Issue 17, April 2014 (1)

I S S U E
17
Spring 2014
Eclipse
Newsletter of the CILIP
South East branch
In this issue:
Claire Wooldridge - I am the
Graduate Trainee for the
University of Reading's Special
Collections Service. I am
also working at Reading to
integrate the recently deposited library of
the Landscape Institute into the library of
the Museum of English Rural Life. Keen to
pursue a career as a special collections or
academic librarian, I am soon to begin
studies by distance learning at Aberystwyth
University.
In January 2013 I graduated from the University
of Warwick where I studied early
modern history, specialising in sixteenth
century Italian printed festival books,
sparking my love of rare books and book
history. I also do voluntary work for the
Mills Archive Trust, Reading. I am on
Twitter as @CLWooldridge
My name is Jaimee
McRoberts and I am a News
Reference Specialist at the
British Library. My background
is in English Literature
and I have always had
a passion for books. I am
from the US but I came to the UK in 2007
to gain a Masters in 18 th Century Literature.
I spent most of my time researching
at the British Library and a job there was a
dream come true. I am now part of the
team which opened the Newsroom on 7
April 2014, something which I am very
proud about. In addition to my career, I
have been working towards Chartership
which I hope to complete later this year. I
have recently become a co-Editor of the
South East Branch Eclipse Newsletter. I
am on twitter as @JaimeeUK
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● Meet the Editors
● House of Commons
Library Report
● Kent sub-branch is back
● Lightning Talks at UKC
● Upcoming Events
My name is Helen Hart and I
have now taken over editing the
Eclipse newsletter from Emma
and Sarah, along with Claire and
Jaimee. I have a slightly different
background to library and information
work as I started out as a lawyer, but
worked on my student newspaper while at university
and was always a bit of a frustrated journalist.
Ultimately, because I liked writing about
the law, I ended up working as a knowledge
management lawyer at Practical Law Company.
After 4 years I had a short break from law
and worked in my local public library for about a
year while doing some freelance writing, which
was when I discovered CILIP and decided to
join. I was then coaxed back into law by a friend
and now work in a knowledge management role
again, writing about the law for Lexis Nexis. I
submitted my certification portfolio in January,
which was accepted, and so now I am considering
chartership. If you are attending CILIP events
or have other experiences to share, please do
write something for Eclipse. It would also be
great to have articles on how people found
themselves doing library and information work
and if they have tips for new and more experienced
professionals and career changers. I am
on Twitter as @helenmaryh

The Kent Sub-Branch is Back! / House of Commons Open Day Report
News about the new Kent branch from Victoria
Bird:
With a slightly new name, and a new team, CIL-
IP in Kent has big plans on the horizon, and we
need you!
Without sounding too much like a lottery advert,
the new team in Kent would like to hear
from you to help us make this new sub-branch
as good for everyone in the area as possible.
We have created a short quiz to find out a little
about what you want to see from your local
committee. It should only take a couple of
minutes and is completely anonymous so please
take time to let us know what you want us to
do.
We have a couple of events in the planning
stages, including a visit to the award-winning
Augustine House at Canterbury Christ Church
University, and a qualifications fair.
Meet the CILIP in Kent committee at
www.cilipinkent.wordpress.com, follow us on
Twitter (@CILIPinKent), like us on Facebook for
more details as they are arranged, or email us.
See more at: http://www.cilip.org.uk/southeast-branch/news/kent-sub-branchback#sthash.931tZWdE.dpuf
House of Commons Library Open Day for
Librarians and Information Officers
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
I recently had the opportunity of attending the
House of Commons Library Open Day. The day
was structured somewhat like a conference
with a variety of ‘workshop-style’ sessions followed
by a tour of the House of Commons Library
as well as a whirlwind tour of the Houses
of Parliament as a whole.
We were first given an Introduction to the
House of Commons Library, where we learned
about the different reading rooms (A, B, C, and
D), the restrictions on membership (limited to
MPs only), and the spectrum of material available,
including Reading Lists aimed towards information
relevant for the next weeks Parliamentary
Sessions. The Research Team also produces
Standard Notes, Research Briefings, Debate
Packs, and Current Awareness emails to
ensure that all MPs are briefed and ready for
anything that may come up during their duties.
The Research Team also provides research services
to MPs, whether it be regarding legislation
they are looking into or on behalf of a constituent,
who may have had to ask their MP for assistance
on a certain matter.
My name badge from the day
In addition to the House of Commons Library
and House of Lords Library, the Houses of Parliament
is home to the Parliamentary Archives,
the purpose of which is to safeguard the collection
and provide ready access to the Members
of Parliament. The records ‘live’ in Victoria Tower,
which is 13 floors of air conditioned repository
space, consisting of 9km of shelving.
We had the opportunity to visit the House of
Commons Library, which felt incredibly special
as the only other time I will be in those rooms is
if I become an MP! I felt the décor was grand
enough to leave one in awe with huge ceiling
heights and towering bookcases, while comfortable
and classic enough for MPs to feel at home
amongst the green leather wingback chairs and
sweeping views of the River Thames.
The overall day was a real treat and I certainly
hope that if you have an opportunity of attending
in the future that you will give it serious
consideration.
Report by Jaimee McRoberts
News Reference Specialist
British Library
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Lightning Talks at UKC and reviving the CILIP Kent group
The Lightning Talks event held on the 13 th January
was set up by Maria Centrone, Lending Services
Supervisor at the University of Kent. The
purpose was to share the interesting and innovative
work taking place in Kent libraries. A
lightning talk is a 5 minute presentation with an
opportunity for questions at the end. The
attendees at the event were also encouraged to
consider resuscitating the CILIP Kent group and
so there was a closing talk from CILIP staff on
how to run local groups.
Over 30 people attended the event. The majority
worked in Canterbury or the wider Kent area
and others lived in Kent but worked in London.
I wanted to attend the event for several reasons
– firstly to support Maria as I was her mentor
during her CILIP Chartership application, secondly
to meet other librarians from Kent and
find out what projects they were working on,
thirdly to register my interest in joining a new
and improved CILIP Kent group and, finally, an
opportunity for me to present to other librarians.
In my current and previous jobs I have presented
to students, school pupils, academic
staff, work colleagues, international scholars,
nuns from India on holiday in south east London
(long story…) but I have never presented something
about librarianship to a room full of librarians.
There were 7 lightning talks scheduled covering
a range of topics.
First off the mark were Ian Badger, Learning and
Teaching Librarian and Nick Ross, Gateway Services
Manager from University for the Creative
Arts.
Ian and Nick spoke about the merger of the library,
careers and employability, counselling
and student advice services. Ian mentioned
that in his new role as Learning and Teaching
Librarian he no longer orders stock or carries
out stock editing as it is now all managed centrally.
It was particularly interesting to hear
that the newly formed team had undertaken
training on emotional intelligence and also on
the topic of assessing boundaries - as enquiries
about library stock are very different to enquiries
about disability support or counselling. The
team needed to know about helping the different
students and making sure they weren’t going
‘too far’.
Second in the running order were Jane Gallagher,
Senior Special Collections Assistant,
Kathryn Gerrard, Stock Co-ordinator and Kirsty
Wallis, Library Assistant from the University of
Kent (UKC). Their talk was titled “Innovation
through discussion: the LibChats story”.
The trio, who are all working their way towards
their postgraduate library qualification, spoke
about the Kent LibChats series they had set up
at UKC. LibChats were developed as a way to
share good practice, discuss innovation in the
library, showcase projects and share information
across library and IT teams at UKC.
The library at UKC is part of a converged service
with IT. Staff wanted to meet colleagues informally
and combine the meet up with professional
development. The LibChats follow a similar
format of a talk delivered by a member of
the in-house team or an invited external, followed
by tea and cake and then rounded up
with a discussion.
Talks have covered topics such as information
literacy, school libraries, mobile technology, inductions,
relationship management and reclassification
projects. An article about the Lib-
Chats story is due to be published in a future
edition of SCONUL Focus. Each event is live
tweeted and this has generated much interest
from local librarians and lately the events have
been opened up to non-UKC staff.
Justine Rush, Faculty Liaison Librarian for Humanities
at University of Kent (UKC) presented
on “Library induction at University of Kent”.
Like many other libraries UKC are always trying
to make their library inductions informative and
attractive to undergraduate students. As a fellow
liaison librarian, I know that this can (cont.)
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Lightning Talks at UKC and reviving the CILIP Kent group
can be challenging. Justine talked about her
work to overhaul the induction events for new
students.
Their induction had a 3 phase process:
Pre-induction offer – offering advice before
students arrive on campus. For this
they had virtual information on the website
comprising of brief pre-arrival instructions
and video content.
Library-based induction offer – tours and
general information provided during arrivals
weekend and the students’ first week
on campus.
Transition to information literacy offer –
workshops for specific subjects scheduled
with programmes to cover online resources.
They used a range of marketing devices – the
library website had a block of induction information
embedded on the front page; a plastic
card wallet for their ID card and a paper pocket
guide to library services. Justine did say that
refreshments were appreciated by the students,
so as a reward for completing their library
induction activity, they were able to apply
for a free drink from the library café.
I then took the stand and spoke about “Making
the drop-in work for you (and them)”. This focused
upon how to turn drop-ins for dissertation
advice from unattended timeslots in to hot
ticket events.
It was the first time I had presented about my
work to other librarians. I wasn’t nervous about
speaking in front of a group of people, instead I
fretted that it wouldn’t be an exciting-enough
topic!
Mark Faulkner, Information Centre Manager at
the Bank of England, spoke about his workplace
and the range of activities he carries out.
We were all intrigued by the location of Mark’s
library. Inside the Bank of England building the
library is located in a sub-vault of the Bank, 25
metres below street level, somewhere beneath
the gold but adjacent to the Northern Line!
From here the team run a service supporting
approximately 3,500 Bank staff. Opening hours
are 9.00-5.30pm Mon-Fri. The service is primarily
for internal staff and if a non-Bank member
wishes to consult the collection they must have
a very specific reason to access the library.
The holdings include financial textbooks, online
resources and a historic collection that dates
back to 1680. There is an ongoing project to digitise
much of the Bank’s historic material. The
library is twinned with the archives team who
are guardians to official Bank reports and financial
ledgers.
Mark did say that he’s happy to arrange tours
for any librarians – although I imagine it’s not
the best place for claustrophobics!
“Academic Literacy Framework: a librarian
planning aid” was delivered by Richendra Gwilt,
Librarian, University for the Creative Arts (UCA).
Richendra spoke about the Road Map she had
developed to help UCA librarians plan information
literacy or study skills sessions for students,
so that they were relevant to their subject,
module learning outcomes and assessments.
The Road Map was developed to be
used by librarians and understood by academic
staff so they opted for ‘academic’ language rather
than ‘library’ speak.
Out of the Road Map (now known as the Wonder
Wheel) came a Route Planner – like a lesson
plan. It is available to use under a Creative Commons
licence.
The final Lightning Talk was delivered by the
event organiser, Maria Centrone, Lending Services
Supervisor at University of Kent (UKC).
Maria has been participating in an international
peer mentoring programme the “International
Librarians Network”. This is like a pen-pal or
town twinning service for librarians! You link up
with someone in another country to share your
experiences of working in libraries. (cont.)
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Lightning Talks at UKC / Events
Twinned with a US librarian, Maria exchanged
experiences and chat via email. They had discussed
topics such as how to motivate student
library workers, library inductions, the American
Library Association and CILIP plus the idea of
LibraryCamps.
The scheme:
Is free
Counts towards continuing professional
development hours
Has proved to be a source of advice, support
and encouragement
Raises awareness of different approaches
and practices
Allows for self-reflection
Extends your personal learning network
Is about more than libraries as you find
out more about other countries
The next round of pen pal/twinning activities
begins in March 2014 and you can find out
more information at:
http://ilnetwork.wordpress.com/join_iln
In summary, as you have read there were a
range of talks about libraries and information
and it is evident that you don’t have to travel to
central London to attend continuing professional
development activities. The Lightning Talks
event was a safe way for novice presenters to
give their first talk and I enjoyed the entire
event – the talks, presenting, discussions, networking
and the giant chocolate chip cookies.
You can view the presentation slides from the
Lightning Talks at this link.
The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing
how to revive the CILIP Kent group. At
the time of writing, several people have expressed
an interest in participating and hopefully
there will be more news in the coming
months.
Report by Kate Davies
Faculty Liaison Librarian for Health and Social
Care
Canterbury Christ Church University
Event: Bringing Stories to Life—Youth Libraries
Group South East Unconference
Bromley Central Library
Friday, 9 May 2014 — 10:00-15:00
This FREE Unconference is aimed at people with
an interest in how we can bring stories to life
and encourage reading for pleasure to children
and young people.
The day will be filled with drop in and out sessions
to support, advise and share ideas on all
aspects of supporting children in reading. From
sharing your favourite storytime read; to how
you introduce beginner reading books to children
and parents; to how to run arts award
within your libraries; to running chatterbooks
groups; Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Shadowing,
including CKG judges past and present talking
about the process and more.
There will be authors, storytellers and illustrators,
while members of the CILIP YLG South East
committee will be available to talk all day.
At the event there will be: storyteller Sandra
Agard, author and storyteller Margaret Bateson
-Hill, author of The Snow Merchant and Lilliput
Sam Gayton, author of Chasing the Dark Sam
Hepburn, author of My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish
Mo O'Hara, author of The Abominators series
Jen Smith, illustrator and author of the 64 Zoo
Lane series An Vrombaut, author and publisher
Anna McQuinn, author of The Tales of Fayt Conrad
Mason and lots more!
Make your own badge for the day. The best
badge will win a prize!
Bring your own lunch. Bring cake to share!
Supply of refreshments, fruit and biscuits all day
long.
To book a place please visit our eventbrite
page:
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bringing-stories
-to-life-youth-libraries-group-south-eastunconference-tickets-10957767979
If you have any questions please e-mail:
sophie.castle@medway.gov.uk
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Events
CILIP in Surrey AGM with Barbara Band, CILIP
President – Going Forward
Thursday, 8 May 2014 — 18:30 for 19:00
(Buffet available from 18:30)
CILIP in Surrey will be holding its Annual General
Meeting on Thursday 8th May 2014 at the
Surrey History Centre, Woking starting at 7.00
p.m. The business meeting will be brief, but we
welcome questions about CILIP in Surrey’s plans
and activities.
We will then welcome our guest speaker: Barbara
Band, CILIP President talking about “Going
Forward” - a look at the year ahead with regards
to the challenges facing CILIP, and how
advocacy can support both the profession and
your CPD. Barbara is Head of Library and Resources
at The Emmbrook School, a state secondary
school in Wokingham with 1,200+ students
aged 11 to 18 years. She has been a
school librarian for over 22 years, prior to which
she obtained a Business Studies degree and
worked in project management. Barbara says “I
am pro-active, believe vehemently in the value
of libraries and, when someone tells me that
something cannot be done, the first thing I ask
is “why” and then try to find a way to do it.”
This is a free, open meeting and all those involved
in Library & Information work, in the
South East and beyond are very welcome to
come along. A buffet will be available from
6.30pm for which a charge of £2.50 will be taken
on the night. The CILIP in Surrey AGM will
take place from 7.00pm with Barbara’s talk
starting at about 7.15pm.
Address:
Surrey History Centre
130 Goldsworth Road
Woking, Surrey
GU21 6ND
The Surrey History Centre is 10 minutes walk
from Woking Station (exit at platform 1). Bus
routes 34, 35, 39 and 48 pass the Centre. Free
car parking is available at the rear of the building
(access from Kingsway). For travel directions,
follow this link: Surrey County Council -
How to find Surrey History Centre
To book your place please go to https://
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cilip-in-surrey-agmwith-barbara-band-cilip-president-goingforward-tickets-11182638573
Please RSVP by Monday, 5 May 2014.
Visit to the Jane Austen Centre and Walking
Tour of Bath
Saturday, 10 May 2014 — 11:00
This event is aimed at anyone with an interest
in Jane Austen.
Please make your own way to Bath and meet up
outside the Jane Austen Centre at 10.45am; the
walking tour finishes at 3.30pm.
Please let Susan know if you have mobility issues.
Bath Spa Train Station is a 10 – 15 minute walk
away from the Centre.
Programme:
11am Visit to Jane Austen Centre
12noon Lunch (not included in price) Possibly
group booking in Hall and Woodhouse Bar and
Restaurant near to the centre
2pm Walking Tour of Bath
Address:
Jane Austen Centre
40 Gay Street Queen Square, Bath
BA1 2NT Bath
United Kingdom
See map: Google Maps
Contact Details
Susan Renshaw
susan.renshaw@winchester.ac.uk
Booking Information
Event Cost: £14.50
Please send payment in advance as cheque to
Susan at: Martial Rose Library, University of
Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, SO22
4NR
See more at: http://www.cilip.org.uk/southeast-branch/events/visit-jane-austen-centreand-walking-tour-bath
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Events
Portfolio Building Workshop
Tuesday, 27 May 2014 — 18:00-20:00
The South East Members' Network are running
a Portfolio Building Workshop.
If you are carrying out or are considering undertaking
Certification (ACLIP), Chartership (MCLIP)
or Fellowship (FCLIP) please join us. We will
supply information on what each qualification
involves.
The trainer Franko Kowalczuk will talk of what is
required in putting a portfolio together. Franko
will give you a brief guide to the Professional
Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) and CILIP’S
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). There will
be some practical exercises on reflective practice.
Franko is Knowledge Management Co-ordinator
at King’s College and is experienced in guiding
and helping library and information staff create
their portfolios.
If you have any queries please attend. Places
are limited. We hope to see you there.
Speakers:
Franko Kowalczuk
King's College, London
Address:
Crawley Public Library
Northgate Avenue
Crawley
RH10 1XG
United Kingdom
See map: Google Maps
Contact Details:
Suzanne Tatham
suzannetatham@gmail.com
See more at: http://www.cilip.org.uk/southeast-branch/events/portfolio-buildingworkshop
Visit to the National Art Library in the V&A
Monday, 18 August 2014 — 14:00
The National Art Library is a major public reference
library for the fine and decorative arts,
and is the V&A's curatorial department for the
art, craft and design of the book.
CILIP members and non-members are welcome.
Finishes at about 15:30.
A 'behind the scenes' tour, and viewing of the
collections, and some of its 'treasures'.
Regrettably, the tour is not suitable for people
with mobility problems.
Programme:
The Library holds over 1 million items and covers
subjects central to the work of the V&A
and its collections, including: prints, drawings,
paintings and photographs; furniture and woodwork;
textiles, dress and fashion; ceramics and
glass; metalwork; sculpture; and the art and design
of Asia. The Library has a collection of sale
catalogues from major auction houses, and exhibition
catalogues from museums and galleries
world-wide.
Address:
Victoria and Albert Museum (Level 3)
Cromwell Road
London
SW7 2RL
United Kingdom
See map: Google Maps
Contact Details:
Suzanne Ceiriog-Hughes
sch@wincoll.ac.uk
Booking Information:
Event Cost:
FREE - Places limited to 25 - Contact Suzanne
sch@wincoll.ac.uk to book.
See more at: http://www.cilip.org.uk/southeast-branch/events/visit-national-art-library-va
Eclipse was brought to you by Helen Hart, Claire Wooldridge, and Jaimee McRoberts.
If you have any contributions for the next issue, please contact: eclipseeditor@gmail.com
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