Minutes
Young Peoples Libraries Group (YPLG)
Date and Time: 24 April 2015 - 9:30am – 2:00pm
Venue: Victoria Point Library, Redland City Council
Attendees
Michelle Swales
State Library of Queensland
Michael Marks
Redland Libraries
Angela Morgan
Toowoomba City Libraries
Jo Beazley
Toowoomba City Libraries
Sue Shaw
Gold Coast Libraries
Maureen O’Shea
Noosa Library Service
Kate Landsey
Noosa Library Service
Gillian Milburn
Redland Libraries
Matt Mallard
Redland Libraries
Jan Webb
Redland Libraries
Kim English
Redland Libraries
Karen Gawen
Sunshine Coast Libraries
Lisa Austin
Sunshine Coast Libraries
Chelle Walker
Lockyer Valley Libraries
Julianne Bachman
Lockyer Valley Libraries
Sian O’Shea
Brisbane City Council Libraries
Catherine Waalder
Scenic Rim Libraries
Kerry Griffith
Moreton Bay Regional Libraries
Dayna Smith
Moreton Bay Regional Libraries
Apologies
Claire Grandcourt
Mackay Regional Council
Rosalie Stafford
Ipswich Libraries
Lynne Alsop
Gympie Regional Libraries
Jane Gunn
Gympie Regional Libraries
June Horn
Goondiwindi Library Services
Welcome and Introductions
Previous minutes
Accepted: Maureen O’Shea, Seconded Gillian Milburn
Not Just Reading: Introducing programs around electronics and filmmaking
Michael Mallard – Redland Libraries
In 2014, Redland Libraries succeeded in applying for an OPAL Grant titled Technology
Trendsetters in the hopes of building the infrastructure for offering an after-school coding
club for the children of the Redlands. Redland libraries are currently trialling a few different
models for the club at the Cleveland Library, after which it is hoped to roll out the club to the
various branches and reach out to a broader spectrum of participants.
For more information on the Redland experiences and progress – visit Code Redlands
http://www.coderedlands.org.au/ All handouts used are available via the site.
Discussion points:
Already had a relationship with the local state school through the development of the SPEAK
app with Dept of Education. No other knowledge in this area to begin with.
CoderDojo had been considered through their work in Gold Coast and Logan Libraries.
Staff had attended a Hack the Evening event at The Edge (SLQ) which had provided
inspiration and technological leads for hands on options.
First Term: Decided to build the coding model themselves to scale it the way they wanted. In
partnership with SLQ staff they began with Scratch sessions.
Second Term: working with code club http://www.codeclubau.org/ with Annie Parks.
Challenging – learned a lot about scaffolding experiences and getting a result that would
satisfy participants. Also server space was an issue.
Third Term: Arduino robots - Spelling for coding was a drawback as you had to be exact.
Candidates were usually ten years plus - starting to get it. Typing needed help.
Gaps were intentionally left in code so that participants could see what made a difference
when it was typed in - flashing lights, space ships, creative commons plans. Concentration
was also an issue. Children built a light following robot. All coding and wiring done by kids
with help.
Now turned into school holiday sessions. Holiday robot boot camp now being planned. In
May there will be a show and tell concept to get kids excited about what's possible. Plus let
the community know that we're all learning as we go.
Redland are wanting to provide more PD for educators including any teachers that are
working in this area and partner more with schools. Still building on the SPEAK relationship.
Suggestion that university students are optimal as you get student teachers in to support
programming and then they already know the benefits of public libraries once they enter the
workforce.
Redland are investing in Arduino kits as you come home with an item and you can build on
what you have. They are using http://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/ currently as supplier.
Results are harder when staff do not have the skills however there are resources in the
community and these can be built. http://code.org/ has lesson plans. Also utilise older
children with skills, admit you know nothing and the kids help each other. Children are not
afraid to try
Moreton Libraries have had successes with QUT partnerships and Kodu Game Lab for 914s. Can be competitive in the room or collaborate on worlds so suits both personality types.
For Redland PD element was unexpected and was a lot of work to get projects up and
running especially for kids that needed more help within and outside of sessions. Handouts
are on the website. Staff time needs to be part of the equation. Redland now has library
resource officers so there is a role change required. Best way to start is to hire a contractor
or to learn through watching YouTube videos.
Similarly Gold Coast staff now get tested on their knowledge of technology.
It's the key for teenagers - seems to be the only way to get this target market.
Filmmaking
Local schools didn't have anything else in the digital storytelling area so contracted Tyrone
Curtis who has worked extensively with libraries in SEQ.
Tyrone is a good fit, skilled at adapting courses to fit. Early, and digital literacies are also
being used to bring parents into libraries.
Filmmaking - using apps and using iMovie – becoming an issue that kids don't know how to
write a story. So they must have the narrative in place before filming.
Contractors brought their own gear and apps. Short form story telling app is free.
Participants set up in production groups with tripods etc and work in a group to edit the
stories and can take up to three hours .Can use library books as stimulus materials to create
the stories.
Book trailers are also great way to connect film to library materials.
Best Start Update and Discussion
Michelle Swales, State Library of Queensland
Frequently Asked Questions around Best Start are now on PLConnect
http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/resources/children-and-young-people/best-start/frequentlyasked-questions
An update was provided on all FAQs. Feedback received from the group discussion
included:
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Re the packs and parent messages – keep technology low or provide a low tech
option as it cannot be assumed that all parents even have a DVD player either
through circumstances or choice.
Can libraries purchase advertising space with funding to promote Best Start Library
Programs?
Exactly what statistics are required for acquittal and do libraries count parents in
addition to children? Is 0-4 or 0-5 required? Do statistics have to be presented as a
per capita percentage?
When will logos and promotional materials be available?
Can funding be spent on a car for the Best Start Coordinator to travel between
branches?
What are other libraries doing?
Action: Michelle to forward discussions to Best Start Coordinator for response to the
group.
PD fact sheets on Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time with supporting videos were discussed
and recommneded available at: http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/resources/children-andyoung-people/best-start
Best Start regional PD sessions were promoted:
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Bundaberg – 13-14 May
Brisbane – 27-28 May
Brisbane – 27 May (½ day) and 4 June
Toowoomba – 10-11 June
Townsville – 24-25 June
Gold Coast – 15-16 July (not confirmed)
Rockhampton – 22-23 July
Better outcomes through a higher retention of information and shared learnings will be
achieved if this professional development is provided in two sessions over two days.
Best Start professional development program
The engaging and interactive 1½ day Best Start professional development program is
structured around the following:
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Understanding statistical data and its relevance to language and literacy
development in 0-5 year old children
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Early brain development and the importance of the first 5 years
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Oral language development and emergent literacy
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Practical strategies on how to provide services and activities, such as story time
sessions, that support emergent literacy outcomes for children
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Engagement of parents and primary caregivers of 0-5 year old children
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Community messaging, engagement and collaborative partnership opportunities
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Action planning
For any other questions on Best Start – contact beststart@slq.qld.gov.au
New and innovative programming in public libraries
Summer Reading Club update
The group discussed the Summer Reading Club 2014/2015 and responded positively to the
earlier release of theme and collateral for their programming. Libraries added content and
information to the club programs as they have the freedom to adjust the program to suit their
particpants. Gold Coast added prizes and activities. Toowoomba added a 15 Plus Summer
club. Moreton used a loyalty club model.
If you have more feedback for the SRC coordinator please contact
summerreadingclub@slq.qld.gov.au
Discussion on issues and trends relating to children, young people, parents and
carers in libraries
Strategic networking and ideas – facilitated round table discussion
Group discussion on the value and skills of readers advisory in YP and how to distil the
“sell” into the moment you have available.
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Need to “promote” book in under a minute to readers
Build knowledge into who reads what on staff/genre fiction
“hand selling” have the book in the hand – promote and give directly to reader.
Group discussion on board book selection/picture book selection: Specific guidelines for
board books required because the format is trusted by clients to be suitable for babies.
However more text heavy titles are now published in board book format.
Currently very adult content in picture books especially around Anzac Day.
Group discussion on signing up children without parents: Most libraries try to provide teens
without parents some borrowing rights, however Internet is restricted. Some schools will
guarantee individual children for the library, some libraries accept a parents licence without
the parent. General consensus was that if a teen is keen enough to want to join the library to
borrow books then it is unlikely that they will abscond with books. In a related matter, in
order not to deter teens overdue notices are sent but not followed up.
Action: Suggested topic for future YPLG PD – Michelle to progress
Library updates:
Toowoomba: Creation of a structured YP reference group across branches. Currently
focusing in selection and building collections across all YP categories. YPLG group part of
vital PD for Toowoomba YP staff.
Gold Coast - Alien in my Pocket holiday with clay – clay encourages parents to work with
kids. Story telling sessions with tree house family tree themes. Plus Scratch activities and
book character diary formats.
Lockyer Valley - Recycled art activities- June/July OPAL Grant supported MaKey MaKey
being taught at the moment. Movie maker: Scaffolding Year 4-7. Book club: Adventurers
Club currently being run by a year 12 student (supervised by a library staff person)
Participants really enjoy having the club coordinated by a school student.
Scenic Rim: Creative solutions for activities. Toying with Minecraft but time consuming.
Digital storytelling – Working with Zane, Indigenous storytelling and youth workshops.
Brisbane City Council: Recruiting for Best Start Coordinator. Increase in Best Start
sessions. Youth week - not big numbers. Fashion interior design workshops - extending staff
to have the opportunity to create programing in their areas of interest.
Redland: School holidays - Dream catchers and masks inspired from Book of Life movie
Craft bar still going - great to get rid of what's there – recommended. Redland doesn’t take
bookings for activities so need to be able to scale the activity if there's a late surge.
Sometimes a drop in activity that only goes for 15 mins but will be available for an hour is
recommended. Adult colouring sheets can even be supplied while children are doing their
craft.
Moreton Bay: Gaming nights with free pizza are very popular. Two games: Mario Kart and
FIFA tournament - partnered with a Cinema. January Mash it up - creative festival. 180
entries for competition https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/general.aspx?id=66271
Noosa: Geocaching activity over the holidays went really well and recommended. Workshop
format: had a collection of caches and had to think up clues, with a scavenger hunt and
clues in the library. Ages 10 and up (always make the age group advertised older than
required so that the younger children that still enrol are of a suitable age.) iPads or smart
phones required as Geocaching needs an app. Good family activity and good for outdoors
nature play.
Meeting Closed at 2:40pm
Next meeting:
24 July 2015
Cooroy Library
9 Maple Street, Cooroy