Libraries and Information Services INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY SYMPOSIUM 2014 - REVIEW
A very warm Welcome to Country by Ms Linda Biumaiwai, officially launched the inaugural International Library Symposium, held at The Southport School during the September school vacation. This event brought together close to 100 delegates from around Australia and the Asia-Pacific region to hear and learn from a series of keynote addresses from internationally renowned and respected presenters. For many of us, the library profession is, by its very nature, one of the most dynamic elements of modern society and this dynamism was reflected in the Symposium program. Libraries constantly evolve by creating, absorbing and developing systems through which humans communicate and by which society establishes its cultural and educational parameters. In recent years there has been a clear paradigm shift in library accountabilities and expectations and this has generated the creation of a new library landscape … and thus the theme - Embracing New Landscapes. The line-up on ‘Marvellous Monday’ encapsulated what the modern library and learning space involves: author Isobelle Carmody shared her journey on developing a love of literature; library academic Dr Barbara Combes explored the realms of communication, connectivity and the changing nature of information; architects and design specialists Graham Legerton and Chad Brown revealed the processes involved when creating and designing the perfect learning space; international TL Katie Day highlighted the diversity of life through Asian literary examples; psychologist Paul Martin helped us develop strategies to cope with change in the workplace; and journalists Trent Dalton and Matthew Condon provided remarkable insight into some of Queensland’s darkest political days. Equally, ‘Terrific Tuesday’ was a professionally and personally rewarding experience as presenters highlighted further the ever-changing role libraries and librarians play in the educational landscape. The morning opened with SLAQ President Shirley Birrell exploring
some of the challenges currently facing SLAQ members and reminded everyone present of the valuable contribution TLs make in schools and how libraries and librarians help shape the intellectual, cultural and social landscape of communities. Shirley was followed by international author, academic and social commentator, Professor Germaine Greer. In her book Daddy We Hardly Knew You Greer reveals that ‘the Public Library of Victoria was (her) Valhalla’. Furthermore, she writes ‘I used to take a turn or two around the perimeter (of the reading room) and my heart skipped with suppressed excitement. … I would quickly get a book … edge my behind onto a slippery chair, and take notes the way I saw others doing. So the habit of a lifetime was formed. More of my waking life has been spent in libraries, with a pen in my hand, than anywhere else. (page 69) With this in mind, it was most appropriate that Professor Greer should join us at the inaugural International Library Symposium. Greer’s presentation, ‘Country into Landscape: ways of seeing in today’s Australia’ explored a variety of Australian art examples and ultimately argued that it is no longer sensible to treat Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal art as being culturally distinct from each other. This was a thoughtful, carefully researched topic that was delivered with exceptional aplomb. For many in the audience, it was the first time they had heard Professor Greer speak publically and no one was disappointed. We were also very fortunate to have included in the Tuesday program: author and editor of Australian Book review, Peter Rose, explored how literary magazines, such as ABR, fit into the new literary landscape; brain specialist, Angela Foulds-Cook guided delegates through the intricate nature of the human brain and how to make our brains ready for reading; emerging media specialist, Professor Jeff Brand, showed us how to ‘gamify’ the Australian Curriculum; and brilliant author, Dr Gary Crew, argued that we need to provide the dead with voices so their stories are not lost and we
can understand more clearly the nuances of our own culture and history. The final event of the Symposium was the Symposium Dinner held in The Southport School Dining Hall and featured Mark Tedeschi AM QC. Mr Tedeschi has been the Senior Crown Prosecutor for New South Wales since 1997 and while he has published works in many legal journals, his first true crime book Eugenia was published in 2012. This is the true story of Harry Crawford, who in 1920, was arrested and charged with the murder of his first wife. What made the case more intriguing was that Harry Crawford was not, in fact, Harry Crawford, but Eugenia Falleni, a woman who had lived as a man for 22 years. A remarkable story indeed. Several social functions were also organised in addition to the Symposium Dinner: a lively Welcome Reception was held at TSS on the Sunday evening; a specially commissioned art exhibition entitled ‘Embracing New Landscapes’ was held at the Anthea Polson Art Gallery, Mariner’s Cove, Gold Coast; and to ensure delegates realised that there is more to the Gold Coast than sand, sun and surf, a Gold Coast Heritage Tour was arranged as a postsymposium activity to showcase some of the regions wonderful history. Sincere thanks must be extended to the many supporters and sponsors of this inaugural event. Firstly, to SLAQ for their very generous support and in particular to Shirley Birrell and Angie Farmer for their assistance and encouragement. Special mention and thanks must also go to previous SLAQ President Toni Leigh with whom initial ILS discussions were held in 2013. Toni was very happy to support this project and was very encouraging. Thank you also to the Trade Exhibitors: Gale Cengage Learning, Accessit Software, Wheelers Books, The One Umbrella, RAECO and Network Educational. This was a very exciting event and we are hoping to hold the International Library Symposium biennially. Presenters’ notes are available on the ILS website at www.thesuthportschool/ils
THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL SOUTHPORTONIAN 2014
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