Bleak House or Great Expectations? The challenge continues..... 3rd Northumbria University/NE CILIP Mini-umbrella, 23rd November

Biddy Casselden, Senior Lecturer at Northumbria University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences, said: “The event was very well received, with many delegates tweeting their thoughts during the event.  There was an acceptance of the challenges, but what shone through on the day was the enthusiasm and positivity that our colleagues have for the profession, that we do make a difference and that our customers want us to continue to do that.  In these challenging times, we need to pull together, work closely with CILIP, listen carefully to what our customers want and find innovative yet cost-effective ways to satisfy these requests.”

Biddy provides an overview of the presentations:

Isabel Hood, CILIP Council Chair, started proceedings with her keynote speech. “The winds of change” focused on the challenges for the professional organisation, and how it has ensured it will remain fit for the future. CILIP’s long term sustainability depends on its relevance to members and to the sector; therefore, member services are core to the business, although they need to be financially viable.

Rachel Steele from Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust explained how the NHS are utilising the information professional in a pilot clinical librarian role in mental health services, in order to better support evidence based practise, thereby enhancing NHS service delivery.

Mark Freeman and Kathryn Armstrong from Stockton and South Tyneside Library authorities respectively, gave an illuminating talk on the Tyne2Seine International Reading Project in France.  Establishing reading links for the twinned towns in France and the UK, the cultural and literary benefits of such an approach were examined.

Dilys Young and Christine Willoughby from Northumbria University Library considered the ways in which their service planning and strategy are informed by statistical information, and identified the current challenges facing HE libraries.  The importance of such a strategic focus was deemed vital for safeguarding resources, demonstrating success, and raising the library profile within the organisation.

Sharon Reeve from Newcastle City Libraries talked about NEALIS (North East Accessible Libraries).  This project assists those users who are blind or partially sighted.  Use of innovative technology, such as pen readers and freely available software – in addition to human initiatives such as reading buddies (facilitated by the Duke of Edinburgh award) – have helped to improve service delivery at Newcastle City Library, in addition to other public libraries in the region.

Colleagues from Middlesbrough College rounded off the event with an aptly named presentation, “the old Curiosity Shop”.  Claire Donlan, James Wells and Tracey Totty discussed some of the highly innovative methods that the College Library has been using to engage its users.  Some of these include using QR codes, the availability of a 3D walk through (complete with 3D glasses), and providing a variety of freely available software packages, enabling the library to do more with what they have already.

Summing up the event, Colin Raistrick, Chair of NE CILIP considered that times may be bleak, but that we do have very great expectations in the North East region:  a positivity that has enabled us to make the best of things and innovate in a truly inspiring way.

Some of the delegates give their thoughts on the event on their blogs:
http://didyousayode.blogspot.com/2011/11/ne-cilip-mini-umbrella-23rd-november.html
http://beckyscpdblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/importance-of-regional-roundups.html
http://isabelt.posterous.com/ne-cilip-mini-umbrella-event-at-northumbria-u
http://louiselib.wordpress.com/2011/11/25/necilip-mini-umbrella/