You may think that all we do is eat but really we are working hard every day!
For the second week, we changed gears from doing all sorts of presentations for the staff, to actually doing some hands on work. This is the really fun part. The presentations gave overviews to library basics and the hands on work is for the staff to apply the basics to their environment. So for example, we gave a presentation on various aspects of collection management (thanks Susan for the books - we have left them as a resource in Sigli), collection policies, intellectual freedom, weeding etc. Then along with the staff we are drafting collection policy and procedure for the library. Everything we do is in both languages and is in draft.
Once the business case presentation was done, the staff developed business cases for the large items that are part of the equipment request for the project. Bookmobile service is key to reaching the 21 districts that they are responsible for. A business case for an additional bookmobile has been written. We found out over the weekend that the staff need to write a business case to accompany the equipment request. They didn't bat an eye when we told them this on Monday, the business case for that has been written too. I am most impressed with the rapid response we get for any task that is requested.
Katherine spent time teaching some staff some basic computer skills so they can make internal signage. It is really important that all of the staff become comfortable with the computers. The plan for the library involves having 3 public internet terminals. Everyone will need to be somewhat computer saavy to support this service. Think back to public libraries in Ontario, not all that long ago when computers were introduced. A lot of staff upgrading was required then too.
If we want to break into small groups, we need two translators. We don't always have that luxury, so sometimes we try to do stuff without a translator. Yesterday, one of the staff asked if she could practice reading English with me. We had brought over some Grass Roots Press literacy books (books with easy to read English targeted at the adult reader) and Gusmeli was able to read two complete books to me. We took our time and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. She was so pleased to think she could read an entire book and they now want to include books like this in their collection. It makes me want to be a volunteer tutor when I get back home.
Last week we had done some brainstorming with all of the staff about ideas for improving the bookmobile service and the collections. Every staff member contributed an idea for each topic. Today we went over the lists....they were able to find ways to accomplish almost all of the suggestions. From adding DVDs and CDs to the collection, to providing special programming at a bookmobile stop, to circulating some magazines. The best part is that the ideas came from the staff and so did the solutions.
Lunch today was going to be Kraft dinner. Yep - from the exotic to the not-so. However, this was not to be the case because we received a phone call telling us that the Bupadi (akin to the mayor) was ready to see us immediately. So we had to leave the house without our lunch. The meeting ended up being with the Vice-Bupadi. The Vice Bupadi (like a deputy mayor) was a former freedom fighter, as are most of the people in power now. He has a tremendous vision for the role of the library and supports the expansion of the bookmobile service. It's quite good because he had some of his own ideas for library service. He suggested that the bookmobile have internet access and that there be chairs and events at the bookmobile to draw people to it. It was great to hear it coming from someone in a position to approve things. We have basically said that we will push for the improvements to the facility, infrastructure (public computers etc) but we need his assurance that they will budget for the operating costs attached to all of the improvements. We are building training into all of the plans because sustainability is the big thing. It has to be maintained once we are out of the picture. It was a good meeting. Muhktar took us out for lunch afterwards. We were all pleased with the progress that has been made. It was worth missing the Kraft dinner.
Tonight we had a dinner for all of the project staff. While we were preparing the meal we sang camp songs. We cooked mashed potatoes, meatballs, peas and gravy. (Tip - don't ever pack Bisto without putting it in a zip-lock bag. I learned this the hard way and my entire suitcase and contents were covered with Bisto powder. I am still finding it everywhere.) Simon's (local resource person) wife Daisy cooked chicken with vegetables and the same delicious soup she made last week. We bought nasi goreng. The drivers and guards are quite shy of us and would giggle whenever they were offered food. It was fun. There wasn't enough seats for everyone so we took turns at the table. The Canadians kept saying it felt like Thanksgiving. (And for Lisa - I have recipes which I will send you.....I knew you'd be asking.)
Hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day in Sigli. The time goes fast and slow. Things that happened yesterday seem like they were last week. It is a great time but we're tired out at the end of the day. I will sleep again once I get home...fingers crossed!
D.
For the second week, we changed gears from doing all sorts of presentations for the staff, to actually doing some hands on work. This is the really fun part. The presentations gave overviews to library basics and the hands on work is for the staff to apply the basics to their environment. So for example, we gave a presentation on various aspects of collection management (thanks Susan for the books - we have left them as a resource in Sigli), collection policies, intellectual freedom, weeding etc. Then along with the staff we are drafting collection policy and procedure for the library. Everything we do is in both languages and is in draft.
Once the business case presentation was done, the staff developed business cases for the large items that are part of the equipment request for the project. Bookmobile service is key to reaching the 21 districts that they are responsible for. A business case for an additional bookmobile has been written. We found out over the weekend that the staff need to write a business case to accompany the equipment request. They didn't bat an eye when we told them this on Monday, the business case for that has been written too. I am most impressed with the rapid response we get for any task that is requested.
Katherine spent time teaching some staff some basic computer skills so they can make internal signage. It is really important that all of the staff become comfortable with the computers. The plan for the library involves having 3 public internet terminals. Everyone will need to be somewhat computer saavy to support this service. Think back to public libraries in Ontario, not all that long ago when computers were introduced. A lot of staff upgrading was required then too.
If we want to break into small groups, we need two translators. We don't always have that luxury, so sometimes we try to do stuff without a translator. Yesterday, one of the staff asked if she could practice reading English with me. We had brought over some Grass Roots Press literacy books (books with easy to read English targeted at the adult reader) and Gusmeli was able to read two complete books to me. We took our time and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. She was so pleased to think she could read an entire book and they now want to include books like this in their collection. It makes me want to be a volunteer tutor when I get back home.
Last week we had done some brainstorming with all of the staff about ideas for improving the bookmobile service and the collections. Every staff member contributed an idea for each topic. Today we went over the lists....they were able to find ways to accomplish almost all of the suggestions. From adding DVDs and CDs to the collection, to providing special programming at a bookmobile stop, to circulating some magazines. The best part is that the ideas came from the staff and so did the solutions.
Lunch today was going to be Kraft dinner. Yep - from the exotic to the not-so. However, this was not to be the case because we received a phone call telling us that the Bupadi (akin to the mayor) was ready to see us immediately. So we had to leave the house without our lunch. The meeting ended up being with the Vice-Bupadi. The Vice Bupadi (like a deputy mayor) was a former freedom fighter, as are most of the people in power now. He has a tremendous vision for the role of the library and supports the expansion of the bookmobile service. It's quite good because he had some of his own ideas for library service. He suggested that the bookmobile have internet access and that there be chairs and events at the bookmobile to draw people to it. It was great to hear it coming from someone in a position to approve things. We have basically said that we will push for the improvements to the facility, infrastructure (public computers etc) but we need his assurance that they will budget for the operating costs attached to all of the improvements. We are building training into all of the plans because sustainability is the big thing. It has to be maintained once we are out of the picture. It was a good meeting. Muhktar took us out for lunch afterwards. We were all pleased with the progress that has been made. It was worth missing the Kraft dinner.
Tonight we had a dinner for all of the project staff. While we were preparing the meal we sang camp songs. We cooked mashed potatoes, meatballs, peas and gravy. (Tip - don't ever pack Bisto without putting it in a zip-lock bag. I learned this the hard way and my entire suitcase and contents were covered with Bisto powder. I am still finding it everywhere.) Simon's (local resource person) wife Daisy cooked chicken with vegetables and the same delicious soup she made last week. We bought nasi goreng. The drivers and guards are quite shy of us and would giggle whenever they were offered food. It was fun. There wasn't enough seats for everyone so we took turns at the table. The Canadians kept saying it felt like Thanksgiving. (And for Lisa - I have recipes which I will send you.....I knew you'd be asking.)
Hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day in Sigli. The time goes fast and slow. Things that happened yesterday seem like they were last week. It is a great time but we're tired out at the end of the day. I will sleep again once I get home...fingers crossed!
D.
1 comment:
Wow!
Way to go!
Excellent!
Good on you! etc.
safe trip too
xo
Post a Comment