2011, July 13 - 9:50am — ndogger
The Board of Directors at the Sheep River Library regretfully accepted Muhammad’s resignation last month. He has brought our library through the implementation of expanded programming, expanded utilization of technology (videoconferencing) and expanded the support base of volunteers. The biggest challenge in the last couple of years was working with the staff and board through the design stages, many meetings with builders, and finally the move into a new facility. At the same time he was establishing Graduate Foods, a family restaurant serving cuisine from his homeland, Pakistan. He has expressed a desire to concentrate on his family business and possibly move into a records management position. The timeline of a July 22 departure will give the board time to locate a replacement and, with Muhammad’s capable assistance, to make a smooth transition. Best wishes are extended to this very helpful, fine gentleman as he moves on with his new vocational endeavour.
There will be a few changes to the Board of Directors due to the resignation of Joe Kelleher-Williams and Ernestine Dumont, both of whom have agreed to stay on in a volunteer capacity for special projects. Pam Vipond has been appointed by the Town of Black Diamond. Pam has implemented several programs at the library including the Community Kitchen, TIPS (Treasurers in Progress), Telling Your Story, and Managing Final Stages. Garry Pollock has been appointed by the Town of Turner Valley. Garry served on the board as the council representative and was instrumental in handling the transportation of materials and furnishings during the move. Welcome Pam and Garry, and new council appointee, Lane Park.
Marigold Regional Library Services recently implemented full automatic notification for people requesting books to be brought in from other libraries. For some time now, people have been contacted through their email addresses. The final stage, now in place, is that a message will be left on your phone telling you that your requested book is in the library or that your book is coming due. This is an amazing time-saving support, relieving staff and volunteers from this time consuming task.
Two new databases will soon be available, providing access to resources that can help Albertans grow personally, academically and professionally, thanks to the Alberta Government’s recent investment in digital services. The new databases are part of a core suite of resources that provide member libraries with authoritative, quality digital content.
Starting July 1st, Canadian Points of View Reference Centre and Career Cruising will be available to all members through The Alberta Library (TAL) system, which includes public libraries, regional library systems, academic libraries and special libraries.
Canadian Points of View Reference Centre provides students with in-depth information on over 100 topics of interest, from human rights to substance abuse. The resource provides material from a range of views, giving students a foundation to better understand controversial issues in order to develop persuasive arguments and analytical thinking skills.
Career Cruising is a guidance and planning tool that can help anyone find the right career path by exploring education and training options. The site provides information on hundreds of occupations and features real-life interviews, assessment tools, access to college, university and apprenticeship information and a personal portfolio tool with a built-in resume builder.
Mango, a language learning software, has also been recently added by the Alberta Government to its core suite of resources. Visit the library to discover how easy it is to pick up conversational languages from many countries. A workshop will be put on in the fall covering step-by-step use of this program.
Magazine Subscriptions are still needed. Thanks to those of you who stepped up and donated subscriptions to magazines that were coming due this summer. Your generosity is appreciated. Other magazines that are coming due this fall are: Canadian Business, Birds and Blooms, Canadian Home Workshop, Consumer Report, Country Living, Chickadee, National Geographic Traveler, and Vegetarian Times. The subscriptions range between twenty-five and fifty dollars per year. Check at the front desk to find out where you can help. Donors will be given recognition on the copy of the magazine as well as on the magazine donor wall. Please help out where you can. Don’t let these magazine subscriptions lapse.
