aalt technician: the journal of aalt

ISSN 0703-5276 Volume 36, Number 1 Winter 2009

“The Official Voice of Library Technicians in Alberta.”

AALT TECHNICIAN

The Journal of the Alberta Association of Library Technicians

IN THIS ISSUE: AALT SPOTLIGHT

Manly Library Technicians … Jim Gray 7

Netspeed 2008 Review 17

Alberta School Libraries Advisory Committee 19

Networking: Part 1 - Building your connections 23

The Living Library 25

AALT FEATURES

35th Annual Conference 10

Conference Strategies 12

Professional Development Opportunities 14

A Tribute to AALT’s 35th Anniversary: Where are they now? 15

AALT BUSINESS AALT: Committees & Volunteers 2

Editor’s Notes 3

President’s Comments 5

Call for AGM Agenda Items 28

AALT: Membership Form 33

AALT: Mission & Purpose 36

Board Meeting Highlights 37

AALT: Business Review 38

AALT Anniversary - reprint of 1976 AALT Technician article 29

Calendar of Events 44

Cross Canada Update 35

Tech Tips & Tricks 27

AALT School Library Committee Report 39

Journal Advertising and Submission Policy 4

Call of Award Nominations/President’s Receptions 6

AALT: Board of Directors 42

Board Committee Executive Committee Marcia Holmes, President - Chair; Tora Volkers, Member-at-Large

Administration Group Marcia Holmes, President - Chair; Laura Somerville, Membership Director; Lynda Shurko, Secretary; Marcia Wong, Treasurer; Dianne Guidera, Board Appointee

Communications Group Carol Fowler, Marketing Director - Chair; Heather Kolesar, Journal Co-Editor; Laural Grimes, Journal Co-Editor; Marnie McFarland; Web Team Director

Professional Development Group Tora Volkers, Member-at-Large – Chair; Lisa Bui, Conference Co-Chair; Marilyn Doyle, Conference Co-Chair Director Chaired Committees Conference Committee ([email protected]) Lisa Bui - Co-Chair, Marilyn Doyle - Co-Chair, Tamara Abram, Dianne Guidera, Laurel Grimes, Debra Jowett, Meera Mittra, Jean Nickel Conference Sub-Committee Silent Auction: Lisa Bui – Chair, Kim Martin, Jane Sarsfield, Marcia Wong

Brochure: Lisa Bui – Chair, Kim Martin

Journal Committee ([email protected]) Heather Kolesar – Co-Chair, Laural Grimes – Co-Chair, Rea Gosine, Kim Martin Marketing Committee ([email protected])

Carol Fowler – Chair, Tamara Abram Regional Library System Vendor Showcase Participation Sub Committee Tora Volkers, Carol Fowler, Laural Grimes, Dianne Guidera, Laura Somerville Membership Committee

Laura Somerville - Chair Web Site Committee ([email protected])

Marnie McFarland – Chair, Cynthia Beuselinck - Advisor, Carol Fowler, Kim Martin, John Neild, Colleen Rowe, Charmaine Sipe, Mike Wareman

Additional Committees Alberta School Advisory Committee

Carol Fowler – AALT Representative

Anniversary Committee Kim Martin - Chair, Carol Fowler, Jane Sarsfield, Lynda Shurko, Marcia Wong

Awards Committee Marcia Holmes – Chair, Kim Martin, Jane Sarsfield, Marcia Wong

Board Handbook Committee

Lynda Shurko - Chair, Tamara Abram

President’s Reception Marcia Holmes – Chair, Kim Martin, Jane Sarsfield, Marcia Wong

Programs Ad Hoc Committee

Tora Volkers – Chair, Dianne Guidera, Kim Martin,

School Library Committee Carol Fowler – Chair, Jacqueline Bell, Brenda Cole, Bernadette Giblin, Jean Nickel

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AALT: COMMITTEES & VOLUNTEERS

AALT Technician Winter 2009

3 AALT Technician Winter 2009

EDITORS’ NOTES Hello, and welcome to the Winter Issue. This winter season has been a strange one. In Calgary, December was abnormally cold and snowy and January has been marked by complaints about snow removal and large patches of melting (and slippery) ice. To put us all on an optimistic note, I thought I’d list the five things I like most about winter. 1. No bugs. If you like mosquitoes, then summer is great. Tent caterpillars? Summer again. Ear wigs? You, betcha, summer is

the season. But if you prefer your outdoor activities to be bug-free, winter is the way to go. 2. Winter clothes. I love the following fashion items available only during winter: mittens, toques, scarves, long-johns, snow

boots, parkas, corduroy pants, sweaters, wool socks, snow pants and leggings/tights. So many outfits! So little time! 3. Renewing my AALT membership. Nothing tops off my winter better than a shiny new AALT membership and the

knowledge that so many benefits await me: the journal, the member’s only portion of the website, lowered rates for the conference – the list is almost as long and varied as it was for winter clothes!

4. Conference. I realize that the conference is in spring, but the conference brochure comes out in the winter. That’s when I get a chance to imagine myself in various sessions, learning new and relevant things, planning my weekend to its fullest. It sends tingles up and down my spine just thinking about it.

5. The Winter Issue of the AALT Technician. What better way to spend blustery winter nights than sitting by the fireside, with a cat curled on my lap, perusing the helpful, entertaining and insightful articles that grace the pages of the journal?

Well, now you know my five favourite things about winter. I’d wager that some of them are your favourites as well. Winter is so awesome, that I didn’t even have space to mention all the other awesome things about it like, skating, the Oscars, Christmas (hello?), hot chocolate, the list really does go on and on, but I, however won’t. Enjoy number five on the list.

… Heather Kolesar

I have been doing a lot of editing lately, one of my other full time jobs.) When I look back at AALT and recognize the fact that this is our 35 year of existence, one has to wonder what would have happened if we could “edit” our choices in life. Let’s go back 35 years and have a quick look at what things were like then. For me I had been out of high school for one full year. I had every intention of staying on the farm and working with my father but instead, my parents decided I needed a look at the “world” so they enrolled me for one year at Alberta Bible College in Calgary. When I was finished my year and was planning on coming home, my parents suggested I find a job in Calgary for the summer. I landed a parts picker job at a farm implement dealership. I worked there for the summer and then was let go because I was a female and the boss didn’t want any “girls” working for him. I arrived back on the farm where for the next two years, I assisted my father on the farm and assumed on the youth leader’s role for our local Church congregation. However, my father was bound and determined that I was going to have some type of secondary education. He was not too concerned at what I chose as long as I chose something other than farming. This frame of mind was of course my mother’s fault. You see she was an R.N. (Registered Nurse) and my father always gave her the credit for allowing him to continue his hobby of farming. The end of the summer 1975, I received a rejection letter from a college in Edmonton. As I sat staring at the letter, feeling very much like a failure, my father came into

the house and upon finding out what the letter said, “Get on the phone and call S.A.I.T, ask them to tell you which courses have openings in them, pick one, and then come see me. “ I followed his instructions and discovered the following courses had openings: Journalism, aeronautical engineering, and Library Technician. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know which one I really wanted, aeronautical engineering of course. ( Just kidding.) I chose the library technician path, told my father and the rest is history. So my fellow Library Technicians, as I look back on my library career I would have to say “NO” I would not have edited my choices if I had the opportunity to do so. What about you? What brought you on this journey? As we approach our 35th year of being an organization let’s look at what brought us here and what type of people a library technician program attracts. I would like to propose that this program attracts people who are determined, pathfinders, explorers, driven, and ones who are out there to assist others in their journey whether it be children in our schools, doctors of patients in our hospitals, the public of our communities, explorers in the oil fields, or seniors seeking out an opportunity to explore the world on computers. Want to join other library technicians in celebrating 35 years of existence? Check out the conference information further on in this issue.

… Laural Grimes

ADVERTISING POLICY All copy for advertising is accepted at the discretion of the Communications Group Chair, who reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Products are not tested and listings do not imply an endorsement. Payment, Rate Changes, and Cancellations All advertising must be paid in full before your advertising campaign begins. Payment can be made by credit card (VISA and MasterCard) through our online registration system or by cheque. All advertising purchases are non-refundable. AALT reserves the right to change our advertising rates at any time. Rates will not be retroactively applied to any prepaid advertising. AALT reserves the right to terminate any advertising for any reason. If such termination occurs, we will refund your account a prorated amount based on the time that already served. Cancellations before payment is received will be subject to a 15% cancellation fee. ADVERTISING RATES Advertisements must be received prepaid three weeks prior to the release date of the desired issue and must be camera ready. The cost for advertising in the AALT Technician per issue is as follows: ♦ Full Page $100.00 ♦ Quarter Page $30.00 ♦ Half Page $50.00 ♦ Business Card $25.00 The AALT Technician is published quarterly: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. AD PACKAGE OFFERS Get better value with your advertising dollar by purchasing one of the following package deals:

♦ Platinum Package – 4 months on the ORS page, AALT Members Only page, and the Library Associations Directory page plus a half page ad in 4 issues of the AALT Technician - $399.00

♦ Gold Package - 4 months on the ORS page and the AALT Members Only home page, and a quarter page in 4 issues of the AALT Technician - $295.00.

♦ Silver Package - 4 months on the ORS page and the Library Associations Directory Page, and a half page in 4 issues of the AALT Technician -$250.00.

♦ Bronze Package – 4 months on AALT Members Only home page and the Library Associations Directory Page, and a quarter page in 4 issues of the AALT Technician - $200.00.

TO PLACE AN AD To place an advertisement on our web site or in the AALT Technician, please contact the AALT President-Elect at [email protected]. The inclusion of an advertisement is up to the discretion of the AALT Communications Group and will fall under the AALT advertising policy guidelines.

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SUBMISSIONS POLICY All article submissions are accepted at the discretion of the Journal Editors’. All articles must be submitted as a .rtf, .txt, or .doc file and may be subject to editing as the Journal Committee sees fit. Articles may be held for publication in a future issue, (in the same calendar year) of the AALT Technician. Questions or concerns regarding this submission policy can be directed to the Journal editors’ @ [email protected].

CONTRIBUTE TODAY! Turn that great idea you had into an article and share it with everyone! Have an article you would like to see? Send us your request. Comments or questions about any content? Want to join the Journal Committee? Send your ideas, requests, questions and comments to:

[email protected]

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE

SPRING ISSUE IS: APRIL 10TH, 2009


PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS


Hello fellow AALT members! I hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas and New Years. I spent much of my holiday reading. It was nice to be able to just take the time to relax and read! One of the books I read was the debut novel The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. After I finished reading this rich and wholly satisfying gothic-style mystery, I kept re-reading a certain passage from the beginning. In the passage, Margaret Lea, soon to be biographer of reclusive writer Vida Winters, discusses the magic of books, and says that if you think back to your childhood there is always that one book that began your love of reading. I was intrigued by this, and began to search my memory back to when I first fell in love with reading. I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t one book, but a series of books: “Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators” by Robert Arthur. Long before I began to read Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys books, I had pored over the puzzles and enigmas investigated by Jupiter

Jones, Pete Crenshaw and Bob Andrews. I recalled reading late into the night with a flashlight under the covers so that I could finish it; sleeping wasn’t an option as it just meant more time wasted when I could be solving the latest baffling mystery with Jupe, Pete and Bob! I was definitely hooked and have had a passion for reading ever since. Anyway, thinking about their adventures, made me nostalgic and I have now made it my mission to read the complete series over again. Now ask yourself: what wonderful book(s) from your childhood made you fall in love with reading? Don’t you think your answer would make an interesting article for an upcoming issue of the Journal? I do! Conference is coming! This year’s annual AALT conference is in Edmonton April 30 to May 3, 2009. The theme is “Celebrate!” and celebrate we will as it is AALT’s 35th anniversary! In order to commemorate those brave souls who started AALT back in 1974, my President’s Reception will be a blast from the past. A 70s style birthday party with games, activities, snacks, music and of course a birthday cake! Don’t you dig it! My term as President is soon ending, and it’s now time for AALT to begin actively recruiting for the Board of Directors for the 2009/2010 term. I was going to say something like “We want you!” with an equally sugar-coated “Are you a motivated, enthusiastic individual that is looking for a new challenge…” and so on (you know the rest by now) but I’m not going to do that. Instead I want to say this with all earnestness: I truly care about AALT. I’ve been on the Board many times over the years and each time has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Because of AALT, I’ve learned many new things, gained new confidence in my abilities and have made lifelong friendships. I admit there were times when things got tough and I felt like I was in over my head; it’s not like the rest of your life just stops while you are fulfilling your Board duties, but once those times passed, the positive experiences far outweighed any negative ones and proving once again that you are never alone, you always have the support of all the other Board members if needed. AALT needs you… it really does. Without dedicated and steadfast Board Directors, AALT would not thrive. I encourage you to consider letting your name stand for a position at the next AGM elections. This year AALT is celebrating 35 years of being an association, but the real tribute should go to each one of the volunteers who donated their time, energy, laughter, and sometimes tears to getting us to this point, and now it's your turn. If you would like more information on what being a director is all about, send me an email at [email protected] and I would be happy to contact you.

See you at the President's Reception on April 30, 2009 at the Delta Edmonton South!

… Marcia

Marcia Holmes


Do you know someone who deserves special recognition by their peers or fellow co-workers for their innovation, vision, contributions and promotion of library technicians, libraries, literacy, or AALT itself? If your answer is yes, then show how much you value this amazing individual by nominating him/her for one of the following awards!

Merle Harris Achievement Award: the highest honour granted by AALT recognizes a library technician for distinguished service in the library field in Alberta. Library Technician Award of Excellence: recognizes the efforts of a library technician who has made a major contribution to AALT or to the library field in Alberta; AALT Advocacy Award: recognizes the efforts of an individual who has had a positive influence on library technicians and library operation assistants within Alberta.

If you know of an eligible candidate for one of these awards, please visit the Awards section on the AALT website at www.aalt.org and send in your nomination form. The deadline for all award applications is March 31, 2009. For more information regarding these awards, please contact Marcia Holmes,([email protected]) or visit the AALT web site at www.aalt.org.

CALL FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS

1974 – Beverly Johnson was the first African-American model on the cover of a major fashion magazine (Vogue), the Heimlich maneuver was developed, girls were allowed to play Little League baseball and AALT was born! We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings, but we’ll never forget that this vibrant and exciting association was created from a challenge put

forth every year from an instructor and finally accepted by students in the 1973/1974 graduating class. So, I want all you foxy mamas (and papas) to dress up in your funkiest and coolest 1970’s fashions and join me at my President’s Reception as we celebrate AALT’s 35th birthday in 70’s style! There will be games, ac-tivities, snacks, music and of course a birthday cake! So prepare to have fun and get down and boogie! The president’s reception will be held Friday April 30th at the Delta Edmonton South.

PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION


For the second installment of our Manly Library Technicians series I’d like to introduce you to Jim Gray. Jim graduated from the SAIT Library Information Technology program in 2000. From there he worked in both school and public libraries and is now the Evening and Weekend Staff Supervisor in the SAIT library. I recently met Jim at a board game party hosted by a friend and found out some interesting things…about comic books. Why did you choose the LIT program?

I’ve always liked reading and libraries in general and records management was an in demand job, seemed like a good idea t the time. Were there many men in the program when you took it?

There were four guys in total in my year. I only got to know one and he was good people I think he ended up in records management actually. Four guys! I think that’s a record. Did you have any idea when you first entered the program that it would be a female dominated profession? Did it bother you?

MANLY LIBRARY TECHNICIANS … JIM GRAY By Heather Kolesar


I knew there would be more women but I was shocked at first by the massive percentage

difference. There were two classes of LIT students so the guys were split up so there were only two in each class, it was like a 1 to 10 ratio. It didn’t bother me at all, my class was great and I’m a goal oriented person so I knew what I wanted to do there and where it would lead me. I was wrong of course but I didn’t know that at the time …. I understand that you used to work in a school? What drew you to that position?

Fate. I wanted to work in records for an oil or law office. I was living in Airdrie when I graduated from SAIT and a school there was looking for a temp. They contacted the LIT [program] to see if they knew someone in Airdrie who could do it and I got the call. I worked at that school for just under a year, which is good for a temp job and applied at a middle school in Airdrie for full time work. I found I really enjoyed working with the kids and stuck with it right up till now. I have never worked for an oil company or in a law office …. Thank goodness. As an oil & gas employee, I’ll try not to take offence to that. Did you know of any other men working as library techs in schools? Did you have any experience in schools previously?

There was never another guy tech in any of the two school boards I worked for, which made me unique and known, which is cool. I did a practicum at a grade school. It was fun but I really felt I was going to work with grown ups, my comfort level around small children was not great. That comes with experience though and I ended up loving working with the Kindergarten to Grade 3, the really little guys. Going from an interest in records management to working in schools is quite a difference. Were you surprised you enjoyed the school library environment as much as you did?

Yeah it was one of those ‘duh’ moments where it all clicked. Once I got in, especially at my second school which was Grades 5 to 8, I really realized how much fun the job was and that I could accomplish something meaningful with the education I received.

Do you have any hobbies?

Why yes I have many fun and exciting hobbies. I love comics, which got me reading in the first place. I still collect today although not as much as back in high school. I’ve started graphic novel collections in many of the libraries I’ve been in and helped with the development of collections for many Rockyview Schools. I like to ski which I suck at, I’ve broken bones… I also enjoy indoor and outdoor rock climbing, which I need to do more of. I also play too many video games which is probably why I haven’t been climbing in ages …. [Curse] you WoW.

Video games, eh? Do you feel there is a place in libraries for video games?

I’ve heard of them being set up in community rooms or meeting rooms, which is fun. It can be used as a way to get the library noticed. I’ve also read a few interesting articles about using World of Warcraft in literacy programs, that sort of thing is very library 2.0.1 to me. Using the software to create virtual libraries, on-line tours and training programs is exciting and something I think we’ll see more of in the future.


Because you work in such a female dominated career, does your hobby become your “guy thing?”

Absolutely!! Many dudes who work in libraries are also geeks like myself. (I’m taking back geek it’s OUR word now) So we hang out and talk movies, comics and games. Plus we have in depth conversations about who would win in a fight. Terminator vs. Robocop or Care Bears vs. Gummi Bears.

Does that hobby help with your career?

Yep the comics thing has been great. There is nothing better at getting low interest readers into reading. Graphic Novels are the gateway drug of reading, you start with Spider-man, end up reading League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and the next thing you know your reading Sherlock Holmes so you get some of the references.

I worked in a public library in Inuvik doing the Children’s and Young Adult Services. That’s really where I began advocating comics in libraries in a big way. I had more success getting Inuvialuit and Gwich'in youths reading with graphic novels than anything else. Our YA circs went from averaging 5-10 a month to 80-100. It wasn’t always kids taking out the Graphic Novels there either a lot of adults were reading them. Just by having people in the stacks looking at the Graphic Novels the rest of YA collection (the actual wordy books) increased in circs too. It was a wildly popular service. If Graphic Novels are the “gateway drug of reading” then what three graphic novels/comic books do you recommend as being the absolute must haves for any elementary school library?

First and foremost, the entire Bone series by Jeff Smith. Scholastic has republished the entire series now in color as part of their Graphix line. Bone is one of the best series I’ve ever read, it really is an ‘all-ages’ title. I found kids and adults alike to be amazed by the series. Scary Godmother by Jill Thomson is a great book for that age group. It’s a nice overcoming your fears story. Finally Yotsuba&! by Kiyohiko Azuma is a great Manga for kids. It’s another one that is equally good for adults. At the end of the day there are few things in this world that make me as happy as Yotsuba. If anyone is interested in more school appropriate graphic novels check out http://www.librarything.com/catalog/jgray1066 I’ve done a short review and what I thought the grade level was for each. Most are middle school books as that is where I found Graphic Novels to be the most use. Is this profession what you expected?

Mostly, turns out library techs are much better at Rock Band than I would have thought.

I wouldn’t say that’s true of all library techs, but I will take it as a personal compliment. Do you have any advice for men looking for a new career or men starting off in this field? i.e. would you recommend it to other men?

YES!! It is a great career and one that can be very rewarding. Work with kids they deserve our attention and our passion for reading (that really applies to all techs). I have never been happier than when discussing reading of any sort with my kids. Storytelling rocks, read to children any chance you get.


3535THTH Annual AALT Conference Annual AALT Conference

April 30th to May 3rd 2009

Delta Edmonton SouthDelta Edmonton South Edmonton, Alberta

ARE WE READY?ARE WE READY? It’s getting closer... It’s only a couple months to the start of AALT’s 35th Annual Conference, but it’s not only a conference, with workshops and vendors, it’s also a birthday party! It was thirty-five years ago, in 1974, that a small group of library technician program students in Calgary joined up with their counterparts in Edmonton to form the Alberta Association of Library Technicians.

The members of the Conference Committee are working hard to be ready for this year’s Conference. The speaker’s and sessions are arranged, the brochure has been sent out, but then there’s things like decorations, menus, sponsors and gifts and cake and... and... Are we allowed to panic now? The new Online Registration System is finally up and working so that people can register for the Conference online. Why is it, whenever you get a program that works, somebody feels the need to ‘improve’ it? Anyway, thanks to the Web Team (and Cynthia Beuselinck) for working hard to get it up and running.

1974 Richard Nixon signs a bill lowering the maximum US speed limit to 55 MPH in order to con-serve gasoline during an OPEC embargo.

... Now we know, all they have to do is raise gas prices and people learn how to conserve gas all on their own. (This doesn’t apply to politicians making speeches.)

1974 In Brighton, England, ABBA wins the nineteenth Eurovision Song Contest for Sweden singing "Waterloo".

...And they’re probably still hitting Number 1 in sales somewhere on the planet.


ARE YOU READY?ARE YOU READY? It’s getting closer... Yes, as members we have access to the great training programs of the Education Institute. Yes, going to CLA allows you to go to exotic locations like Vancouver and Ottawa, but there is nothing like learning with people who know what it’s like to spend hours cataloguing. Or swapping ‘most ‘duh’ worthy reference question’ stories with collegues who know exactly what you’re talking about. AALT’s Annual Conference is still the largest event devoted to the learning and social needs of Library Technicians.

Have you talked to your employer about attending the Conference as part of your continuous learning program? Prices may have gone up, but it’s still a cost-effective way of keeping staff up-to-date with the latest developments. Have you decided if you’re going to focus on technical and computer training, or maybe you’d like to know more on how to promote your library programs? You can concentrate on yourself and your needs, or there are the tours that let you sight-see and learn at the same time...

So many choices and so little time left to decide what to do. We’d all better get ready to...

Celebrate!Celebrate!

The Alberta Association of Library Technicians’ 35th Annual Conference

Watch for the brochure in the mail or on the website.

Check out our page on the AALT website at http://www.aalt.org/conference/index.html

1974 The first retail product (a pack of chewing gum) was sold using a barcode reader.

...They probably had to pick up the scanner and move it manually over the barcode, those poor, hard-working people. RFID is much better...?

1974 US President Richard Nixon announces his resignation and narrowly avoids impeachment for criminal misconduct.

...He claims that ‘he is not a crook’. By today’s standards of leadership, this would likely be true.


The thirty-fifth annual AALT conference is coming up. As a veteran conference attendee I have gone to quite a few of them and I am always surprised to learn something new every time. For first timers and even conference veterans, here are some strategies that I have come up with so you can get the most out of the conference. • Register as soon as possible as some sessions may have quotas. As well, book your accommodation. You can either share or room by yourself. I have done both and have meet some new people that way. I remember talking with two fellow delegates all night at a conference in Lethbridge. Amazing but true. If you room by yourself you can rest up because conferences are hectic. • In an article I read they mention bringing business cards to conference. Some of us have business cards supplied by our employer that we can bring. For those of you that do not, you can easily make some up. • Volunteer. This is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. No matter what you volunteer for, you will have helped make the conference a success and you will have fun doing it! • Paperwork. When you go to a conference you pick things up, at sessions you take notes, you meet people. Here are some suggestions:

ο Make sure you visit the exhibitors in the Vendor Showcase and pick up any items they are giving away.

ο organize your materials according to what you want to do with them. An example is if you

pick up a book catalog and there are books that you think your library or yourself would like to order, rip out the pages and then label them to show your boss or to remind yourself to buy it later.

ο Take notes and pick up any handouts in the sessions that you attend. ο Networking takes place and you will be meeting new people. This is where you can give

away your business card or get a business card from the person you are talking to. Make a note on the card so you can remember something about the person.

ο In all these situations it is good to have a notepad.

• Network. I enjoy this part of conference. You should make an effort to talk to someone you do not know. I am quite reserved but I have made an effort to sit with people I do not know at meals or to talk to my neighbor in a session, as well I visit exhibitors that I do not know about. Also go to sessions with speakers you have not heard before. Networking also involves getting reacquainted with people you have met at previous conferences.

CONFERENCE STRATEGIES By Lynda Shurko


• Be prepared. That’s my Girl Guide training talking. If you know that there are going to be speakers who have written books, you may want to read or skim something they have written before the conference. I am going to try this. If I read something that puzzles me I can write it in the notebook, so that if I get a chance to ask the writer a question either in the session or later on, I will be ready. • Clothing. The most important point is to be comfortable. Layering is a good idea as some rooms may be hot and some may be cold. There is usually a banquet and you may want to bring or wear something that is business formal depending on where the conference is located. This is true for those delegates who go home instead of staying at the conference facility. • Etiquette. If you are in a session and have a cell phone, please turn it off or put it on vibrate. It is embarrassing for the delegate and the speaker when a cell phone goes off during a session. Laptop users may want to leave their laptops in their rooms and enter information later. Session rooms are not usually set up with tables for putting laptops on. As well they get heavy after awhile. It is also distracting watching someone near you searching, etc. when you are trying to listen to the speaker. This is where the notebook comes in. As well you usually get handouts and you can make notes on them. We go to conference to learn new things and it is only polite to allow our fellow conference attendees the opportunity to hear the speaker without distractions such as talking, etc. • Join the association if you are not a member. This will be helpful as a good majority of the speakers allow the conference committee to post their presentations on the association’s website. These are usually posted in the members’ only section of the website. Also you get discount rates for conference. Hopefully some of these hints will help you make your first or thirty-fifth conference attendance an enjoyable, comfortable and educational experience. Lynda Shurko serves as secretary on the AALT Board of Directors and can be reached at [email protected].

The AALT Journal Submissions contest is going strong for another year! You’re invited to submit an article for publication in the next issue of the AALT Technician for a chance to win a FREE registration to the AALT Conference taking place April 29 – May 2nd 2009

at the Delta South in Edmonton. This year’s theme is “CELEBRATE”! Come help us celebrate AALT’s 35th Anniversary … visit old friends, make new friends, gain new knowledge … the deadline for submissions (and your last chance to enter the draw) is April 10th, 2009!

We look forward to hearing from you! Email articles to [email protected].

JOURNAL SUBMISSIONS CONTEST - LAST CHANCE TO ENTER!


AALT believes in professional development, which is why we have established two bursaries and a journal submissions contest. AALT Conference Bursary The intent of this bursary is to provide financial assistance to an AALT member who otherwise would not be able to attend the AALT annual conference. The individual must be an AALT personal member who has been unable to attend conference within the last five years. The application form is available at http://aalt.org/about/awards.html. Deadline is March 31. Value = $300 AALT Professional Development Bursary The intent of this bursary is to financially assist a graduate library technician or a student enrolled in either the Library Information Technology (LIT) or the Library Operations Assistant (LOA) Certificate of Achievement Distance Education programs in their professional development efforts. The individual must be an LIT or LOA distance education student or a graduate of a recognized library program, as well as an AALT member in good standing. The bursary itself must be used to reimburse an individual who has successfully completed a course that will either assist them in finishing their program of study or provide them with the skills or information necessary for their own professional development. The application form is available at http://aalt.org/about/awards.html. Deadline is March 31. Maximum value = $300. Journal Submissions Contest The intent of the submissions contest is to showcase library technicians and what better way to do that then by reading articles and news items written by library technicians. The free conference registration is just an added bonus! Each submission sent to the Journal Co-Editors and used in an issue of the AALT Technician, earns the submitter and entry into the draw for a FREE conference registration. Any person, library, or organization is eligible. Send those news items in to [email protected]. Deadline is April 10. Value = $375. Celebrate! AALT 2009 Conference will soon be here so why not take advantage of these free professional development opportunities and get those forms and news items in TODAY! For more information about the AALT bursaries, please contact AALT President, Marcia Holmes at [email protected].

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH AALT


A TRIBUTE TO AALT’S 35TH ANNIVERSARY

WHERE ARE THEY NOW...

Judy Thomas It was late in January 1975 while working as a Library Technician for the Alberta Department of Environment Library that I learned about a meeting to be held in Red Deer the next month. The intent of the gathering was twofold: to increase library technicians’ skills and knowledge and to help them form an association. Nita Cooke, President of the Library Association of Alberta and a strong supporter of the role technicians would be able to play in Alberta libraries, was the guest speaker. Although similar organizations had been formed in other provinces, in Alberta we were just getting our foot in the door. Many employers did not formally recognize our training and we often found ourselves fighting for acceptance in the library workplace as employees with specific education that enabled us to bring specific skill sets to our chosen profession. This meeting was exciting stuff! At last an opportunity to form an organization that would represent us, that would help us network with other library technicians in different types of libraries across Alberta and Canada and that would give us the opportunity to educate prospective employers about the role library technicians could assume in their libraries. The meeting was held in the basement of a Red Deer Hotel. The room was dimly lit and there was very little furniture – just a few chairs and a table. To make matters worse, the bathrooms for the tavern upstairs were next door to us, and guests who were imbibing freely seemed to frequently mistake our meeting room for the bathroom door. In any event, we came away from that conference with an association, one whose goal was to “clearly define the role of the library technician and make that definition widely known”, and an elected executive. I was installed as the first President and served two terms. During that first year there were many challenges, but three stand out. First, we had to get a constitution and bylaws drafted and accepted by the Province; second, we had to build a membership base (if I remember correctly, the first meeting was attended by about 25 people); and third, we felt that in order to realize the second goal we had to have a newsletter. With little money in the bank, the executive found itself finding new and inventive ways to get started. I belonged to another organization and had access to a gestetner (this was in the days before computers and personal printers and we simply could not afford to get a newsletter printed commercially) and I managed to ‘borrow’ a healthy supply of their paper. We used that to print the first year’s newsletter and I vividly recall the Edmonton-based executive circling round and round a table as we collated and stapled each issue. The constitution was worked on, and worked on, and worked on. It was submitted twice to the Government, the second time being the charm. We were now a formal association, namely the Alberta Association of Library Technicians. There were numerous speaking engagements, for example, the University of Alberta Library program and the SAIT and Grant MacEwan library technician programs, to introduce not only the Association, but also the role of library technicians. And there was the slow but steady build-up of members leading to a triumphant second convention, this one at the Hotel MacDonald, in proper meeting rooms, and with an attendance of about 100 people.


I have continued to work for the Government of Alberta in the same library (we’re now known as the Alberta Government Library – Great West Life Site) serving staff of Alberta Environment and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development for 35 years. My position for the last 25 years has been that of providing reference services to clients of the library (including not only government staff, but also university students and consultants). This year I intend to retire but I know that I will miss library work very much. It has been my chosen career (since my first volunteer job in the Peace River Public Library when I was 15 years old) and one that I have enjoyed to the fullest. Marilyn Segall My work with AALT includes serving as a vice president and on committees including conference and programming. This early volunteer work has been an excellent learning experience for volunteer work I have done with other community and professional societies. My employment positions include working in a one person library with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission library and the Library Information Centre of Esso Resources Canada Limited. I am currently working in an adult mental health program with Alberta Health Services in an admin. capacity and my responsibilities include running a small library. We also toured Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt just after it opened in 2002 and wrote 2 articles about it in library journals. I am so pleased one of our conference keynote speakers is involved with libraries in Africa. I have also been to southern Africa, know how expensive books are, am aware of the needs and know how keen the Africans are for knowledge and education. I am looking forward to returning to Africa and doing more volunteer work there. My sister in law has also worked in Africa, knows the needs and is currently there on an assignment. I am pleased to be part of the 35th anniversary of AALT. We have seen changes in the field and our profession but know we remain very important knowledge professionals in a dynamic and important field. If you have been enjoying these reflections of the past, the AALT Anniversary Committee would like to encourage you to send us your AALT memories, stories, photos, and updates on your whereabouts and activities. Everyone has a story to tell, and we want to hear yours! Drop us a line at [email protected].

Celebrate! 35 years of AALT!

Join us on the evening of Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Delta Edmonton South as we Celebrate! 35 years of AALT. Banquet tickets will be available online at

www.aalt.org/conference on March 2, 2009. If you have any questions, please contact the AALT Anniversary Committee at [email protected].


The annual library technology conference, Netspeed, took place at the downtown Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe Hotel October 22 – 24, 2008 in Edmonton Alberta. The 3 day event featured a variety of sessions and speakers intent on educating attendees of current and emerging technologies and their uses. The conference began with several pre-conference workshops at various locations throughout the downtown core. Topics included TAL Database Training, Digitization, and an Information Literacy Toolkit. The main kickoff however was by David Chalke, Entrepreneur and Technology Forecaster, with his plenary address entitled Big Bang 2: This Time it’s Digital in which he explored the new word for fear: technology. Day 2 of the conference opened with an address by Dr. Larry McKeown, Senior Researcher, Science, Innovation and Electronic Information Division, Statistics Canada, on the 2007 Canadian Internet Use Survey Overview: Key Findings and Focus on Alberta. Dr. McKeown treated us to some very informative statistics regarding internet use in Alberta and how it compares to other provinces throughout Canada. You can visit www.statcan.ca for more information.

Following the plenary address everyone headed off to their respective sessions. I learned about the problem of ensuring long-term access to information that is unstable using LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keeps Stuff Safe), before enjoying a quick coffee break, followed by a session about the practical application of Open Source software.

We all enjoyed lunch in the Crowne Plaza ballroom where we caught up with old friends (and made some new ones), before heading off to our final session of the day where I discovered what issues to consider when it comes to online preservation of scholarly materials.

NETSPEED 2008: EXPLORING NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN A HIGHLY CONNECTED WORLD By Rea Gosine

(l to r) Stacey Bissell (Programs Assistant, The Alberta Library), Thursday morning keynote Dr. Larry McKeown and Christina Wilson (Director of the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library)

Marc Pillon of the Windsor Public Library: his presentation was entitled Open Source: Helping Libraries Move Forward


On the last day of the 2008 conference, the final Plenary address was given by Ben Hyman, Manager, Policy and Technology, Public Library Services Branch, Ministry of Education, British Columbia. The topic of his address was Evergreen in BC Libraries: The SITKA Story where he outlined how Evergreen open source ILS software came to be used in BC Libraries. Visit www.evergreen-ils.org for information about Evergreen and sitka.bclibraries.ca for the SITKA (Service for Information Transfer Knowledge + Access) website. The final collection of sessions lasted the rest of the morning before we all met

again for the final luncheon and some words from the TAL organizers. Throughout the conference we had ample opportunity to network and visit with the vendors who had set up temporary shop in the hotel’s hallway. Thank you to everyone at The Alberta Library for their hard work in presenting a great conference for all to enjoy!

Presentations from the 2008 conference are available at: http://www.thealbertalibrary.ab.ca/netspeed/Netspeed_2008_Proceedings.htm.

(l to r) Caitlin McElhone and Lisa Pasin from ComLinks Events & Marketing

Catching up with old friends - 3 members of MacEwan’s 2007 graduating class! (l to r) Joanne Shum (SAIT Library Technician), Marilyn Doyle (Library Techni-cian at the Legal Resource Centre and 2009 AALT Conference Co-chair), Rea Gosine (Database Co-ordinator for CEA and AALT Journal Committee member).


I t has been nearly 25 years since Policy, Guidelines, Procedures and Standards for School Libraries in Alberta was produced. This document, published in October 1984, was the last policy written for Alberta School Libraries by Alberta Education.

In the mid-to-late 1980s, Alberta Education divested the responsibility for school libraries down to the district level with drastic results. Many school libraries are now chronically under funded and understaffed and are inadequate to meet the needs of the students and staff they serve. In the years since 1984, there have been studies done both at a national and a provincial level linking higher levels of school achievement and literacy to a well funded and well staffed school library. In 2003, The Canadian School Library Association/Association for Teacher Librarianship in Canada (now known as the Canadian Association for School Libraries or CASL) published Achieving Information Literacy. AIL also sets out standards for staffing, funding, collection development and facilities in school libraries. Alberta School Library Advisory Committee Under the auspices of Alberta Education, the Alberta School Library Advisory Committee was formed in the latter part of 2008. This external advisory committee consisting of various stakeholders in Alberta libraries is to advise Judith Sykes, in the development of a new standard for school libraries in Alberta. In addition to AALT, the committee is comprised of one representative of each of the following groups:

• University of Alberta , Faculty of Education • Medicine Hat School District No.76 • Elk Island Public Schools Regional Division No. 14 • College of Alberta School Superintendents • Alberta School Library Council (Alberta Teachers’ Association) • Educational Technology Council (Alberta Teachers’ Association) • Association of School Business Officials of Alberta • Alberta Regional Libraries (Yellowhead Regional Library system) • University of Calgary Libraries • Alberta School Councils Association • Alberta Library Trustees Association

In addition to this external committee, there is an internal (inter-branch) committee comprised of representatives of the Municipal Library Services Branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs, the On Line Reference Centre, and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology as well as Alberta Education.

ALBERTA SCHOOL LIBRARIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

By Carol Fowler


Committee Mandate: The mandate of the Committee is :

• To advise Alberta Education and school library resource manager, Judith Sykes on Achieving Information Literacy: Standards for School Library Programs in Canada and other pertinent documents or issues related to the revision of Alberta Education’s Policy, Guidelines, Procedures and Standards for School Libraries in Alberta (1984).

• To advise Alberta Education and the school library resource manager on issues

pertaining to an implementation plan with funding model and accountability procedures for a revised Alberta Education’s Policy, Guidelines, Procedures and Standards for School Libraries in Alberta

• To advise Alberta Education and the school library resource manager on the review

and development of a support document for the standards • To advise Alberta Education and the school library resource manager on the

exploration of opportunities for school libraries to collaborate with public and academic libraries to examine how we can best impact student learning

• To communicate findings and progress of the school library initiative with respective

organization, jurisdiction or department counterparts on an ongoing basis to build awareness of the work and its potential impact on Alberta’s learning environments, as well as to share feedback and input from counterparts/colleagues back to Alberta Education.”

The first meeting of the Committee took place November 26th in Edmonton. Key points include: A shared vision: A focus on student learning success (student centred model) ; student diversity and an all new curriculum focused on inquiry Technology: Funding for technology (laptops, SmartBoards) but teachers are lacking information skills, teacher librarian duties largely focused on technology, partnerships with distributed learning Literacy: Information literacy , importance of literature (books) was raised by several participants Library Place and Space: The Library space is to be considered but the library program to be the focus, students need a ‘place which is safe in both physically and virtually’. Information literacy education: ο U of A offering a revised teacher librarian program focusing on the teacher librarian role (with

the emphasis on the teacher librarian as a change agent) in the area of resources, technology, literacy and inquiry. This is at the M. Ed. Level

ο Concern about the lack of students from Alberta and whether there will be jobs. ο Need for literacy courses in pre-service teachers enrolled in B. Ed. Programs ο Practicing teachers needing information literacy support as many teachers struggle with

implementing the new inquiry based curriculum and are unaware of resources ο Need for support from principals and administrators


Library Staffing: ο Shared school libraries (ie. School libraries which also are used as community libraries) ο Teachers and (teacher) librarians working as a team ο Defining the roles of various library staff (teacher librarian, library technician, librarian) ο Library technicians often expected to teacher librarian work Policy: ο Use the term” resources” not “collections” ο Initial focus on guiding principals ο This initiative needs to be action oriented, final document not to be a “shelf sitter”

Accountability: ο Include accountability or responsibility in the school plan (another task added to the school

plan?) Parental councils advising on school plan, do analysis of the reality of school libraries in the province

ο Many members of the committee dealing with the reality of school libraries far below standard

ο Funding for school libraries? Who? How? ο Can we look at school libraries the way school technology is looked at (taking away the financial

responsibility away from the principals as in ICT initiatives?) Community: ο How do we engage and involve parents? What about ESL parents? Library and Literacy

Champions such as Lois Hole? Here are the issues we see them: 1. Standards: Many school libraries currently fail to meet the national standards developed under Achieving Information Literacy: Standards for School Library Programs in Canada as developed in 2003 by the Canadian School Library Association and the Association for Teacher Librarianship in Canada. The standards reflect the areas of school library/technology collections in all formats; programs collaboratively planned within flexible scheduling, and qualified staffing in servicing the information literacy and reading needs of students. 2. Qualified staffing: There is a serious statistical decline of qualified teacher-librarians in Alberta school libraries. In 1998, there were 252 teacher-librarians working half-time or more, compared to 550 in 1978. By 2007, there were only 21 teacher-librarians in the entire province. Does the same hold true for qualified library technicians (i.e. technicians with education from an accredited library technician program) working in Alberta School libraries? 3. Funding: In the 1980s , Alberta Education divested responsibility for school libraries to school boards and has not had anyone responsible for school libraries or updated policy and standards for school libraries since then. With school based budgeting, many libraries have suffered as a consequence and many libraries are below standard both in terms of collections and staffing. (Funding for the school library is seen as a lower priority for many principals. ) How should school libraries should be funded in Alberta? Should Alberta Education divest school boards from the responsibility of funding school libraries and create a more level playing field? School and Public Library Integration. The second half of the meeting dealt with School and Public Library integration . The committee unanimously agreed to the term “integration “ rather than “collaboration”. Discussion was centered around a draft report by the School Resource Manager which is not available for release outside of the committee at this time.


Highlights from the discussions: Discussion that all libraries in the province share common goals:

• Education • Literacy • Lifelong learning • Student/youth success • Library use

Discussion of the unique mandates of School and public libraries School Libraries: Kindergarten to Grade 12 programs of study and formal instruction; information literacy (real-time and virtual research skills, literature and reading in all formats). Public Library: Broad public focus (providing free access to collections, resources and services) to patrons of all ages to obtain information relating to their personal, educational and professional needs ( i.e. self-defined pursuit of knowledge). Current Challenges Facing School and Public Libraries: With many school libraries not meeting national standards around collections, programs, and staffing to provide for the information literacy and reading needs of students and the serious decline in the number of teacher librarians in the province, there has been increased pressure on public libraries to address the needs of students. The dependency of home schooling programs on the public library ‘s collection of resources, and collections . The Advantages of Collaboration between School and Public Libraries

• Combining mutual strengths : providing information literacy instruction and information services, expanding networks, cost/resource sharing

• When library education and services are provided in areas where they are badly

needed

• When the level of service will be at least equal to, or better than, two separate entities and; “When two equal partners solve common community problems together, for example, an outcome-based joint family literacy initiative.” (Ken Haycock)

The Challenges of Collaboration between School and Public Libraries

ο “Program of Study” and student achievement: few studies report significant educational achievement or learning focus unless the collaboration involved a teacher-librarian

ο Division of responsibilities: entering partnerships or collaborations and not having a

cooperatively developed written agreement dealing with ο Communication ο Staffing ο Collection development, facilities design and planning

The next meeting of the Advisory Committee is scheduled for March 18 in Edmonton. If you have any questions about the Committee, or issues or concerns about school libraries in Alberta that you would like to bring to the attention of the Advisory Committee please email me at [email protected]. Carol Fowler is the current Marketing Director for the Alberta Association of Library Technicians, Chair of the AALT School Library Committee, and the AALT representative on the Alberta School Libraries Advisory Committee.


There are some dire warnings out there about job security and the economy. Whether you’re looking for a new job, looking to keep your old job, or just looking to keep your options open, a useful skill is to network. The association I work for recently held a workshop called “How to Network at Social Gatherings & Conferences”. The workshop was for our Young Professionals Group (YPG), to encourage them as they start to attend more client receptions and events where they need to be visible and represent their firm. We asked some individuals in our association and experienced in the subject to talk for 10-15 minutes on different aspects of the social skill known as networking. Here’s what I learned: The Importance of Preparation and Planning:

• Set yourself some goals beforehand; if you are at a function, try and make 5 different acquaintances – you’re doing well if you accomplish this.

• Always have business cards available and readily accessible. Don’t go fumbling in your purse or wallet for them. It just makes you look unorganized.

• Put them in your pocket so all you have to do is grab one. No pockets? If you have long sleeves, my co-worker likes to tuck a few cards under her left cuff just in case.

• Make up business cards if you don’t have any. They’re inexpensive and a necessity for people to remember you afterwards.

• Carry a pen. • Dress professionally. • Determine who you would like to meet beforehand. Ask the organizers for a list of attendees

so you can see who will be there. Our office gets requests for attendance lists to our events quite often.

• Make sure you get your new acquaintances’ card as well, if they’ve forgotten theirs; write their info on the other side of one of your cards.

• Write some information about the person (out of their sight), on the back of their card. i.e. Red shirt, purple glasses. This serves as a reminder when you’re looking at a stack of cards on your desk the next day and no clue as to what memory goes with which card.

How to Get into a Group of People and to Extricate Yourself From a Group, Plus Other Great Tips:

• Work on the art of hovering. Choose what group you would like to join and stand on the edge of it, hopefully someone will notice and smile in your general direction, giving you the opportunity to introduce yourself. Granted, this only works if someone in the group is paying attention to their surroundings, so you may have to be a little more direct.

• Wait for a break in the conversation, apologize for the intrusion and introduce yourself. Just say you wanted to join their group for a short while.

• The great escape - There are a couple ways to do this, the first is to wait for opening, smile and shake the person’s hand again, and simply say there are a few more people you wanted to meet. That’s it! You’re not there to become someone’s best friend in the span of one evening, you’re there to network. Remember that goal you set? You can’t meet said goal if you’re stuck to one person all night.

NETWORKING: PART 1- BUILDING YOUR CONNECTIONS By Rea Gosine


• The human sacrifice … grab an associate of yours and introduce them to your newly met acquaintance. Then leave. Really. I’ve never actually tried this, but I’m told it works every time. Sometimes a little too well, my boss tells the story of how she taught that move to a group of people and when she met up with them at a mixer, they used her as a human sacrifice and left her stuck talking to someone she didn’t want to be talking to.

• The point of networking is to do something for someone else. It’s not ‘what you can do for me’, but ‘what can I do for you’.

• Follow-up. Very important because most people don’t do it. Just send a quick email the next business day reminding them who you are and how glad you were to meet them. If you promised to do something, make sure you follow through. Send that report they asked for or maybe send them something short and to the point you think they might like.

How to Network at Social Gatherings and Conferences

• Networking is a two way business. If you’re not getting any help from your chosen target – move on.

• Wear a name tag. Consider investing in a magnetic one, it’s easier to put on and less damaging to your clothes.

• Wear your name tag on your right side. This allows the other person to read your name tag while they are shaking your hand.

• Shake hands firmly. • Remember the other people there are likely just as nervous as you are. • SMILE. • Body language is very important. Don’t stand around with your arms crossed. It may be a

reflex for you because you feel self-conscious. To those around you it screams ‘unapproachable’.

• Pay attention to group body language, it will let you know when the appropriate time to enter a group is.

• Don’t invade someone’s personal space. Be respectful. Ask questions about them. As part of your preparation for the evening, pick up a newspaper. Read some headlines so you can make conversation. Your conversations for the evening don’t have to be exclusively about work.

There are many other tips and tricks out there for networking. This is just a quick recap of what I learned at the workshop. I have since tried out some of these tips and they work pretty well, (though I do need to work on my hovering skills). Networking takes practice. The next event you attend, do some planning ahead of time, set yourself a goal … and relax. Make sure you have fun and enjoy yourself. Look for Part 2 of this article in the Spring issue of the AALT Technician!

Rea Gosine is a Grant MacEwan graduate and a member of the AALT Journal Committee. She works at the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (CEA) as their Database Co-ordinator and Special Projects person.


The Living Library initiative is about creating a culture of understanding through a community program that provides Calgarians with the opportunity to learn about different social identities and to share their experiences with social identity. Program components: “Living books” will be people who are comfortable sharing information and experiences about their culture, social identity, etc in one-on-one conversations. They will be identified by Library staff and community partners (CCCED and the University of Calgary Library) and interviewed before inclusion as a resource for the program; they will receive a training session on the purpose of the program, their roles as a “living book” and their rights in terms of removing themselves from uncomfortable situations. Participants will be able to visit the library, browse a catalog of “living books” and borrow a “living book” for 30 minutes to learn about different social identities. Library staff will give a brief orientation to the program to all participants prior to their conversations with the “living books”. Interactions between “living books” and program participants will be open, but program coordinators will supply possible questions and conversation topics to assist participants in starting the conversation flow. Calgary Public Library will be holding a “Living Library” program on Saturday, March 21, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5 locations:

• Central Library • Country Hills Library • Crowfoot Library • Fish Creek Library • Signal Hill Library

Some of the "Living books" that we are currently searching for (some are based on surveys conducted @ 5 CPL locations)

• An Aboriginal Educator • Lost "boy or girl" from Sudan • Refugee from Ethiopia or Somalia • Writer in Exile • Veteran (maybe an Aboriginal Veteran) • Immigrant Senior • Working Poor • Tibetan refugee • Muslim woman (who wears a hijab) • Gay or Lesbian person (including G and L person of colour) • Buddhist • New Immigrant • African and or Caribbean youth • Person with homeless experience

THE LIVING LIBRARY (taken from the Jerome list-serv February 5, 2009)


• Immigrant Professional (male or female)

• Vegan or Vegetarian (choice or cultural)

• Cultural artist or performer • Police Officer • Human Rights activist • Aids activist • Jewish rabbi • Muslim Imam • Environmentalist • Social Justice activist

AALT offers the opportunity to: • discover leadership skills, a positive attribute that employers like to see • continue adding to a network of invaluable contacts • develop organizational and planning skills • expand team building skills • train on and implement new computer software particularly for the Web Team and the Journal • learn marketing techniques and strategies • discover and hone creative abilities, and writing and presentation skills • understand and appreciate the key role that library technicians play in the library, information,

and records management fields. All these opportunities are found through participation on the AALT Board of Directors! Take the chance, step out of your comfort zone, and seize this opportunity to learn, grow, and de-velop lifelong skills and network connections that will positively impact your personal and profes-sional life. Put your name forward to run for a position on the AALT Board of Directors and let the journey of self discovery begin! For more information contact Marcia Holmes at [email protected].

AALT, more than just an acronym, it’s an opportunity!

AALT = OPPORTUNITY

• Journalist (who has worked on global issues and traveled)

• Aboriginal youth • Sikh (senior, youth) • Afghani woman • Iranian woman • Member of the Bahai faith • South African (who has lived under

apartheid) • Someone from Nepal • Cultural Film maker

Please respond ASAP if you are interested in finding out more or volunteering to become a Living Book, please e-mail [email protected] or phone the Calgary Public Library’s Diversity Services department at 403-260-2703.


Office 2007: Did anyone else have problems using the office 2007 software for the first time? Despite the fact that I now love the new software – I will admit both my roommate and I almost cried when trying to use Word 2007 for the first time. It’s entirely too embarrassing for me to admit how long it took to find the save button and I like to think I’m pretty good when it comes to computers and technology. Thankfully all shortcuts remained the same so I could at least get by. For everyone out there nervous about switching over, or if you’ve done the switch and just want some pointers, Microsoft has some handy interactive pages that show just where your favourite features have moved to in the new system. Simply point your mouse at a command in 2003 and it will tell you where that command is now located in the 2007 interface. Word http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA100744321033.aspx?pid=CH100487431033 PowerPoint http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/HA101490761033.aspx?pid=CH100668131033 Excel http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/HA101491511033.aspx?pid=CH100648241033 Access http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/access/HA102388991033.aspx?pid=CH100621861033 Outlook http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/HA102221621033.aspx?pid=CH100622221033

TECH TIPS & TRICKS By Rea Gosine

There’s a new way to search Google. It doesn’t involve downloading any applications or having to bookmark a particular site. Type http://gog.is/ into your address bar and add your search term at the end. For example: http://gog.is/aalt. If you want to add more than one search term separate the words by commas, or a + sign. So if you’re looking for the AALT Conference you would enter: http://gog.is/aalt+conference. All of this comes courtesy of a site created by a gentleman with the screen name of Mr. Calzone - here’s his site for more information: http://gogglis.appspot.com/. The next time you need to send someone a search, this makes it incredibly easy. And very useful if you don’t have a search engine box at the top of your browser.


Hello fellow AALT members! AALT is now calling for agenda items for the upcoming 2009 AGM on May 2, 2009. As you are aware, the purpose of the meeting is to help voting members stay informed and become involved, by discussing and voting on issues pertaining to the previous year’s activities, bylaws, resolutions, reports, etc., as well as any new business, and to elect the new Board of Directors. This is your chance to have your voice heard! If you have an issue, concern, suggestion or question, please contact Marcia Holmes at [email protected]. Our Bylaws are available for you to review on the AALT website at http://www.aalt.org/governance/documents/BylawsRev.pdf. To help facilitate the meeting process, I have put together an information sheet with some guidelines which is available on the Conference web page. Here is an excerpt from that information sheet: Guidelines:

• Robert’s Rules of Order is the set of rules used to guide/conduct the meeting so that it is fair and orderly.

• Microphones will be available and should be used by anyone addressing the Chair, a specific

Board Director, or the floor. • Please identify yourself using your full name and state whether you wish to make a statement

or ask a question. • Questions may be addressed to the Chair or a specific Board Director. • The Chair may defer a question to a specific Board Director. • Please be brief so others may have the opportunity to participate. • Please refrain from personal attacks and inappropriate language. • Motions are made by filling out the motion forms distributed to each table. Always state a

motion affirmatively, beginning with “I move that…” Once you have made a motion, the runner will bring it to the Chair who will read it and then call for a second. If no one seconds the motion, it is lost. If there is a second, then the floor is allowed to either debate or vote on your motion. This is the time where the mover can expand and explain his reasons behind the motion. The mover always speaks first. All comments and debate must be directed to the Chair. Once all discussion is finished, a vote is taken.

• Voting is done by holding up the red cards distributed to each table. • Everyone is welcome to attend the AGM, but only personal members are eligible to vote.

CALL FOR AGM AGENDA ITEMS

Celebrate… AALT 2009 AGM & Lunch Saturday May 2, 2009 - 12:00 to 2:30 pm

Delta Edmonton South, Edmonton, Alberta


As this is an anniversary year at AALT, we at the Journal thought it would be fitting to publish an article from the past. For this issue, I’ve chosen a look at how library technician’s handled the new and frightening phenomenon of computers. The first part of the article is the schedule for AALT’s Workshop on Computers & Libraries. With session titles like “What is a computer and why is it doing those things to me?” and “Will it every replace me/or can I avoid getting a job where computers are involved?” one has to wonder how scary those early computers were and what they actually did. The second part is a review from people who attended the workshop. My favourite part is when the phone connection was down during one of tours so they couldn’t actually see the system in action. It goes to show you that no matter how things change, the more they stay the same.

1976 COMPUTER MYSTERY BANISHED BY AALT WORKSHOP By Heather Kolesar


Past issues of the AALT Technician are kept in the AALT archives. For a reprint of an article, contact the AALT Secre-tary at [email protected] .

The schedule for the workshop on computers is from Vol. 2, No.1, September 1976 and the review is from Vol. 2, No. 2, December 1976.

Alberta Association of Library Technicians Technicians and Technology : Partners in Information

P.O. Box 700, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2L4 Toll Free: 1-866-350-AALT (2258)

Web Address: www.aalt.org

AALT Membership Form January 1 to December 31, 2009

Please fill in all information, but use the box provided in front of each item to indicate your agreement to have that item published in the AALT Membership Directory. Mark the box [X] if you are willing to have it published, leave the box blank if you are not. NEW MEMBERSHIP: _____________ RENEWAL: _____________ Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________ [ ] Street Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________ Province: ________ Postal Code: ________________________ [ ] Home Phone: ___________________________________ [ ]Email: ________________________________________________ (This address will be used for Journal delivery) Employer Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ [ ]Employer Address:__________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________ Province: ______ Postal Code: ____________________________ [ ] Business Phone: ______________________________ [ ] Fax Number: ____________________________

*Note: All current members will be listed in the directory by name and (if no other address information has been agreed to) by business affiliation and/or city & province/country. If you do not wish even this minimal listing, please mark the box below.

[ ] I do not wish to have my name listed in the membership directory. We are moving to electronic delivery of the AALT Technician. If you are absolutely unable to receive an electronic copy, we will send out a paper copy. Do you require a paper copy ___ yes ____ no


34

Membership type:

Personal $40.00 _______ Graduates of a recognized library and information technology program from an accredited post-secondary institution or Small Library Operation Certificate Holders (Rural Library Training Graduates). Personal members have the right to vote, hold office, and serve on committees.

Student $20.00 _______ Student of a recognized library and information technology program from an accredited post-secondary institution or Small Library Operation Certificate Holders (Rural Library Training Graduates). Student members have the right to vote, hold office, and serve on committees.

Associate $40.00 _______ Persons who do not qualify as personal members but who have an interest in library technology or information management and in the Alberta Association of Library Technicians (AALT). Associate members have the right to serve on committees. May not vote or hold office.

Institutional $55.00 _______ Libraries or persons who employ or who have an interest in library technicians. Institutional members have the right to serve on committees, and appoint an individual to have all other rights of an associate member. May not vote or hold office.

Affiliate $35.00 _______ Affiliate members are library or records management related organizations who have a professional interest in library technology or information management or the Alberta Association of Library Technicians (AALT). Where a reciprocal agreement exists a designated representative may vote but not hold office.

Type of Library:

School: Elementary: ______ Jr. High/Middle School: _______ Sr. High: _________

Elementary/Jr. High_______ Jr. High/Sr. High_______ K-12_________

Special: Law: ____ Corporate: _____ Government: _____ Medical: _____

Non-profit: _________ Other: _______________

Other Library Types: Academic: _____ Public: _____ Regional Library System:_________

Other: Records Management: _____ Archives: _____ Alternative Career: ______ Student: ______

Non-Library Environment: _____ Not Currently Employed: _______ Graduate of : _____________________________________________Year: _______________________

Currently a student of: _________________________________________________________________

Would you be interested in running for a Board position? _______________________________

Could you please tell us which union you belong to, if any? __________________________________ Please make your cheque payable to AALT and mail the payment with your completed membership form to:

Alberta Association of Library Technicians

PO Box 700 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2L4

*AALT is an unregistered supplier under section 148 of the GST Act. Membership fees are GST exempt. +For complete explanations of membership rights please consult the Bylaws.

AALT respects and is committed to protecting the privacy of members. The information on this form will be input into the AALT Online Registration System. Some of the third party online services used by AALT store personal information in their databases. These third party services have their own privacy policies that may differ from AALT's Privacy Policy. The AALT Online Registration System (ORS) is covered under a specific agreement between AALT and Count Me In (CMI), the ORS service provider, which includes obligations by the service provider to protect the privacy of personal information entered into that system. Personal information collected will not be used for any purpose other than by AALT or otherwise required by law. The information is not to be accessed or used by CMI for any purpose other than to maintain the functionality of the ORS system. The Privacy Policy of CMI is located at https://www.cmiregistration.com/user/about/privacy.jxp?org=271.



CLA LIBRARY TECHNICIAN INTEREST GROUP (LTIG) Karen Hildebrandt, Convenor

This year’s CLA Conference is from May 30 – June 1 in Montreal. Preconference sessions will take place on Friday, May 29. The CLA LTIG conference tradition continues with the CLA LTIG NETWORKING SUPPER SOCIAL which will take place on Saturday, May 30 from 6 – 8:30 PM at Les Trois Brasseurs. http://www.les3brasseurs.ca/eng/st_paul.php. This is an opportunity for library technicians from across Canada to get together for an enjoyable evening of food, beverage and laughter. It’s an opportunity for networking, meeting up with old friends and making new ones. Anyone wishing to attend should RSVP Karen Hildebrandt at [email protected] by May 10th to reserve their spot. Last year we had a record number attend (over 30). LTIG is also helping to coordinate the LIT program chairs/coordinators meeting at the CLA conference. If you can’t attend the CLA conference, please try and attend your provincial or local conferences. Not only do they provide great professional development opportunities but also great networking opportunities. Best wishes to you all from CLA LTIG.

… Karen

(Excerpt from a posting on the LTAIG-List February 16, 2009) Congratulations to Debbie Basey who has agreed to be the new convenor of the Library Technicians and Assistants Interest Group (LTAIG) in British Columbia. Debbie is a graduate of the LIBIT program at UFV, is enrolled in the Master of Distance Education program of Athabasca University, and is currently employed by the RCMP at the Pacific Region Training Centre as a Strategic Planner. She notes in that: "Although, I am not currently employed within the library field, my passion for the discipline has never diminished. I am hopeful that my participation within your organization can be of benefit both to myself and the organization." Debbie can be reached at ([email protected]). From all of us at AALT, welcome Debbie. We are looking forward to working with you!

LTAIG UP AND RUNNING ONCE MORE

CROSS CANADA UPDATE

2009 AALT MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

RENEW TODAY AT WWW.AALT.ORG AND CLICK ON MEMBERSHIP

[email protected]


The Alberta Association of Library Technicians (AALT) is an organization dedicated to fostering and enhancing the professional image of Library Technicians through information, education, promotion and support.

AALT is a non-profit organization with an energetic, dynamic and dedicated membership governed by an annually elected Board of Directors.

AALT strives to:

• Address the ongoing professional development needs of the membership • Ensure that a high standard of progressive, timely and appropriate education continues to be

offered in the library information programs • Promote accurate information on the qualifications and capabilities of library and information

technicians • Interact with other associations within the library and information field • Provide networking opportunities within an educational framework • Maintain liaisons with various organizations to support Library Technicians

AALT provides an avenue for professional and personal development, interaction and communication through:

• the annual Spring conference • regional professional development and social events • volunteer opportunities on committees • serving on the Board of Directors • the AALT Technician journal • the Membership Directory • discussion forums and chats • Online job board

AALT: MISSION & PURPOSE

Do you know a library technician who has shown initiative, dedication and does an amazing job promoting learning, literacy, libraries, library technicians, or any other aspect of the library, information and records management fields? How about your employer, instructor, board member or library colleague who is an advocate of library technicians? Why not take this opportunity to recognize this individual by nominating him or her for one of the AALT awards!

For more information regarding the AALT Awards Program, visit our website at www.aalt.org or contact the Chair of the AALT Awards Committee at

[email protected].

Nominations deadline is March 31, 2009.

AALT 2009 AWARDS PROGRAM NOW OPEN


November 22, 2008

• Two Board Policies were amended. They were the Donation Policy and the Decisions between Board Meetings Policy.

• The Board is working hard on revamping the AALT Brochures. • The AALT business cards will be printed shortly. • The Board now has a voice on the Alberta Government School Library Committee.

Carol Fowler, Marketing Director will be the liaison on this committee. Carol is also the AALT School Library Committee Board liaison.

• The Board received correspondence from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Both provinces held successful conferences.

• We also received word that Michael Kusugak was awarded the Vicky Metcalf Award for Children’s Literature at the Writer’s Trust Awards on November 17, 2008. Michael’s book “The Littlest Sled Dog” was officially launched in Red Deer on November 1, 2008. Michael was our Keynote Speaker at the 2008 AALT Conference held in Red Deer.

January 24, 2009

• The Board discussed the new Online Registration System. If you have any comments please contact any Board member.

• The Board received word from the CLA Library Interest Group convener Karen Hildebrandt regarding the next Canadian Library Association Conference. It will be May 30 to June 1 2009 in Montreal. The CLA LTIG Networking Supper Social is May 30 from 6 to 8:30 at Les Trois Brassuers.

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

by Lynda Shurko, AALT Secretary

2008 - 2009 AALT Board of Directors

Back row (l-r): Laural Grimes, Marcia

Holmes, Laura Somerville, Tora Volkers, Marilyn Doyle, Marcia Wong

Middle row (l-r): Jacqueline Kodakin,

Marnie McFarland, Dianne Guidera, Lynda Shurko, Lisa Bui

Front (l-r): Heather Kolesar, Carol Fowler

(Missing SAIT Student Reps: Janine Petty

and Janell Bauer)

This could

be you!

AALT BUSINESS REVIEW

AALT Technician Winter 2009 38

• Thanks to Board Appointee Dianne Guidera’s hard work and diligence, AALT has finally received the Conference Grant that has been in process for two years. The grant money has been deposited into the General Account and the Board will be discussing what to do with this money. Suggestions so far, have been putting it into a GIC and hiring an executive assistant to assist in organizing the association.

• Membership Director Laura Somerville, has been busy with training on the new online

registration system. She has also begun working again on an electronic welcome letter and membership card. This project had been put off because of the ORS migration. She expects she will be quite busy processing memberships for the next few months.

• President Marcia Holmes, has been busy with writing blurbs and articles for the upcoming journal and the 2009 conference web page.

• Treasurer Marcia Wong is presently working on the 2008 audit. She is also still working on the Board Budget. A final draft should be expected soon.

• Secretary Lynda Shurko has continued working on scanning the AGM items to disc and has begun to reorganize files in the storage unit. She is also updating the Secretary’s procedure manual and sections of the Handbook.Account Balances

Administration Group - Marcia Holmes

General 33,276.60

Membership 1,036.00

Marketing 1,914.57

Secretary 76.00

Conference 5,303.00

Total 41,606.17

Account Balances - Jan 23, 2009

The Communications Group had undergone some major changes lately, but that hasn’t stopped us from working hard to continue to communicate with our members! • The Web Team has been busy getting the conference website and the new ORS set up. We are

expecting it to be up and running soon. • The Journal has been working on a new look for the Winter Issue, one that will look great both in

paper and online format. • New brochures are still in the works. Preliminary drafts look professional and engaging. As always, we want to hear from you. If you have any feedback or ideas, please contact Carol Fowler at [email protected].

Communications Group - Heather Kolesar


T he AALT School Library Committee has been very busy. In November 2008, I became AALT’s representative on the Alberta Education School Library Advisory Committee whose mandate is to advise Judith Sykes, Alberta Education’s School Resource Manager in

formulating new provincial school library guidelines and policies. The first meeting of this committee was November 26th. Shortly after, members of the School Library Committee were sent the first draft of a “guiding principles“ document and a transcription of a PowerPoint presentation and meeting notes provided by the School Resource Manager for feedback and comments. Through several emails between committee members and a meeting online in the AALT Member’s Only Chat room, the Committee made the following recommendations which have been passed on to the Alberta School Library Advisory Committee in response to the presentation put forth at the November 26th meeting: 1. The term “Library Manager” be added to the Library Team (in addition to teacher librarian, librarian , library technician, library assistant/clerk, Instructional Computer Technology technician). In essence a library manager would be an experienced library technician (for example 5 years on the job) who is fulfilling the role of a teacher librarian, who is QUALIFIED to run a library, and who would be paid above the library technician wage scale in commensurate to the duties and responsibilities of the position. 2. Classroom teachers should, in situations where there is no teacher librarian, teach library skills and integrate them into the classroom using library technicians as a resource. 3. Positions in school libraries are hard to fill with library technician grads especially in smaller and rural school libraries. Possible causes: low salaries, few benefits, low staffing levels in school in school libraries causing burnout and high stress levels, requirement to do extra curricular activities such as sports coaching in addition to library duties:.

Wages and benefits: • Salaries in most school library districts (especially rural ones) do not reflect training and

skills needed to run libraries ; • Many school library salaries fall at the low end or below of the 2007 Alberta Wage and

Salary Survey , (the survey states that Library and Archive technicians occupational group working part and full time earned from 29, 700 to 68, 200 per year)

AALT SCHOOL LIBRARY COMMITTEE REPORT by Carol Fowler

Positions in school libraries are hard to fill with library technician grads especially in

smaller and rural school libraries.


• Many smaller districts offer little or no benefits and professional development opportunities funded by the school district are limited in the nature of the opportunities presented. Some school library staff who do take advantage of professional development pay to attend conferences such as AALT out of their own funds.

• Instances where school library staff is required to take on extra curricular activities such as coaching as part of the position.

Staffing: • Hard to attract qualified grads; positions are being filled with non qualified staff

• Schools libraries are understaffed as most techs are required to be both technician and

librarian • Staffing is constrained by school budgeting considerations. (For example in a large urban

high school in Edmonton, it is not unusual for 1 full time tech to be in charge of school library for 1200+ students) .

• ” pink ghetto” : many library technician jobs in schools are part time; full time hours vary :

some as low at 6 to 6.5 hours per day and/or less than 35 hours per week; hours of staff being rolled back in schools from “full time” to part time.

4. Many school library staff are given the title/classification of “technician” without the benefit of having formal library training. In more smaller districts, those technicians with training become the “go to” people in their districts as many do not even have the luxury of a district teacher librarian 5. Issue that teachers and principals do NOT know what a library technician is and what we do. It was suggested that AALT help school library technicians “market” themselves by developing a self promotion kit. 6. All agreed that principals in general, DO NOT understand the functions and qualifications of various positions found in school libraries and how to make a great school library. 7. Agreement that if the Government (Alberta Education) does not put its weight behind a new school library policy that school libraries will be in the same or worse condition than are currently in place. 8. All agreed that a school library is the foundation for library and literacy development and the foundation is in desperate need of rebuilding and shoring up. As part of my responsibilities as the AALT representative on the Provincial Advisory Committee I will be taking feedback and comments back for discussion and response from the AALT School Library Committee and the AALT Executive. If you are a library technician in a school library and have concerns about what is happening in Alberta School libraries or wish to become involved on the AALT School Library Committee, please email me at [email protected] . I will be happy to forward your concerns . Carol Fowler is the current Marketing Director for the Alberta Association of Library Technicians, Chair of the AALT School Library Committee, and the AALT representative on the Alberta School Libraries Advisory Committee.


3535THTH Annual AALT Conference Annual AALT Conference

April 30th to May 3rd 2009

Delta Edmonton SouthDelta Edmonton South Edmonton, Alberta

ARE YOU READY…ARE YOU READY… …to Have Fun? The 3 R’s of Self Care: Relaxation, Rest and Recovery Through the Art of Laughter! Very few of us are laughing enough. Stress in our lives is often caused by attitudes that rob us of laughter. During this workshop you will be invited to experience the renewal of laughter. Come, have fun, laugh till your sides ache and your heart is full joy! …to Learn Something? Picture by Numbers - Digital Photography Interested in Digital Photography? How do you choose which digital camera to buy? Do you already have a digital camera but don’t know its potential? How can we explore its features and apply them creatively? …to Meet Someone New? President’s Reception Dress up in your funkiest and coolest 1970’s fashions and join the President as we celebrate AALT’s 35th birthday in 70’s style! There will be games, activities, snacks, music and, of course, a birthday cake! So prepare to have fun and get down and boogie! …to Celebrate?Celebrate? The Alberta Association of Library Technicians’ 35th Annual Conference At the Delta Edmonton South from April 30, 2009 to May 3, 2009. Watch for the brochure in the mail or on the website. Check out our page on the AALT website at http://www.aalt.org/conference/index.html Or contact the Conference Co-Chairs directly at [email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF LIBRARY TECHNICIANS P.O. Box 700, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2L4

www.aalt.org

Member-At-Large Tora Volkers E-mail: [email protected]

President Marcia Holmes E-mail: [email protected] President-Elect Vacant E-mail: [email protected] Conference Marilyn Doyle & Lisa Bui E-mail: [email protected] Journal Editors Heather Kolesar & Laural Grimes E-mail: [email protected] Marketing Carol Fowler E-mail: [email protected] Membership Laura Somerville E-mail: [email protected] Secretary

Lynda Shurko, Secretary E-mail: [email protected] Treasurer Marcia Wong E-mail: [email protected] Web Site Marnie McFarland E-mail: [email protected]

Grant MacEwan Jacqueline Kodakin E-mail: [email protected] SAIT

Janell Bauer and Janine Petty E-mail: [email protected]

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

AALT Board of Directors 2008 - 2009

DIRECTORS

ASSISTANT TO THE BOARD Dianne Guidera E-mail: [email protected]


Future Dates To Make Note Of...

February May February 1 AALT Members Only Site Password Changes

GET YOUR 2009 MEMBERSHIP

TODAY AT

www.aalt.org

March 2 Celebrate! AALT 2009 Conference Online Registration Opens www.aalt.org/conference

April 10 AALT Technician Spring Issue submission deadline and last change to get an entry into the Submissions Contest for a Free 2009 Conference Registration! [email protected]

February 28 CLA LTIG Award of Merit Deadline http://www.cla.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CLA_Library_Technicians_Interest_Group_Award_of_Merit.

March 31 Deadline for AALT Awards, Conference Bursary and Professional Development Bursary For more information on AALT awards and bursaries visit www.aalt.org

April 23 - 26 Alberta Library Conference Jasper Park Lodge Jasper, AB www.albertalibraryconference.com

February 22-28 Freedom to Read Week www.freedomtoread.ca

March 31 Early Bird Deadline for AALT Conference 2009

April 29 - 30 Fast Forward Educational Media Showcase North Vancouver, BC http://www.langara.bc.ca/ffwd/

May 29 - June 1 CLA Conference Montreal, PQ http://www.cla.ca/conference/2009/

March April

April 30 - May 3 AALT Conference 2009 - Celebrate! Delta Edmonton South, Edmonton, AB www.aalt.org/conference

CALENDAR OF EVENTS...

• April 30 - May 3, 2009 AALT 2009 Conference - Celebrate! - Delta Edmonton South, Edmonton • May 29 - June 1, 2009 - CLA/ACB 2009 Library Conference - Palais des congrès, Montreal, PQ • May 27 - 30, 2010 - AALT 2010 Conference - Carriage House, Calgary

aalt technician: the journal of aalt

Documents

chair director

committee tora volkers

aalt business aalt

lisa bui chair

kim martin journal committee

kim martin marketing

aalt features

marnie mcfarland chair