Sydney study visit

Sydney Harbour
Originally uploaded by Komshiki.

Bob Pymm and James Herring recently led the Sydney study visit. A good time was had by all with the usual selection of stimulating experiences of the real world of professional practice in the information industry.

James blogs the experience here and here.......

ASLA NSW State Conference

On Friday March 28 and Saturday March 29 the Australian School Library Association (NSW) and the NSW Department of Education and Training jointly hosted the 2008 State Conference for teacher librarians. The event was held at The King’s School, North Parramatta and was attended by a large number of teacher librarians from primary through to high schools from across NSW.

Staff from the School of Information Studies from CSU were involved in the proceedings. In particular Professor Stephen Kemmis from the Faculty of Education gave a keynote speech as did Dr Kirsty Williamson. Lyn Hay, lecturer at CSU and Dr Williamson also conducted sessions for smaller groups during the program. CSU hosted a reception for delegates on the Friday night, providing prizes from the CSU winery for delegates who participated in fun activities at the end of a hard day’s work

James Herring at IASL

Our very own James Herring recently gave a keynote address at the International Association of School Libraries conference in Berkley, California, USA.

Catch a few minutes video of James being interviewed (at http://www.librarymedia.net/IASL.html ) about the issues and ideas that he is currently emphasising in his teaching, research, workshops and speaking.

Subversive technology

It is interesting to note the subversive effect that the Internet is having on political action. Marginalised populist movements are able to mobilise using the web to bypass the mainstream media channels.

There are many examples of this from the broad coalition of anti-globalisation groups or organisations against the invasion of Iraq through to specific movements such as that of Beppe Grillo in Italy. Beppe Grillo is a comedian with a strong political motivation who, through the web, is orchestrating a one-man campaign to clean up Italian politics. How? Through one-man stage shows to thousands and using his blog - - to keep up the momentum. Is the Web the new public sphere for politics?