Aberdeen Central Library

_{On March 14th Information and Library Studies students from The Robert Gordon University got to peek behind the scenes of Aberdeen’s Central library.  The timing, just before we all, as fledgling librarians, embarked on a month-long work placement, provided some valuable insight into what we might expect from our chosen profession.}  

Enjoying intriguing antiquarian maps and having our questions answered in the fascinating Local History Section

_{Aberdeen Central Library opened in 1893, an Andrew Carnegie building on the city’s Rosemount Viaduct. Situated in an imposing granite building next to St Mark’s Church and His Majesty’s Theatre, the three are known colloquially as “Inspiration, Salvation and Damnation”. Whilst scaffolding covered the North façade on our visit (like its neighbouring buildings, the Central Library has reached that time of life when it needs “a bit of looking after”), inside however, all was business as usual.}

_{2017 marked the 125 years of the Central Library. To celebrate this milestone a three-year programme of events was created. Working with a wide range of partners the anniversary programme linked into service and national priorities, Scotland’s focus year themes, and local and national initiatives.  It included: Treasures from Our Collections July 2015- 2017.  This was an exhibition of objects from the rich cultural heritage of Aberdeen.   At the Tea and a Treasure event held at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom, over 200 guest’s rediscovered treasures from the 1960s. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, and it is fair to say that this event brought back many memories. The filming of the 360 Library History Treasures took place on Sunday 19th March in the Central Library. Actors adopted the roles of City librarians, and highlighted treasures linked to the history of both the library and city.  The film was screened at the 125 Festival evening on 4 July 2017 and has been viewed over 300 times since: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK3S-74dWi8&t=259s.}

_{The 125-celebration culminated in a Murder Mystery Evening in March 2018. Overall the profile of the library service was raised, and visitor numbers increased over the three-year period.  Library staff were rightly proud of the many positive responses from those who took part in the events.} 

_{During September – November 2017, school children were engaged in the Design a Library of the Future Competition.}

 

A wealth of books for a multitude of interests

_{One of Aberdeen City Children’s Librarian's explained that there were three dedicated children’s librarians for the different age groups within the city. She said,}  

_{“we do aim for consistency across all areas of service outreach, so that areas all have equal opportunity of access”.}  

Within the Children's Library, a seasonal display offering many choices from old stalwart Beatrix Potter

_{The presentation on the Bookbug Programme highlighted how families sharing stories with their children, enhances their social, emotional and cognitive learning.  Bookbug Sessions operate fortnightly in all of the city’s libraries. There are also now several hundred outreach Bookbug at Home visitors working in strategic partnerships. A British Sign Language, BSL Bookbug, as well as a Gaelic Bookbug are also part of the services remit and rightly lauded. There are also intergenerational storytelling sessions, proving the old truism that you are never too old for a good yarn.}

_{The Central Library’s choice of foreign language children’s books is comprehensive. In families where English is a second language sheet music is popular to borrow. It provides continuity for families when relocating to a new environment. Stevie Wonder, with his hit “Sir Duke”, famously once made the point: Musical notation is a universal language. Libraries are no longer “just books”.  Nowadays you can borrow all sorts of media and equipment. As a matter of fact, amateur dramatists need look no further, for everything you need to stage your production is available on loan, from bunting to billboards, sound-booms to sewing machines:} 

_{http://w12.aberdeencity.gov.uk/Library_Service/Services/lib_media_equipment.aspon the website}

_{There is also a wide choice of films and CD’s to keep people occupied in their spare time.} 

 

A perk of the librarians within the media collections is getting to pick what music is playing there daily

_{In Aberdeen the Summer Reading Challenge for children aged four to eleven is promoted by teenage Challenge Champions, which has increased its uptake.  The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest primary aged children’s reading promotion.  It encourages children to read six library books of their choice during the school summer holidays. During the summer holidays, children's reading can 'dip' which is especially true if they don't have regular access to books to read for pleasure.} 

_{Yet whilst it is true the library can be a haven for some children, for others it has been hazardous. One of the Outreach Librarians explained about an autism friendly library pilot providing calm spaces, books for siblings and thoughtful outreach for parents of autistic children.  A range of props, calming cushions and staff training have all been introduced to enhance the opportunities for autism friendly library experiences. Perhaps most heartening to hear is that a key part of this initiative is to: “work with families to widen access to all”.} 

_{Shifting gears slightly it’s evident at a glance that the people of Aberdeen mean business. With the help of Central Library’s Intellectual Property Information Centre, businesses and creators are competing nationally and internationally.  Assisting patrons, including private inventors in deciphering and applying IP related regulations, Aberdeen Central Library has one of the two library-based intellectual property information centres in Scotland - part of the Patlib UK Network.  Following the closure of Bright Ideas Scotland in 2017, and based on a sustained number of local enquiries, the Central Library collaborates with social enterprise, Elevator, and with Scottish Enterprise in offering valuable start-up and business advice.  Patrons benefit from free monthly confidential Intellectual Property Advice Clinic sessions, attended on a rota basis by local Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA), as well as one-to-one tailored advice sessions, and ongoing assistance via email.  The library also trains start-ups on information literacy, in particular the effective use of their business e-resources COBRA (Complete Business Reference Advisor) and EasyBusiness by Kompass.}

_{Such a service benefits not only local entrepreneurs and businesses, but the wider libraries and communities.  The more interest in these services, the more justification there is in growing business resources within libraries, which promotes economic wellbeing, contributing to a thriving and active local community.}

_{To summarise the visit was confirmation of three things:}

• _{Libraries can make a difference}
• _{The work of a librarian is truly valued by our patrons.}  
• _{We chose the right profession}

 

_{The Class of 2018 thoroughly enjoyed their peek backstage of Aberdeen Central Library and would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all involved.}