Nova

Scotia

Association of

Library

Technicians

NEWSVolume 1, Number 3, Fall 2007

IN THIS ISSUE

From the President p.1Profile: Carmelita Cousins p.4Run for the Cure p.6Profile: Angie Lessard p.7NSCC Waterfront campus reports p.9Editor’s Bookshelf p.13

FROM THE PRESIDENT

It’s hard to believe that we are getting ready topublish the fall newsletter. These last fewmonths have been extremely busy. I ampleased to say that the membership drive isgoing well. As of the writing of this message,we have 70 members.

Over the summer months I have worked atobtaining sponsorship in the form ofadvertising. We have confirmation that threeorganizations will have print ads in ourforthcoming newsletters. This is a great showof support for a new association.

Continued page 2

CONTACTS

Erica Smith - PresidentErin Purcell - Vice-PresidentJo-Ann Johnson - TreasurerPatricia Madden - Secretary

NSALT EMAILNSALTmail@gmail.com

WEBSITEhttp://users.eastlink.ca/~ericasmith

MAILING ADDRESS5 Lakehead CourtLower Sackville, N SB4C 3V6

NSALT News nsaltnews@gmail.com

Despite the dying leaves, and cooler days, fall, to mehas always seemed a time of beginnings.This fall, the NSCC LIT Program celebrates a significantbeginning, as it establishes itself in the new DartmouthWaterfront Campus. In this issue, we will featurereviews of the new accommodations from students,current and past.We’ll also profile Carmelita Cousins, Facilitator ofLibrary Support with the Cape Breton-Victoria RegionalSchool Board and Angie Lessard, Library Technicianwith the Nova Scotia Legislative LibraryWe’ll update you on NSALT activities during the pastfew months, including a report & photos from the Runfor the Cure.So grab a cup of tea (or whatever your choice of chillyday remedy) and celebrate beginnings with NSALT.

~Roxanne MacMillan, Editor

FROM THE PRESIDENT (cont.)

In September, I made the first of two trips to the NSCC – Library and InformationTechnology Program. I spent my time with the first year students – all 28. The firsttrip was in the form of a potluck lunch. Patricia Madden and I had a great timegetting to know the students and talking about the association and LT life in general. The event was well attended with 21 students.

My second trip to the college took place in October. I was invited to participate in theannual association talk. Representatives from the Canadian Library Association,Atlantic Provinces Library Association, Nova Scotia Library Association, HalifaxLibrary Association and the Canadian Association of Special Libraries were inattendance to discuss each association. This gives first year students greatexposure to professional associations. After the talk, the students andrepresentative were treated to a lunch.

Plans are in full swing for the first annual NSALT conference in beautiful CapeBreton. Carmelita Cousins from the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board ischairing the conference committee. Volunteers are welcome, so please contact medirectly if you are interested in helping with the conference.

Lastly, I have received an invitation to meet with the President of the CanadianLibrary Association. Alvin Schrader will be visiting Halifax in early November. ThePresidents of the local library associations have been invited to meet with Mr.Schrader and discuss working relations between the local associations and CLA.

Thank you to the Executive members and general membership for all their hard workand dedication. NSALT is certainly becoming a widely known and respectedassociation.

Respectfully submitted byErica Smith

NSALT NEWS Page 2

Nova Scotia Association ofLibrary Technicians

We wish you success and look forward toworking with you in the future!

Join us on our website at www.aalt.org for:

· Job Postings

o From Alberta and around the country

· Question and Answer Forumso From salary expectations to cataloguing

issues

· Access to the Link Libraryo Websites, articles, reports and more

· Information on our Annual Conference in May

Alberta Association ofLibrary TechniciansTechnicians and Technology Partners in Information

Register online for this year’s conference

CARMELITA COUSINS - “For the Love of Reading”Carmelita Cousins is the Facilitator of Library Support with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional SchoolBoard. She is a graduate of the NSCC Library Technician Program, and holds a Masters of Educationdegree. NSALT News asked Carmelita to tell us about her position, and how she got there.

Twenty four years after starting my library career, I still find it hard to believe I am working in a job Ilove and enjoying something as special as books. It all began in September 1983, when I became theLibrary Assistant at the high school where I had graduated. I was going back there to work with theman who had been my High School Librarian, Mr. Steve Muise. He was a gentle man who had a loudvoice which often scared many, but in reality he was a big teddy bear with a soft heart. It was a jobwhich I knew I would enjoy. Who wouldn’t? I was going to work with books as well as many teacherswhom had taught me and I respected. Today, though the environment has changed, and many of myformer teachers have retired, life is still wonderful.

As the school year 2007-2008 rolls on, I find myself in a career which allows me to affect students andassist teachers with curriculum needs. As the Facilitator of Library Support for the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board, I currently have 23 staff in various schools within the district. Underthe Department of Education’s Learning for Life II document, extra money helped bring neededstaffing increases to many schools. This year, we were able to infuse an extra $220,000 worth ofneeded resources into school libraries in a “Surplus Order” which was directed at diversity of manyaspects (race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, special needs, etc.). These positive initiatives havegiven me great pleasure in seeing that school libraries play a vital role in supporting literacy for allstudents.

Besides the overall program of the libraries, I am also responsible for the “Teachers’ ResourceCentre”, located at the Staff Development Centre. This staff library has many unique items whichsupport curriculum and offers various items unique to our Board. Hopefully this year, we will be ableto get these resources online for more effective usage. In October 2006, I graduated with a Master ofEducation Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland. My decision to complete this degreewas to enable me to fully participate in all aspects of curriculum planning, especially for the schoolsand the centre. I am a firm believer that learning is a lifelong journey, and one that I embrace openlyin both formal and informal ways.

One highlight of our library program which is receiving much attention around the province is thecreation of a “Board Library Committee”. This committee was developed in January 2006 andconsists of various stakeholders (Library Technicians, Principals, Teachers, Consultants, ParentVolunteers, Community Representation, etc.). Its mandate is for policy development andstandardization in programming for all school libraries. There are currently two policies which havereceived approval (general school library and collection development). The next policy beingdeveloped has emphasis on replacement of lost, damaged or destroyed library materials. Alsoawaiting approval is “Library Outcomes for Primary-6” in areas of knowledge, skills and literature.Once approved, the committee will move forward with outcomes for programming in the 7-12 grades.

Continued page 11

NSALT NEWS Page 4

RUN FOR THE CURE

On Sunday, September 30, 2007, NSALT members Erica Smith, Erin Purcell, PatriciaMadden, Roxanne MacMillan, Trina Greenwood, and their families, took part in the HalifaxRun for the Cure!

It was a beautiful, if chilly, morning, as more than 8,000 people crowded the streets ofdowntown Halifax for the 5K run/walk. Survivors and supporters wore their reasons forrunning on their t-shirts and on their faces. Reading them, by the hundreds, really struckhome the fact that so very many of us are touched by breast cancer.

Despite our relatively small numbers, the NSALT Team was able to raise nearly $700 forbreast cancer research. Next year, we hope that our numbers and our contribution willincrease, but it was wonderful to know that we played a part in the more that $1 millionraised in Halifax, and $26.5 million raised across Canada.

Thanks to Trina for her role as team captain. Thanks to all who participated, andespecially to all who donated. Next year, we hope even more of you will be able to join usin this very worthwhile event.

NSALT NEWS Page 6

Patricia Madden celebrates at the finish line

PROFILE: ANGIE LESSARDAngie Lessard is a Library Technician with theNova Scotia Legislative Library, and a graduate ofthe NSCC Library Technician Program.

Angie, you’re a Library Assistant III at theLegislative Library. Can you tell ussomething about your position andresponsibilities ?My position is part of a work unit consisting of 4librarians, 1 library clerk, a volunteer andmyself. I am responsible for providing technicalsupport for the services of the LegislativeLibrary. My responsibilities include:-Cataloguing and classifying library materials(original and copy) using the Millennium librarysystem-Reviewing selected clippings of newspaperarticles of relevance to the interests for theMLAs and assigning subject headings for thelibrary’s news clippings files, as well aspreparing files for microfilming-Compiling a monthly listing of recentpublications acquired by the library. Producingand formatting the monthly listing into apublication called Bookcase, which is distributedto MLAs and select libraries-Compiling a monthly and annual checklist ofrecent Nova Scotia Government publicationsacquired through the library -Assembling table of contents from selectperiodicals in the library’s collection andcompiling them into a document called CurrentIssues and distributing this to MLAs, caucusresearchers and staff-Maintaining , managing and retrievinginformation from several DB/Textworksdatabases-Assisting clients in the use of library resourcesand technology, and circulating library materials

What do you consider the most interestingaspects of your job? The most challenging?When I first started at the Legislative Library in2001, I was challenged by the politicalenvironment, but with the support andassistance from my co-workers, I quicklyadapted to my position.

I am still learning new procedures inorganizing, preparing and disseminatinginformation using our new system, with theassistance and supervision of our computergenius, David McDonald. It is always achallenge to complete special projects and keepup with the daily routine as well. Each day is anew learning experience for me and I am proudto be working in a library with a collection rich inpolitical history and Novascotiana.

What, in your opinion, is the mostsignificant way library work has changed inthe 10 years you’ve worked in the field?

In the past 10 years, I have noticed a dramaticchange in the preservation and delivery oflibrary collections due to the increasing use oflibrary automation. As new technologiesincrease, the role of the library technician haschanged to encompass more “technical” tasksand responsibilities

Continued Page 12

NSALT NEWS Page 7

This September, the NSCC Dartmouth Waterfront Campus opened its doors to students,including those in the Library and Information Technology program. We asked 2nd yearstudent, and NSALT Executive student representative, Chad Murphy, for his thoughts on thenew facilities. Patricia Madden, NSALT Secretary, and 1992 LT graduate, had the opportunity to visit thecampus for a pot-luck luncheon & meet & greet. She gives us a report on the meeting, andshares her impressions of how things have changed since she was a student.

Waterfront Campus will produce a new breed of LIT studentssubmitted by Chad Murphy, LIT 2008

For Library and Information Technology students, this year was a big one! On September 5th, NovaScotia Community College opened the doors to its new Waterfront Campus and welcomed both newand returning students. The campus provides many benefits to the students, such as the many studyareas, and a new, modern library. Upon entering, students are overwhelmed by the openness of thecampus, and greeted by the enormous learning commons situated within the library.

But what does the transition from the Institution of Technology campus on Leeds Street, to theDartmouth Waterfront Campus present to the LIT students? One of the major advantages is that theLIT students have our own dedicated classroom, located at the back of the library. This room mayonly be used by Library and Information Technology students. This means that there will never be anissue pertaining to workspace.

In addition, the campus will be a suitable place for the students to put their technical skills learned inthe classroom to use, as the library is looking to hire several assistants.

Furthermore, in an age where information management and research is becoming an increasinglyimportant role within the career parameters of a Library Technician, NSCC has accommodated thesechanges as well. The new campus offers all new research tools, the pinnacle, being brand new, fastcomputers.

These computers allow the LIT students to conduct the internet based exercises more quickly andefficiently, and may also reflect the necessity for time management within the workplace. In additionto the tools, the campus also has a new reference collection for students to browse, and use for theirreference activities.

As the first two months of school have passed, it is safe to say that the Library and InformationTechnology students have found their new home at the Waterfront Campus. Although it may takesome time for the second year students to adapt to the new environment, one can only imagine whatthe campus will do for the future of Library Technicians.

NSALT NEWS Page 9

NSALT goes to NSCCsubmitted by Patricia Madden, secretary of NSALT

On Friday, September 28th, Erica Smith and I attended an NSALT luncheon potluck for the Library andInformation Technology students at the new NSCC Dartmouth waterfront campus. Despite thetorrential rains and the fact that the second year students did not have any classes that day, therewere 23 dedicated students in attendance.

The new NSCC building is truly a state-of-the-art showcase. The use of natural light as well as neutral-coloured wood adds to the open feeling of the main atrium and the view of the harbour is spectacular.Ian Fraser, one of the second-year students, took me on a brief tour of the building. As a musician, Iwas pleased to see the keyboard and broadcasting labs. However as an LT, I was tickled with theprime location of the college library. The library/computer centre is part of the central hub of thecomplex. It is “right there” when you enter and it is close to the cafeteria.

The classroom where the potluck was held still had that “new classroom smell” (and look—there werelots of books but they hadn’t made it on to the shelves yet). It was a bit sparse and grey but there werelots of windows here as well and it was located on the main floor, not far from the library.

There are many more men in the programme these days (about a third of the class). I think we hadone in a class of about fifteen back in my day (early 90s). There are many more students in theprogramme period. I think Joanne Doucet, one of the instructors, said that they have started withabout 28 students in first year and now have about 22 in the second. As it was when I took the LibraryTechnician’s course (as it was called in the early years), there seems to be quite a broad spectrum ofages and backgrounds (educational and otherwise) in the programme.

Attendance at this type of social/networking event makes up part of the “Introduction to Libraries”mark. Being comfortable in this library 2.0 world and having the social skills, confidence, and networksnecessary to succeed are an essential part of working in libraries these days. This kind of event shouldgo a long way in preparing these students for any “schmoozing” they might need to do!

Erica spoke to the students about the objectives of NSALT, some of the events we have been and willbe involved in and what their role in NSALT could be. The students asked some interesting questionsand offered some suggestions as well. They seem to be quite interested in the 2008 Cape Bretonconference and in the 2009 LIT graduates’ reunion. Our little visit was quite successful as a recruitingdrive—we now have 18 new NSCC members!

Erica and I would like to thank Joanne and the students in the LIT programme for feeding us, forlistening to what we had to say and for your input as well. We look forward to your involvement inNSALT.

NSALT NEWS Page 10

CARMELITA COUSINS - “For the Love of Reading” (continued from page 4) The idea for such a committee was something I learned as a delegate at the American Association ofSchool Librarians in Pittsburgh in 2005. At this conference attended by over 3500 delegates, I wasable to brainstorm with colleagues from around the world and discover new ideas which can beadapted for my Board. This year, I return to the conference which will be held in Reno in late Octoberand hopefully discover some more wonderful ideas and projects which I can implement here in CapeBreton. The chance to meet such colleagues at this level is certainly an essential component of myprofessional development in the field, but also an important method for networking with others.

When I graduated from the Nova Scotia Community College with my Library and Information Diploma,I was excited and determined to utilize my learning to help libraries under my supervision andpersonally become the best employee for my employer. Little did I realize that my success withNSCC would be a valuable asset for my Board in another way. For the past several years, I havebeen a Facilitator with NSCC in the online learning component of the LIT program. Because NSCClikes to “promote their own”, I was offered to facilitate courses on a regular basis. This upcomingwinter semester 2008, I will be once again facilitating the “Introduction to Libraries” course. This willbe the third time I will facilitate the course and am looking forward to the group of students who areenrolled in the class. I have also facilitated the “Acquisitions & Information Retrieval” course. Students in this program are no different than when I was a student; they love books and libraries andhave a keen desire to learn. Ironically, becoming a facilitator has helped professionally because itprovides an avenue to discovering people here in Cape Breton, who will eventually becomeemployees . Over the past two years, many of my students have become full time employees and Inow work with them on a daily basis. This gives me such pride and joy in knowing that “my students” are being hired with our Board because they have worked hard as students and hence I can supportthem in their endeavors. When I can introduce them as “my students”, they are aware of the highstandards I have as their supervisor. It is a perfect combination which has given me new staff, greatfriends and rewarding relationships.

As I reflect back over the past 24 years, I realize that libraries are a very special place for all learners. Fostering a love of books, reading and learning will always be an important part of who I am. Sometimes when things are not perfect, some fellow colleagues and staff ask how I managed to stayhere as long as I have. The answer to their doubts is very simple, I love my work and I feel that I havemade a difference to someone, one person at a time. If I was asked a “highlight” of my career, I thinkI would have to say it was meeting Coach Ken Carter at the AASL conference in Pittsburgh. Thisamazing man showed the world that without learning and libraries, regardless of how talented you areas an athlete, no on will succeed. His empowerment to the delegates at that 2005 conference made atremendous difference in my life and motivated me tocome back to Cape Breton and give my 100% to thechildren served at the school libraries of the CapeBreton-Victoria Regional School Board. Each time I dress in a costume and go to a school toread to the children, I see the smiles on their faces,their eyes light up like stars in the night sky, and then Ismile because I realize that reading is a joy that allchildren deserve and when given with love andcompassion, nothing could be more rewarding. ThisHalloween, as in the past 10 Halloween, I will oneagain dress in a costume and attend schools to sharein some stories with the children. Once again, I know Iam where I belong, for the love of reading!

NSALT NEWS Page 11

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ANGIE LESSARD (continued from page 7)

Why did you choose a career as a LibraryTechnician? And what advice would you havefor anyone considering the same career path?

Well, I was a stay-at-home mom for my twochildren and provided daycare for otherchildren. Although being a mother waschallenging and fulfilling I decided that I neededsomething more. I always enjoyed taking mykids to the library for the puppet shows, moviesand of course to borrow books. I thought what awonderful experience it would be working in aschool or public library with children, however, Ididn’t end up in that environment. I heard aboutthe Library Technician Program at theCommunity College and decided to look into itand was amazed by the job opportunities in thefield. As a mature student, I found it to be achallenge to juggle school, family and work (as Itook on a part-time job as well during my schoolyears).

My advice to students considering this Programis to try and gain experience before entering thisfield and continue working part-time whilecompleting your studies. Don’t forget aboutvolunteer work! It is just as important as paidwork, opens doors to employment and it looksgreat on your resume. Don’t be discouragedwhen you are looking for that full time career. The first interview may be a bit daunting, but itwill prepare you for the next one. Try toupgrade your technical skills through coursesthat are offered through your place ofemployment, if that is possible.

Anything else you’d like to share?Just this quote...

“If I have to spend time in purgatory beforegoing to one place or the other, I guess I'll be allright as long as there's a lendinglibrary”—Stephen King

NSALT NEWS Page 12

BECOME AN NSALT

MEMBER!

Add your support and your

voice to the organization that

represents Library

Technicians

across Nova Scotia!

Membership gives you voting

rights at our Annual General

meeting, discounts on

continuing education

opportunities, and much

more.

Complete the membership

form at

http://users.eastlink.ca/~erica

smith/nsaltmembershipform.h

tm

and mail, with your payment,

to:

Jo-Ann Johnson

154 Chester Commons

Road, RR #1

Chester, NS B0J 1J0

We would like to thank all whohave joined NSALT, to date.

As we go to publication wehave 62 personal / associate /

student members, and 10institutional members.

Editor’s Bookshelf

~ What happens if we let go?~

Since CLA's Library Support Staff Day, onOctober 19th, I have been part of, or party to,several interesting discussions regarding thenature of the word "support".

Library techs, assistants, clerks, pages, and allother non-librarians fall under the "supportstaff" blanket, as defined by CLA. However, ina climate where Library Technicians are oftenmanaging small libraries, or performingintegral roles in larger institutions, many arewondering whether that encompassing termreally does us justice.

I must admit that I have some issues with thelabel. Whenever I hear it, I get visions of Atlasholding up the world. I suppose he was supportstaff too. Likewise, the term 'para-professional'... I so enjoy thinking of myself as"resembling" a professional. Everyone needsaspirations.

Tongue in cheek comments aside, I do think itimportant that CLA has established a day torecognize the contributions of library workers,who do not hold the MLIS. And, whatever wechoose to call ourselves, it is my opinion thatwhether we run a library, or run for coffee, weare ALL support staff.

We support our patrons.

We support our collections.

And, I would like to think, we support each

other.

So, give yourself a pat on the back. But makesure the other hand is still holding the ball.

Roxanne MacMillan - 11/07

Opinions are those of the editor and do not necessarily reflect the

position of NS ALT or any o f its executive or mem bers.

NSALT NEWS Page 13