Information Literacy Beyond Library 2.0 is the follow-up to the best-selling Information Literacy Meets Library 2.0, described by the Higher Education Academy as “absolutely essential reading for all library and information practitioners who should read it to improve our libraries”.
The new book, edited by Peter Godwin and Jo Parker, picks up where Information Literacy Meets Library 2.0 left off. In the last three years the information environment has changed dramatically, becoming increasingly dominated by the social and the mobile. This new book asks where we are now, what is the same and what has changed, and, most crucially, how do we as information professionals respond to the new information literacy and become a central part of the revolution itself?
The book is divided into three sections and contains contributions from international experts including, Phil Bradley, Susie Andretta, Karen Blakeman, Christine Bruce, Dean Giustini, Helen Leech, Jane Secker and Lane Wilkinson. Part 1 explores the most recent trends in technology, consumption and literacy, while Part 2 is a resource bank of international case studies that demonstrate the key trends and their effect on information literacy and offer innovative ideas to put into practice. Part 3 assesses the impact of these changes on librarians and what skills and knowledge they must acquire to evolve alongside their users.
Some of the key topics covered are:
• the evolution of ‘online’ into the social web as mainstream
• the use of social media tools in information literacy
• the impact of mobile devices on information literacy delivery
• shifting literacies, such as metaliteracy, transliteracy and media literacy, and their effect on information literacy.
Information Literacy Beyond Library 2.0 will be essential reading offering practical strategies for all library and information practitioners and policy makers with responsibility for developing and delivering information literacy programmes to their users. It will also be of great interest to students of library and information studies particularly for modules relating to literacy, information behaviour and digital technologies.
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Press contact:
James Williams, Marketing Manager, Facet Publishing
Tel: +44 (0)20 7255 0597
Email: james.williams@facetpublishing.co.uk
Notes to editors:
1. Information Literacy Beyond Library 2.0 (March 2012; 256pp; paperback; 978-1-85604-762-3; £49.95) is published by Facet Publishing. It is available from Bookpoint Ltd, Mail Order Dept, 39 Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4TD | Tel: +44 (0)1235 827702 | Fax: +44 (0)1235 827703 | Email: facet@bookpoint.co.uk | Web: www.facetpublishing.co.uk. The book is available in the US and Canada from Neal-Schuman Publishers www.neal-schuman.com
2. Information Literacy Beyond Library 2.0 is edited by Peter Godwin, Academic Liason Librarian at the University of Bedfordshire and Jo Parker, Head of Information Literacy at the Open University Library.
3. All titles are available at 20% discount to Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals members. Remember to quote your Membership Number if claiming the discount.
4. Facet Publishing, is the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. At the forefront of library and information development, Facet Publishing has a comprehensive list covering all the major areas of professional activity.
5. CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers. CILIP’s vision is a fair and economically prosperous society underpinned by literacy, access to information and the transfer of knowledge. CILIP is a registered charity, no. 313014. Visit www.cilip.org.uk for more information.
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Humanities and social science researchers are being invited to help JISC Collections understand the future of the monograph through an online survey [http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/oapenukresearcher]
In an open access model the monograph is made freely available, but the process requires some investigation to establish the priorities for such a business model. Readers or their libraries do not have to pay to read it online because the costs of the publishing process such as typesetting and marketing are recovered through alternative routes such as research grants, institutional funding or perhaps through readers purchasing print editions or particular formats for their iPad or Kindle.
Caren Milloy, head of projects at JISC Collections said: “We’re six months into the project and, following a series of focus groups, have identified some key questions for researchers – both as authors and readers. The findings from this survey will combine with interviews and surveys of other stakeholder groups to help us understand the big issues and priorities that an open access publishing model must accommodate.”
To thank you for your help, if you complete the survey before 16 April 2012 you will be entered into a draw for Amazon vouchers – there are three £100 vouchers, three £50 vouchers and three £25 vouchers to win.
OAPEN-UK is an Arts and Humanities Research Council and JISC funded project exploring the issues impacting upon the publishing of scholarly monographs in the humanities and social sciences (HSS).
The project is working with Taylor & Francis, Palgrave Macmillan, Berg Publishers, Liverpool University Press, University Wales Press, research funders and universities, to understand the challenges and steps required to move towards an open access publishing model for scholarly monographs. Further information on OAPEN-UK is available on the project website:
OAPEN-UK has two strands: an open access pilot gathering data on the usage, sales and citations of 60 monographs, and a wider research project which explores the environment for open access publishing.
If you’d like any further information, please contact Ellen Collins ellen.collins@researchinfonet.org or Caren Milloy c.milloy@jisc-collections.ac.uk
Read more about the project and its findings to date on the OAPEN-UK website
Follow the project on Twitter @oapenuk
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In our previous consultation, we asked members and key stakeholders what they wanted to see from a new Body of Professional Knowledge.
There was a clear message that it should be Relevant, Clear Comprehensive and Useful.
Other attributes identified include Concise, Professional, Practical, Understandable, Flexible, Current, Accessible and Endurable.
The Project Board have developed an initial draft of the Body of Professional Knowledge and Skills (BPKS) which takes a very different approach to the previous Body of Professional Knowledge both in terms of presentation and content; specifying specific knowledge and skill sets as opposed to conceptual areas.
The work draws upon knowledge and experience from right across the profession as well as the results of the consultation from Defining our Professional Future; which contained a significant amount of member/non-member feedback about the changing skill sets within the profession.
We have undertaken some informal testing with key stakeholders and the general feeling is that this approach is good. But we want to ensure that the content is right before any work is done to create a dynamic tool.
This consultation aims to identify any gaps and gauge opinion on whether the subject headings we have included are the right ones. We also want to know whether this meets the quality criteria you identified as part of the previous consultation. We will be asking you to score how strongly you agree with the inclusion of each of the subject headings and identify any other subjects you feel we have missed. We need your help to ensure that the new BPKS is reflective of the whole Library, Information and Knowledge Profession.
You will need to read through the draft BPKS before you complete this consultation:
You can then respond to the survey here:
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The Future Skills Project is now gaining momentum and good progress has been made against the key deliverables in the Project Plan.
An outline of progress made can be found below. This will be revised on a monthly basis to ensure members and stakeholders can be kept up to date with progress made.
1. Revision of the Body of Professional Knowledge (BPK)
Over Christmas and into the New Year, the Project Board and Team began work on developing an initial draft of the BPK. This used the expertise on the Board alongside feedback that had been received from Members both through Defining our Professional Future and more informally through meetings.
To ensure that CILIP creates a product which is fit for purpose and meets expectations, the project delivered a consultation based on the quality criteria. In other words, what should the BPK be like?
There were over 500 responses to the consultation and a very clear message came back that members want a BPK that is Relevant, Clear, Comprehensive and Useful. The results of the consultation can be downloaded here:
Results of BPKS Consultation - Part 1
The analysis from the consultation is being used to set the criteria which will be used to measure the success and quality of the final product.
The next phase of work has now been launched to consult with members and stakeholders on the content of the new BPK. This runs until midnight on the 29th April.
2. Accreditation and the Seal of Recognition
Work has now begun to review Accreditation and Seal of Recognition. Progress in this area has been focussed on 3 key areas of activity.
The next phase which is underway includes in-depth interviews with all other Higher Education Institutions and contact with those that have not previously engaged with CILIP but have relevant courses, an electronic, free text consultation with Seal of Recognition holders and consultation with Accreditation Board members.
3. CILIP Qualifications
Work is not timetabled to begin on the review of CILIP Qualifications until May. In the meantime, the Project Board and Team are using formal and informal opportunities to gain information regarding the issues that are experienced by candidates, so that this can be fed into the development of the review.
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The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) is pleased to announce that Sue Westcott has joined the organisation’s Council, restoring it to a full complement of trustees.
Sue currently works as Head of Knowledge Management for the Localities Team at the Department for Communities and Local Government. She has had a wide-ranging career in information management, primarily in the government sector. She has held a number of professional positions, most recently as Vice Chair of the Government Information Group prior to becoming a trustee and served previously as a CILIP Councillor.
On her appointment, Sue Westcott says, “I am delighted to be joining Council and look forward to working with colleagues to deliver a stronger CILIP which continues to expand the broad range of information professionals with which it engages.”
John Dolan, Chair of Council tells, “We are thrilled to be welcoming Sue to the CILIP team. She brings with her a great professional history, another dimension of knowledge, and an affinity with the aims of CILIP and our members. We cannot wait to begin working with her.”
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To join CILIP as an Organisation member simply complete and return the Membership Application Form.
CILIP Membership Team, 7 Ridgmount Street, London WC1E 7AE
Fax: +44(0)20 7255 0651
The Membership Application Form includes details about subscription costs and payment options.
For further assistance please email membership@cilip.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 7255 0600.
It usually takes around two weeks to process new memberships. Once your membership has been processed you will receive a welcome pack with your membership card and a receipt.
Please note: we can only accept cheques and arrange direct debits from UK banks. We ask that subscriptions are paid to us in £ sterling. If you aren’t able to pay by any of the options listed on the form you could arrange payment directly into our bank account. Please email membership@cilip.org.uk for further details.
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This programme on ‘How to manage archive collections’ provides a broad introduction to the key issues and solutions to consider when managing archive collections in libraries.
Many librarians find them responsible for looking after archive collections or managing archive services but with no prior experience or training. This programme addresses this situation by providing an overview of how to manage archive collections. It will introduce the fundamentals of caring and providing access to archive collections and suggestions on how archive collections and services can be used alongside library collections. This energetic course will guide participants to best professional practice and introduce lots of practical examples and comparator projects as well as giving delegates the opportunity to discuss their own situation.
By the end of the course participants will have:
Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan
Elizabeth is a professional archivist and qualified management consultant. Elizabeth works across the UK with repositories of all sizes both public and private, as well as policy bodies. She is very familiar with working with archive collections held in libraries and museums. Elizabeth is a Registered Member of the Archives and Records Association. She sits the UK Working Group for the United Nation’s Memory of the World Programme and is an Assessor for the ARA’s Registration Scheme. Elizabeth holds CILIP’s Seal of Recognition.
Sample programme
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He shares his vision for the US and warns of the danger in commercialising public content: "The whole idea is to make the public heritage available to the public... It's crucial to maintain open access as a fundamental commitment and not fence off any cultural assets from the cultural commons that really belong to everyone."
Read more and watch videos of Robert Darnton here
Also in JISC Inform, we look at how universities and colleges are embracing the web to showcase their expertise and work smarter with seven predictions from JISC’s Sarah Porter on the future for tech-enabled universities.Jennifer Jones, research associate, shares a day in her life as an open researcher, with many of the technology channels she uses being supported by JISC.
Comment boxes allow you to upload your own video links and comments to add to the articles and we welcome your feedback to Rebecca O'Brien or Nicola Yeeles.
Each article also has its own url, which means if you find a particular topic or article of interest, you can forward it on to colleagues or add the #jiscinform tag to blog and Tweet about it.
via Jisc news
Outstanding writing and illustration for children and young people are on display in the shortlisted books for the country’s oldest and most prestigious children’s book awards.
The prestige of the awards is rooted in the unique judging process which pools the professional expertise of children’s librarians from across the UK, who nominate books for the two Medals.
Twelve librarians from CILIP’s Youth Libraries Group then meet to discuss the long lists and agree on outstanding titles for each shortlist. Members of the panel combine an in-depth knowledge of children’s books with daily experience of working and reading with young people.
CILIP Carnegie shortlist 2012
David Almond
MY NAME IS MINA
Hodder (9+)
ISBN: 9780340997253
Lissa Evans
SMALL CHANGE FOR STUART
Doubleday (8+)
ISBN: 9780385618007
Sonya Hartnett
THE MIDNIGHT ZOO
Walker (9+)
ISBN: 9781406331493
Ali Lewis
EVERYBODY JAM
Andersen (12+)
ISBN: 9781849392488
Andy Mulligan
TRASH
David Fickling (12+)
ISBN: 9780385619011
Patrick Ness
A MONSTER CALLS
Walker (9+)
ISBN: 9781406311525
Annabel Pitcher
MY SISTER LIVES ON THE MANTELPIECE
Orion (10+)
ISBN: 9781444001839
Ruta Septys
BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY
Puffin (12+)
ISBN: 9780141335889
CILIP Kate Greenaway shortlist 2012
Emily Gravett
WOLF WON’T BITE
Macmillan (4+)
ISBN: 9780230704251
Petr Horáček
PUFFIN PETER
Walker Books (4+)
ISBN: 9781406324600
Jim Kay (text by Patrick Ness)
A MONSTER CALLS
Walker Books (9+)
ISBN: 9781406311525
Dave McKean (Text by David Almond)
SLOG’S DAD
Walker Books (8+)
ISBN: 9781406322903
Catherine Rayner
SOLOMON CROCODILE
Macmillan (4+)
ISBN: 9780230529229
Rob Ryan (Text by Carol Anne Duffy)
THE GIFT
Barefoot Books (6+)
ISBN: 9781846863547
Viviane Schwarz
THERE ARE NO CATS IN THIS BOOK
Walker Books (4+)
ISBN: 9781406316896
Vicky White (Text by Martin Jenkins)
CAN WE SAVE THE TIGER?
Walker Books (6+)
ISBN: 9781406319095
The CILIP Carnegie Medal is the UK’s oldest and most prestigious book award for children’s writing. Although there is no cash prize, the CILIP Carnegie is regularly described by writers as “the one they want to win”.
The CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, established in 1956 and named in honour of the distinguished illustrator is awarded for “outstanding illustration in a children’s book”. Since a bequest left in 2000 by children’s book and illustration collector, Colin Mears, the winner receives a cheque for £5,000 in addition to the coveted medal.
Today is also the start of the annual nationwide reading extravaganza that is the Medals’ shadowing scheme. For the next eleven weeks, tens of thousands of children in over 4,000 registered shadowing groups in schools and libraries across the country will read all of the shortlisted books, argue with each other over which is the best, post reviews and vote for their own favourites before the official winners are announced at a ceremony in London in June.
Last year’s CILIP Carnegie Medal winner, Patrick Ness; also shortlisted for this year’s Medal, is lavish in his praise for the scheme. “The shadowing scheme is one of the most brilliant things I know of in the world of children’s books,” he says, after attending events at which upwards of 400 young readers gave presentations, showed films they’d made, and performed plays that they’d written based on the shortlisted books. “It’s genius!”
Both Medals are awarded annually by CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. The 2012 winners will be announced at a ceremony at London’s Barbican Centre on Thursday 14th June.
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Press contacts:
Caroline Sanderson
CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Media Officer
Phone: 01453 759 889 or 07958 558196
Email: carosande@aol.com
Andrea Reece
CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Media Officer
Phone: 020 8889 1292 or 07762 003464
Email: andrea.reece@zen.co.uk
Notes for Editors:
1. CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals
The CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals are the UK’s oldest and most prestigious book awards for children’s writing. Their prestige is rooted in the unique judging process which pools the professional expertise of librarians from across the country, who nominate titles for the longlist.
2. Recommended age ranges
The judges have given each shortlisted title a recommended minimum age range. This is for general guidance only, as the reading ability and maturity of children will vary. Visit www.ckg.org.uk for book synopses, judges’ comments, and author and illustrator biographies.
3. CILIP: The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
CILIP is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers. CILIP’s vision is a fair and economically prosperous society underpinned by literacy, access to information and the transfer of knowledge. CILIP is a registered charity, no. 313014. The youth libraries group (YLG) of CILIP works in a “pressure group” role to preserve and influence the provision of quality literature and library services for children and young people, both in public libraries and school library services. Visit www.cilip.org.uk
4. Our Supporters:
CILIP is grateful to have received support from a number of organisations over the years. Since 2007, ALCS, the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society, and the Carnegie UK Trust have supported the shadowing scheme. In addition to their on-going support, in 2012 we welcome Renaissance Learning as a sponsor and Scholastic Book Clubs as our sole official book supplier.
The Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS)
www.alcs.co.uk
Carnegie UK Trust
www.carnegieuktrust.com
Renaissance Learning
www.renlearn.co.uk
Scholastic Book Clubs
www.clubs.scholastic.co.uk
5. Shadowing Research Project
Throughout 2012 CILIP and the Open University will be working together on a research project about the CILIP Carnegie/Kate Greenaway Shadowing Scheme. They will work closely with a small number of shadowing groups, with the aim of producing in-depth information about the Scheme and the reading activity it promotes. A written report and a short video documentary highlighting examples of good practice will follow. This evidence of a particular kind of reading activity, in a range of library and school contexts, will contribute to current educational debates about wider reading, and will be used to inform a toolkit for those supporting shadowing groups. This research is funded by the Carnegie UK Trust.
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The following organisations accept donated library books
Book Aid International, Better World Books and School Aid donate material to libraries overseas in need of stock. Book Savers donate books to Africa, and also work with UK charities such as Oxfam, Sue Ryder and YMCA.
See the individual websites for more information about the criteria for donations.
Posting a message on an electronic discussion list for those working in the library and information sector available through JISCmail for example LIS-LINK or LIS-PUB-LIBS.
Please note free registration is required to post messages on JISCmail lists, and list rules may require those wishing to promote products or services to contact the list manager first.
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CILIP works to promote the value of public libraries. We lobby government and work with partner organisations.
March 2012 : Speak up for libraries: rally and lobby
CILIP gives evidence at library closures inquiry
Annie Mauger gave evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee Inquiry
National Libraries Day 3rd February 2012
The day is a celebration of the work done in all kinds of libraries. It is supported by a range of twenty-five organisations including CILIP, the Reading Agency, the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, library campaigners and publishers.
The Libraries APPG for MPs and Peers provides information and opportunities for debate about the role libraries play in society and their future
June 2011: Women's Institute Love Your Libraries Campaign
The National Federation of Women's Institute members voted overwhelmingly in favour of campaigning to support libraries
February 2011: Save Our Libraries Day
CILIP supported Save Our Libraries Day, a day of action to bring greater attention to the cuts and closures facing many public libraries.
February 2011: Statement on the public library service in England
CILIP isssued a statement onthe position of the public library service in England. The statement considers the current situation and puts forward action required by the Secretary of State for Culture.
Highlights from 2010
CILIP writes to all MPs
CILIP told MPs about proposed cuts to public library services.
What makes a good library service? CILIP's guidelines
CILIP developed professional guidelines on what makes a good library service (in England) for portfolio holders in local councils. Published initially in October 2009, we revised them in December 2010. They were sent to all Heads of Library Services in England.
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Further information including advocacy resources, policy statements and links to other organisations.
We promote a strong CILIP presence on matters of professional policy. Recent policy statements relevant to public libraries include:
Statement on the position of public library services [Feb 2011]
What makes a good public library service [Dec 2010]
CILIP responds to consultations undertaken by Government on matters of professional concern.
CILIP's submission to the Culture, Media and Sport Committe Inquiry into Library Closures [Jan 2012] Response to the Cabinet Office's Open Public Services White Paper Public libraries briefing sheet (produced for speakers at WI events) The following organisations are also active in advocacy and campaigns around public libraries.
CILIP is not responsible for the content of any external websites
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Policy statements and briefing papers issued by CILIP
The Prevent Strategy: What it means for library and information professionals [Feb 201]The Eye of the Storm?
[March 2012] A survey of public library authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 2011-2012. 93 of the 174 library authorities participated in CILIP's online survey; a response rate of 53 per cent. Key findings include:
School Libraries - A Right
[Feb 2011] CILIP issued a statement on the role and value of school libraries.Statement on the position of the public library service in England
[Feb 2011]. The statement includes the current situation and concern about the level and extent of proposals for public library services.
Community development and social justice
A statement on community development and social justice put together by CILIP's Community Services Group.
Libraries play an important role in the way communities shape themselves and the statement sets out how we define community development and how libraries contribute to community engagement. Read the community development statement
Data sharing [Nov 2010]November 2010 CILIP Council agreed a statement on data sharing between public bodies
Use of volunteers
In October 2010 CILIP Council agreed a short statement on the use of volunteers in public libraries
Library and Information Manifesto [March 2010]
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CILIP's survey of public library authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Over 2,000 staff posts have been removed and 3,000 opening hours a week cut from public library services, the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals estimates in a new report. The survey of local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the financial year 2011-12 gives the most up to date picture of the state of public library services.
CILIP estimates that this financial year 2,159 posts will be deleted from a total of 20,924 staff, a 10% cut in staffing. Twenty-five per cent of the lost posts are at a professional level.
The survey reveals large differences between local authorities in spending on staff and stock, ways they are considering delivering services and opening hours. This risks creating a ‘postcode lottery’, with the quality of service increasingly depending on where people live.
While the average revenue expenditure cut was 7.5% the range of cuts was extremely wide – from 1% to 35%. The range of cuts to materials budgets (including books) ranged from 0.2% to 90%. Over two-thirds of local authorities are actively considering alternative ways to run libraries and deliver services, such as community managed libraries, trusts and partnership working.
Phil Bradley, President of CILIP said:
“We understand that public libraries cannot be immune from cuts but we are seriously concerned that in some local authorities these are disproportionate and that the local communities will suffer. Libraries provide a unique local service and the people who work in them are part of the community, supporting local families and children, learners and students, older and disadvantaged people. Where changes are implemented on a disproportionate scale and without a plan for continued support, those communities will suffer. Reading programmes, work with schools and information services are being affected.
The people who work in libraries are essential to delivering a safe and welcoming environment, helping with people’s information needs, getting the right book to the right child and supporting the growth of knowledge. It’s not about book stamping, it’s about literacy, learning and prosperous communities.”
At the end of February 2012 CILIP called on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee to recommend that the Secretary of State sets out a fresh vision for the 21st century public library service in England and use the available powers of intervention where there has been clear evidence of a potential breach of the 1964 Act.
“I believe that we are in the eye of the storm,” said Phil Bradley, “the vast majority of respondents to our survey have carried out library reviews. Further and deeper cuts are likely during 2012 and into 2013. I am extremely concerned when cuts are disproportionate; when they are made without proper consultation with communities, without a thorough needs assessment and without a full understanding of the social impact of reducing library services.”
Read the full report
-ends-Press contact:
Mark Taylor, Director of External Relations, CILIP
Tel: 020 7255 0654
Mobile: 07792 635 305
Email: mark.taylor@cilip.org.uk
Notes to editors:
1. CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers. CILIP’s vision is a fair and economically prosperous society underpinned by literacy, access to information and the transfer of knowledge. CILIP is a registered charity, no. 313014. Visit www.cilip.org.uk for more information.
2. CILIP carried out a survey of public library authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between November 2011 and January 2012. 93 of the 174 library authorities participated in the online survey between November 2011 and January 2012, a response rate of 53%. The survey asked about expenditure and service provision for 2011-12 only. CILIP will undertake a further survey later in 2012 to capture what is planned for 2012-13.
The survey was conducted by CILIP’s Policy Department, with the support of the Society of Chief Librarians.
It was commissioned in response to wide public outcry about reductions in library services and closures and to prepare for the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee conducting an inquiry into these issues.
The survey did not seek to replace the comprehensive data on libraries published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) but to provide a current overview of public library services in the financial year 2011-2012 and offer analysis of the findings.
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CILIP in Scotland
Office 511
151 West George Street
Glasgow
G2 2JJ
Tel: 0 (+44) 141 228 4790
Email: cilips@slainte.org.uk
Web address: www.slainte.org.uk
CILIP Cymru Wales
Bute Library
Cardiff University
PO Box 430
CF24 0DE
Tel: 0 (+44) 7837 032 536
Email: mandy.powell@cilip.org.uk
Web address: www.cilip.org.uk/wales
CILIP Ireland
Web address: www.cilip.org.uk/ireland
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Technology which translates sign language into text is being developed by scientists in Aberdeen as part of a small business research initiative (SBRI) managed by JISC TechDis, a leading UK advisory service on technology and inclusion.
The software application is the first of its kind in the world which can be used on portable devices and allows users to customise sign language to their own specific needs.
The technology has the potential to transform how sign language users – from the profoundly deaf to those who have lost hearing in later life – communicate.
The development of the portable sign language translator is funded by £150K from the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) sponsored by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and managed by JISC TechDis. JISC TechDis has also facilitated user testing so that the products developed are fit for purpose.
Sal Cooke, JISC TechDis director says, “The fact that BIS and TSB entrusted the project management to us is a wonderful endorsement of our expertise. Our direct links with the learners who may benefit most ensures that the end product will be fully tested and fit for purpose.”
Computing scientists at Technabling, a spin-out company of the University of Aberdeen, are behind the technology which aims to bridge the gap between sign language and more standard forms of communication.
Dr Ernesto Compatangelo, a lecturer in computing science at the University of Aberdeen, and founder and director of Technabling said: “The aim of the technology – known as the Portable Sign language Translator (PSLT) - is to empower sign language users by enabling them to overcome the communication challenges they can experience, through portable technology. The user signs into a standard camera integrated into a laptop, netbook, Smartphone or other portable device such as a tablet. Their signs are immediately translated into text which can be read by the person they are conversing with.
Did you know? The number of people in the UK whose first or preferred language is BSL is estimated to be between 50,000 (Action on Hearing Loss) and 70,000 (British Deaf Association).
The team will now work to develop an app to be used on different devices including Smartphones, laptops and PC.
The tool has the potential to be used with a range of sign languages including British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton.
Dr Compatangelo continued: “One of the most innovative and exciting aspects of the technology, is that it allows sign language users to actually develop their own signs for concepts and terms they need to have in their vocabulary, but they may not have been able to express easily when using BSL.”
“Whilst the technology has the potential to transform the lives of all sign language users, a key target market has been identified.
Find out more about the other projects in this investment programme on the JISC TechDis website
via Jisc news
A new JISC report shows that text mining - a complex and innovative method of searching and analysing data - has huge potential benefits for the UK economy and knowledge base, but its use is being held back by copyright law and other barriers. Read the report
Sir Mark Walport, director of the Wellcome Trust, said of the recommendations in the report: "This is a complete no-brainer. This is scholarly research funded from the public purse, largely from taxpayer and philanthropic organisations. The taxpayer has the right to have maximum benefit extracted and that will only happen if there is maximum access to it."
Text mining draws on data analysis techniques such as natural language processing and information extraction to find new knowledge and meaningful patterns within large collections.
Torsten Reimer, JISC programme manager, explains, “Text mining is already producing efficiencies and new knowledge in areas as diverse as biological science, particle physics, media and communications. It has been used to hypothesise the causes of rare diseases and how pre-existing drugs could be used to target different diseases.
“The technique was also used recently to analyse the vast amount of text produced on websites, blogs and social media such as Twitter - where copyright holders allowed - and showed that the messages exchanged on Twitter during the English riots of 2011 were not to blame for inciting riots," added Torsten.
The business benefit of text mining is in identifying emerging trends, and to explore consumer preferences and competitor developments. Text mining is particularly used in larger companies as part of their customer relationship management strategy and in the pharmaceutical industry as part of their research and development strategy.
The report shows that such techniques could enable researchers in UK universities to gain new knowledge that would otherwise remain undiscovered because there is just too much relevant literature for any one person to read. Such discoveries could lead to benefits for society and the economy.
The UK has a number of strengths that put it in a good position to be a key player in text mining development, such as the existence of good framework conditions for innovation and the natural advantage of its native language.
Professor Douglas Kell, chief executive of the BBSRC, says, “This report shows the importance of implementing the recommendations of the Hargreaves Review as current copyright law is also imposing restrictions, since text mining involves a range of computerised analytical processes which are not all readily permitted within UK intellectual property law. In order to be ‘mined’, text must be accessed, copied, analysed, annotated and related to existing information and understanding. Even if the user has access rights to the material, making annotated copies can be illegal under current copyright law without the permission of the copyright holder.
“The report also shows that text mining can add enormous value to the benefit of the UK economy, as long as the text is freely available and unencumbered. Otherwise there is a real risk that we will miss discoveries that could have significant social and economic impact.”
Torsten added, “These laws are inhibiting text mining’s wider usage and making academic institutions nervous of taking it up. Without wider usage, the potential for text mining to generate gains for the economy and society cannot be exploited and the UK economy will be less able to take advantage of its strong public research base. There is a danger that the UK may be left behind as other countries such as Japan adopt a more liberal approach that encourages text mining usage.”
The report identifies a number of barriers that we need to overcome to make best use of text mining tools in the future. Firstly, text mining is a complex technical process that requires skilled staff; secondly it requires unrestricted access to information sources; thirdly copyright can be a barrier.
The report authors conclude that more work needs to be undertaken to raise awareness of the potential benefits and value of text mining to UK further and higher education.
An event at the Wellcome Trust last night started the process of looking at how publishers, researchers and policy makers can make this happen.
Read a blog post sharing opinions on the report from the event at the Wellcome Trust
Find out how this work fits in with JISC's planned investments
via Jisc news
A new campaigning alliance Speak up for Libraries* will today (13 March) send the government a strong message that support for libraries is long overdue, as people from across the country meet for a rally and lobby in central London.
Speak up for Libraries is calling on the government to give libraries its backing, warning that the service faces a bleak future due to drastic cuts, underfunding, and the lack of a clear vision for the future.
The group is calling on Ed Vaizey MP, Minister with responsibility for libraries, who is giving evidence to the Select Committee today, to recognise the crisis hitting the service and to take urgent action.
More than 100 libraries across the country have either closed, are now run by volunteers, or have been turned into social enterprises since April 2011. A survey by UNISON reveals that those that remain open are being pared to the bone by cuts to book budgets, opening hours, mobile and outreach services as well as to jobs.
The rally in Methodist Central Hall will hear from speakers including authors Kate Mosse and Philip Ardagh, Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary and Ruth Bond, chair of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) as well as Dan Jarvis MP. Visitors will also have a chance to visit a pop up library staffed by fully trained librarians.
Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said:
“Communities need libraries now more than ever before, but in their hour of need, drastic cuts to council budgets mean libraries are under serious threat. More than one hundred have closed, those that are left are being pared to the bone. By speaking up for libraries, our alliance is sending the government a strong message that we will not take this threat to vital local services and to future generations lying down. The government will not get away with consigning libraries to the history books.”
Ruth Bond, Chair of the NFWI, said:
“As champions of libraries for the last 96 years, WI members are dismayed to see the Government stand by while our library service crumbles. With libraries and library staff under threat from a fatal combination of closures and service cut backs, our leaders seem to be watching in silence while the library service is gradually eroded. Action to safeguard the future of the library service is long overdue.”
John Dolan, Leader of Council, the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP), said:
“By combating illiteracy and providing escape, inspiration and knowledge, libraries and librarians change lives for the better. We are deeply concerned that libraries are being damaged by cuts to staff, opening hours and book budgets. Whilst the impact is being felt now, its effect will be long term. We urge the Secretary of State, MPs and local councillors to listen to their communities and to think about how libraries can serve the country in tough times and become powerful champions for them.”
Alan Gibbons, Campaign for the Book, said:
"The public library service is facing the greatest challenge in its history. Some 600 libraries face closure or having to operate on a volunteer basis. A fifth of full time librarians have been made redundant. Book funds are slashed and opening hours are being cut. This at a time when we need real action to boost literacy. It is vital that the government demonstrates the will to secure the future of a properly funded service, rather than allowing its piecemeal destruction."
Andrew Coburn, Secretary of the Library Campaign, said:
“Friends and users of libraries want to impress on MPs the vital role that public libraries still have in society today and the folly of making cuts and closures in the short term. There is still so much that libraries can do to improve literacy, to help people to continue their education, and to provide information, as well as the multitude of other areas in which libraries specialise.”
Mar Dixon, library campaigner, said:
“I want members of parliament to take the time to look at Shropshire where a combination of dedicated volunteers work with skilled library staff to supply numerous services to everyone in the community - all done on a tight budget. Shropshire should be looked at for an exemplar working model for the future of our library service.”
Elizabeth Ash, library campaigner, said:
“Communities are pressured to accept a lesser service or to run libraries themselves in order to ‘save’ them. What we value most is the expertise, guidance and advice from qualified and experienced staff who deal with the public, without agenda or prejudice; who cater for the needs of the whole community. It’s essential that we unite to campaign for libraries on a national level rather than the approaches currently in place, fed by the short-sighted cuts by local authorities and the failure of the Secretary of State to intervene.”
*The alliance is made up of UNISON, the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI), Voices for the Library, The Library Campaign, Campaign for the Book and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and library campaigners.
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More information, including a running order, is available from the UNISON Press Office on 0207 121 5555.
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A fair and economically prosperous society is underpinned by literacy, access to information and the transfer of knowledge.
CILIP exists to:
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Katy Wrathall has announced her decision to step down early as a CILIP Trustee, which takes place with immediate effect.
Chair of Council John Dolan said, “I would like to thank Katy for all her efforts, hard work and commitment to the profession. Personally and on behalf of CILIP Council I would like to wish Katy the very best.”
Trustees will discuss the process in terms of a replacement at the next Council meeting on the 26 March.
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• Explore the case studies to understand how others are working
• Follow @JISC on Twitter this week for new and interesting open resources
• Keep up to date with #openeducationweek and #UKOER
The case studies are examples of how institutions working in an open way can enjoy cost savings, a better student experience and make resources easier to find.
The stories come from a range of staff around the UK working in colleges and universities and in various fields including research, teaching and information services, some of whom are planning events for open education week [link to blog].
Amber Thomas, programme manager at JISC, said: “These case studies paint a rich picture of how institutions are already making use of open approaches to further their distinctive missions. JISC is supporting many academics and managers in their exploration of new ways of working and the OER Programme in particular is highlighting some really innovative and forward-thinking work.”
The case study launch marks Open Education Week which is being coordinated by the OpenCourseWare Consortium.
Mary Lou Forward, chief executive of the OpenCourseWare Consortium said: “The vision of the OER movement is to improve teaching and learning globally through free and open sharing. OER give people access to the educational content they desire, independent of time or location. Open Education Week is going to showcase projects, resources, people and ideas so more people around the world can see its potential and its benefits.”
JISC project managers from across the UK are planning various events which you can get involved in around the UK – find out more here.
via Jisc news
At the Westminster Education Forum CILIP Chief Executive Annie Mauger stressed the important role that libraries and librarians in communities and schools play helping children develop a lifelong reading habit - which leads to greater attainment, improved life chances and prosperity.
The speech was delivered to policymakers and stakeholders as part of the National Curriculum seminar series. Explaining what difference librarians can make to children’s education and attainment, Annie said:
“Librarians have a saying ‘the right book for the right child’ and children’s librarians are dedicated to delivering this alongside information literacy and digital literacy skills for children and young people. They read the books that they recommend to children and develop understanding and expertise of what works for children.”
Annie ended her speech with a call for secondary school libraries to be statutory across the UK, as they are in Scotland, and school library provision to be included in Ofsted inspections.
Other speakers at the event included Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and representatives from a range of organisations including the UK Literacy Association, National Association for the Teaching of English, AQA and the Department for Education. More about the event
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Press contact:
Mark Taylor, Director of External Relations, CILIP
Tel: 020 7255 0654
Mobile: 07792 635 305
Email: mark.taylor@cilip.org.uk
Notes to editors:
CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers. CILIP’s vision is a fair and economically prosperous society underpinned by literacy, access to information and the transfer of knowledge. CILIP is a registered charity, no. 313014. Visit www.cilip.org.uk for more information.
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A new tool launched by Cardiff University’s information services directorate and JISC allows people to assess the popularity and use of e-resources so they continue to deliver value for money.
Eileen Brandreth, director of university IT at Cardiff, said: “I am confident that Raptor will make a real difference to education institutions looking to maximise value from investments in e-resources. The information that Raptor provides will enable institutions and individual Academic Schools to assess the best value and most useful e-resource subscriptions for their students and researchers.”
People using Raptor can produce statistics on e-resource use whenever they are needed in as much detail as they require - for example, usage by an individual university department.
Chris Brown, JISC e-Research Programme Manager, added: “The Raptor tool has successfully gone through beta testing and incorporated user feedback prior to the release of this version, which is ready for production deployment. With universities looking at the potential cost savings and efficiencies, the Raptor tool provides valuable statistics on resource usage. It can analyse a variety of log files and present important information, not only promptly, but most importantly, in an easy to understand and visual way.”
The fully-released Raptor system lets institutions view usage statistics from different access management systems in use across the education sector.
Chris added: “The team at Cardiff have used their wealth of experience in this area to build a tool that is easy to install, use and is extremely powerful.”
The launch of the tool follows the JISC webinar on the Journal Usage Support Portal which can also help librarians assess their subscriptions.
The Raptor system focuses particularly on federated access systems, where online resources request access authorisation from the ‘home’ institution of the visitor, resulting in easier single sign-on access for users.
Raptor is also now available for both Linux and Windows servers, further widening the potential audience.
See how this project fits into JISC's wider aims
via Jisc news
The broadest single collection of historical maps from around the world is now available online.
The JISC-funded Old Maps Online, described by its creators as like Google for old maps, will act as a central repository to a vast collection of maps held by institutions across the globe. It is the first time that access to such an extensive collection has been made available online.
"By customising existing technology Old Maps Online makes it easy for everybody to find and compare maps through time in a highly visual way without the need for specialist knowledge. JISC is supporting a big step towards widening access to and use of these fascinating resources.”
The service, hosted by the university of Portsmouth, launches with over 60,000 maps which will double by the end of the year.
Project director, the university of Portsmouth’s Dr Humphrey Southall, said: “Our obsession with the past includes an innate curiosity about how the world around us looked, and the sheer global reach of this collection is what sets it apart and makes it unique. But historical records must be accessible in order to be useful. Having a single point of entry to a repository of this scale offers historians and the general public a gateway to some of the most fascinating images from history.”
The site incorporates access to collections at the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, the Moravian Library in the Czech Republic and the prestigious David Rumsey Collection in California.
Adam Farquhar, head of digital scholarship at the British Library, said: "The Old Maps Online project brings together our cartographic heritage digitally in one place. It supports both researchers and the wider public, aligning beautifully with the strategic goals of the British Library."
Other collections to be added later this year include those from Harvard University, the New York Public Library, the National Library of Wales, the Bodleian Library at Oxford and several major European libraries.
Visit Old Maps Online to search maps by placename, date or collectionAll photos copyright David Rumsey collection
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Today JISC is announcing how, by bringing the leadership from across JISC into a more cohesive structure supported and enabled by the creation of a legal entity, it will reshape itself for the future.
“This is the start of an exciting future for JISC,” said Professor Martyn Harrow, Head of JISC. “We are determined to continue and develop our crucial role in supporting UK colleges and universities and skills providers, keep at the forefront of best practice. This has never been more important than now at a time of tighter funding and unprecedented challenges to the sectors.”
The changes are designed to provide a firm footing for the organisation as it responds to the recommendations made in the Wilson Review in JISC which was published in February 2011. The Review was commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in response to the current economic environment looking at the value of JISC.
“It was important that we take the time to study the recommendations made by Wilson,” continued Professor Harrow. “We therefore set up a Transition Group, made up of expert representatives from across the communities that we serve to go through the Wilson report in detail. The Group, so ably and skilfully led by Professor David Baker, Deputy Chair of JISC, has provided recommendations that will help us secure a better and more sustainable future for JISC and the sectors we serve.”
One of the first changes will see JISC will become a company limited by guarantee on 1 August 2012 managing the JISC offering across its products and services. The new company’s primary focus will be on three distinct areas for UK education and research:
• Infrastructure services: networks, access management, cloud services
• Data and content services: procurement, data hosting, data management and interoperability
• JISC Futures/Solution Services: focussed on supporting education, students, research, and the running of institutions as businesses
JISC will be set up initially as a holding (parent) company and following this, step by step, the current elements of JISC will be brought into this new company structure.
Professor Harrow said, “While it is too early to detail of all the changes, we can say with certainty that our guiding principle will be to ensure that the new model for JISC meets the needs of all our stakeholders. Our challenge is to do the same, or more, with less, but I am determined that the changes will not compromise our record of providing excellent services to UK colleges, universities and skills providers. It is very clear to me that JISC itself must change if we are to meet the challenges that all our sectors are facing, and we must create a new JISC for new times.”
Read the background to JISC's transition
via Jisc news