It's amazing what you find in library books.

Auckland Libraries staff have made a remarkable discovery: a manuscript that is more than 1,200 years old.

Fragments of the centuries-old manuscript were found sewn into some of Auckland Libraries' oldest books, a late-15th Century bible held in the Sir George Grey Special Collection.The discovery, which has already been covered by the NZ Herald, was made while cataloguing incunabula (books printed before 1501), as library staff examined a large and striking four-volume Latin bible presented to the library in 1913. Further investigations by Emeritus Professor Alexandra Barratt (Waikato University) uncovered more fragments in three of the four volumes.

This is certainly one of the better things that has been found between the pages of the books in the library collections (which is a subject for a whole other blog post and makes even the children at schools we visit cringe). But to read the rest of the story about the manuscript, go to the news page on our website.

Auckland Libraries add to the Trophy Case

Auckland Libraries wins diversity award
29/08/2011 - LIbrary Press release

Auckland Libraries has been recognised for an outstanding contribution to the NZ Diversity Action programme by the Human Rights Commission.
The award recognises the services and programmes Auckland Libraries offers that celebrate the region’s diverse ethnic community.
The commission recently announced the winners of 2011 New Zealand Diversity Awards at the conclusion of its Human Diversity Forum in Hamilton.
The forum brings together community groups, government and business organisations to share experience and work related to race relations and diversity.
The commission recognised the libraries as being inclusive and responsive to the needs of residents, diverse ethnic and community groups and organisations.
“We are delighted to have been recognised, especially for our dedicated multicultural services team that works hard to ensure we offer services and information that cater for all Aucklanders,” says Abigael Vogt, multicultural service development team leader, Auckland Libraries.
Examples of library programmes offered are Samoan storytimes, computer classes in Mandarin, read-aloud sessions for migrants and book groups. Events such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Samoan and Maori Language weeks, World Refugee Day, Matariki, Waitangi Day and Pasifika are highlights of Auckland Libraries’ events calendar.
Auckland Libraries is a network of 54 libraries in locations from Wellsford to Pukekohe and four mobile libraries. It also works with 14 rural volunteer libraries across the region.

A new career in 2011

Have you ever thought of becoming a Librarian? I'm addicted to it. It is interesting and there is something different every day. I get to see lots and lots of books (and to read a few of them). I am a detective, advisor, teacher, friend, researcher, and that's just at the beginning of my day.

The Libraries are always looking for fun and dynamic people with:
- A flair for customer service
- Knowledge or love of books
- The willingness to learn and explore information systems.
These jobs are open to all members of the public and provide a range of interesting and challenging roles that offer great career opportunities.

If you are thinking that a change of career might be on the agenda in 2011 and the Libraries interest you, then bookmark this Jobs page on our website and visit it regularly.

Celebrating a founder of Public Libraries

Public Libraries, not only in New Zealand but around the English speaking world, would not be what they are today if it was not for a Scotsman who dedicated his retirement to philanthropy aimed at education advancement and public interest. Because it is Library week (when we celebrate such things) and because it was the anniversary of his passing last week, today we are paying homage to Andrew Carnegie.

Andrew Carnegie was born on 25 November 1835 in Scotland, but the majority of his life was spent in America with the family emigarating to Pennsylvania in 1848. The majority of his fortune was made in the ironworks trade, whilst always retaining a love of learning and reading. He was an active author, particularly in the political arena. But it is on his "retirement" from the business world that he became an important (and astute) figure in the development of public libraries.

Carnegie very cleverly offered the capital for the building of libraries on the basis that the local authorities provided the land and a reasonable operating budget. It is estimated he assisted in the development of 3000 public libraries throughout America, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and the West Indies.

During his era, Carnegie was often called "the world's richest man". He was also one of the most generous and some sources estimate that over $350million was given away by him, quite an achievement in the late 19th and early 20th century. Andrew Carnegie passed away on 11th August 1919.

To find out more about Andrew Carnegie, here are some references for you.

• The Carnegie Corporation
• New Zealand History website
• Rodney Libraries e-resources (we suggest the Biography Resource Centre or Encyclopedia Britannica)

It just remains to say - Thank you Mr Carnegie.

Librarians on Holiday

What do librarians do when they go on holiday?

No - this isn't one of those jokes like how many librarians does it take to change a lightbulb? This is about two of our reference librarians having a bit of leave.

Lisa was over in our western island during the school holidays (otherwise known as Australia) and admitted to visiting a couple of libraries (including the National Library of Australia in Caneberra) plus a couple of Art Galleries and Museums.

Meanwhile Anne from Kumeu was even further afield, up in the northern hemisphere taking a holiday that was postponed because of the eruption of a certain Icelandic volcano. Anne reported that to a large extent her and her companions avoided libraries, unless it was to access the internet. Anne reports "I must say the internet access was a godsend and generally very good even in tiny little libraries in the middle of nowhere. It was interesting to note the different session management systems... I think ours is as good and straightforward for staff and customers as any we saw in the UK." Anne commented that there was only one place that they didn't have a good experience (grumpy staff and a charge to use the internet). One library closed for an hour at lunch time, not so much because of limited staff, but just because they thought it was a nice, old-fashioned sort of thing to do.

Anne continues "The only novelty we saw in the way of libraries was The Chained Library in Wimbourne Minster, in Dorset. 'The library was founded in 1686 and is the second largest chained library in the country and also one of the first public libraries' . A chained library is one where books are attached to the shelf or bookcase by a chain. This is long enough for the books to be taken down and read, but they cannot be removed from the library. This was normal practice from the Middle Ages to approximately the 18th Century as books were so valuable (i.e. before the printing press).

To finish (and in case you were wondering) there are a couple of different answers to the light bulb question:

(a) Two - one to change the light bulb and the other one to ssshhhhh her.
OR
(b) I don't know, but I could look it up for you.

Neil Gaiman does the Double

For the first time ever, one book has won both the Newbery Medal in the United States and the Carnegie Medal in the United Kingdom. That the winner happens to be one of my personal favourites makes the news even sweeter.

Congratulations to Neil Gaiman who was last week announced the winner of the Carnegie with The Graveyard Book.

"This is an extraordinary book in every way: the style, plot and quality of the writing," says Margaret Pemberton, Chair of the Judges. "With great skill Gaiman has created a gripping page turner, expertly supported by well developed characters, that is full of humour and humanity. Not a word is wasted in this episodic tale that draws the reader through Bod's childhood to a well crafted and satisfying conclusion. A worthy winner." (retrieved from the full Press Release)

His book beat out Nation by Terry Pratchett, Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve and The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness.

Neil Gaiman is a favourite of ours, but one reason for that is because we are a favourite of his. In his acceptance speech, Neil made a point of promoting the importance of libraries. Here's some of what he said:

"We're now in an age of 'too much information'. Libraries and librarians are more important than ever. "Children want stories. They want information. They want knowledge about the strange world they're in. Saying that the internet can be that is like setting a child free in a jungle and expecting them safely to find things to eat." (full report available from the UK Telegraph)

Of course we agree with every word of the above statement. We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Library Humour

Enough of the serious stuff of book reviews, reading challenges and such. Today it's time for a little library humour plucked from the International Federation of Library Association website.

Books will remain upright on the shelf until you go to place another book beside them.
If it's a good book, it's out of stock. If it's an excellent book, it's out of print.
No matter how many books you have on a subject the student always thinks they're all "too big".
From The Bookmark, September 1989, p.48-49M.L. REVEYRAND, teacher-librarian, KLO Secondary School

THE PERFECT EXCUSE! or Why my book has not been returned to the library!
... cuz I left it in my truck and my truck was in an accident and got towed to the garage and I won't be able to get to the garage in Abbotsford until this weekend.
... my mother took it camping and lost it.
... I didn't take it out!
... cuz my cat peed on it and it smells too bad.
... it flew out the car window on the 401 Freeway and was devoured by an 18 wheeler!

The Chicken Joke
A chicken walks into the library. It goes up to the circulation desk and says: "book, bok, bok, boook".
The librarian hands the chicken a book. It tucks it under his wing and runs out. A while later, the chicken runs back in, throws the first book into the return bin and goes back to the librarian saying: "book, bok, bok, bok, boook". Again the librarian gives it a book, and the chicken runs out. The librarian shakes her head.
Within a few minutes, the chicken is back, returns the book and starts all over again: "boook, book, bok bok boook". The librarian gives him yet a third book, but this time as the chicken is running out the door, she follows it.
The chicken runs down the street, through the park and down to the riverbank. There, sitting on a lily pad is a big, green frog. The chicken holds up the book and shows it to the frog, saying: "Book, bok, bok, boook". The frog blinks, and croaks: "read-it, read-it, read-it".

And I can tell the last joke as part of my previous life was spent as a legal executive in a law firm, so I can appreciate the small gremlin of truth in it:
Q: What happens when you cross a librarian and a lawyer?
A: You get all the information you want, but you can't understand it.

Library Profession in NZ celebrates 100

Last week library professionals around New Zealand celebrated their official 100th birthday. Here is the news release from our national organisation.

26 March 2010 officially marks LIANZA's Centenary

In January 1910 the Dunedin City Council resolved to convene a conference of the representatives from Public Libraries of New Zealand for the purpose of discussing matters affecting the general conduct and management of libraries.
On 26th March 1910 the first library conference in New Zealand was held where 15 delegates from 7 libraries attended and formed the Libraries Association of New Zealand, now known as LIANZA.
This year marks 100 years of the Association and is a chance to celebrate many of LIANZA's achievements including the introduction of formalised training for librarians and actively lobbying government for the development of library services in New Zealand, setting up of a National Library and providing books in schools.Throughout this year there will be many opportunities for the profession to participate and share in national and regional centennial activities and celebrations culminating in the LIANZA Conference in Dunedin, the same city that hosted the first library conference and the Jubilee Conference in February 1960.

LIANZA is seeking photographs from past and present members of the Association featuring LIANZA representatives, buildings, conferences, events and gatherings. We are especially interested in group shots and photos showing the changes to the profession over the years.
We would love to see your photos and, where possible, use them in the Centenary publication, on the Centenary blog and for slideshow presentations at the LIANZA Conference and other centenary celebrations.
Please dig out any photos you might have and send them in to the LIANZA office. You may wish to scan your images and email them as high resolution jpegs to megan@lianza.org.nz
If you would prefer to send in original copies, please ensure you provide your full return details so we can return the images to you once we have finished.

Celebrating Achievements

Librarians and information professionals from around New Zealand (and some from further afield) are currently gathered in Christchurch for the LIANZA 2009 Conference. While this might inspire visions for some of a lot of grey hair, flat shoed, cardigan wearing matrons, having been lucky enough to attend the conference last year, I can confidently assure you that this is not the case. As with any industry gathering what you actually find is a group of vibrant like-minded people, passionate about their profession, all sharing ideas and inspiration on how they can do things better for their customers.

Rodney Libraries have not only attended the Conference but have been the focal point on three occasions.

Our Manager Marion Read was part of the eLGAR presentation on "the best customer experience". Helensville Children's Librarian Rachel Fisher and Services Coordinator Kris Wehipeihana (aka rodneylibraries) presented a session on our successful Poetry Podcast competition run earlier this year.

Kris made it onto stage again when she and Collection Services Manager Paula Legal received the Nielsen Bookdata Research Award (check out the beaming pair - photo courtesy of Ross Becker).

Congratulations to you all. It may be blowing our own trumpet but it's fantastic to see Rodney Libraries represented nationally and recognised by our peers.

LIANZA Children’s Book Awards finalists announced

From stories exploring the lives and ideals of family and communities, to the reminiscence of roly-poly pudding, the finalists of the LIANZA (Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa) Children’s Book Awards are a true celebration of New Zealand writers and illustrators. The Awards are for excellence in literature, illustration, non-fiction and te reo Maori.

The Finalists are:

LIANZA ESTHER GLEN AWARD (Fiction)

Juno of Taris by Fleur Beale (Random House New Zealand)

Old Drumble by Jack Lasenby (HarperCollinsPublishers (New Zealand) Ltd)

The Tomorrow Code by Brian Falkner (Walker Books Australia)

The 10pm Question by Kate de Goldi (Longacre Press)

Violence 101 by Denis Wright (Penguin New Zealand)

LIANZA RUSSELL CLARK AWARD (Illustration)

Every Second Friday by Kiri Lightfoot, Illustrated by Ben Galbraith (Hachette New Zealand)

Herbert by Robyn Belton (Craig Potton Publishing)

My Favourite Places by Martin Bailey (Mallinson Rendel)

Oliver Goes Exploring by Margaret Beames, Illustrated by Sue Hitchcock (Scholastic)

Roadworks by Sally Sutton, Illustrated by Brian Lovelock (Walker Books Australia)

LIANZA ELSIE LOCKE (Non Fiction)

Atoms, dinosaurs & DNA by Veronika Meduna & Rebecca Priestley (Random House New Zealand)

Back & Beyond: New Zealand Painting for the Young & Curious by Gregory O’Brien (Auckland University Press)

Juicy Writing by Brigid Lowry (Allen & Unwin)

Piano Rock by Gavin Bishop (Random House New Zealand)

High-tech Legs on Everest by Mark Inglis with Sarah Ell (Random House New Zealand)

TE KURA POUNAMU (te reo Maori)

Mihiroa by Peti Nohotima (He Kupenga Hao i te Reo Ltd)

Nau te Rourou, Naku te Rourou by Rosalind and Waaka Vercoe (Huia Education)

Ko Maraea Me Nga Toroa by Patricia Grace, Illustrator Brian Gunson, Translator Waiariki Grace (Penguin NZ)

Toheroa by James Te Tuhi and Ross Gregory (Huia Education)

Hinemoa te Toa by Tim Tipene, Illustrator John Bennett, Translator Katerina Te Heikoko Mataira (Scholastic)

The 2009 Award Ceremony will take place in Wellington on Monday August 10th at Caffe L’affare, College Street. The LIANZA Children’s Book Awards 2009 are supported by Wheelers Books and Caffe L’affare.

The Library and the Economy

I am probably not the first person to utter the following phrase, but it is something that we may hear more of in the next year or so. And it is the epitomy of a Catch-22 situation.

When times turn tough, people turn to the library.

The newspapers are full of stories of libraries battling closure in the United States of America and budgets being slashed in libraries around the world as Councils and Regional authorities are forced to make tough decisions and where ratepayers dollars go. However in previous economic downturns, the library's popularity and patronage increased. As I said, Catch-22.

A discussion on this subject made it to the editorial pages of the New Zealand Listener last week. If you would like to read the full article go to Take it as Read from the Listener website.

And support your library.

Our National Library

The National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Maatarangi O Aotearoa is our library. It belongs to all New Zealanders and houses some fantastic collections, runs some fascinating exhibitions, hosts tours and provides resources to libraries throughout New Zealand. They don't only do this from their home in Wellington, but 24/7 via their website above, plus through offices in Auckland and the South Island. Currently in Rodney they have been helping the new Primary school at Snells Beach set up their library.

The National Library has its foundations in the General Assembly Library formed in 1858 to serve Members of Parliament. Today's Library was created in 1965 when The National Library, the Alexander Turnbull Library, the General Assembly Library, and the National Library Service were brought together. It's aim is that New Zealanders are connected with information important to all aspects of their lives.

From the start page for the library you can explore the images, information, resources, events and going's on at the library. Sign up as a friend of the Library and receive their regular newsletter. And if you are ever down in Wellington, put a visit to Te Puna as well as a visit to Te Papa on your "to do" list. I hope to do exactly that sometime in 2009.

"Mā mua ka kite a muri; Mā muri ka ora a mua.
Those who lead give sight to those who follow; Those who follow give life to those who lead."

Librarians Rule!!

..on Librarians Day - which is today!!! Happy Librarians Day to any fellow Library workers reading this blog today as the Kiwis wind up their Library Week.

To celebrate Librarians Day, not only can you take books out of the Library FREE today, but we are also giving away FREE pens and bookmarks (this offer excludes rental items).

Come in and say hi to your Librarian today. If you have a question, we can help. No problem too big or too small.

There are lots of stereotypes of Librarians, but one thing most Librarians have (or at least the ones I work with) is a sense of humour. Here is a quick collection of Librarian humour off the top of our heads...

Librarian Dress up - what every librarian should (or shouldn't) wear to work
Unshelved - One of the best library humour sites
IFLA Net Humour - Tagline - If we can't laugh at ourselves, who can?
YouTube - and search under library humour to get results like these

Have a good weekend everyone.

LIANZA Children's Book awards - judged by Librarians

Christchurch based author and illustrator Gavin Bishop has received The Russell Clark Award for his intriguing hardcover picture book Rats (Random House), awarded at the LIANZA Children's Book Awards ceremony at the National Library, Wellington. The Russell Clark Award was established in 1975 and celebrates a distinguished contribution to illustrated children's books. Gavin Bishop has been a regular recipient of LIANZA nominations and awards and was the winner of the New Zealand Post Book of the Year 2008 for Snake and Lizard along with Joy Cowley. The judges described Rats as "a brilliant story, from a master illustrator that will be around for a long time."
Wellington writer and teacher Mandy Hager was awarded New Zealand's longest running book prize, The Esther Glen Award. The Award was established in 1944 and is given to the author who is considered to have made the most distinguished contribution to literature for children. The prize was presented to Hager for her young adult fiction book, Smashed (Random House) and is defined by judges as "a stand-out story about seeking the truth, with characters that are believable, strong and still in our minds long after we close the covers."
Graphic Designer Heather Arnold claimed the Elsie Locke Award for her first book Draw New Zealand Birds. A step by step guide. (Raupo). The judges described Arnold's book as "a timeless professionally written book..." The Elsie Locke Award was established in 1986 and celebrates a distinguished contribution to non-fiction for young people.
The Te Kura Pounamu was presented to Kai Ora! 2 - Tikanga a Iwi series (Hana Ltd) by Kararaina Uatuku, Hana Pomare, Charisma Rangipunga, Hana O'Regan and Che Wilson. The Te Kura Pounamu celebrates a work in te reo Māori that promotes excellence in library resources in Māori and makes a distinguished contribution to literature for children and young people. The judges said this fantastically photographed series was "unique with nothing else available on the topics in Maori or English."
Judging Panel Convenor Bob Docherty congratulated New Zealand authors, "there is real quality writing and such a variety of genre and style".
The LIANZA Children's Book Awards ceremony is sponsored by Wheelers Books. The awards celebrate the unique contribution made to cultural heritage and national identity by New Zealand authors and illustrators. Each award consists of a medal or taonga and $1,000 prize money.

"The Librarians" are coming

...to a TV set near you. If you are looking for a funny sarcastic look at life in an Australian Library check out TV3 tonight at 10pm for the first episode of this six part series.

"The series centres on the trials and tribulations of Frances O'Brien (Robyn Butler), a devout Catholic and head librarian at the Middleton Interactive Learning Centre. Frances’ life unravels when she is forced to employ her ex-best friend, Christine Grimwood (Roz Hammond) - now facing criminal charges - as the Children's Librarian. Suddenly long buried feelings that Frances has suppressed since she last saw Christine 19 years ago rush at her like a truck. She must do all she can to contain her menacing past and concentrate on the biggest event of the Library calendar year - Book Week. "

If you want to know more about the programme check out the rest of the article on the TV3 website. I'm just going to make a point of staying up past my bedtime and having a look to see if I recognise any real life situations in what some people call The Office meeting the book world.

National Library is getting a Makeover

The National Library of New Zealand will be redeveloped over the next three years at a cost of $NZ69 million. This was announced as part of the 2008 budget.

‘The redevelopment will open up and expand the building, making its valuable heritage collections more accessible to the public, and creating almost 4000 square metros of additional storage and exhibition space,’ Prime Minister Helen Clark said.
‘The National Library’s collections are estimated to be worth $1 billion. They include material such as journals and notebooks of Katherine Mansfield, Sir Apirana Ngata’s papers, and a diverse range of books, cartoons, paintings, photographs, and sound recordings. It also houses the Alexander Turnbull Library. This development is a major milestone in the history of the National Library – a 21st century library for the digital age will be created.’

The redevelopment will provide controlled storage environments, which meet international preservation standards for collections, and will enhance research space and facilities. The National Library will ensure that its collections continue to be available during the redevelopment. Minister for Libraries, Judith Tizard said the redevelopment was an ‘exciting and significant’ milestone in the history of the institution.

‘The redevelopment of this building will ensure that the National Library of New Zealand continues to make an important contribution to our national identity both in our own sense of nationhood, as well as increasing the awareness and understanding of New Zealand internationally,’ she said.

The National Library, not only houses the important collections and items mentioned above. It also plays a major role in supporting school and public libraries throughout the country. On a day to day basis, Rodney Libraries customers will be most familiar with their role in obtaining books not available in our own collection through the "interloan" service.

Celebrating Librarians

Despite the best on intentions, I never got anywhere near the Auckland Readers and Writers Festival over the weekend (I did make it to Auckland but that was only to help a friend haul furniture and attempt yet again to break my ankle).

However Christchurch Libraries sent along a couple of people to watch, listen, interview and report. And in celebration of librarians we include here an excerpt from their interview with author Junot Diaz.

We had decided to ask most of our interview subjects about libraries, and if he wasn’t a rock star before, Diaz won himself a librarian army when he said:
“Libraries are a weird thing if you actually think about it. It’s sort of like the logic of capital minus the logic of capital. It’s a place where you can get books for free – and as long as you bring them back – everything’s cool.
“Could you imagine a clothing cultural component like that? Where you could, as long as you orderly waited and wrote your name on a list, rent out an Armani suit in brand new condition and just wear it and bring it back?
“Both are products, it’s just an accident of history that we’ve attributed one a cultural component and the other not. For a poor kid a library to me was as like a miracle to me as if you discovered if you could sign your name and take out a whole wardrobe of Armani clothes. Every day. For the rest of your life. That’s what a library felt like.”
The assured, velvety-smooth drawl went on as whatever song the librarian army would sing was turned up to 11 on the old rotary dial stereo in staffrooms around the nation.
“I never understood the image of librarians in popular culture. Old, sort-of doddering – every librarian I ever had was incredibly young, energetic and hip – even if they were 60. And would take their time for this snot-nose kid from the Dominican Republic to guide them to texts.”
“Everyone has this idea of the valiant archetype – the scout who leads you through the new land. New Zealand has that, the myths of all their like pioneers; Australia, the United States.
“In the end, the only forest really worth being led through is the forest of the mind, books. In a sense librarians are these incredible scouts for this inner frontier. No-one views it as that but for me it was more important than anything having those kinds of scouts who would guide you…”

To read the whole interview (and link through to other commentary and interviews from the Festival) head to the Christchurch City Libraries website. Well done Christchurch.

Associateship award for Rodney Libraries staff member

Congratulations to Chris Roberts who has been awarded an Associateship of LIANZA (Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa) in recognition that she has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, judgment, attitude and commitment of a professional librarian.

After several years as a children's librarian, Chris developed her cataloguing skills and interests at Wanganui District Library, then refined them at North Shore Libraries. This led to her current position as District Cataloguer for Rodney Libraries, providing an overall management of cataloguing policies and practices for Rodney and contributing to the Auckland-wide cataloguing team. Chris has been an active member of LIANZA since 1979, serving on the Central District and Hikuwai (Auckland Region) regional committees for several years.

"The Library & Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa: Te Rau Herenga o Aotearoa (LIANZA) is the professional organisation for the New Zealand library and information services sector. LIANZA serves and promotes the interests of New Zealand library and information industry and professionals by providing continuing professional development, professionals awards and recognition, publications and resources, advocacy and collegial support. LIANZA plays a key coordination role in the industry and through its regional and special interest group infrastructure provides organisational structure for members seeking mutual support. LIANZA is a member of IFLA - The International Federation of Library Associations." From About us