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Link-up

March 1997
ISSN 0158-5460


Contents

Education Services Section
Cultural and Educational Services
National Library of Australia
Canberra ACT 2600
tel (06) 262 1207 fax (06) 273 4493

Link-up: a quarterly newsletter providing a national forum for the discussion of issues relating to services in Australian libraries in the areas of cultural diversity, literacy and disability is a gratis National Library of Australia publication available in print, audio and on-line at the address: http://www.nla.gov.au/linkup/
Original contributions and media releases are welcome. The editor reserves the right to edit all submissions. The views expressed in the contributed articles do not necessarily represent the views of the National Library of Australia.
Reproduction of articles appearing in Link-up is permitted for non-commercial purposes providing Link-up and the author are acknowledged. A complimentary copy of the publication would be appreciated.
Link-up is indexed and abstracted by APAIS (Australian Public Affairs Information Services) and by ACHLIS (Australian Clearing House for Library and Information Science) for inclusion in Australian Library and Information Abstracts (ALISA), Australian Education Index (AEI), Library and Information Sciences Trends (LIST) and Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA, UK).
Please continue to suggest topics to be covered in Link-up and remember that all original contributions and media releases are welcome. Send contributions to:
Editor, Link-up
Cultural and Educational Services
National Library of Australia
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel (06) 262 1207
Fax (06) 273 4493
E-mail: ggrime@nla.gov.au
Editorial & Production
Editor: Gabrielle Grime
Design Layout: Seuth Sirimanotham

From the Editor

Providing services specific to a library's community of users is the major theme for this edition of Link-up. Noeline Briggs-Smith, Aboriginal Library Assistant, gives some remarkable examples of how the Northern Regional Library and Information Service has developed library services for the district's Aboriginal community. Ronald Briggs expands on the State Library of New South Wales's services for Koorie communities state-wide; and Nola Tom describes the award-winning Rockhampton biographical register, which draws on local citizens as oral history sources.

In other articles, Yvonne Morant outlines the new program of providing Language Learning Resource Centres in WA libraries. A new study from RMIT provides some illuminating results on older people's use of the Internet. Jo-anne Fuller continues her series of public relations articles, this time focusing on sponsorship; and Barbara Fewtrell sneaks us a preview of what could well be an outstandingly popular technology for blind and vision impaired people: audio described videos.

Enjoy the issue, and keep sending in your articles!

Gabrielle Grime


Promoting Library Services for Aboriginals

Noeline Briggs-Smith describes the outstanding work being done by the Northern Regional Library and Information Service to provide relevant library services to the Aboriginal community

Moree is located in North Western NSW and has a significant Aboriginal population of 1618-with 2375 in the shire district according-to figure from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (1991 census). Those figures are increasing as the forthcoming census will show. Moree is primarily an agricultural community producing a diverse range of produce including livestock, wheat and grain. The area is noted for its thriving cotton industry.

The Northern Regional Library and Information Service covers 65 000 square kilometres and includes a number of areas with substantial Aboriginal settlements, such as Brewarrina, Walgett, Boggabilla, Toomelah, as well as Moree itself. It has been providing services and materials to Aboriginals for some years, although it was not until Mavis Sofield came to the Northern Regional Library in 1987-89 that Aboriginals were actively sought as patrons of the library. Her brief, as the newly appointed Regional Librarian, was to remedy this situation and to provide high-profile relevant library services to the Aboriginal community in this region.

[Aboriginal Book Mark Design Competition 1995]

ABOVE: Aboriginal Book Mark Competition 1995 Prizes presented to winners.

The most obvious first step was to ensure that at least the composition of the staff reflected that of the community as a whole. Consequently one Aboriginal trainee, Candice Dahlstrom, was appointed as a library technician. Other initiatives included a revision of collection development policy and weeding of collections; an examination of the nature of materials already held for materials of a secret or sacred nature; and liaison with regional Aboriginal organisations and the Moree Plains Gallery. These were all beneficial in developing services to the community.

The current library policy on Aboriginal Services since Wendy McGregor, the Regional Library Manager joined in 1989, reads:

The traditional written formats may not always be the most suitable means of information transfer therefore the use of photographs, works of art and electronic media and new technology are to play a significant role in information provision.
In whatever way possible, appropriate and with community consultation the library will be developed as a 'keeping place' for Aboriginal historical, cultural, political, vocational and educational information.

[Exhibition of Aboriginal photographs]

ABOVE: Exhibition of Aboriginal photographs set up by the Northern Regional Library.

[Mathew Priestly]

ABOVE: Mathew Priestly (Didgeridoo player).

Local Aboriginal art, sculpture and photographs are displayed throughout the library, as is other non-indigenous art. The Aboriginal flag is flown externally and internally. The design for the new library extension includes a separate Aboriginal area, and a Consultative Committee was established in 1991 to assist with planning. The Branch Library at Walgett developed a special collection selected after consultation with the Aboriginal community. Other branches include suitable material in their general collections. Of the seven staff then working, one was Aboriginal (a trainee technician). There are now nine staff of which two are Aboriginal, plus two Aboriginals on 12-months traineeships.

I was appointed in 1995 as an Aboriginal library assistant. My duties, aside from the usual library tasks, include constant communication with the local community, and encouraging Aboriginal people to use those resources available to them at the library. Coming to the position, I found that Aboriginal usership was low in the library, and that many Aboriginals were uncomfortable and intimidated entering libraries. With the cooperation of library staff, I set about overcoming these barriers.

Living in the Aboriginal community itself was a great asset to me, as people soon knew of my work. As a member of the Gwydir Family History Society and Acting Chairperson for the Aboriginal Corporation for Historical Research, and author of articles relating to the Aboriginal history of the area for the journal Yilaalu, I soon became a well-known local Aboriginal historian. I began encouraging the use of library resources for family history, which became one of the most popular means of promoting Aboriginal services to the local community. Family genealogies have been a major draw card in Aboriginal library usage, as knowing one's family, people and origins are of paramount interest.

[Cemetery Project 1987-1996]

ABOVE: Cemetery Project 1987-1995. Tranquility area dedicated to 'Kamilaroi' people buried in the Aboriginal section of Moree Cemetery.

I approached the local media, who ran a story on the library during Reconciliation Week. Interviews on the local radio station, and sitting in on the Aboriginal people's own radio program 'Mission Beat' announced new programs now taking place in the library. I used these forums to emphasise that documentation of Aboriginal family history was well under way. People on properties were asked to bring in for copying any records such as property pastoral staff books and any photographs of Aboriginal people. It was stressed that all items loaned would be cared for and returned to the owner or could be left in the library for safe-keeping. Hundreds of photographs have been donated for copying, and many of these will be forwarded to the State Library of NSW archives.

Another project was initiated at the library with the help of the CES New Work Opportunity Program, and saw the refurbishment of the neglected historical Aboriginal portion of the Moree Cemetery. Floodwater had destroyed markers, leaving only 13 graves identifiable. After researching library and council records for a number of years, I found the names of 217 Aboriginal people buried in 214 graves between 1940-1968.

Unmarked graves were given due treatment and the entire area was redeveloped. At a special morning tea held at the library in June 1996 Aboriginal elders chose a name for the area in Kamilaroi language: Ngindi Babbaarari (they sleep in a place of quietness). A print-out of the names of grave sites is available from the library. This initiative has brought a tremendous positive response from the community and good publicity for the library.

The library maintains, and has for some years, an information file on all aspects of contemporary life in the area, including local press clippings and research-related materials. The recently refurbished library building includes the Technology Dome, a modern structure made possible through a special grant from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) in 1993. It was through the help and support of the ATSIC councillor, Val Dahlstrom, that considerable funding was provided enabling the library to expand the Aboriginal resources and employ Aboriginal staff to implement those resources.

TAFE and school students continue to visit the library with new enthusiasm as class groups start working on their family trees and to use the other resources. I have produced a 'Kamilaroi Project Pack', where high school students can compile information packages on the indigenous people of their area and send them to other schools throughout the state.

Other projects at the library have included:

Aboriginal people of Moree are now realising how important it is to document their history, and are now entering the Northern Regional Library in comfort. Staff are creating a friendly atmosphere and providing a service which can be envied by many other libraries.

When an Aboriginal elder is lost from the community of Moree, the community grieves, for there are so few elders left. They grieve because those elders are the links in the chain to the past and with the loss of each link the chain becaomes shorter and will soon be no more. We hope that what is being done at the library in Moree will be recognised and followed by other libraries, because it is so important to document Aboriginal history before it is all lost, particularly family history.

[Noeline Briggs-Smith]

Noeline Briggs-Smith, Aboriginal Library Assistant, Northern Regional Library and Information Service, PO Box 360, MOREE NSW 2400.Tel (067) 521 889 Fax (067) 522 914.


Services to Aboriginal People and Communities in New South Wales

Staff at the State Library of New South Wales have been developing extensive programs to assist indigenous Australians access materials that relate to them. Melissa Jackson and Ronald Briggs describe their work.

Two Koori staff were appointed as trainee librarians in December 1991 with assistance from the Professional and Technical Entry Program under the New South Wales Aboriginal Employment Strategy. Their permanent employment is guaranteed at the conclusion of the traineeships. Melissa Jackson and Ronald Briggs are based in the Mitchell Library, and the main focus of their work is to assist indigenous people gain access to the large collections of materials that relate to them.

Customised special programs are offered for indigenous groups who need access to the collection. Over 2000 people have used this service. They have been from all education sectors, and especially from programs for indigenous people in universities, TAFE, and community organisations such as Tranby College and Land Councils. Hundreds of interested individuals have sought assistance, particularly in local and family history. In October 1996, Melissa and Ronald compiled a pathfinder, Black Routes Through the Library: A Guide to Aboriginal Family and Local History Resources Relating to NSW.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources are a collection strength of the State Library of NSW and include significant language materials. Materials are collected from the whole of Australia, while original materials, such as manuscripts and pictures are collected only from NSW. Koori staff assist in collection development by making links with individuals and organisations to ensure that contemporary ephemera, manuscript, archival and pictorial material is acquired, especially community based NSW publications.

The NSW based and nationally circulated Koori Mail newspapers are being indexed and microfilmed. Retrospective indexing will be completed by the beginning of 1997. Work on creating a computerised index to the NSW Tindale Genealogies has also started. A biographical index for collections of original pictures and manuscripts has been set, and needs additional resources to compile.

The State Library holds one of the few complete sets of The Dawn and New Dawn magazines, an important source for Koori biographical information. This has been microfilmed and is available in some public libraries.

Aboriginal staff at the State Library of NSW work on exhibitions to ensure appropriate inclusivity. They curated Look Again: Reinterpreting Aboriginal History in the United Nations Year of Indigenous People to highlight the range and diversity of materials in the collection, especially those created by Aboriginal people. The successful touring exhibition Yarrabah: People of the Early Years, curated by Ronald and Melissa, again displayed the State Library's collections.

Melissa and Ronald are involved in a number of public programs such as exhibition related activities offered by the Library Society, in-service training for teachers in the Aboriginal Studies curriculum and the annual Sydney Writers Festival which always features indigenous writers and publishers.

Ronald and Melissa are accredited trainers in cross-cultural awareness and offer systematic programs for staff of the State Library of NSW and NSW public libraries.

The Public Libraries Branch of the State Library works with Ronald and Melissa to develop collections and services for indigenous people in public libraries. Their current priority is to deliver cross-cultural awareness training sessions at the State Library and in country regions. They support Koori staff employed in public libraries, make visits whenever possible, provide advice and assist in staff recruitment. Melissa and Ronald also have participated in a range of seminars for public librarians on Koori library services, literacy issues and Aboriginal genealogy.

Ronald and Melissa represent the Library in a variety of forums such as the ALIA-DEETYA Aboriginal Employment Strategy and the National Aboriginal History and Heritage Committee. They liaise with NSW community organisations such as Link-up (an organisation which re-unites families which have been parted because of past government assimilation policies), the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), the Eora Centre, and with staff in other cultural institutions such as the Australian Museum.

The establishment of an Aboriginal Advisory Committee is planned for 1997. This will soon proceed with representatives expected from ATSIC, NSW Land Councils, Link-up, the AECG and including country representation.

The work of the Koori staff has dramatically improved access to collections and services at the State Library of NSW and is widely known within NSW indigenous educational, genealogical and historical communities. The establishment of the Advisory Committee is expected to further improve dissemination of information about their work, as will the process of formal community consultation, which is required before access can be provided to the Tindale genealogies.

Much work still needs to be done. Evaluating the collection for secret, sacred and offensive materials, for example, cannot be achieved with the current staffing. The Library has secured the employment of two new staff through the ALIA-DEETYA Aboriginal Employment Strategy to assist with such programs.

Bibliography

Briggs, R. and M. Jackson, Black Routes Through the Library: A Guide to Aboriginal Family and Local History Resources Relating to NSW, 1996.

Briggs, R., 'Making kinship accessible ... ', Public Library News, vol. 1, no. 1, March 1995, p. 12.

'Look again at Aboriginal history', Koori Mail, 25 Aug. 1993, p. 19.

'Rare material on show at museum in Qld's far north', Ibid, 19 Apr. 1995, p. 13.

Ronald Briggs, State Library of New South Wales, Macquarie Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000. Tel (02) 9230 1414 Fax (02) 9233 2003.


Older People and the Internet

A new study provides some useful results for libraries to improve accessibility of the Internet for their older clients

We live in a society that devalues the ageing experience. The expression 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks' sums up our attitudes towards older adults, many of whom have absorbed this myth into their everyday lives and firmly believe that they are too old to learn new things. Not only is this notion simply not true, but it prevents older adults from enjoying new opportunities and life experiences. This is particularly true of new technologies, which tend to be associated with youth and youth culture.

It was with these issues in mind that Kirsty Williamson, the Associate Director of the Telecommunications Needs Research Group (TNRG), set about studying how to improve older adults access to the Internet in a public library setting. The study consisted of a survey of 120 older adults (50 years and over) and observations of 60 older adults using the Internet. The study was set in three public libraries-Brighton, Box Hill and Hamilton.

The survey

The evidence for the perceived lack of application of technology to older adults' lives can easily be seen in the lack of positive feelings many respondents had for the computer. The chart below shows that the majority of people indicated a level of discomfort with computers.

As can be seen from Chart 1, 28 per cent said that they had never used a computer and did not intend to in the future; 36 per cent said they had not used a computer because they did not know how; and 13 per cent indicated they used a computer when they had to, but were not really comfortable using it. This represents quite a significant proportion of the sample (77 per cent) whose feelings towards the computer were not particularly positive. On the other hand, only just over one-fifth expressed some positive feelings towards using a computer: 12 per cent said they were reasonably comfortable but felt they needed more practice and 11 per cent indicated they were quite confident. Therefore only a very small percentage of the older adults in the sample were completely positive in their feelings towards using a computer.

Respondents were also asked to nominate a statement which best reflected the role they thought computers had in their lives. As shown in Chart 2, 67 per cent of respondents had negative attitudes: 42 per cent thought they would never need to use computers as they were not relevant to their lives and 25 per cent said that they would use a computer if they really had to.

Reasonably positive attitudes were expressed by the 24 per cent who said that they found computers useful but not essential. Only a small number of people indicated a highly positive role for computers in their lives: 4 per cent felt that computers were a very important part of their lives and 4 per cent said they would be lost without their computer now. Those who were positive about the role of computers in their lives and in their feelings towards them were more likely to use a computer and to use it more frequently, to be younger, better educated, to have and use a computer at home, and were less likely to be on a government pension.

Further evidence for the lack of use of new technologies by older adults can be seen in the numbers of older adults who were not using the Internet: only nine of the 120 people had used the Internet before the survey. After using the Internet once, 85 per cent of the 60 people who had used it during the study, said they would like to use it again. Some of the comments they made include:

'It's mind boggling! Beats TV any day. At over 50 it provides a whole new area of interest.' (In her 50's)
'It's very exciting and I've got a lot out of it. The system is not at all confusing-very easy to tap into. I was glad to be in the survey because I didn't know it was available'. (In her 70's)
'The best thing since sliced bread! Makes you wish you were twenty years younger!' (In his 70's)
'I would like to use the Internet again, because it's something new, it's worthwhile learning'. (In his 60's)

Problems using the equipment and the Internet (WWW)

Despite the overall enthusiasm, participants faced significant difficulties in using the Internet, as Table 1 shows.

The most common problem was with using the mouse, both for pointing and clicking (21 per cent) and for scrolling (24 per cent). The concepts of hypertext links and waiting for a screen to load were not easily grasped at first but, after they had been informed by observers, very few people had extensive problems with these. Remembering to place the cursor in the search box before typing was also a problem, although not an extensive one (26 per cent).

Whilst for some of the older adults, use of the mouse would improve with practice, it was obvious to the observers that, for others, it would not. Because of arthritis or tremors, these particular respondents were incapable of the fine movements required to manoeuvre a mouse. They had difficulty placing the cursor within a search engine box, placing the mouse in the arrowed boxes which allow scrolling, and coordinating the movement of the mouse and clicking it. This last problem caused a great deal of difficulty for one man with no right index finger.

Another frequent problem which, in some cases, would not improve with practice, is the ability to read the screen. Thirty per cent of the participants indicated they had problems reading the screen. Often the print was too small or the colour of the print was unreadable. They found the grey menu buttons on Netscape difficult to read and described them as being too pale. Certain combinations of coloured backgrounds and coloured text were hard to distinguish and quite a few had problems reading hypertext links in their blue or purple form. Apparently yellow was impossible to read. Some respondents had quite bad eyesight or wore bifocals which made reading the screen quite difficult.

Menu functions

The aspects which presented the least problem were: understanding the use of buttons on Netscape (65%), understanding screen content (62%), understanding what kinds of keywords to use in searches (59%), knowing how to delete (58%), knowing to use the search button after entering key-words (53%), and to a lesser extent, remembering to read the screen for instructions (41%).

Observers took note of the menu functions people were using on Netscape. When it became obvious that participants were unable to continue their searches because of lack of knowledge, the observer gave them some clues and, finally, the correct selection if necessary. Table 2 sets out the results.

Other issues concerning the performance of the software

A major issue was the lack of instructions on how to use the Internet. A common response was: 'I am frustrated at not knowing what to do, and not being able to pick up any clues on the screen about where to start'. Others indicated a preference for simple instructions to be placed at the side of the computer. Some (20 per cent) expressed frustration at the time delays they experienced when trying to retrieve information from the Internet. One respondent looking for information from the Victorian Arts Centre commented: 'It would be easier to ring them up'. Another pointed out that she could have found the book with the information she needed in less time.

What public libraries can do

Some of the difficulties the older adults felt and expressed can only be dealt with by software and hardware developers and by those who put the information on the Internet. However, the responsibility for encouraging older adults to learn how to use the Internet and the actual process of learning itself lies elsewhere. As this age group is only minimally involved in the workforce or education system it has little access to places which would encourage familiarity with new technologies. Because libraries are becoming places of increasing mechanisation due to the introduction of new technologies, they represent the perfect environment for the introduction of, and training for, new technologies including the Internet, especially for those members of the community who otherwise have little access to new technologies. This is particularly the case for the older adult population who are a very important group of public library users. Computers and OPACs may no longer seem new technologies to large sections of the community who have had prolonged access to them within the workforce or education systems, but to an aged person who has been outside of those institutions for 10 years or more, they can be completely foreign. Some older women may never have been a part of the work force or may have participated in areas of low or non-existent technology. Being required to use a computer without some guidance or training may be the equivalent of asking a 30-year-old with no flying experience to fly a Boeing 747. Some accompanying fear and trepidation would be expected.

There are a number of practical things libraries can do. Librarians could contribute to a more effective Web by using their expertise in the organisation of information to provide constructive criticism about software to the major software providers. VICNET also needs to be kept informed of long delays and relevant problems.

Careful consideration should be given to the placement of computers in the library. Most of the participants in the study were not deterred by having to use the Internet in a public setting, but a few said that they would have preferred a more private one. The Internet is a very different information tool from the on-line catalogue and must be treated as such. The comfort of chairs and their height in relation to the screen is very important, particularly to those with bifocal glasses. Lighting is also very important. In one library the computer was placed in a position with a lot of natural light which made the screen very difficult to read.

Those libraries which create their own home pages need to be aware of the difficulties mentioned above, such as the colours that are difficult to read.

Libraries should also consider providing special equipment for people with disabilities, such as a track ball for people who find the normal mouse difficult to use.

A key element to overcoming fear of using the Internet is understanding how it works. Providing simple instructions, illustrating key buttons and providing definitions of essential terminology on a stand near the computer screen would help prevent some of the anxiety related to using an unfamiliar technology.

The results of this study are very encouraging. They indicate that once the initial fear is over, older adults can be very positive about the Internet and in some cases very enthusiastic. However, if libraries are to be successful in providing an Internet service to this group, they need more than just the facilities. They need a policy which both encourages older adults to use the Internet and facilitates their use through proper instruction, keeping in mind the problems specific to the age group. One option which appears to be successful is to use 'mentors' of the same age to encourage and teach older adults. Peer group teaching has been found to be the most successful approach in the United States (Furlong 1989). Another is to introduce group activities around certain content areas, such as a morning tea for people interested in gardening information on the Internet. If special efforts are made, it is certain that public libraries will be able to make a significant contribution to a very important community service: assisting older people to adapt to the information and communication revolution.

Bibliograghy

Bow, Amanda, Kirsty Williamson and Karen Wale, 'Barriers to public access'. Paper presented at the Communications Research Forum 1996. Melbourne: Bureau of Transport and Communications Economics, 1996.

Furlong, Mary, 'An electronic community for older adults: the SeniorNet Network', Journal of Communications, vol. 39, no. 3, June 1996, pp.145-153.

Williamson, Kirsty, Amanda Bow and Karen Wale, 'Older people, new technology and public libraries' in Reading the Future: Proceedings of the Australian Library and Information Association Biennial Conference. Canberra: ALIA, 1996, pp.161-170.

Williamson, Kirsty and Amanda Bow, Older People and the Internet. Video recording. Melbourne: RMIT, 1996.

Kirsty Williamson, currently research fellow Charles Sturt University; Co-Director, Telecommunications Needs Research Group (TNRG), RMIT. Tel (03) 9660 2903 Fax (03) 9639 1685 E-mail: kirstyw@rmit.edu.au. Amanda Bow and Karen Wale, Research Associates, Telecommunications Needs Research Group.


Collecting a Community's Oral History

The award-winning Rockhampton Biographical Register is getting a community talking. Nola Tom reports.

Genealogy is a popular activity for many people but too often looks at recording information on people only after they have died.

Recognition of this, and a knowledge of the problems genealogists often experienced, led the Rockhampton Municipal Library Service to the concept of recording information using the subjects themselves. This resulted in the decision to begin the Rockhampton Biographical Register, a project that won the library the Joan Gamble Grant for services to the disabled or elderly in 1993.

The Rockhampton Biographical Register is an attempt to record background information on the citizens of Rockhampton to encourage and foster an interest in their collective heritage as a community. The project also aims to increase awareness and usage of the Central Queensland Collection of local studies materials, particularly among older residents.

In planning the project we decided that, as well as using only media coverage and flyers, we would work through retirement villages, nursing homes and community groups. Networking a project so as to involve the community brings greater personal satisfaction, and my own rewards from this project have been the formation of some lasting friendships and a sense of belonging to a community. However, while I was happy to both promote and record the history of Central Queensland, there were also particular skills needed to create movement in a project, and I found I lacked some of these, especially in the early stages.

Three organisations were contacted initially: the Senior Citizens, the Pensioners League and the University of the Third Age (U3A). We were hopeful of acquiring volunteers to do the interviews for us, both as subjects and interviewers. However, the flurry of excitement that often comes with the launch of a project died rather quickly as difficulties were encountered with organising meetings and keeping pace with everyday life.

I soon found that most people were prepared to assist with completing the forms, but were not very interested in being interviewers.

Two forms are used in the project. The first asks for names and contact addresses or telephone numbers, and gives permission for the library to have the results, either audio or written, made publicly available. This form was distributed at the public meetings initially.

The second form is the biographical profile. Individuals are asked to complete some genealogical information, and to add any details about occupations. This includes timeframes of jobs. A request is also made for the person to supply a photograph which the library can copy, as this is relevant both for genealogical and historical reasons.

This form is the basis for the Register. Forms can be filed alphabetically by the individual's surname. An index to cross-reference occupations and subjects areas for research to the individual's name, allows researchers to access details of people who are available for oral histories or interviews.

Many people require considerable time to 'retrace' their occupations and for this reason participants usually need some encouragement to complete this section of the form, although this one-to-one approach can be very time consuming. The few that I attempted in this manner usually took between an hour to an hour and a half for each form. The form has since been simplified, is less intrusive, and requires less time and effort to complete.

The University of the Third Age (U3A) provided a number of volunteers to assist with distributing and completing forms. This produced some results, but they often returned apologising for the lack of interest. As interest waned with the older population a new strategy was sought which might encourage younger people to be interested in oral history. The library held a public meeting in 1994 to establish an oral history interest group. This was a follow-up from a very successful oral history workshop conducted by Sue Pechey earlier in the year. A number of objectives were identified for this group:

We were further encouraged when a group of ten tertiary students attended the second meeting which was conducted as a workshop. Although meetings are not currently being held, they have produced a number of spin-offs. Oral history interviews have been conducted by the meeting participants and have been deposited in the library's collection, and a variety of people have asked for advice about recording oral history.

After the initial visits to groups to speak about the Register, we have had the U3A visit the library to learn first-hand what materials are available in the Central Queensland Collection, and how to access them. Many were unaware of the extent of the Collection (approximately 400 000 items) and showed their support by promising donations of photographs and other materials.

Producing a strategy which will involve the community and assist in the continued development of the Register is a current priority. Asking for participation through the media is not enough for a project of this type. We have asked our local Councillors to participate in the project as a way of raising its profile in the community, but I think the best option is to speak to groups not previously contacted, such as the Genealogical Associations.

The structure of the form requests information on occupations, and this could prove to be a focus for professional groups such as surveyors, doctors, lawyers etc. Each of the groups have organisations which may be interested in assisting with the recording of the history of the profession in Rockhampton by using the Register, and then conducting oral histories. However, before speculating too much on where the project could or should go, we believe there is a need to establish a committee to 'drive' the project and give it greater community focus.

The final product will be the compilation of the Register as a resource for genealogists and researchers seeking assistance with the names of people willing to be interviewed. The library too, will use the register to focus on 'gaps' in the collections, and to plan oral history projects based on the information supplied.

The Rockhampton Biographical Register is an attempt to put in place the building blocks needed to implement oral history projects within a resource-limited library. Getting the strategy right in order to achieve significant results from the Register has produced changes in our approach, and a shift away from the original focus on the elderly to a more general community focus.

Written by Nola Tom, Local Studies Officer; edited by Cheryl Haughton, City Librarian. C/- Rockhampton City Library, PO Box 243, ROCKHAMPTON Qld 4700. Tel (079) 31 1311 Fax (079) 22 1700.


WA Libraries Funded for Language Skills

Public libraries in Western Australia have been given a great opportunity to help their clients to learn a language or improve their skills in English.

For the second consecutive year, the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI) has invited applications from all local governments for grants to establish of Language Learning Resource Centres in public libraries.

The Western Australian Government developed the initiative in 1995 to acknowledge the International Year of Tolerance in a way which would be of lasting value to the Western Australian community.

A lack of opportunity to improve English language skills is still one of the major problems facing many migrants from non-English speaking countries, and the 1991 Census revealed that almost 30 000 people in Western Australia have low levels of English proficiency.

At the same time the state government recognises the need to expand opportunities for Western Australians to learn a language other than English, whether for business, employment or social reasons. (Invitation to Apply for Funding OMI, 1991)

A $400 000 fund was set up for the 1995-96 financial year, with the Lotteries Commission contributing $250 000 and the remaining $150 000 coming from the Office of Multicultural Interests. A further $500 000 was made available by the Lotteries Commission for the next two financial years.

In 1995-96, twenty-six local governments across the State received $257 000, and nearly $400 000 is available in the current round to enhance Centres already established or to set up new ones. Some libraries are concentrating on English as a Second Language materials while others are offering resources to people wanting to learn languages such as Indonesian, Japanese, Spanish, Cantonese and Italian.

The aim of the program is to provide free access to independent language learning materials both for people from non-English speaking backgrounds who wish to improve their English language skills and for people who are keen to learn a language other than English. The funds can be used by libraries to purchase resources such as books, tapes, videos, CD-ROMs and software, and equipment, including audio and video players, PCs, headphones and some furniture items. Up to 10 per cent of the total amount may be used for processing costs such as cataloguing and packaging and up to five per cent may be used for promotion of the Centre. Local governments are expected to provide suitable library accommodation and to cover administration and staffing costs, including any additional processing costs covered by the grant.

Libraries are encouraged to develop partnerships with one or more agencies within their communities, such as ethnic organisations and learning centres, and to consult as widely as possible with educational institutions and professional organisations for areas such as counselling and advice, conversation groups or tutoring.

The Library and Information Service of Western Australia (LISWA) has worked closely with OMI, Lotteries Commission and other stakeholders to coordinate the program and to help libraries to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the grants. In both years, LISWA has organised an information workshop for all intending applicants. Local suppliers have been invited to present displays and demonstrations of ESL and LOTE resources. LISWA is currently investigating ways in which catalogue records and holdings for items purchased for Language Centres can be added to its central database of public libraries' stocks.

Language Learning Resource Centres have been operating for a relatively short time and it is too early to fully evaluate their effectiveness. However, anecdotal evidence suggests many people are using the Centres to improve their language skills.

Yvonne Morant, Public Library Services, The Library and Information Service of Western Australia, Alexander Library Building, PERTH WA 6000. Tel (09) 427 3166 Fax (09) 427 3169.


Catching the Mighty (Sponsorship) Dollar

In a climate of shrinking resources and an ever increasing commitment to better library and information services, many organisations are seeking sponsorship to facilitate the delivery of more and improved services. Jo-anne Fuller 'leapt the fence' to interview an experienced sponsor about factors that will influence the success of sponsorship applications.

Maida Beale is the Marketing Manager for Streets Ice Cream and has previously worked for Coca Cola, TOLTOYS and Fisher Paykel (New Zealand). She has, she says, reviewed literally thousands of sponsorship proposals and she is not even halfway through her allotted 'three score plus 10'.

The first point Maida makes is about the volume of sponsorship applications that flow into large companies. She says that this alone can be very daunting. Most of them are quite genuine sponsorship approaches-from an individual looking for sponsorship for a particular sport or to attend a specific event like the Olympics, through to organisations or clubs (such as rugby or basketball clubs, or Girl Guides), schools, and children's fairs. The highest proportion-and therefore your main competition-are definitely from sporting organisations or sports people.

She says that at least 20 applications a week arrive in her in-tray, which is a lot. She comments that the number for which she can find the time to study is therefore minimal because there is also her job to be done, a lot relies on the applicant's ability to express their message succinctly and quickly. The ones that get read are the ones that grab you from the start, she says, not by gimmickry, but rather by saying something up front that draws you in and makes you interested. Sponsorship is, says Maida, very definitely a two way street-something in which both parties have an investment. A proposal that acknowledges this relationship up front has a definite advantage.

What makes a sponsorship proposal stand out?

Maida is emphatic that good proposals are concise and to the point. This is not a game, and sponsors do not have the time to chase the point (or even guess it). The proposal should be written in such a way that it is easy to recognise that the item or event to be sponsored is relevant to the sponsoring organisation. As a sponsor, Maida says that one of the things that she is looking for is an opportunity that will allow her to leverage the event with one of her brands.

While the onus is on the applicant to identify companies that would be appropriate sponsors, they do not have to have specific product knowledge-tie the deal to the company and let them focus on specific product matches if they want.

Once you have sent off your sponsorship proposal, what's the next stage?

Wait. Allow a reasonable amount of time for your proposal to be assessed-at least a couple of weeks. Because of the volume of applications with which large companies deal, proposals are generally looked at 'in bulk' every second week or sometimes even once a month. If you have hit upon on a good match between 'thing and sponsor' you are likely to hear fairly quickly.

If it goes longer than a few weeks, do call. But ...

Observe protocol

Keep your follow-up telephone calls short and to the point-remember that your priority is not necessarily the same as the sponsor's. Realise that your call is actually interrupting someone else's work, so show a generous spirit and don't cast accusations ('Why haven't you called?').

Instead, adopt a considered approach. For example, 'Hello, I'm Joe Bloggs and I sent you a proposal on X-I was wondering if you have some time to talk it through?' This gives the sponsor the option of saying yes, let's talk, or no, let me review it and I'll get back to you.

How far in advance should sponsorship approaches be made?

Lead times will vary greatly depending on the logistics involved and what needs to happen to get the project off the ground. However, as a general guide for one-off events, apply three months in advance. If you are seeking sponsorship for something more significant, like a specific campaign, apply six months in advance.

Streets Ice Cream have been a major sponsor of the Festival of Sydney for a number of years, and they are generally approached about four months in advance. Maida comments that this is, however, an unusual example because it is a case of ongoing sponsorship-the perfect kind of relationship. A lot of the ground work is already complete-as a sponsor they know exactly what needs to be done and also appreciate what the Festival needs, and in turn the applicant understands what the company needs and what is driving them. The result-both do better at the end of the day.

What must applications cover?

All sponsorship proposals should include the following details:

Ideally break this down, shopping list style, so it is really clear what the sponsor is getting for their money.

Maida says that, surprisingly, a lot of people just do not cut to the chase and often omit this last part from their proposal.

Be fair and accurate in what you ask for and what you are offering. Do not ask for 50 dollars and promise the moon. Marketing managers know full well that sponsorship is advertising and they know exactly what it costs. A poorly costed and over promised proposal can fail on this count alone, because your ability to deliver will be in question from the start.

What is expected from a good applicant?

Sponsors are looking for more than a profile for a particular product. They are looking for integration and will want to know how youw can draw them into the event and how they can participate in its success. They will be looking to develop a close association with what they sponsor.

It is important that you do not get embarrassed or coy about sponsorship. The best sponsorships are relationships in which both parties benefit.

Make sure you establish open communication channels. Be honest with each other and work together as a team to make it all happen.

Does being a 'good thing' matter?

'Actually,' says Maida, 'it does-a lot'. Companies like to be seen as socially responsible. Hence, they want to associate their products or brand names with good, solid organisations, particularly if they are like a 'family show', like Arnott's, Streets etc. Sponsors are keen to position themselves with all the goodness and wholesome values that their products represent-that 'dairy goodness' image. This is also why companies choose to sponsor things like the Drug Offensive.

More than money/not money?

Some opportunity to get your product physically into the hands of people is valuable to a sponsor. So is sponsoring things that have a longer life. Remember this when putting together your proposals.

Is exclusive best?

Absolutely. In fact, says Maida, she tends to regard it as essential. Most people sponsoring something would do it for the exclusivity-this will be a very attractive part of your proposal and should be included up front.

If your project does require more than one sponsor, you should be careful not to involve companies in direct competition.

The best and the worst?

The best proposals are those that are concise, to the point and easy to understand-stay away from jargon and acronyms. They will be well written, sound business propositions, with obvious mutual advantage.

The worst ones are those attached to applicants who expect you to drop everything, do what they want, refuse to negotiate on details, harass you and threaten to approach your competitors.

How are proposals assessed by companies?

As a beginning point, most large companies have a standard format against which to measure opportunities. They will look at the following factors:

Answering these questions will allow you to put a value on the proposed sponsorship. Maida suggests that your application will benefit by the inclusion of as much information as possible relating to these questions.

The sponsor will especially be interested in the demographics of your anticipated audience, rather than a raw attendance figure. She also notes that the final deciding factor may simply be that is such a good opportunity the organisation will not want its competitors to get hold of it.

Advice in a nutshell

Virtually every proposal she receives is physically well presented, says Maida. The difference is in content. So keep it simple-state your case, make it clear and obviously actionable.

Checklist for first timers

Make sure your proposal includes:

For old hands ...

Include information about previous events. If something has been done and it has worked, send evidence even if it was sponsored by someone else, such as photos, post-event reports or newspapers clippings. Indicate if video or radio footage is available on request.

How much background information should you supply about your organisation?

Sponsors do not actually need a vast amount of background information in the initial proposal-try to keep this to a paragraph that focuses on who you are, what you do and why.

Post-event analysis

Often, says Maida, the only post- event report that sponsors receive is from the staff member who turned up on the day. Although the majority of sponsored groups do not do it, she recommends that you provide the sponsor with a photograph (colour is fine, with caption), and a report including facts and figures and citing any media coverage. This will help to nurture your relationship with the sponsor and will make the next approach a lot easier.

If you were making the decision about where to go for sponsorship, how would you start?

Think about the audience and trace backwards. For example with kids, think about the products that kids are involved with-eating, drinking, doing-and chase the companies who produce these products. You really have to understand your audience and their interests in a very broad sense in order to have a firm grip on the array of potential sponsors for your event.

Last comments

'I have to confess,' says Maida, 'that it is easy for me, and other people in positions such as mine, to forget that people are often doing this for the first time and that they don't really know the game. It is important for you to realise this and to make sure that your proposal pre-empts my questions. Those from the bigger organisations do because they are in business to get sponsorship, and this is your competition. It will be a worthwhile part of your bullet-proofing process to take the time to run your proposal past a friend or colleague in a different industry. If they can recognise the opportunity afforded by your event, chances are the sponsor will too.'

Jo-anne Fuller, PO Box 246, ARTAMON NSW 2064. Tel (02) 9906 6000 Fax (02) 9906 5987 E-mail: jojo@ozemail.com.au.


Beyond Books

Geelong Regional Library Service has developed new services and collections for its clients who speak languages other than English.Con Lannan outlines those changes.

The City of Geelong is a culturally diverse city of about 190 000 people located on the shores of Victoria's Corio Bay. The city has a richly diverse cultural heritage which clearly reflects the ethnic history of Victoria. The population records of 1991 indicated that over 20 per cent of residents were born overseas.

The Geelong Regional Library Service is currently the major public library provider in Geelong, servicing the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Golden Plains Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe. The current service is an outcome of the merger in 1995 of the 'old Geelong Regional', South Barwon and Geelong West Services. The 'old' Geelong Regional Library Service maintained a strong commitment to support the library based informational and recreational needs of people from non-English speaking backgrounds for many years.

Changes in the ethnic characteristics of the Geelong community and the ageing of many of the post-war emigrant communities prompted the library service into reviewing its operational focus and services. Municipal reform and the implementation of competitive tendering lent further priority to the need to ensure appropriate service operation and effective future planning. The pursuit of a more customer responsive and performance oriented relationship was fundamental to this review.

The library service has traditionally relied on book-based collections supported by interlibrary loans in providing material in Languages Other Than English (LOTE). The service has attempted to cover all major language groups represented in Geelong, which number more than 30.

In 1996, 13 non-English groups were represented with book and magazine collections. These collections were: Croatian, Serbian, Italian, German, Dutch, Polish, Greek, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Lithuanian, Russian and French.

In reviewing LOTE collections a number of key issues specific to Geelong's service provision included:

In re-assessing LOTE services a number of internal constraints formed part of the review process such as minimal resources to effectively survey non-users; capped revenue available to support the specific service; pre-existent policy and operational requirements; and the need to minimise the resources and level of effort committed to the process. Such constraints are familiar and critical to public libraries.

Geelong's developing manufacturing base during the 1950s and 1960s attracted large numbers of immigrants from Europe with a consequent growth in the need for access to LOTE materials. In recent years total immigration into Geelong has decreased. The demographic shifts of immigration in cities such as Melbourne, where Asian migration has increased substantially, has not been reflected in Geelong. This is partly due to the shift of Geelong's employment base away from manufacturing. Chain migration has continued, particularly from Eastern Europe, and at times has accelerated because of events such as the breakup of Yugoslavia. The numbers of migrants from Vietnam and Hong Kong have increased; and overall, the recently arrived migrant population has tended to possess higher educational standards.

The demographic profile of Geelong's population, which is largely of European origin, is now characterised by populations skewed towards older age groups; increasing rates of physical disability; and the increasing isolation of many individuals.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recorded the following non-English speaking background language groups as the most populous in Geelong: Croatian, Serbian, Italian, German, Macedonian, Dutch, Polish, Greek, Spanish, Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Russian.

The Geelong language profile indicated that the library service needed to redirect its effort in two key areas. First, it should focus on the ageing, European- dominated communities and their traditional recreational material. Second, the service needed to enhance current cultural information provision to reflect the needs of more recent arrivals of migrants from Eastern Europe and Asia.

In common with most public libraries attempting to provide adequate coverage of LOTE materials, the provision of a realistic range and coverage became an almost insurmountable goal. Standards for LOTE collections were below those of the English language collections, and the collection usage and evaluation standards applied to these collections were radically different to the general English language collection. Loan levels and ratios were highly variable and collection quality was not being sustained.

Additional support services such as interlibrary loans are used to service specialist and minority language needs where appropriate. Unfortunately, some of these support services may now be at risk through the implementation of competitive tendering and the lack of any formalised commitment between public libraries to support core language collections. Access to tertiary library collections by public library customers, especially the aged, remains costly and restricted.

The improvement of consumer choice and service quality has become a major theme in the service industry and reflects the increasing diversity, complexity and transience of cultural products. Its application to the LOTE area is as important as any other and increasing opportunities appear to exist for public libraries to deliver more relevant LOTE services through emphasis on currency and diversity within realistically achievable boundaries.

In Geelong, emphasis is being placed on increasing the format range, currency, and relevance in major collections and enhancing emphasis on information immediacy rather than 'just-in-case' practices. Recognition of our older clientele, however, and issues of 'electronic illiteracy' qualify this approach. Customer education, staff training, and targeted marketing to specific groups within ethnic communities are critical success factors in this strategy.

Analysis of usage, ABS statistics, stock holding and turnover rates suggested that our resources seemed fragmented. Many existing LOTE collections at Geelong were based on donations and older stock, with insufficient recurrent input to maintain sufficient currency and viability. Customer feedback indicated that resource spreading was undermining performance. This conflicted with a principal business ethic of the service to ensure high performance standards. Two responses were perceived as necessary. These involved re-targeting a more limited range of high priority collections and an increased level of non-collection based support to LOTE customers.

Following consultation with specific user groups, the library service withdrew collections in four language groups. These were offered to the respective community groups. Commitments to individual language collections remains under review.

The development of an integrated LOTE service strategy needed to be based on the introduction of comparative performance measures and clearly defined planning objectives. Introductory LOTE performance indicators remain extremely subjective. Performance objectives are currently being developed in the areas of collection, information services and activities and programs. These are minimum criteria based on precedent and are not designed to be prescriptive. The service identified a need to develop standards to enable clearer policy decisions to be made about which languages to support through collection maintenance and which to support through other mechanisms. It also enables clearer and more focused discussion with community groups and funding bodies about what the library service is seeking to achieve.

As yet no detailed customer analysis of informational trends has been carried out by the service. Many of the information needs identified were developed in consultation with non-English speaking community groups.

These focused on future needs to:

A large range of more specific objectives were also identified. Examples of these were the needs for Chinese language materials, for Macedonian language information, and for re-establishment of Serbian language supply arrangements.

Formats provided by the library service included books, magazines and newspapers. Collections covered both adult and children's material. Anecdotal evidence suggested that many customers were interested in greater collection diversity. In recognising both the demographic and cultural changes in Geelong a clear need existed to establish or evaluate other formats in the library service. As a consequence key areas considered were the inclusion of audio and video materials, large print, and electronic information services to form part of core LOTE service provision.

The library service sought and received grant support from Arts Victoria to enhance LOTE collections through the inclusion of large print and video. These are pilot programs which aim to increase the relevance and diversity of the service approach and to improve the LOTE marketing and customer strategy.

With both the large print and video projects, particular effort has been made to overcome sourcing difficulties of these materials.

The introduction of pilot, large-print collections in Spanish, Italian, German and Dutch were immediately well received and customer feedback has already reinforced service objectives in this area. Paucity of supply in many languages remains a hurdle and there is a clear need for the service to continue its pursuit and commitment to improved sourcing.

To some extent non-English language video supply is far easier than large print due to the volume of material, although it remains a considerable challenge for selection staff. Geelong's knowledge and experience in this area is very tentative, and it relies heavily on advice from other libraries which have explored this format.

During 1996-97 the service will be establishing its 'Beyond Books' program with over 30 per cent of LOTE collection expenditure allocated to audio, video and electronic materials such as CD-ROM and LOTE focused Internet access. The video project represents the largest part of the program and has been specifically supported by Arts Victoria.

A major thrust of the library service is planned in the area of electronic services, particularly through the introduction of specific Internet-based LOTE information services. Although only three public access services are currently available, the service has a commitment to the introduction of Internet-based services at all 16 customer service locations in 1997.

The service has moved towards large print OPAC availability as well as large screen Internet access. Newspaper and magazine collections are being reviewed within the context of the availability of Internet-based current information publications. LOTE Internet brochures are currently under development and Internet access using non-Romanised scripts is being explored.

Although many of these new directions are exploratory and these changes represent the first steps towards improvement, confidence and enthusiasm is emerging from both our customers and staff for the strategies being implemented. Loan rates are increasing, information quality is improving and the development and marketing of associated services has become a broader priority. The review of LOTE collections has offered the library service new opportunities for building stronger relationships with community groups from non-English speaking backgrounds, new initiatives for promotion and a renewed vitality in our approach to the provision of LOTE services.

Con Lannan, Regional Library Manager, Geelong Regional Library, 49 Little Malop Street, GEELONG VIC 3220. Tel (052) 22 1900 Fax (052) 29 2306 E-mail: geerls@vicnet.net.au.


Accessing Visual Media: Audio Description

Audio description is the art of describing the visual scene and action which form such an important subtext to all forms of visual entertainment. In this way blind and vision impaired people are able to enjoy television, films and plays. It is a long and painstaking process, performed mainly by volunteers. First the play, film or TV show must be watched by a trained observer and each pause in the scripted dialogue is noted and timed. The observer must then write a description of what is going on: for example, the physical scene where the action is taking place, what people are wearing, any social context, the action taking place and anything else of interest. The descriptions must fit into the timed pauses in the dialogue which are usually short, for example, 4-5 seconds.

These descriptions must then be inserted into the script or soundtrack so that they do not interfere with the flow of the dialogue or any significant sound effects. For a play or TV show, these audio descriptions are available to blind and vision impaired people on a separate channel or sound system, so that sighted people are not disturbed or distracted by them. The descriptions need to be live for plays and pre-recorded for films, TV and videos.

The process of audio description has been used in the USA since 1981 in theatres and museums, and was pioneered by Margaret Pfanstiehl, founder and president of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Ear Radio Reading Service and her husband, Cody. The Arena Stage in Washington D.C. recruited their expertise in developing narration techniques and providing live commentary for theatre productions, and the Pfanstiehls trained a group of narrators for the Arena Stage's first audio described play in 1981, Major Barbara, by George Bernard Shaw.

Blind and vision impaired people in the audience could hear the audio description through an earphone plugged into a tiny FM receiver. They accessed a tape of the program notes and information about the cast and playwright, as well as a live description of the costumes, action, and sets during pauses in the dialogue. Audio description was first used with television in 1982, and became available on home video in 1988.

Audio description is extraordinarily important to blind and vision impaired people. It allows them to access the most popular media of modern culture, and to participate more fully in the mainstream of education, entertainment, and popular culture. In the past, blind and vision impaired people had to rely on their sighted relatives and friends to access films, now they are able to do this independently.

Audio described videos are perhaps the easiest way of accessing this service and have the descriptions recorded onto the soundtrack of the video. Because the audio description is such a long and difficult process, and funds are limited, currently there are not very many described videos available.

There are about one hundred available from DVS Home Video in Boston, USA and about thirty from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) in the UK-the cost is the same as for an ordinary video. The videos from the USA are in National Television Systems Committee format, and would have to be converted to Phase Alternate Line for use in Australia, the ones from RNIB are in PAL format.

A range of titles is available, including films for both children and adults which include: Dead Poet's Society, Pretty Woman, Hear my Song, Aladdin, and Bambi.

Audio description in Australia is just beginning. Some are being produced in Melbourne at the Association for the Blind. They have done audio description of live theatre, and some television, with the description being broadcast simultaneously on 3RPH, and are working on producing audio described videos.

The Royal Blind Society library has recently done an informal survey of library borrowers to see if there would be a demand for audio described videos if they were made available for loan. The response has been incredibly enthusiastic, and we are seeking funding to start a service as soon as possible through the library.

Bibliography

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words for Blind and Visually Impaired People by the American Foundation for the Blind. New York: AFB, 1991.

Barbara Fewtrell, Chief Librarian, Royal Blind Society, PO Box 176, BURWOOD NSW 2134. Tel (02) 9334 3333 Fax (02) 9334 3557.


News and Resources

Copyright in Electronic Environments

The International Federation of Libraries Association (IFLA) has released a position paper on Copyright in Electronic Environments. The paper comments on issues including:

The IFLA document also addresses the question of lending, document delivery, preservation and conservation, and international control.

To obtain the entire document, either electronically or by mail, contact Theresa Stanton, Publication Assistant, IFLA Headquarters, PO 95312, 2509 CH The Hague, Netherlands. Internet address: http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/ifla/.

Biography of the Blind

James Wilson's classic edition of the Biography of the Blind has been reissued, with notes by research librarian Kenneth Stuckey of the Perkins School for the Blind, in a commemorative edition sponsored by the Friends of Libraries for Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals in North America (Friends) and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress (NLS).

This book, containing biographical sketches of blind individuals, is a glimpse of the road that society has travelled in disabilities awareness up to the twentieth century in Europe and in America. The people portrayed by Wilson are blind men and women who vary in age, abilities and status in life-from the legendary Homer and the mathematical genius Nicholas Sanderson to an obscure miser, Adam Mond.

To make this modern edition of Biography of the Blind more accessible, Stuckey has arranged the biographies by field of interest and introduces each group with an essay giving up-to-date information as well as providing historical perspective.

[Book Cover]

Biography of the Blind is available through the Friends of Libraries for the Blind, 1555 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036, USA. Cost: $16.95 (paperback); $22.95 (hardcover). Prices include shipping and handling.

Large Print Sale

Large print books from Ulverscroft are on sale until 30 June 1997. All Charnwood titles are only $6.95 each and Ulverscroft $5.95 each with free shipping and handling.

Quote the order no. NYS0197 and place them through Ulverscroft Large Print Books Ltd, PO Box 953, CROWS NEST NSW 2065. Tel (02) 9436 2622 Fax (02) 9906 5379 E-mail Ulverscroft@ozemail.com.au. Internet address http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/plaza/hf33/.

Directions for Entitlements

Directions: A Guide to Government Entitlements for People with Disabilities in NSW outlines what the Commonwealth, New South Wales and Local Governments can offer people with disabilities and their families. It includes information about entitlements and services in the areas of employment, home, support, housing, pensions, transports and more.

Directions is available in audio and, for the first time, on computer disk formatted for use with synthesised voice output.

New South Wales Action Plan on Dementia: Implementation Strategies describes the strategies used to implement an action plan on dementia throughout NSW over the next three years.

The action plan was jointly developed by the Ageing and Disability Department and NSW Health with the cooperation of consumer and service provider organisations. It acknowledges the increasing needs of people with dementia and provides a practical approach towards assisting them and their carers.

The booklet looks at initiatives arising from the plan in areas such as community awareness and attitudes; policy and planning; and access to services such as community support and health care.

This booklet is available in audio and on computer disk formatted for use with synthesised voice output.

For copies, contact the Royal Blind Society, PO Box 176, BURWOOD NSW 2134. Tel (02) 9334 3524 or toll free 1800 644 885.

News from Focus

The Lee County (FL) Library System has produced a handy two-page Recommended Core List of Assistive Technology for Senior Facilities.

On the list: an assortment of hand-held, lighted, and stand magnifiers; a closed-circuit TV magnifier; personal listening devices; personal listening devices and assistive listening systems; volume control telephones; writing guides; book holders; and televisions equipped with closed caption decoding capability.

For a free copy of the Recommended Core List of Assistive Technology for Senior Facilities, contact Kathy Mayo, Special Services Department, Lee County Library System, 2050 Lee Street, Ft. Myers, Florida 33901.

From Focus: Library Service to Older Adults, People with Disabilities, no. 10, 1996.

On the subject of Assistive Technology, Focus also reported that Ray Kurzweil, an innovator in the field of artificial intelligence whose name to some is synonymous with reading machines, has announced a new initiative to develop greatly enhanced pattern recognition technologies in the near future. This new company, in the immediate future, predicts the development of computer chips for small scanners that could copy 'a full page instantly. It is likely that at the end of this decade a full print-to-speech reading machine will fit in your pocket.' This portable reading machine could be used 'to snap a picture and read a poster on a wall or a street sign or someone's ID badge or an appliance LCD display as well as a many other examples of real-world text.'

Projected to cost less than $1000 each, these devices may also 'provide on-line access to knowledge bases and libraries on the information superhighway. According to Kurzweil, by 2010 the 'intelligence of these devices will be sufficient to provide reasonable descriptions of pictures and real-world scenes'.

More information about Kurzweil Education Systems can be found at its Web site http://www.kurzweiledu.com.

From Focus: Library Service to Older Adults, People with Disabilities, no. 12, 1996.

Publications

Enterprising Nation: Cross-cultural Management Skills

This is the first of six curriculum kits, and concentrates on cross-cultural management skills in the workforce. The material was produced by the University of the Northern Territory for the Industry Task Force on Leadership and Management Skills. The material is provided on a DOS disk in a MS Word for Windows (Version 2) format which could be read by a Macintosh or a PC computer.

Price: $16.95. Available from the Australian Government Publishing Service GPO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601. Tel 008 020 049 Fax (06) 295 4888.

Pathways to Literacy by Trevor H. Cairney

This book recognises that there is no simple way to develop literacy. It begins with the central premise that literacy is not simply a cognitive process; rather, it is a set of social practices that are used in rich sociocultural contexts. Pathways to Literacy addresses how literacy can be empowering for all students in schools, by addressing teaching methods, classroom strategies and practices necessary to recognise multiple pathways to literacy.

The book is published by Cassell (London) and is available from Astam Books, 57-61 John Street, Leichardt NSW 2040. Tel (02) 9566 4400 Fax (02) 9566 4411.

Literacy Now (replacing Good Practice and Literacy Update) is available on the Internet at http://www.deetya.gov.au/pubs/lit_now/

Open Line, the Technology Policy Newsletter of the World Institute on Disability's Technology Policy Division, is published six times a year. It informs readers of significant developments regarding accessibility for people with disabilities to telecommunications and information technologies.

For information and subscriptions contact Betsy Bayha, Editor, World Institute on Disability, 510 16th Street, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612. Voice (510) 763 4100 TTY (510) 208 9496 Fax (510) 763 4109 E-mail: OpenLine@wid.org.

The University of Georgia's (USA) Learning Disabilities Research Training Centre has posted 'The National Informational Resource Guide For and About Adolescents and Adults with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorders'. It is available on: http://www.rit.edu/~easi/easisem/ldnoelbw.html.

The Guide is intended for consumers, their families, the professionals who work with them and policy writers affecting people with learning disabilities.

Life After Deafness

Life After Deafness: A Resource Book for Late-Deafness Adults by Beta Shuster is a Canadian publication which provides helpful information about living and coping successfully with deafness. The book aims to be 'an introduction to assistive devices, new means of communication and coping skills'. Although many of the 600 listings related to health, education, employment, assistive devices, organisations, programs and information services are Canadian and US based, there are also references to international resources, and general tips for everyday living such as travel, the family, social life and driving.

For further information contact the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA), 2435 Holly Lane, Suite 205, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7P2. Voice (613) 526 1584

USMARC Code List for Languages

In November 1995 the Library of Congress announced new language codes to be incorporated in the 1996 edition of the USMARC Codes List for Languages. Among the new codes is a newly established one for sign languages: sgn. The code is a general one used to indicate 'sign language' in a generic sense. Use of this code in bibliographic records indicates materials containing a sign language or the representation of a sign language. The particular sign system present is stated in a 546 field (Language Note).

If the sole medium of communication is a sign language, e.g. a book containing pictures of the handshape of each letter of particular sign system, or a videorecording that is signed, use the code for sign language in the fixed field.

When the medium of communication includes a sign language or its representatiion as well as one or more other language, judge whether the sign language or its representation is substantial. If so, assign language codes in an 041 field for all the languages, including the one for sign languages. The important thing is to indicate whether sign language is present or not, rather than to worry about predominance or other discriminations more easily determined for other languages. If predominance is apparent, code for the predominant language in the fixed field and as the first code in 041 $a. If such discriminations are not readily apparent, assign codes in English alphabetical order, using the first code in the fixed field.

Use the 546 Language Note to state the particular sign system, e.g. American sign language, British sign language. Formulate the note to reflect the situation, i.e. use terminology to distinguish between cases in which the content of the whole work is signed, whether as the sole medium of communication or in conjunction with one or more others, and those in which sign language is present but the whole work is not signed (or it is not clear whether it is). For example, if the sole medium of communication in a videorecording is a sign language, then it would be appropriate to express that in the note as 'Signed in [name of sign system].' If a videorecording includes open signing (i.e. a sign language interpreter appears in a separate frame), record the note as 'Open signed in [name of sign system].' For those situations that are less straightforward, for example a book in which both a language and a sign language occur, possibly a dictionary or a manual, use in the 546 field the more general statement 'Includes sign language; the sign system represented is [name of sign system].' If it cannot be determined what sign system has been used, record an appropriate note indicating that the item is signed but not specifying the sign system (i.e. 'Includes sign language.'; 'Open signed'.).

Questions about these guidelines should be addressed to: Cataloging Policy and Support Office, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540-4305. E-mail: cpso@mail.loc.gov.

Useful Sites

Conferences and Seminars

Learning Through Captioning: The Educational and Linguistic Benefits for Deaf Students is a two-day seminar presenting research findings from two studies of students in the USA using student captioning technology, a demonstration of a student captioning workstation, technology applications for deaf and hard of hearing students, and presentations on captioning in the Australian context. The seminar will be held on 13 and 14 March 1997, at the Royal NSW Institute for Deaf & Blind Children. For further details telephone (02) 9872 0207.

Technology for People with Disabilities is the major biennial ARATA (the Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association) Conference, which will be held at the University of Canberra 25-28 November 1997. Professionals and consumers are invited to share their experience in applications of technology and results of research. Consumers of all ages and disabilities, and all professionals working in the field of disability will be welcome, either as presenters or participants. Exhibits are also welcome from those involved in research and development, in addition to manufacturers and suppliers. Conference organisers are now calling for papers, sponsors and exhibits.

For further information contact Ralph Fambach, C/- ACROD, PO Box 60, CURTIN ACT 2600. Fax (06) 281 3488 E-mail: acrodnat@ozemail.com.au.

TDK Australian Audio Book Awards

Entry forms are now available for the 1997 TDK Australian Audio Book Awards. They are the only independent awards for Australian audio books and are open to both commercial and non-commercial publishers. The program, which was established by the National Library in 1988 and is sponsored by TDK, aims to improve the quality of Australian audio book production by recognising the achievements of the producers, publishers and narrators; to increase public awareness of audio books, and to see a large range of Australian audio books available without restrictions. Winners of the 1997 TDK Australian Audio Book Awards, and the winner of the Trish Trinick Prize for the best narrator, will be announced at a presentation in Canberra in November 1997.

[TDK Awards]

To acquire an entry form, contact the Awards Coordinator, TDK Australian Audio Book Awards, Cultural and Educational Services, National Library of Australia, Canberra ACT 2600. Tel (06) 262 1289 Fax (06) 273 4493 E-mail: mdickens@nla.gov.au.

Award for Innovative Systems

Two innovative systems developed by the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind will revolutionise access to information for people with print disabilities, says Norma Tovey, President of the Victorian Association for Library Automation (VALA).

The VALA Award for 1996 has been won by the Royal Victorian Institute for the Bind for the development of a 'talking' catalogue which may be accessed at the RVIB Talking Book Library or through the Internet, and for the development of Voiceprint, a telephone-based information service.

The Voiceprint service provides improved access to the catalogue of the RVIB Talking Book Library. Library borrowers can phone in, search or browse the catalogue and order books using only the telephone keypad. Voiceprint users can also listen to the full text of the Age, the Financial Review, and Business Review Weekly.

Those with Internet access can log in to the RVIB and search the Talking Catalogue and leave book orders on the library system. The Talking Catalogue has been optimised for borrowers with print disabilities who use adaptive technology such as speech synthesisers or braille pads.

For further information contact Linley Wallis, Library Manager, RVIB Talking Book Library. Tel (03) 9521 3400 Fax (03) 9521 3670 E-mail: tbl@rvibtbl.rvib.org.au.

A Time to Care

A Time to Care educational videos on dementia are available in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, German, Greek, Polish, Spanish and Vietnamese.

They explain dementia conditions, how to help a person with dementia, and the services available for carers. The videos are useful resources for families, carers, service providers and welfare workers.

For further information contact Ethnic Aged Health Advisor, SWSAHS. Tel (02) 9709 6044.

Video on Age Discrimination

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) has released a video on age discrimination titled Too Old? Never! It tells the stories of three older people affected by age discrimination in their daily lives. For further information contact COTA. Tel (02) 9299 4100.

Sexuality Education

A training package is available called Feeling Sexy Feeling Free, for teaching sexuality education to people with intellectual disability. The package provides a valuable, contemporary and Australian resource for workers to assist people with intellectual disabilities to develop safe sexual behaviours. It includes a 33-minute colour video and a comprehensive teaching manual. The video has been classified with an R rating. For further details on costs and delivery contact the Family Planning Association. Tel (02) 9716 6099.

Link-up is on-line

You can find us at the National Library's web site at http://www.nla.gov.au/linkup/.


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Last updated 2 May 1997

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