Mini Umbrella 2011: Bleak house or great expectations? The challenge continues...

Once again, we will be running this successful event with support from NE CILIP.  The event is open to all information and library management staff working in the North East (whether you are a CILIP member or not), and is an opportunity for colleagues to share experiences across the sectors and find out new approaches in what is an ever-changing working environment.

The proposed timetable for this event is as follows:

12.00 - Time to view stands/eat (a light lunch will be served)

12.30 - Welcome

12.45 - Keynote - Isabel Hood (CILIP) 

CILIP's view on where we are and what we must do to survive as a profession

1.30 - Presentation 1 - Rachel Steele (Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust) - NHS Clinical Librarian project

Discusses the development of a clinical librarian as part of a project.

2.00 - Presentation 2 - Mark Freeman (Stockton Libraries), Kathryn Armstrong (South Tyneside Libraries) - Tyne2Seine2 - International reading project in France

Discusses working with schools on an international reading project in France, introducing children to modern European languages and culture through reading.  Funded through a European 'Comenius region' grant.

2.30 - Presentation 3 - Dilys Young/Christine Willoughby (Northumbria University Library) - Rising expectations and using student feedback to deliver objectives

Discusses the ways in which the University Library uses a range of feedback mechanisms and performance metrics to respond to student needs, including how the use of service development initiatives helps to drive a virtuous circle of influence within the University and wider sector, ensuring students receive excellent learning spaces, services and support aligned with their academic needs.

3.00-3.30 - break

3.30 - Presentation 4 - Sharon Reeve (Newcastle City Library) - Services for visually impaired users

Discusses a range of services in Newcastle Libraries for visually impaired users, including a dedicated area, use of free software, a variety of formats, and a reading group.  Examines  a new Reading Buddies scheme in partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which involved one-to-one sessions, and assistance with navigation, IT and general enquiries.

4.00 - Presentation 5 - Claire Donlan, James Wells, Tracey Totty (Middlesbrough College) - The new curiosity shop, what's on offer today (21st century technology enabled learning resource service, and how it is met)

Outlines the expectations for a 21st century technology enabled learning resources service and how they are met in a college environment.
Considers how to promote access to innovative technologies, in a changing economic and educational climate in further and higher education.

4.30 - summing up

A range of stands and displays from a variety of information groups and providers will be available to view throughout the event.