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Tribal Librarians Boot Camp June 2005
Submitted by Liana Juliano, Co-chair Native Libraries Round Table
Tribal librarians from all over California gathered at Pala Reservation for a unique event sponsored by the State Library and Infopeople. The training was made possible by a grant from the State Library, under a provision of the federal Library Services and Technology Act. Workshops on cataloging, archiving, library promotion, book repair, and more were conducted by state and San Diego County library officials and experts. The historic event at Pala Reservation was made even more special when State Librarian Susan Hildreth came to speak on the final day and presented completion certificates to all those who attended.
Participants gave rave reviews to the boot camp. Gary Walker, from Chemhuevi Indian Reservation, was thrilled to have the opportunity to exchange ideas and resources with other librarians. He said, "We are finding out how they are solving the same problems and (resolving) the same concerns we are, and also what the resources are in the public library system and at the state and federal levels." Doretta Musick, from Pala Library, said the skills they developed from the workshop would make it easier to assist patrons "no matter what the topic."
The state library in New Mexico has long partnered with tribal libraries providing assistance with funding and training, but this has not been case in most other states, California included. For the past several years, the state and tribal libraries have been working together networking and sharing resources. One of many positive outcomes has been the creation of CLA's Native Libraries Roundtable in 2003.
Posted on August 24, 2005 1:42 PM | Permalink