PUBLIC LIBRARY INITIATIVE

  Dear IAML Members

I have an idea, that I would like to share with you. For some time I have been asking myself how IAML might attract more public librarians. As far as I can see, only 10-15% af all IAML members are public libraries or librarians and as music is growing in public libraries we need closer contact to support each other and share our solutions.

Public Libraries with music have their own specific area working with different materials, different users and other purposes than most of the IAML members in University and Research libraries. It is very useful for a public librarian to learn what is going on in other kinds of libraries and vice versa. I myself would never have missed my time in IAML, but I attended the conferences because I was the president of the Danish IAML Branch and not because I could convince my library boss that I learned a lot about music in public libraries.

I started in IAML before we had any communications via Internet. I remember even in 1995 preparing the conference in Denmark I spent most of my time at the Fax machine and not by the computer. To-day the world is changed. We are able to communicate very easily by e-mail and on Websites. It is time for public music librarians to become international.

I was inspired last autumn by a plan in Danish Music Libraries called The Music Librarians’ Toolbox. You will have the chance to find out about it in Tallinn in the Public Library Branch Session on July 8th.

Lately I found the same idea in the HARMONICA report:

"The available knowledge in different libraries could profitably be shared via the Internet. This can be achieved by forming an extranet, where associated libraries, as members, have access to information on their profession, and also have a platform for research and development."

So my idea is an international toolbox for public music libraries, an extranet open to all IAML members, but depending on the collaboration between public librarians describing their work and how to do it. This would be a toolbox for starters in this huge area, for the experienced librarians to learn about even better methods, and a place to discuss our problems and suggest solutions. Maybe other IAML members, if they care to look at this website, would be able to add to the knowledge or correct some mistakes.

I know this is a demanding plan. The Chair of the Public Libraries Branch is going to suggest to the IAML Council that a Working Group be formed for this project. I plan to talk for 5 minutes about it at the information session Monday morning in Tallinn, also to tell interested "IAML’ers" to go to the presentation of the Danish TOOLBOX on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning the Public Libraries Branch has a visit tour to the Public Library in Tallinn and we are going to talk about the whole plan there. 

We need some volunteers for the Working Group. Part of the work will also be the research of what was already done in this area. Look into PULMAN, HARMONICA and other sources. There is no need to do the same work again. Maybe we should make some links for it. IAML’s webmaster is positive about the project.

If the leaders of the public libraries are able to see a useful result and might even support it and try to help find funding for their music librarians to come to a conference and to meet all the partners in the project.

I hope you will look at this with an open mind. I am open to suggestions about changes. I also feel that this might be the beginning of a new era for public music libraries being part of an international working group and a growing IAML.

I would be very happy to have some response on this already now and perhaps even some interested volunteers for the working group?

Looking forward to see many of you in Tallinn

Kirsten Voss, Denmark

Email: kvoss@smorumnet.dk