News from Nova Scotia
Submitted by Darlene Beck
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Annapolis Valley Regional Library
http://www.valleylibrary.ca/
Internet Connectivity
There are only two locations left to have their upgraded Internet lines installed. The staff and public in locations that have already been upgraded are enjoying these higher speed connections provided by the Department of Education.
Equipment
Six packages consisting of a laptop, projector and screen have been purchased through CAP funding. These will be used in branches to do presentations and public training. The equipment was used by the summer CAP youth and was very well utilized.
External memory card readers for use by the public have been purchased with CAP funding. These readers can be checked out by users during their computer session. With this reader, users will be able to transfer files from the memory cards in their portable storage devices (digital cameras, PDAs, phones, etc.) to library computers then uploading to the Internet. It is expected that the heaviest use will be for photos.
Community Access Program (CAP)
CAP funding for the 2008-09 fiscal year should be on its way to regional working groups by the end of September. It was hoped that this funding would be available in May, but the contracts have been delayed. There is a lot of uncertainty around federal funding for the 2009-10 fiscal year. A meeting of the Chairs of the regional working groups in Nova Scotia met in July to discuss this issue and the future of CAP. It was decided that there was a desire from the sites to continue beyond 2008-09. The use of sites and the enthusiasm of those involved seem to be ongoing.
Six summer youth were hired through the CAP Summer Youth Program. These youth provided technology related programming in 9 of our branches from mid-June until the end of August. It was a very successful summer.
Automated Library System
A new version of the automated library system shared by the regional libraries in Nova Scotia (except Halifax), is now operational in all locations. Staff are enjoying the new look provided by the software as well as its many enhancements. In the 2009-10 fiscal year, it is hoped that larger monitors can be purchased for staff. There are currently some display issues with the current size of the monitors.
As reported earlier, there has been some discussion on the availability of the Collection Exchange module. This upgrade shows a marked improvement in the module and its integration with the functionality of the other modules.
Branch News
We had an enthusiastic audience for author Donna Morrissey when she visited the Wolfville Memorial Library on the evening of June 19th. A packed house thoroughly enjoyed her presentation and was treated to excerpts from her new book What They Wanted.
The Murdoch C. Smith Memorial Library Board continued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Port Williams branch over the summer. In June, Mermaid Theatre provided a free performance of The Very Hungry Caterpillar both at the school and in the community centre facility where over 100 people enjoyed the program. In addition, the talented Mermaid Theatre staff hosted puppet-making workshops for two age groups at the library in July.
The Rosa M. Harvey Library Society was successful in its application for a summer employee. Aside from the usual summer library programming, student Katlin Barclay offered some unique programs such as an Anne of Green Gables Spelling Bee (to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the book) and a dance workshop.
Anne of Green Gables celebrations continued with a very popular Ice Cream Social at Jubilee Park in Bridgetown (about 100 people attended!), and a weekend at the Windsor Library devoted to “Anne”. It included a puppet show, a quilted wall-hanging competition, and a Sunday afternoon social with Anne-inspired refreshments and activities.
Lawrencetown and Wolfville libraries hosted Al Bernard’s Magic Show in July. Tickets for both performances were sold out.
Much-loved author Sheree Fitch visited the Wolfville Library for a children’s presentation during her tour to promote her new adult book. The room was jam-packed with children and families!
AVRL received a generous donation of $1,000 from the Arthritis Society of Nova Scotia’s Jones Fund for the purchase of new arthritis-related material. The books and DVDs were selected from the recommended listings of the Arthritis Society of Canada.
The Annapolis Royal Library underwent window replacements over the summer, resulting in enhancements to the front of the facility. Staff and patrons are enjoying both the renovations and the improved air flow.
October is Canadian Library Month and, thanks to Canada Council for the Arts, we are delighted to be offering a weekend of public author readings in conjunction with the joint Nova Scotia Library/Library Boards Association conference at Old Orchard Inn during the weekend of October 3-5. As conference hosts, we look forward to our duties, as well as the exciting workshops that will be available to us!
Cape Breton Regional Library
http://www.cbrl.ca
McConnell Library in Sydney Witnesses a Changing of the Guard
The McConnell Library will not be the same without Donnie Ward who has retired after 34 years of dedicated service. A public open house held on April 25th drew a large crowd of patrons, colleagues, former staff and friends wishing Donnie well, and a staff dinner was held in his honour on May 12, 2008. Over the years, he has made many contributions to the library, especially in the area of local history. As Reference Librarian, Donnie showed and communicated a great interest in the history of Sydney and the Library, as well as both the Fortress of Louisbourg and Petersfield Park, through their connection to Catherine MacLennan, an important early benefactor of the Library. He will be missed.
In July, the McConnell Library welcomed back former staff member Lisa Mulak-MacPhee as our new Branch Librarian, who will take over Donnie’s area of Reference Services among other responsibilities. Although she has big shoes to fill, she is definitely up to the task and is full of great ideas to move the library forward. Welcome Lisa!
Murder in the Library!
“Stamped Out” took on a whole new meaning at the McConnell Library this spring. Our newest fundraiser was a murder mystery play, directed by Brian Gallivan, written by Greg and Kristen Woodford, and starring many staff members, family and friends of the library.
Imagine the scene… It’s late on a Friday night and the staff is reluctantly pulling an all-nighter. Police are on strike and there are rumours of trouble. Then there is a scream…Will this night shift be murder for the staff? Is anyone safe?
The public was invited to come and find out “who-done it” at five performances over a week at the end of April. They got to explore the bowels of the Library during different scenes and were wowed by the acting skills of the players. It was interesting to see how different staff members and library roles could be caricatured! It was great fun and a huge success, and preparations are underway for another play next spring!
Read-a-thon in the Park
In early June, the Friends of McConnell Library hosted a Read-a-thon in Wentworth Park in Sydney to encourage families to read together and to enjoy the refurbished park just down the street from the Library. Participants tracked their reading time for 2 weeks and asked people to pledge donations on their behalf to the Library. All money raised will be going towards purchasing new furniture and wall hangings for the children’s area of the McConnell Library. It was cool and damp but many families braved the weather and had a fun day.
Summer Reading Programs
This summer, CBRL again participated in the TD Summer Reading Program across the region at our 13 branches and 2 bookmobiles. This year’s theme was “Laugh Out Loud”, so we encouraged a bit of comedy with silly backwards Olympic games, a Kids Comedy Club fun day, funny puppets, and making our own joke books. Staff from across the region worked with our local police services to promote the Summer Reading Program, visiting grade 4 classes in schools, and holding draws for rides to school in a police cruiser, tours of the police station, and a special pass to the QMJHL Hockey Draft to meet former NHLer and Halifax Moosehead’s owner Bobbie Smith.
We also participated in the online Teen Summer Reading Program (which is now year round) organized by the BC Public Libraries (www.teensrc.ca). The theme was “I Liked the Book Better”, and we were able to get the support of Coles and the Empire Theatres to spread the word to teens. We are drawing for eight prize packages for teens who post reviews of books they have read.
Several of our branches also offered expanded programming this summer with the help of student interns. Especially buzzing was our North Sydney branch, the Wilfred Oram Centennial Library. Energetic summer student Zac Targett organized special events for Grading Day and Canada Day, as well as regular fun days with movies and popcorn, Wii bowling, a science day, an art day, a clown and magic show, a Library Picnic and a Pizza Party… Exciting ways to draw kids into the library over the summer! Great work Zac!
Subject Guides on CBRL Website
Librarian Rebecca Boulter has begun developing subject guides to assist patrons in locating information on a specific topic at CBRL. The guides are found on our website and in the monthly newsletter and include resources found in various parts of the library including: Adult Non-Fiction, Children's Collection, Reference, Vertical Files, Government Documents, and Websites. So far the topics covered include: African Heritage in Canada, Canadian Law and Genealogy, with more in the works. These promise to become a great resource for patrons and librarians alike, providing an easy way to start looking for information on popular topics.
Cumberland Regional Library
http://crl.library.ns.ca/
Denise Corey is looking forward to joining the staff at the Cumberland Regional Library as Deputy Chief Librarian starting in August. Denise has been with the New Brunswick Public Library Service since May 2006, initially as a Reference Librarian with the Fredericton Public Library and then as Library Director of the Nashwaaksis Public-School Library. She is a graduate of the School of Information Management at Dalhousie University and the Library and Information Technology program at the Nova Scotia Community College.
Eastern Counties Regional Library
http://ecrl.library.ns.ca/
The Library launched the EnCana Energy Collection for Families at the Cyril Ward Memorial Library in Guysborough on September 18. A sample of the collection of books and materials for children from pre-school to high school aimed at fostering an interest in science and technology was available for browsing and borrowing. The materials will travel to all Branches and selected Library Link sites served by ECRL within the next year. Greetings were brought by Lori MacLean, Community Relations Advisor on behalf of EnCana Corporation that funded the project to the tune of $4,000. Ms. MacLean indicated how pleased they were to support “learning and families in our communities as the collection allows children and their families to share and learn together”. 
Remarks were also given by Myles MacPherson, Deputy Warden for Guysborough County and member of the ECRL Board of Directors, and Petra Mauerhoff, ECRL Chief Librarian. The materials have a special designation on the Library’s website and can be accessed by searching the collection online at ecrl.library.ns.ca.
EnCana is also the major sponsor for the Library’s annual Share a Book-Build a Community fundraiser which will be launched on October 18 at the Cyril Ward Memorial Library in Margaree Forks. EnCana has signed a 3 year commitment of a base donation of $5,000 plus matches dollar for dollar all donations received to a maximum overall total amount of $10,000. The local radio station, 101.5 The Hawk provides free advertising for the 6 week campaign which runs this year from October 15- November 30, 2008.
The Canso Library Women Writers Group presented a Memoir Writing Workshop for Women at the Library on September 27. The event was facilitated by Marjorie Kildare on September 27. Ms. Kildare has recently joined the library staff of the Cyril Ward Memorial Library in Guysborough.
Western Counties Regional Library
http://www.westerncounties.ca/
Contributed by Ian White
Western Counties Regional Library preparing to launch French Web site, improved French services
Western Counties Regional Library will be including a completely French section within its Web site in the coming months, part of a plan to improve French services at the library.
“They are going to see a whole French side to the Web site,” says Erin Comeau, Coordinator of French Services for the regional library.
When library patrons click on www.westerncounties.ca, they will have the option of service in English or French. The new French Web site will mirror the English version, offering such services as French booklists and recommended reading.
Although all the general services will be translated into French, only the Events and Calendar pages for the Pubnico and Clare branches will be in French.
Another improvement to the library’s French service is an overhaul of the French collection to increase French Canadian content.
The Clare and Pubnico branches will also have separate sections added to their libraries for Acadian material ranging from cookbooks to history and songs to stories. These changes are expected to be in place by this fall.
“This will make it easier for people to find this content at the library,” explains Comeau.
Library looking at adding simple touches to make big changes
It can be as simple as adding hanging flower baskets from the front of a building or placing a park bench and flower box near an entrance. It is called “place-making” and it is something the regional director of Western Counties Regional Library is working toward making happen at her branch libraries.
“It’s one of the few spaces where literally everyone is welcome,” Trudy Amirault says of the public library. But she says that while the interior is warm and welcoming, the exterior can lack the same appeal.
Amirault attended a training session on place-making, where one learns how to make a location more attractive and interesting to people.
She has taken that experience and shared it with other community groups and organizations.
In early July, Amirault took representatives of the Yarmouth Public Library and Museum around the grounds of the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Library and Western Counties Regional Library headquarters. The tour looked at small improvements that could be made to make the library a more inviting place.
“They appreciated seeing it with fresh eyes,” Amirault says.
The changes need not be dramatic and costly, she says. They are often simple, subtle additions such as flowers boxes or baskets, tables and chairs or a bench.
She is also working with provincial and municipal officials in Digby to have simple cosmetic changes to the exterior such as additions of flower baskets and boxes, benches and a bike stand.
“There is certainly interest,” says Amirault.
Although nothing concrete has been planned, both the Digby and Yarmouth groups are interested in the project.
ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
Dalhousie University
http://www.library.dal.ca/
Libcasts and Podcasts on the Dalhousie Libraries Website
We’re making the Dalhousie Libraries website more interactive every day. Did you know that you can now watch a series of “Libcasts” to learn how to use key library resources? Or that we have a self-guided podcast tour of the Killam Library?
Libcasts: What You Want to Learn, When and Where You Want It
www.library.dal.ca/How/Libcasts/
Libcasts are brief instructional videos that you can access from a browser or download to your ipod or portable player. The Libcasts were conceived and created by Dalhousie’s Information Literacy Coordinator Fran Nowakowski, who is based in the Killam Library. They cover many different topics relating to research and are generally less than 2 minutes long. Topics include searching Novanet, finding articles, using the Document Delivery services, and a handy “Faculty Guide to Using Turnitin with Blackboard.” The introductory “Overview of Library Resources” is now available in Arabic, French, Mandarin, Spanish and Urdu as well as English!
Killam Library Podcast Tour
www.library.dal.ca/Killam/TourPodCast/
No time to take one of our fall orientation library tours? Download these MP3 files and let us we walk you through the Killam Library floor by floor at your convenience! Or, listen at your desk and explore later. You can take the entire tour of the Killam, or take the “DeTours”—detailed descriptions of highlighted areas such as the Learning Commons, Archives & Special Collections, and the Map Collection. There is about 10 minutes of audio, and walking the whole tour should take you about 20 minutes. The tours were created this past summer by student intern Bea Houston, working with Fran Nowakowski and Dalhousie Libraries Communications Officer Tina Usmiani.
Mount Saint Vincent University
http://www.msvu.ca/library/
We welcome two new Librarians to our team: Hilary Skov-Neilsen, Public Service Librarian, who will be replacing Meg Raven while she is on sabbatical this year, and David Ryan, who will be providing reference service during the evenings and Saturday afternoons.
One of the changes in the Library this term is the distribution of Metro Transit U-Passes, and the processing of ID cards for students, faculty, and staff which has been relocated to the Library from the Registrar’s Office. We hope this is a welcome change for everyone and makes the updating of records more convenient for all.
Another major change this term is the creation of a “common counter” for our Library services. The common counter is intended to be a one-stop station which will provide our patrons access to all of our services from the main counter. We will be processing loans and returns, reserve materials, as well as providing reference service from the main counter. This change enables us to streamline our services and provide patrons a more efficient way to get the help they need without having to be directed to another location. We welcome feedback on this new setup and will be assessing successes and areas needing attention at the end of term.
Not that we expect students’ days to be all work and no play: we have purchased a Wii which will be set-up in our Red Zone for those who require a little workout and a break from studying. In the Red Zone (also known as Red Square) we added an area to hone presentation skills, with the installation of an overhead projector and data port.
St. Francis Xavier University
http://library.stfx.ca/
This has been a busy year in terms of staff goings and comings at the Angus L. Macdonald Library, ST. F.X. In May, Barb Phillips, formerly Head of Reference and Research Services, retired after 41 years of service. In August, Sue Adams, Acting Collection Librarian, left on a two-year leave of absence while Lise Brin, one of two new Librarians joined us later that month. In September, we were joined by Pamela Maher, the second of our new Librarians. Lise is our Emerging Services Librarian and Pamela is a Liaison Librarian. The Library also welcomed Dawnita Butler and Simon Bonnell who recently completed their Library Technician training. They both join the Access Services team. The Angus L. extends a warm welcome to these new staff members.
ARCHIVES
Dalhousie University Archives
http://www.library.dal.ca/DUASC/index.php?option=com_content&Itemid=181&id=231&task=view
Feature Length Acquisition: imX Communications at the Dalhousie Archives
Roll out the red carpet! This fall Dalhousie University Archives & Special Collections acquired more than 500 boxes of materials from imX Communications, one of the leading feature film producers in the Canadian entertainment industry. The Halifax-based company has been instrumental in transforming Atlantic Canada into a hotbed of film and television activity. The donation of the imX Communications film history and films was enabled by the recent acquisition of imX Communications shares by DHX Media Ltd.
Founded in 1985 by Chris Zimmer, imX Communications has become one of Canada's most respected, innovative and prolific film production companies, and an industry leader in forging national and international co-production relationships. Best known for its impressive and growing slate of feature films, imX has also produced made-for-TV movies, animated series and documentaries. The company’s first project was Rita MacNeil in Japan, made for the CBC. In 1986 it co-produced its first feature, Mindshadows, with DNU of the Netherlands. The company’s reputation soared in 1994 with the release of Margaret’s Museum, a Cape Breton drama starring Helena Bonham Carter, and the successes continued to pile up with such films as Love and Death on Long Island (1997), The Divine Ryans (1999), New Waterford Girl (1999), and The River King (2004). imX productions have achieved international acclaim and won numerous awards.
The collection donated by imX Communications to the Dalhousie Archives in September 2008 is a rich and fascinating one. It includes scripts, cast lists, press kits and releases, posters, stills and master tapes from their various productions, as well as financial and legal documentation and a wealth of other company records. Chris Zimmer says he always intended Dalhousie University to be the “home” for his company’s records. "This collection is a snapshot of the development and growth of the Nova Scotia film industry over the past 25 years, and will hopefully be of value to scholars, students, and interested researchers in the future,” he says. “Film is one of the seminal art forms of the 20th century and this donation will document a unique contribution that Nova Scotian filmmakers have made to Canadian and international cinema. Film is a collaborative form of theatre encompassing many individual contributions to each project. The artistic and business aspects of each film are contained in the documents and copies of the collection."
The imX collection represents a huge asset to the Archives, Dalhousie and the community at large. Michael Moosberger, University Archivist, says “It’s a welcome addition to our other cultural holdings, which include Symphony Nova Scotia, Neptune Theatre and the papers of many Nova Scotia based writers and cultural groups.” Consulting Archivist Ernest Dick, who appraised the collection for imX Comunications and also teaches "Moving Images of Atlantic Canada" for the Atlantic Canada Studies Program and "Film and History" at Saint Mary's University, believes that the collection will become “the most significant available archival collection documenting feature film making in Nova Scotia.” “The records for their development projects and pre-development files enhance the study, research and further use values of the imX archival collection,” he says. “This comprehensiveness will allow students of film-making, researchers into all aspects of Canadian culture, scholars, and the general public to better understand Canada.”
The massive imX donation is currently being appraised and processed, with the intention of making it accessible for educational and research purposes. Film buffs stay tuned for further announcements!
For additional information please contact Michael Moosberger at 494-5176, email Michael.Moosberger@dal.ca
Nova Scotia Archives & Records Management
http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/
Built Heritage Resource Guide
Finally, help in tracing the history of your property or heritage home! Visit our 'Built Heritage Resource Guide' and explore Nova Scotia house styles, building materials, the impact of disaster and change on communities, and a long list of archival resources to kick-start your research. Lots of detail, plus dozens of historical photographs and maps showing what's quintessential, quaint and sometimes even quirky in our province's built heritage.
http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/builtheritage/
GOVERNMENT LIBRARIES
SALIS (Substance Abuse Librarians & Information Specialists) are meeting in Halifax in May 2009. SALIS is an international association of individuals and organizations with special interests in the exchange and dissemination of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) information.
“Setting Sail: Best Practices for the Next Decade” is the theme of the 31st Annual SALIS Conference, to be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on May 5-8, 2009. The meeting will be hosted by Ruth Hart, Knowledge Manager in the Nova Scotia Department of Health and the NS Department of Health Promotion and Protection. For more information: http://www.salis.org/
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NSALT (Nova Scotia Association of Library Technicians)
Libraries and Learning: The Missing Link
The Executive is pleased to announce that the first annual NSALT conference will take place in Baddeck, Cape Breton. This year we are partnering with the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board to bring you a great slate of workshops. These workshops will appeal to all types of library workers.
Mark October 23 and 24, 2008 on your calendars now!!
Check out the NSALT website for more information or to register: http://users.eastlink.ca/~ericasmith/conference2008page.html
