NEWS
Collaboration as HE crisis solution
A REPORT commissioned by Jisc and produced in partnership with KPMG out- lines how institutions can collaborate to unlock efficiencies and reduce costs. It calls on leading bodies in the sector to convene ‘coalitions of the willing’ and coordinate a consistent message from the sector to the government. Five key areas of collaboration are iden-
tified: central coordination and standards; skills development in digital, data and technology (DDaT); shared procurement and system management; shared services; co-building sector-specific technology. For more visit
www.jisc.ac.uk/reports/collabo- ration-for-a-sustainable-future.
LGA calls for AI case studies
THE Local Government Association (LGA) is looking for examples of local authori- ties using AI to include in their Artificial Intelligence use cases bank, and wants to hear from any library services that have experience using AI tools.
Case studies will be used to inform LGA research and “is an opportunity to share your work with the sector, and demon- strate the innovation present within local government”.
If you would like to have a case study included in the bank, please contact Isobel.
parkes@local.gov.uk for further information
Search usability CPD
UKeiG is hosting a CPD Zoom Course: Search Usability on 8 January for Intranet/ web managers, information architects and search specialists, developers and managers of search projects, and anyone who wants to maximise the effectiveness of an invest- ment in a search solution.
This tutorial explores the fundamental concepts and principles of User-Centred Design for information search and discov- ery and demonstrates how to apply them to a range of practical contexts. The session includes an opportunity to apply these skills to a range of practical design challenges. For more details visit
https://tinyurl.com/4b8rb34a
6 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL
Microgrants pave way to bigger bids
LIBRARIES Connected has announ ced the 15 public library projects that have successfully bid for Arts Coun- cil-funded microgrants of £1-5k. Libraries Connected said the aim of the microgrants programme “is to build ca- pacity and confidence within the public library sector to apply for larger sums of investment, from Arts Council England and other funders.”
The programme is open to public libraries in England, including prison and school libraries that are run by public library ser- vices. The second round of applications is now being considered with a third and final round opening on 6 January, 2025. The 15 successful projects include an inter-generational creative programme exploring the history of gaming at Sefton Library Service. This will deliver an exhi- bition and wraparound programme featuring workshops and a volunteer- ing, skill sharing strand. A World Book Day costume swap at
Lincolnshire Library Service was awarded £1,900 to run costume swaps and creative workshops across 14 Lincoln libraries in the weeks leading up to World Book Day 2025. It offers parents practical, low- cost support for creating or borrowing costumes and aims to reduce the stress of costume-making while promoting the joy of reading. Lewisham Libraries was awarded £5,000 for a new lending library of screen-free audiobook devices for chil-
dren. The lending library of Yoto Players will target families who may have limited access to reading resources, including non-native English speakers.
Supported by workshops for parents
to build confidence in reading aloud, the initiative seeks to enhance children’s lit- eracy, language acquisition, and engage- ment with reading, fostering a long-term love of books within a diverse and often deprived community. Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of
Libraries Connected, said: “As always I’m incredibly impressed by the innovative and creative ideas that libraries come up with, all based on the needs and pri- orities of their communities. The aim of the micro grants programme is to give libraries the freedom and space to test ideas and try new approaches. These projects will make a big impact in their own right, but we hope it will give librar- ies the confidence to bid for larger and longer-term funding.” Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England said: “We are delighted to be able to provide funding to support libraries to deliver such a wide range of interesting and potentially impactful community focused projects. We hope that the experience of applying for these microgrants will give applicants the confi- dence to consider applying for other grant funding in the future. Congratulations to all the successful applicants and it will be exciting to see these projects progress.”
Warm spaces – year three
PUBLIC libraries are working with the Warm Welcome campaign for the third year running to provide warm spaces for their communities.
Almost all library services will take part in the scheme this year with Libraries Connected as a partner in the campaign which supports a network of over 4,000 warm spaces across the UK. Most libraries will also provide a range of other support, including entertainment, cultural activities, free hot drinks, and advice sessions on
topics like household budgeting. Other initiatives include providing free warm clothing and blankets, sanitary products and food banks. Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of
Libraries Connected, said: “The reality is that millions of people can’t afford to turn the heating on as the nights get colder. Once again, libraries will be there to provide warmth, company and support – as well as lots of practical advice and information, in addition to the everyday work of libraries.”
December 2024
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