland. This project has been innovative in the way that the partnership between statutory An Leabharlann “Projects and programmes delivered or funded and voluntary sector organisations has enhanced 24–2 by DCAL enhance education and lifelong learning, October 2015 and showcased the strengths of all partners. support families and add value to the work of teachers, youth workers and community-based Libraries NI will continue the good work deliv- training providers. ered by the project over the next few years, by mainstreaming key activities into the core services “These creative initiatives make a real difference offered by libraries. Staff trained as part of this Pauline Corrigan, winner of the Claire’s Award (Individual to people’s lives and demonstrate the important project will continue to support and encourage category) in June 2014, is photographed along with DCAL role and contribution of culture, arts and leisure in customers with low levels of mental health using Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín and Darren Gowdy, Health In Mind helping people to realise their potential. This role the skills and knowledge that they have learned. Project Manager. and contribution is needed now more than ever as Partners acknowledge the benefits of engaging our society tries to effectively deliver social and with library services and have already agreed that economic change.” they will continue to signpost people to libraries Health in Mind was also presented with a Highly for support. Commended award this year in the Community For more information visit the Health in Mind Impact category. This recognised the programme website: www.yourhealthinmind.org delivered by the project in tackling the social isolation that people feel living in rural areas. The Helen Kielt, BA, PGDip, MCLIP, Health in Mind Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Outreach and Information Officer, Libraries NI and (DARD) had kindly funded the enhanced delivery Julie Russell, MA, DipLib, MCLIP, Information and of the Health in Mind programme in ten carefully Learning Manager, Libraries NI selected rural libraries.

Arthur Scott from DCAL presents a Highly Commended award this year in the Community Impact category to A Certificate of High Commendation was also Julie Russell, Health In Mind Libraries, NI, with Maria Scott presented at the Belfast Healthy Cities 25th from DARD, who had kindly funded the enhanced delivery Anniversary Awards through the ‘promoting health of the Health in Mind programme in ten carefully selected equity’ category. Page 23 of 41 rural libraries

Health in Mind Project Conference Reports I Ten Years Back, Ten Years Forward: achievements, lessons and the future An Leabharlann 24–2 for digital curation October 2015

International Digital Curation Conference, London, 9–12 February 2015

This year I was fortunate to be a recipient of the new conference bursary from the Academic & Special Libraries Section of the LAI. The Digital Repository of Ireland, where I am based, is involved in many initiatives that promote the management and sharing of Digital Humanities, Social Sciences, cultural and scientific data resulting from third level research. As a librarian, I was eager to visit the International Digital Curation Conference, organised by the UK-based Digital Curation Centre, to gauge the current levels of collaboration between university library and research departments.

The first keynote speaker, Tony Hey (Senior Data Science Fellow, University of Washington), presented a journey through the development of digital curation in the last ten years. There was little consensus as to whether data management and sharing is improving or not, but all the experts he quoted seemed to agree on one thing: scientists are poor data managers.

Page 24 of 41 Hey’s speech was followed by an interesting panel in subject matter and funding levels, Digital presents an enormous opportunity for librarians, discussion, featuring international perspectives on Humanities suffers from the same lack of data cura- who have so much experience and expertise in the open research and curation. It was noted that there tion infrastructure and planning as the sciences. delivery of information literacy programmes. has been push back from Humanities scholars in Parallel sessions on the second day covered the As any librarian will testify, there is always a strug- Australia to data-sharing policies, but it was agreed An Leabharlann varied issues of curation infrastructure, case studies gle to overcome disparaging attitudes towards our that national policies were vital to changing the 24–2 and education. The sessions on education and profession, but I hope that those who care about October 2015 data-sharing behaviour of scientists. Towards training were particularly engaging, including digital curation, from both the information and the end of the discussion some panellists argued a presentation on programmes that have been research communities, will continue to reach out that libraries have not adapted sufficiently to the piloted in U.S. universities to increase digital to each other through initiatives like the Digital changing needs of researchers in a digital world. Curation Centre (DCC). Kevin Ashley (Director, DCC) Thankfully, there were a few counter arguments to commented in his closing remarks that, “even this put forward by librarians in the audience, but it “ … an enormous opportunity for imperfect collaboration, and imperfect and incom- was a notable red flag. librarians, who have so much experience plete collections, is better than no collaboration The Birds of a Feather sessions that afternoon and expertise in the delivery of and no collections”. covered research data management requirements, information literacy programmes” Papers available at: http://www.dcc.ac.uk/events/ with a debate on how best to gather requirements idcc15/programme-presentations and feedback from researchers without initiating ‘survey fatigue’. A lively panel discussion closed the literacy and curation skills. Liz Lyon (University Kate McCarthy is Digital Librarian, Digital first day, with much disagreement about whether of Pittsburgh) suggested that iSchools are now Repository of Ireland data curation practices were evolving fast or bridging a “data talent gap” in library and informa- slowly. However all the panellists concurred that tion science students. This provided much food for we cannot continue to fund research infrastructure thought, given the ongoing debate in the library on grant cycles – something the Digital Repository community about whether MLIS courses are suffi- of Ireland would agree with wholeheartedly – as ciently preparing librarians for the changing work this only serves to undercut effective, long-term environment. data preservation strategies. Overall it was a fascinating insight into the data The second keynote speaker was Melissa Terras curation practices of the scientific community. It (Director , UCL Centre for Digital Humanities). seem that we are, ultimately, asking researchers Terras spoke at length about the vast and varied to care about something that they really do not amount of work being done in Digital Humanities care about – data management. I believe that early for such small amounts of funding in compar- intervention in the education of scientists could Page 25 of 41 ison to STEM research. Despite the differences play an integral role in curbing these attitudes. This

Ten Years Back, Ten Years Forward: achievements, lessons and the future for digital curation Conference Reports II Innovation and Evolution: challenges and opportunities for 21st century An Leabharlann 24–2 academic and research libraries October 2015

Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone, June 3rd & 4th 2015

CONUL (Consortium of National & University and Ulster University have joined this consortium from all over Ireland. The professional conference Libraries) was established in 1971 by the seven which aims to act as the voice of research libraries organisers ensured all went smoothly throughout university libraries and the National Library of on the island of Ireland. the two days. Live streaming was also provided, Ireland. Later the consortium included RCSI, DIT enabling our colleagues to follow the proceedings The inaugural CONUL conference took place in and RIA. More recently Queen’s University, Belfast from their desks. Athlone and some 136 delegates attended from various academic and Attendees enjoyed a very full programme with a special libraries, coming focus on topics including the digital library, open scholarship, emerging roles, skills sets

Page 26 of 41 and services, library space, resource discovery, confidence in their role as part of the teaching and Congratulations to the steering group and all the unique and distinctive collections (UDCs). Poster learning process. hardworking team who made such a successful presentations set up to inform and engage dele- event come to pass. It was a great start and every- Over the course of the two days the pace was gates, were placed alongside the sponsors and one who attended is already looking forward to varied by a mixture of longer talks, shorter parallel exhibitors. This prompted plenty of discussion over next year. It is clear from the inaugural conference An Leabharlann sessions and lightning talks based round central coffee throughout the two days until the poster that the future of academic libraries in Ireland is in 24–2 themes. It was difficult to make a choice as to October 2015 prize winner was announced. Christine Cullen (UCD good hands. which of the excellent and informative parallel Library) won with her poster entitled “Self Service sessions one should attend as they were not The slides and YouTube videos can be viewed here: in UCD”. repeated. The nature of the conference was very • http://www.slideshare.net/conulconference The first Keynote speaker was Marshall Breeding, independent consultant, author, and founder • https://www.youtube.com/channel/ and publisher of Library Technology Guides. He “ … library systems are big business, UCeiGMTSgBVZ92wzoU2uuzPw observed that library systems are big business, accounting for $1.8bn per annum globally. He accounting for $1.8bn per annum Catherine Clehane, Engineering & Food Science identified several current trends in the area of globally.” Librarian, University College Cork, and library management systems such as the move to Claire O’Brien, Monographs Acquisitions Librarian, bringing together separate applications, the shift University College Cork towards strategic cooperation and a new phase of practical and creative, with a huge willingness to the library without a catalogue – interesting times share good, research based practice and experi- ahead! ence among colleagues.

Professor Sarah Moore (Chair of the National The conference atmosphere was enthusiastic and Forum for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, friendly. This was a great networking event for and Associate Vice -President Academic, University the staff from the various academic, institutional “ She strongly urged librarians to “crash of Limerick) was the second keynote speaker. She and specialist libraries. There had been a gap in the party” – to have more confidence addressed the theme of enhancement of teach- networking opportunities since the last INULS in their role as part of the teaching and ing and learning in higher education in Ireland. (Irish National & University Staff) conferences She highlighted the term “Digital Literacy,” and which were held from 1965-2011. It is great to have learning process” I think all would agree that our so-called “digital a forum in Ireland again to bring together all those natives” may instinctively know their way around working in this sector. Networking is vital for librar- a smartphone, but are not automatically literate ians and something we generally do very well – as in terms of information and media. She strongly was evidenced by the buzz and energy throughout Page 27 of 41 urged librarians to “crash the party” – to have more the conference.

Innovation and Evolution: challenges and opportunities for 21st century academic and research libraries Conference Reports III Looking Back, Moving Forward: open repositories at the crossroads An Leabharlann 24–2 10th Open Repositories Conference, 8-11 June 2015, Indianapolis October 2015

Repositories play a vital role in the information librarians of all sorts including repository manag- running in minutes. landscape and are being developed and used ers, metadata creators, cataloguers, and research Kaitlin Thaney (Mozilla Science Lab) gave the across libraries, publishers, research institutes data custodians. It is a four day conference with keynote talk on open science and open access. and commercial organisations. Open Repositories the first day based on workshops. This is followed Specifically she spoke about the need for open (OR) is a conference for delegates from all of the by two days of talks and papers, some focused on science and how Mozilla aim to leverage the power above sectors. This year’s conference took place specific technology but mainly of a more general of the ‘open web’ to develop greater research in Indianapolis and I was lucky enough be able to interest followed by a final fourth day devoted to capabilities and support the future of scientific attend after winning one of two bursaries awarded Fedora, Dspace and Eprints user groups. discovery. by the Academic and Special Libraries group of the I attended the Fedora workshop which introduced Library Association of Ireland. Anurag Acharya (Google Scholar) gave a packed Fedora 4. One really useful aspect of the workshop conference address on “Indexing Repositories: OR brings together those involved in creating was that the organisers had distributed a virtual Pitfalls & Best Practices” – with best practice and using repositories on all levels; from software machine which simplified the installation process being synonymous with “How to optimise your developers, front end designers, and academics to and meant workshop participants were up and repository for Google Scholar”. His presentation is

Page 28 of 41 available at: http://bit.ly/1FIp2Gt In the repository space I think that libraries are Developing Standards going to have to revisit this. The most interesting Despite really enjoying the conference I found An interesting aspect of open repositories is the solutions involve customisation by libraries – local four days to be tough going. The conference development of work which is shared across developers and technically competent staff are content is mixed, some sessions are quite tech- communities. The Portland Common Data Model required to implement the type of changes that An Leabharlann nical, others might introduce new technologies, is one example of this. It began as an attempt to produce the best results. 24–2 or developments in local services. The general find a way to model resources in Hydra based October 2015 sessions included topics such as developing staff Community Development repositories. It was widened out to other Fedora or the demands in moving from project launch based repositories. After OR2015 it looks as though Islandora, Hydra, Fedora and DSpace are now all to a sustained service. The style of presentation it will now also be taken up within the DSpace being developed through community sprints. differed depending on the session but overall it is community. This is an alternative both to centralised develop- relaxed, and based more on workplace experience ment and to a policy where individuals contribute Open Repositories 2016 will be hosted by Trinity than academic analysis. I presented a paper written patches based on their own needs. Instead, the College Dublin and will take place in June 2016. As with Caleb Derven (UL) and we had the only paper major development will be done in community a conference it represents a unique opportunity to with a formal literature review section of which I sprints where a consensus is sought about what learn more about the trends and developments in am aware. issues need to be addressed. These are then the field. I think it will be well worth heading along. worked on collectively – this can involve providing For more details see: http://or2016.net/ My takeaway impressions developers time but it can also involve librarians Software and servers and other users writing documentation, or forming Padraic Stack is Digital Humanities Support Officer, working groups to come up with best practice or Maynooth University Libraries have moved away from holding their suggested ways of working. own software on their own servers in recent years.

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Looking Back, Moving Forward: open repositories at the crossroads Conference Reports IV The Inside Out Library: collaboration, inspiration, An Leabharlann 24–2 transformation October 2015

LAI’s Academic and Special Libraries Section Annual Conference 26-27 February, 2015: The Gibson Hotel, Dublin.

The conference14 included keynotes, case studies, Pecha Kucha sessions and a workshop.

Malachi Browne (Reported.ly) spoke of validating the credibil- ity of sources, outlining key tools and technologies that can be leveraged online to do so. The parallels with both information literacy and verifying catalogue records were recognised by the attendees. Being a small organization, Reported.ly has the opportunity to respond and investigate in real- time. Verification can take less than an hour, using online tools and services.

Helen Shelton (University Librarian, Trinity College Dublin) Some verification tools used at Reported.ly reminded us that

14 The conference sponsors were IEEE, ProQuest, LM Information Page 30 of 41 Delivery, Taylor and Francis, Dublin Business School, IET and EBSCO.

The Inside Out Library: collaboration, inspiration, transformation we are all competitors for time, space, resources Case Studies and attention. We work in spaces that are Inter/ Helen Fallon (Maynooth University) Multi/Anti-Disciplinary. Big data, big content, recounted how the Ken SaroWiwa MOOCs, Digital Humanities, mobile technologies archive was digitized and made and open access all impact on us. Resources are publicly available at Maynooth An Leabharlann 24–2 under pressure in our environment. From digitisa- University Library. This has resulted October 2015 tion to digitalisation, expectations of what libraries in significant publicity for the library can and should deliver have shifted. Libraries are and the entire university. The project experienced in working with content, data and has also enabled the successful intro- metadata; this has evolved into having expertise duction of archival literacy to under- in dealing with big content and big metadata. The graduate courses. library is now many things to many people: labora- Jenny O’Neill described her role tory, social space, or cultural space. as a “databrarian” at the DRI and Trinity, which involves collaboration with Software Engineers, Systems Administrators, and Librarians on behalf of the six partner institutions (RIA, DIT, MU, NUIG, NCAD, and TCD) while serving on working groups. The Sir Henry’s Curators, image: Martin O’Connor key to the selection of a metadata exhibition, Martin O’Connor (UCC) found that scheme for the project was ensuring that research- crowd sourcing is the ultimate act of outsourcing. ers have the greatest possible capacity for informa- Martin spent six months online building awareness tion discovery. and collecting materials for a virtual exhibition, Tom Maher (Kenny’s Bookshop) and Mick O’Dwyer followed by a physical exhibition in UCC library (Maynooth University) described working outside about Sir Henry’s Nightclub in Cork. RTE News and the mainstream, with The Forgotten Zine Archive, a various local radio stations and national media collective community archive of zines while reach- carried coverage of the exhibition. Promotional ing out to a virtual community of “zinesters” via opportunities like this can be aligned with the stra- social media. They have also reached out to other tegic objectives of the university and the library. zine archives, sharing advice and support. Elaine Bean and colleagues (Maynooth University) Examples from the Zine Archive image: Shona Thoma From his experience of coordinating the Sir Henry’s designed a programme for transition year Page 31 of 41

The Inside Out Library: collaboration, inspiration, transformation students, covering topics such as the catalogue, for further collaboration. Librarianship: Applying for the Associateship of the shelf numbers, digital foot print, and search versus LAI Hugh Murphy and Michael Leigh (Maynooth research. The programme helps with the move to University) provided an overview of how 3D print- third level, given the absence of school librarians Shoma Thoma, IReL Officer, HeaNET and Niamh ing fits into the library as the next step in offering in these schools, and builds the reputation of the Walker-Headon, Systems Librarian, Library ITT An Leabharlann innovative services to users. Although not all university. Dublin. The authors of this report were recipients 24–2 library projects and collaborations can be as high October 2015 of the A&SL Conference Bursary, 2015. Monica Crump (NUIG) discussed showcasing profile as 3D printing, the innovation that it repre- the librarian’s new roles and skills to colleagues sents and the attention this project has gained, beyond the library by getting involved in exter- reflects the evolution of library services. Further reading nal projects. She also noted the university’s lack • Conference papers and videos are avail- Pecha Kucha Sessions included: able online at: http://www.aslibraries. of awareness of the services offered by subject com/#!asl2015-presentations--videos/c1puf librarians. To highlight these services and skills, 1. RIAM Library & RIAM Opera: performing in • Shona Thoma’s conference report on Libfocus is availa- the library collaborated with the Academic Writing perfect harmony – Laois Doherty ble online at: http://www.libfocus.com/2015/03/lai-aca- Centre, and in so doing also helped to meet the demic-special-libraries-annual.html 2. Digital literacy and scholarship: why libraries changing needs of the students. • Niamh Walker-Heaton’s conference notes are available are critical to teaching, learning and research in online at: http://anleabharlannai.blogspot.ie/2015/07/ Fintan Bracken (UL) and Arlene Healy (TCD) higher education – Mary Delaney (IT Carlow) academic-and-special-libraries.html presented using bibliometrics to evaluate the 3. Collaborative relationships: essential to univer- impact and value of e-journals subscribed to by sity orientation – Jenny Collery (UCD) IReL. Data and usage statistics were blended to establish the value to university libraries partici- pating in IReL. A baseline citation level was estab- Workshop lished and articles, cited more than the global Jane Burns’ (RCSI) workshop included active average, were then identified for further analysis. participation by attendees. The ‘Scavenger Hunt’ devised by Jane tested team skills and observa- Aoife Lawton (HSE) outlined how she measured tional abilities. It encourages the development the impact of collaboration in order to justify the of collaborative skills and proves a useful tool as time and effort involved. She also identified possi- group assignments now form a significant compo- ble pitfalls including: communication, scope creep, nent of many university courses. differing expectations or participants not actively contributing. Successful collaborations between Laura Connaughton (Maynooth University) library and information professionals, both nation- presented the winning poster presentation ally and internationally, were identified and called on Continuing Professional Development in Page 32 of 41

The Inside Out Library: collaboration, inspiration, transformation Conference Reports V Building a Europe of readers

EBLIDA/NAPLE Conference 2015 An Leabharlann National Library of Latvia, Riga, 8th May 24–2 October 2015

National Library of Latvia, ‘The Castle of Light’

Page 33 of 41 Some 92 delegates from 27 countries attended the • Insufficient recognition of the positive impact conference which was based on the key priorities that libraries have on the economy of the Latvian EU Presidency: involvement, growth • Measurable chain of causality which is often and sustainability. overlooked by policy makers.15 An Leabharlann A video of the plenary sessions is available on • Strong arguments need to be developed 24–2 You Tube at https://www.youtube.com/play- October 2015 list?list=PLodeDt40MJHIvHmlk5ALEPDWJEj_HKhh0 • Case studies need to be heard

From the opening speakers (Latvian) some key • Libraries are centres for local communities, and facts emerged: serve as a cornerstone of European culture.

• Latvia has 2000 libraries, 800 of which are public Session 1 Andris Vilks (Director, National Library of Latvia) • Each Latvian can access a library within 20 noted that Libraries are part of a wide network of minutes. social services including education, employment • National Library of Latvia is known as the and welfare, and should work with other providers. Castle of Light, and is a symbol of knowledge The mission of libraries is to make people’s lives and freedom. This corresponds to the political better by making them smarter. agenda of the EU ministers of culture – freedom The three main themes from the remainder of the of expression, quality and trustworthiness of opening session and panel discussion included content, and safeguarding cultural values and Reading, Changing role of public libraries and Illiteracy. heritage. Kristīne Pabērza (President, Library Association of • National Library of Latvia is a central focal point Latvia) noted that reading is a fundamental skill and for all cultural events. literacy for all is connected with strong economic • 30% of Latvians are library users, compared to growth. Literacy is a pre-requisite for smart growth EU average of 20-30%. as identified in the EU2020 strategy, and libraries can help achieve this goal. The world is dominated More general comments were made by other by the written word and the ability to evaluate speakers: information critically is crucial to ensure skills remain • Libraries are a great asset to the social and Page 34 of 41 economic fabric of a country 15 Recent study showed that there was a €9 million direct financial benefit from libraries. imantsu / Shutterstock.com Building a Europe of readers relevant to the current economy. The ability to Klaus-Peter Böttger (outgoing EBLIDA President) has changed in recent decades and new compe- read, understand and be understood is becoming reported that 75 million people in Europe are illit- tencies are needed. Libraries should support more important than ever. Libraries in Latvia and erate and lack basic language/literacy and digital transliteracy, which involves reading, writing and all over Europe are and will serve as the gateway to skills. Literacy is a core competency needed to play interacting across a range of platforms, tools and the future by providing lifelong access to resources, an active role in society and is a key issue at the media. Librarians are pedagogical mediators, not An Leabharlann 24–2 knowledge and tools, which will benefit families, European level. It is not acceptable to have one in just curators or teachers, and need to focus on October 2015 communities and society as a whole. Libraries five Europeans experiencing difficulty in reading. hybrid practices. Libraries are shifting from the feature in the Digital Agenda for Europe, which aims Citizens are part of the economy and should be logic of equipment to the logic of users, and they to make cultural heritage collections accessible and able to contribute to their future. For a knowl- are moving towards digital humanities, online preserve them for future generations. edge-based Europe we need educated people and public services, new literacies and reorganisation libraries are helping support people in learning. of knowledge around information. Library associa- Jan Braeckman, (Chair, NAPLE Forum) suggested 60% of young people’s activities revolve around tions need to fight for access, equity and the right that while Public libraries were originally intended digital media. Libraries can make their voices heard to global information commons. as a form of social integration they have evolved on the EU digital agenda by demanding cross-bor- into institutions focusing on reading as an end der solutions and a digital single market strategy. to itself. Reading as a means to an end should be Session 2 promoted–as a way to educate ourselves in our Prof. Divina Frau-Meigs (Sorbonne University) There were two topics that ran in parallel for this developing society. There is a need to change outlined her research findings on media usage by session and I attended the second one: from a service/product to a platform serving the young people, which indicate that young people 1. Building Literacy Advocacy: the Role of Libraries community and empowering people. Building read a lot, are ambitious in their reading, and the and Library Associations16 a readership involves engaging people to help practice is not patrimonial. The book as a long themselves by forming partnerships with lifelong narrative form is under threat and there is a move 2. Skilled By My Library: Connecting Policy and learning organisations, cultural organisations towards convergence of content and comment. Practice in the EU17 and media should offer a broad social experience New digital skills such as programming and A national reading campaign in Denmark called and co-operate with educational and learning curating are emerging and libraries are catalysts Denmark’s Reading was described. This involved organisations. for sustainable digital development. Digital tools creative writing workshops, pop-up libraries and enable young people to produce their own collec- Sylvie Guillaume, Vice-President of the European the distribution of 100,000 books on World Book tions and provide the means of stocking them. Parliament (video message) and Prof Inese Vaidere, Day last year. The campaign involved collaboration MEP highlighted the evolving nature of libraries and A key issue for libraries is access and the library that they are becoming cultural centres and places plays a crucial role in serving as a “porous” space, 16 Organised by EBLIDA, Library Association of Latvia and for building democracy. They are the key to the in enhancing mobility between school and life ELINET. Chair: Divina Frau-Meigs 17 Organised by NAPLE and the Reading and Writing EU2020 strategy and should be better supported. beyond, and in transferring abilities to different Page 35 of 41 Foundation. Chair: Gina Ebner, Secretary General, information cultures. The profile of a librarian European Association for the Education of Adults

Building a Europe of readers between the Ministry of Culture, public libraries, funding at national and local level, a skills gap in atoms and bits. The old fashioned view of a librar- bookshops and publishers, and the manifesto was the leadership and workforce, resistance from staff ian needs to be wiped out, and librarians need to to reach people where they are, remind them of to move from traditional roles, reduced capacity be given enough training and support to enable the benefits of reading, and provide inspiration to respond to new demands, lack of engagement them to keep up with technological change and to for more reading. Events were held in shops and with national and local strategies and stakehold- become guides across multiple platforms, disci- An Leabharlann 24–2 libraries, and advertised via TV, radio, and print ers, and inconsistency across and within library plines and trans-literacies. October 2015 sources. Evaluation methods included self-assess- services. There has also been some resistance from ment, anthropological field studies and research educational institutions to libraries taking on a Conclusion and next steps by Aarhus University. Survey results indicated that literacy support role. Library staff support users in In summing up Jukka Relander (incoming EBLIDA 51% of people had heard of the campaign, 85% of educational activities, but are not literacy tutors. President) stated that libraries represent a good whom had a high opinion of it. Martina Ni Cheallaigh (European Commission) return on investment to the community. He high- Annette Kelly (Libraries Development, LGMA) (video message) introduced the European Agenda lighted the key issues for EBLIDA in future - literacy, considered Libraries as Non-Formal Educational for Adult Learning which provides a framework for e-books and copyright. Institutions: Opportunities and Barriers. She European co-operation in adult education policies The conference ended with a tour of the National discussed how libraries can support children for the period 2012–2020. The strategy began in Library of Latvia and adults in literacy and life skills. From an Irish 1996, the European Year of Lifelong Learning. The perspective services include high quality library emphasis is on non-formal and informal learning Zoë Melling is LAI delegate to EBLIDA and collections, skilled staff supporting users, reader as well as formal learning. Only half of EU Member Librarian, Legal Aid Board development activities and programmes, access States have a comprehensive strategy in place, and to formal and informal learning, and the library as many are still struggling with the adult learning a space for research and study .The Right to Read component. There is a national co-ordinator for campaign is in its early stages. The traditional role each country to implement the agenda at national of the library as a university of the people is chang- level – the co-ordinator for Ireland is Majella O’Dea ing to a focus on active intervention, community (Department of Education and Skills). Libraries engagement, delivering national agendas, and are not mentioned specifically in the policy forming partnerships with educational institu- documents. tions and government organisations. Initiatives include collaboration between libraries and Session 3: What’s next? universities to provide FETAC- accredited business Kate Russell (freelance journalist and author) entrepreneurial courses, and co-operation with chaired this session. She noted that librarians are the Department of Social Protection on internet becoming custodians of content in an ever-in- support for job seekers. Barriers include reduced Page 36 of 41 creasing forest of information, both in the form of

Building a Europe of readers Obituaries Íosold Ní Dheirg librarian, Íosold was also a member of the Royal ollscoile na hÉireann/Language and linguistic Irish Automobile Club. theses in Irish university libraries (ITÉ, 1977). Those of Íosold’s works published with both Irish and 6.5.1935 – 17.1.2015 A scholar, linguist, educationalist and author, Íosold English together derive added value and accessi- could see gaps and know how to fill them in the bility as a result. That Íosold also wrote for children An Leabharlann most useful manner. Her Vade Mecum Na Gaeilge Íosold gently slipped away on January 17th. She is indicative of her light and lively mind and also of 24–2 (TCD/ITE2006) crowns her life’s work and embodies October 2015 was the younger daughter of Thomas Derrig and her simplicity and sense of fun. Sinéad (née Mason). Her sister Úna died six weeks her life’s love and expertise: its purpose is to guide later on March 4th 2015. others to and through the sources to the riches of Íosold by her vision, industry and dedication the Irish language. Íosold’s hallmark is also to be contributed to the advancement of the worlds Íosold was born in Dublin to a political family. Her found in other works: Téarmaí Leabharlainne (An with which she was associated: the Irish language; father Thomas Derrig was at various times Minister Gúm, 1989 & 1993), which has come into its own the work of Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann and for Education and Minister for Lands during the with the Official Languages Act 2003. Tráchtais librarianship. 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s and as a Fianna Fail TD had repre- teanga agus teangeolaíochta i leabharlanna sented Carlow-Kilkenny in the Dáil from 1927 until Her contribution to the Library Association of his sudden death in November 1956. Her mother Ireland, of which she was elected president in had been personal secretary to Michael Collins. 1984-85, is impressive. Íosold served as first Íosold too gave of herself for the greater good. Correspondence Secretary of the University and Special Libraries section18 and on various commit- Irish was her language from the cradle and she was tees of the LAI. She also represented the LAI on educated at the lán-Ghaelach Choláiste Loreto on COLICO and served as Chairman of the North- St Stephen’s Green, at University College Dublin, South Liaison Committee. at Cois Fharraige in South Connemara and Paris. Apart from her bilingualism in Irish and English, Her natural diplomacy and keen understanding and her fluent French, Íosold’s linguistic abilities of the workings of government, organisations found other outlets, including private lessons in and committees empowered her and her fellow Russian. members to deal effectively with both the many and varied external bodies (e.g. Seanad Éireann, An Her natural and professional talents made her Chomhairle Leabharlanna, the Library Association ideally suited to her work as Librarian and informa- UK, Department of the Environment, Department tion specialist in the Linguistics Institute of Ireland of Education and UCD’s Department of Library (Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann (ITÉ)) in Dublin’s & Information Studies) and also with the thorny Fitzwilliam Place. A life-long member of the Royal policy issues that arose for the profession and Dublin Society where she had earlier been a Page 37 of 41 18 Now A&SL the Association throughout the 1960s, ’70s and Kieran Swords: ’80s. These included Education and Training for Librarianship, the introduction of library charges, An Appreciation a review of the LAI’s constitution, an examination of communication throughout the Association, An Leabharlann Kieran Swords died in February 2015. We have 24–2 the National Archives Bill 1985, and school library October 2015 provision etc. During her Presidency she attended lost a true friend and a valued colleague. Those the inaugural meetings of the Government of us fortunate to have worked with Kieran hold Libraries section and the Rare Books Group. Eager our memories dear and grieve at the passing of a that the Association act on behalf of its members generous and thoughtful man. Íosold was instrumental in having a members’ Throughout his career as a librarian, Kieran worked needs survey carried out while she was president. within the public library sector, in County Dublin Íosold often wistfully mentioned dining at the and later transferred to South County Dublin’s Aisling Hotel as part of LAI events. She found her Library Services. His experience was extensive. work throughout her life most congenial and His dedication was total. Kieran rose to the post enjoyed the conviviality it brought. She made a of County Librarian. He held B.EconSc from the difference. She also was a mentor to those starting University of Wales in addition to a Diploma in out on their career in librarianship. Íosold had a Local History (NUIM). He was awarded ALAI in way of being a good friend to people – she was 2006. no stranger to life’s struggles – and it was wonder- Two areas of interest in particular informed Kieran’s ful to witness how her many and special friends practice. These were Heritage Studies and innova- tended to her as the days of her life turned to tion in the application of new technologies. Kieran evening. relished the opportunities that new technologies Most distinguished by her graciousness, Íosold offer to create new ways for understanding the was a charming lady with a gentle smile. We are continuum of human experience; for him, the reduced by her passing. combination of Local Studies and IT had magical prospects. From 1994, Kieran established Local Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis. Studies Services in South Dublin Libraries. He managed an ambitious, multi-media acquisi- Mary O’Doherty, Librarian, Special Collections, tions and publications programme, created user Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and education projects and led development of the Page 38 of 41 Joseph Donnelly, Librarian, The Judges’ Library online digital archive SOURCE. Kieran was equally

Obituaries involved in the development of the library service’s of the Association’s e-presence via the Website example inspires. He is survived by his wife Helen overall IT architecture and public access services. Development Working Group which he convened and daughter Anna. Innovations piloted in the County Library were and led from 2012. rolled out service-wide under his direction. From Fionnuala Hanrahan is the former Wexford County A catalogue of Kieran’s accomplishments reveals 2012 he represented South Dublin County Council Librarian. An Leabharlann an achiever, a hardworking, self-starter who as an initiator of the public library first national 24–2 persisted and succeeded. That is only half the October 2015 library management system, the pilot phase of story. Behind the achievements was a very special which went live in South Dublin Libraries and in person. Kieran inspired everyone who worked with five other local authorities in June 2015. him to be as results-focused, objective, diligent Kieran’s contribution to the wider profession, and conscientious as he was himself. More, his through participation in the Library Association driving commitment and innate sense of justice of Ireland, demonstrates the consistency of his gently created environments where collaboration commitment. In 2004, Kieran was a founder flourished, investigation was forensic, talents were member of the Association’s cross-sectoral harnessed, contributions were respected and Genealogy & Local Studies Group; he was its progress was achieved. All this - plus Kieran’s wry Chairperson in 2007 and 2008 and remained a sense of humour and even greater sense of the member of its Committee until 2014. ridiculous - ensured enjoyable as well as produc- tive meetings and teamwork. From 2009 – 2012, Kieran was Honorary Secretary of the Association, a voluntary role. He managed Kieran was motivated by a steadfast belief in the this diverse and gruelling workload with compe- rights of all individuals, be they library and infor- tence and apparent ease, and was available 24/7 mation workers or members of the wider public, to colleagues and collaborators. Always calm, to access skills and opportunities to develop always interested, always cheerful. For individual themselves and their communities. He lived that members Kieran was reliable, unfailingly helpful belief passionately, through his own continuous and a careful, considerate guide. At an organi- professional development, by his contribution to sational level, among his major achievements, the work of South Dublin Public Libraries and by as Honorary Secretary and later as a member of his collaborations with us in the wider information the central Council, were Kieran’s stewardship community. of the review of management practices through We honour Kieran Swords by applying his abso- examination of the Memorandum and Articles of lute conviction to our professional practice. It is Association from 2009 - 2012, and his leadership the highest standard he has set us and what his Page 39 of 41

Obituaries NEWS from the STACKS

People https://libraryassociation.ie/events/ Awards Recent appointments include: Sandra Collins, lai-public-libraries-section-annual-conference Annie Brady (Librarian, St. Paul’s CBS School, An Leabharlann 24–2 Director, National Library of Ireland, and Grace Dublin is the SLA School librarian of the Year 2015. October 2015 https://libraryassociation.ie/events/develop- Toland, Director, Irish Traditional Music Archive. Details: http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/ ing-professional-attaining-library-association-ire- for-second-time-in-three-years-an-irish-woman- Recent retirements include: Fionnuala Hanrahan land-lai-award-alai-and-flai wins-school-librarian-of-the-year-1.2380780 (Wexford), Trevor Peare (TCD), and Andrew Sliney Open Repositories (Maynooth University). We wish them a long and Award open Details at: http://or2016.net/ happy retirement. The John Campbell Trust has recently announced LAI/CILIP Joint Conference 2016 an award open to information professionals in International news The proposed theme is: Ireland and the United Kingdom. This award is SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: buildings, services and to facilitate travel to conferences. For details see: Refugees and their plight have been in the news personal careers. http://www.cilip.org.uk/cilip/membership/bene- for several months. While the European Union and Venue: Malton Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry. fits/advice-and-support/grants-and-bursaries/ individual member states have responded, library Dates: 13- 15 April, 2016. john-campbell-trust/john-campbel-2 associations have also issued some guidance. See IFLA’s statement here: http://www.ifla.org/ More details will be available later on LAI website Building Award files/assets/public-libraries/publications/library_ Dun Laoighre’s new Lexicon building BIALL Conference 2016 http://www.biall.org.uk/ service_to_refugees.pdf has won several architecture awards for pages/dublin-2016-opener.html the architects who designed the library. EBLIDA’s statement is available here: http://www. LILAC 2016 http://www.lilacconference.com/ Details here: http://www.architecturefoun- eblida.org/news/press-release-public-librar- dation.ie/news-item/lexicon-library-win- ies-in-europe-welcome-refugees.html LIDA 2016 http://ozk.unizd.hr/lida/ ning-awards/ and http://architectureireland.ie/ EBLIDA Council meeting was held in Riga, Latvia QQML 2016 http://www.isast.org/ riai-irish-architecture-awards-2015-announced in May. The Annual Report is available here: http:// www.eblida.org/Documents/eblida_annual_ Conferences 2017 Publications report_2014-2015_approved-by-council.pdf International Congress of Medical Librarians In September 2015, Cork City Libraries published, https://icml2017.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/ A Room of Their Own – Cork Carnegie Free Library Forthcoming conferences icml-2017-international-congress-of-medical-librar- & its Ladies’ Reading Room 1905-1915 (ISBN:978-0- Page 40 of 41 LAI Public Libraries Conference: ians-dublin-ireland/ 9928837-2-0), which will be of interest to library historians and those with Cork connections.

The author, Helen McGonagle, is a member of Philip Cohen, Marjory Sliney, Cork City Libraries staff. This book will be reviewed Brian Galvin and Sandra Collins in the next issue of this journal. at IFLA in Cape Town An Leabharlann 24–2 The Library of Trinity College Dublin recently October 2015 published its Strategy 2015-2020. It is available here https://www.tcd.ie/Library/assets/pdf/strategy/ library-strategy-2015-2020.pdf

IFLA publications Two titles of interest were published during IFLA 2015: a) IFLA Guidelines for School Libraries. 2nd. attending included Philip Cohen (LAI President devolved-nations/cilip-ireland edition http://www.ifla.org/publications/ and DIT), Sandra Collins (National Library of LAI see https://libraryassociation.ie/events node/9512?og=52 Ireland), Brian Galvin (HRB) and Marjory Sliney DBS see http://www.dbs.ie/course/postgraduate/ (An Leabharlann: the Irish Library). Adrienne Adair b) IFLA Guidelines for Parliamentary Research msc-information-library-management-march Services (Chair, CILIP Ireland) also attended. http://www.ifla.org/node/9758 Ulster University see http://www.ulster.ac.uk/edu/ Brian Galvin completed two terms as Chair, IFLA library-and/ Health and Biosciences Libraries Section. Cathal University College Dublin see: http://www.ucd.ie/ Library Ireland Week McCauley (Maynooth University) was recently ics/graduateprogrammes/ Library Ireland Week 2015 will run from 16-22 appointed Information Coordinator of IFLA Buildings and Equipment Section. Karen Latimer November 2015. The theme is A Library of Words University College Dublin news and is an opportunity to highlight your particular (previously Chair of this Section) continues as a library/information service. Details are available Corresponding Member. There have been some amalgamations in the College/School structures in UCD. here: https://libraryassociation.ie/events/LIW-2015 Future IFLA conferences IFLA 2016, Columbus, Ohio: http://2016.ifla.org/ This has resulted in a name change for SILS: IFLA/WLIC 2015 and IFLA 2017, Wroclaw, Poland: details will be http://www.ucd.ie/ics/newsevents/silsnewsti- For the first time ever, LAI members attending IFLA available later. tle,234917,en.html in Cape Town decided to hold a caucus meeting. The school is within the UCD College of Social CPD opportunities All the other national/language groups usually Sciences and Law. Page 41 of 41 hold such meetings which are timetabled. Those CILIP Ireland see http://www.cilip.org.uk/about/

NEWS from the STACKS