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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

How Mrs. Grady Transformed Olly Neal - NYTimes.com

How Mrs. Grady Transformed Olly Neal - NYTimes.com

Op-Ed by Nicholas D. Kristof

IF you want to understand how great teachers transform lives, listen to the story of Olly Neal. 


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[IFLA-L] FW: Trouble at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina



-----Original Message-----
From: Middle Eastern and Islamic Library Collections and Bibliography [mailto:LIS-MIDDLE-EASTATJISCMAIL.AC.UK] On Behalf Of G.J. Roper
Sent: 25 January 2012 11:23
Subject: Trouble at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Below is a recent message from the Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: part report, part apologia. After a review of the general Egyptian political situation, he describes the events culminating in his enforced exit through his office window, and the serious accusations and judicial proceedings which he now faces.
--
==============================================
Dr Geoffrey Roper
Bibliographical & Editorial Consultant
   (Middle Eastern & Muslim areas & languages) Leith, St Mark's Hill, Surbiton London, KT6 4LW,  Great Britain

gjr2ATcam.ac.uk        +44 (0) 20 8390 0497
==============================================

UPDATE on Events in Egypt and BA 20 01 2012

Dear Friends

This report is to provide an update since the last report I sent you about four weeks ago.

Briefly, I will cover a few observations on the situation in Egypt, and at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA).

Like previous updates, I will also ask you to share this with anyone whom you feel wants to know more about what is going on.

Ismail Serageldin

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   UPDATE 20 01 2012  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH CONCERNED FRIENDS.

Many friends have been sending me individual questions about the unfolding events in Egypt and at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA).

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   UPDATE   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Events in Alexandria as of 20 01 2012 from Ismail Serageldin -

 The Egyptian Situation as of 20 01 2012

The elections have by and large gone very well, with very high participation rates of over 60% and an orderly and peaceful process, without any serious allegations of fraud.  The Islamists have had an overwhelming victory, with the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party (FAJ) having some 40% of the seats, and the Salafists' Al-Nour party scoring a surprising 20%.  The Speaker of the National Assembly (our Parliament) will be a FAJ member and the two Deputies will be one Salafi and one Liberal.  The politics of assigning committee chairs and assignments is active, and all the new parliament is going to formally have its first session on the 23rd of January, two days before the anniversary of the revolution on the 25th.

Within the new parliament, surprising alliances may emerge. The FAJ is pragmatic and does not seem interested in creating a super group with the Salafists and sees them as competitors rather than allies (so far). Each of the two big Islamist groups may seek alliances with others. Shifting alignments will probably happen depending on the major issues being confronted.  Egypt is entering the era of multi-party parliamentary politics.

Yet there are problems. A hardcore of opponents still takes to the streets to demand the immediate departure of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF).  SCAF is pursuing its timetable for elections of the upper chamber and the presidency and to hand over power to the elected government before the end of June. SCAF has also created an advisory council which includes many well-known figures from all groups, headed by Mansour Hassan with the participation of eminent people like Abd Al-Aziz Hegazy and Kamal Aboulmagd.

Our academy of Science, the Institut d'Egypte which was originally founded in 1798, has been burned to the ground in riots at Tahrir Square.  Its collections of books and manuscripts have been damaged beyond repair.  I have been elected VP of the Institut and am helping our new President, Dr. Badran, to restart the Institut's activities, getting the HQ rebuilt and to reconstitute the library.

Mubarak's trial is unfolding, and so the re-trial of a tycoon accused of murdering his sweetheart is announced almost without fanfare, after it had been the biggest news when the first trial was held two years ago.

The media has gone wild.  Endless talk shows, screaming headlines in numerous newly-established newspapers, some of which have more editors than readers, gossip and rumor and false accusations everywhere, especially on Facebook and in the chat-rooms and electronic portals, a surfeit of information, disinformation and no information. Indeed, it applies here to say, he who does not follow the news is uninformed, and he who does is misinformed!

On the cultural scene, the liberals are severely weakened by their poor showing in the elections and the process of transiting from one generation of intellectual elders, many of whom have been tainted by their writings in support of the former regime, to a new and emerging younger generation of intellectuals who are closely associated with the 25th of January 2011 revolution.

On the other hand, the Islamists who have always been identified as opponents of the Mubarak regime have no such baggage.  They are also much closer to the deeply religious Egyptian people.  But Muslim intellectual contributions cover a wide spectrum, even if the media seems focused on the more extreme Salafi views or the Wahabi/Saudi versions of Sunni Islam or the Shia Islam of Iran and Iraq.  We need to revive the balanced Sunni Islam that Egypt was always known for.

Shaikh Al-Azhar is doing that very well.  The BA is closely allied to him in such things as his enunciation of the Al-Azhar declaration, his call for a cultural dialogue (both Serageldin and The Shaikh spoke at the inauguration of that event at Al-Azhar) and his recent efforts at calling together all the political and cultural forces in Society.  He is very effectively reasserting the institution of Al-Azhar as the primary authority in Sunni Islam, and is forcefully articulating the position of balanced rational Islam and is winning much support, including from the Muslim Brotherhood. That will effectively marginalize the extremist views of some militant Islamist movements, who are actively trying to resist him and his supporters such as the current Mufti.

Thus the emerging mapping of the intellectual scene shows the BA as a major bastion of liberalism at a time when the forces of liberalism are weakened.  But, in an ironic twist, some of the liberal anti-Mubarak forces attack it for its being created under the Mubaraks.  In doing that they also unwittingly make common cause with those among the Salafis who do not like the BA and also want to attack it and its Director.

Back to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA):

As I explained in my last update, over the last months, things have improved considerably:

.        Where the library was closed, the Library is now open and receiving and serving the public;

.        We have responded to the various contractual and administrative demands of the staff, and an elected committee of staff and eminent outsiders have reviewed that these demands have been met;

.        The committee promised by the Board of Trustees in its statement of 3 November 2011, has started its work and is reviewing the entire situation of the staff and suggesting some amendments to the Personnel policies and statutes of the BA, which will be submitted to the Board of Trustees for their approval; and

.        The small number of die-hard demonstrators demanding my departure has seen its numbers dwindle while the vast majority of their colleagues are back at work welcoming the researchers, students and visitors.

My Office Is Physically Attacked:

But they became desperate and started moving their demonstrations inside, until on Sunday 8 January 2012, they attacked the executive floor and blocked my office, intimidating and insulting my staff and swearing to beat me up unless I left my post immediately.  Many tried to reason with them to no avail. Eminent outsiders alarmed by the news of what was happening, came to try to help resolve the situation.  But the attackers refused to listen to reason, rejecting the efforts of many officials, including our newly elected representative to the parliament (distinguished former Judge Mahmoud Al Khodairy) and the highest official from the Ministry of Interior in Alexandria (equivalent to the commissioner of the Police in the USA). Finally, after nine hours, the Egyptian Navy commandos sent a taskforce of elite troops to make sure that I was safe and that the building would not be burned or damaged. These forces, after also discussing with them were convinced that to get me out w!
 ould require violent confrontation with them. While the Navy commandos had no problem with that and felt absolutely certain that they could guarantee my safety, they were also concerned that in the melee that would ensue in the confined space of the executive suite, the ladies who were in my office might get hurt.

In my commitment to avoid violence, even though the attackers had broken every law in the books, we looked for other solutions. Finally, after nine hours, I preferred to leave by the window to avoid risks to my staff and we were able to avoid real violence (even though my staff and colleagues were subjected to verbal abuse and physical intimidation reaching in some cases shoves and slaps). But in the end there were no wounded staff, no wounded demonstrators and not a stone thrown at the Library.

Needless to say, I will pursue all actions through the law.  The behavior of these attackers in the executive suite turned many colleagues against them, and as a result, the staff refused to countenance any more demonstrators inside the building and actually removed all the ugly and disparaging signs that they had put in the plaza.  While legal actions proceed at the pace of the legal machinery, the attackers still demonstrate for a few hours every day in the Plaza, and are still hoping to somehow involve the wider public as we approach the 25th of January anniversary of the revolution, now only a few days away.

The situation is still volatile, but we must continue on the path of non-violence and confronting anger and distrust with rationality and civil discourse, thereby remaining true to the values of the BA.

VERY IMPORTANT: Revisiting the "new dangers ahead":

However, to all my friends: I had warned you of new dangers ahead.  Specifically, that those who have waged a persistent and tenacious media campaign against me and the BA, are now trying hard to rig a corruption charge around me.   While I have absolutely no doubt that this would not stand the legal scrutiny of a trial, they are counting that in the currently highly politicized atmosphere of Egypt, the sheer impact of an indictment, even if later dismissed, would be enough to sully my reputation and destroy my credibility and damage the BA administration.

This is now happening.  The investigations that have gone for months are now picking up speed and momentum. And as I go into what appears to be the final round of investigations, I do hope that the Egyptian prosecutors have the integrity and acumen to see through all the false accusations and can take the politically difficult decision to declare that there is no substance to these allegations and to dismiss the case without having to go to a tribunal.  But even if that does not happen, I am confident that any court would vindicate both myself and the BA.

As I said before: Truth will ultimately prevail.  I will keep you informed.

Ismail Serageldin

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   end    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 ---------------------------------------
Ismail Serageldin
Director
Library of Alexandria
Shatby 21526
Alexandria, EGYPT
Tel: +20-3-487 9993 or +20-3-487 9299
Fax: +20-3-483 0339

---------------------------------------
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The Snowy Day and The Art of Ezra Jack Keats at The Jewish Museum

"In 1962 Ezra Jack Keats started a quiet revolution that in its own way
had as much influence as some of the decade’s louder protests."

The New York Times

The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats is the first major exhibition in this country to pay tribute to award-winning author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats (1916–1983), whose beloved children’s books include Whistle for Willie, Peter’s Chair, and The Snowy Day—the first modern full-color picture book to feature an African-American protagonist. Published in 1962, at the height of the civil rights movement in America, the book went on to become an inspiration for generations of readers, transforming children’s literature forever.
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Monday, January 23, 2012

Ten Reasons to Stop Worrying and Love the Millennials - IT Management

Ten Reasons to Stop Worrying and Love the Millennials - IT Management:

by Dennis McCafferty on 2012-01-20

Ten Reasons to Stop Worrying and Love the Millennials

You may think of them as "The PlayStation Generation," but your Millennial employees may be just the kind of "digital cowboys" that your organization needs to succeed in today's fast-paced, 24/7 business world. While you and your fellow executives may harbor some biases against them – that they're over-entitled and lack a work ethic – it's time to throw away these stereotypes and recognize the unique contributions Millennials can bring to an IT department. In the book "No Fear: Business Leadership for the Digital Age" (Marshall Cavendish Corp/available now), authors Pekka Viljakainen and Mark Mueller-Eberstein illuminate the many positive traits of the Millennial generation. They're less constrained by hierarchy, restrictive corporate traditions and geographic and cultural borders than some of your older staffers, for example. Viljakainen is the former president of Tieto International and now provides consulting for business leaders and tech teams. Mueller-Eberstein is founder/CEO of Adgetec Corp. For more about the book, click here.


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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Intern / Visiting Professional Programme, International Criminal Court Library


To Whom It May Concern:

Here at the Library of the International Criminal Court (ICC), we would to encourage library students, librarians or experienced researchers to apply for any of the internship or visiting professionals sessions this year. In that respect, we would appreciate if you could forward the below information to your network or database.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,
Marcelo Rodriguez
(egresado de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras ;))

ICC Library / CPI Bibliothèque
ext. 9585
HV1114
Library opening hours / d'heures d'ouverture de la bibliothèque:
Monday to Thursday / Du lundi au jeudi: 10.00-12.00 ;14.00-16.30
Friday / Le vendredi:                             13.00-17.00


Intern / Visiting Professional Programme, International Criminal Court Library

The Library is looking for interns/visiting professionals for 2012-2013, as part of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) internship and visiting professional programme: http://www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/ICC/Recruitment/Internships+and+Visiting+professionals/
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Within the limits of delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
1. Assists the Chief Librarian with providing a reference and circulation service to members of the Court
2. Undertakes cataloguing and classification assignments under the direction of the Cataloguing Librarian.
3. Assists the Chief Librarian and library staff with library projects such as:
- Bibliographic research and Collection Development
- Development and updating of the intranet/internet
- Development of marketing strategies
- Delivery of training
- Drafting of reports, correspondence, publications and grant applications
Qualifications: 
The ideal candidate should have the following required qualifications:
- Postgraduate qualifications in library science or in the process of completing such qualifications. These qualifications are usually referred to as a Masters in Library Science (MLS) or a Masters in Information Science (MLIS) or an equivalent postgraduate diploma. Library science students wishing to gain field experience as part of their course component are welcome to apply.
- Specialization in law librarianship or information technology.
- Demonstrated interest in international law, particularly international criminal law, and legal research.
- Experience or interest in reference or technical services is desirable.
- Working knowledge of English and French
All candidates, regardless of nationality, are potentially eligible for the unpaid internships.
Additional information : 
The internship and visiting professional programme is offered for 3 month and 6 month periods, although the Library would prefer candidates available for 6 months. Internships are intended for candidates 35 years of age or under. The visiting professional programme is for candidates over 35.
The Library is part of the Registry branch so please complete the application form for the Registry.
Organization web site: 
Application URL: 
Apply by email: 
Application deadline: 
May 1 2012  and 1 November 2012  (same time each year)
How to apply: 
To apply for an internship or visiting professional position in the Library, please complete the Registry Internship Application Form, located at:
http://www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/ICC/Recruitment/Internships+and+Visiting+professionals/
Applications can be sent by mail, facsimile or in electronic format.
To send an application by mail, please send it to the following Mailing Address:
International Criminal Court
Internship and Visiting Professional Programme
Post Office Box 19519
2500 CM The Hague
The Netherlands
Applications can be sent by facsimile to the following number +31 (0)70 515 8558
Applications can also be sent in electronic format to the following address:
Internship-Visitingprofessional.Programme@icc-cpi.int

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Inside the Recruiter's Head: What He's Really Asking You During the Interview

Inside the Recruiter's Head: What He's Really Asking You During the Interview

by Mashable's    


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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Future of History Is on Facebook

The Future of History Is on Facebook

When University of Nevada librarian Donnelyn Curtis set up fictitious Facebook accounts for two students from the 1910s, she was just trying to help local history become “a little more relevant” for students. But the profiles have gone viral, and become a celebrated example of the historical opportunities provided by social media. [To read more, please click on the headlines above.]
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Start the New Year with Librarian Libations | Librarian Libations

Start the New Year with Librarian Libations | Librarian Libations


You are invited to the first Librarian Libations of 2012! Come start the year off right by meeting fellow librarians and students from other organizations and schools in the NY Metro area.
Please join us on Friday, January 13th for drinks, conversation and networking with current and aspiring librarians. Together with our friends at The Beauty Bar and We Are Librarians, this event aims to bring together smartypants from all disciplines to talk shop and job opportunities. Be sure to leave your business card so you can be contacted about future events.
  • What: Librarian Libations
  • Where: Beauty Bar, 231 E. 14th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues in Manhattan
  • When: Friday, January 13, 2012 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break. See you on Friday!
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Monday, January 9, 2012

61 Non-Librarian Jobs for LIS Grads

61 Non-Librarian Jobs for LIS Grads

Posted by: Mia Breitkopf



At the beginning of the semester, way  back in September 2011 when I’d only been in library school for a few weeks, I blogged about job opportunities for library and information science grads. I was pleasantly surprised by the options available to those with a master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS). I wrote about a few of the career paths that seemed most interesting to me, like being my own boss as an independent research consultant (like our own Professor of Practice Jill Hurst-Wahl), and working with a historic collection at a unique place like The Rosenbach Museum & Library in Philadelphia, PA. [Please click headline to read full blog post.]

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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

NY's Libraries: Essential

NY's Libraries: Essential





What’s life like on a typical day at your library? Wouldn’t you like to document just how busy and essential your library is with statistics, pictures, videos and user comments?
Then join New York’s libraries and participate in SNAPSHOTNY: A Day in the Life of a Library by collecting statistics, comments, and photographs/videos from one day to provide tangible proof that libraries consistently provide invaluable services to our communities, in our schools and on our college campuses.
See all the PHOTOS we have received: HERE
See all the STATISTICS we have received: HERE
View all the VIDEOS we have received: HERE
Read our PRESS RELEASE: HERE 

Ready to join? Then pick a day and collect statistics on:
  • How many patron visits?
  • How many people used your public computers?
  • How many reference questions did your staff answer?
  • How many children participated in programs (including school visits as well as library-sponsored programs)?
  • How many adults participated in programs?
  • What was the total circulation for the day?
  • How many hits did your website receive?
And then click HERE to fill in the survey so we can collect your data.




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Handheld Librarian VI | Program

Handheld Librarian VI | Program


Mobile solutions for libraries that work!

Our efficient one day conference, February 1, will feature presentations from your peers, along with two keynotes from respected thought leaders in the library world.
Michael Stephens
Michael Stephens, Assistant Professor in the School of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University, will address the conference in the morning. His research focuses on use of emerging technologies in libraries and technology learning programs. He currently writes the monthly column “Office Hours” in Library Journal exploring issues, ideas and emerging trends in library and information science education. Stephens has spoken about emerging technologies, innovation, and libraries to audiences in over 26 states and in five countries, including a 2009 speaking/research tour of Australia.
Stephen Abram
Our afternoon keynote features Stephen Abram. Stephen has over 30 years in libraries as a practicing librarian and in the information industry. He has visited hundreds of libraries in many different countries and is uniquely positioned to spark ideas and insights. Stephen is currently Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Markets at Gale Cengage in Toronto, Canada. He has been Vice President Innovation for SirsiDynix and the Chief Strategist for the SirsiDynix Institute, VP of Corporate Development for Micromedia ProQuest, and Publisher Electronic Information for Thompson.
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