eLEP and CLIB in the Outback
"The staff and patrons at the Mount Isa City Library have found the eLEP service to be a fantastic resource for public libraries, especially for those in remote locations. It is wonderful to see that more and more information is becoming free on the Web, as for many people in these remote areas, the Net is one of the few ways they have of keeping up with the rest of the country.
The library staff have found that since the ABS visit to Mount Isa in November, more patrons are asking about the information and are accessing the data via CLIB. A Statistics Brochure has been developed within the library for patrons and it briefly explains how ABS information can be accessed in the library.
Staff have had a lot of enquiries regarding statistics, the most popular by far would be Mount Isa census data. Also popular are requests about the Aboriginal population and occupations around the district, drugs, child care and disabilities.
Staff have found that the new CLIB is by far more user friendly than CLIB 96.
The recent training visit by Judy Tayt, Queensland LEP Coordinator, was greatly appreciated by the Mount Isa City Library staff. We found Judy to be friendly and very knowledgeable and it was extremely important for us to know that those of us in remote locations who have no chance of attending coastal training are not forgotten. From the training, we are more confident and able to assist patrons and promote the service.
As part of the promotions for the ABS training visit, there was a display set up in the library. Library staff also manned a display stand in the local shopping centre. It was in a very visual position and a lot of people saw it. It was a good exercise and will assist us in other promotions in the future. The coverage of the visit provided by the local newspaper was fantastic. The community became aware of the service and enquiries at the library about the service have
increased, due to the articles in the local paper.
In summary, the staff at the Mount Isa City Library are now much more confident in using and assisting patrons with the service provided by ABS. The hands-on training provided by Judy was greatly appreciated and we welcome Judy back to the Isa any time in the future."
The LEP and Mt Isa City Library
Situated approximately 900 kms west of Townsville (which to locals is a short drive) and about 1900 kms north west of Brisbane border, Mount Isa City covers an area of over 41,000 square kilometres making it geographically the largest city in the world. Mount Isa conjures up images of dry, dusty plains, no water, very little green vegetation and hard-working, hard-playing people. And of course, who can forget the image of Mount Isa Mines?
The Mount Isa City Library is one of the surprise packages of the City. It was built in the 1970s and is an attractive building, boasting 3 levels.
The children's library is a mecca for the local children. The bright colours, animal floor cushions, large range of books and of course, the Toy Library, is a huge drawcard for kids.
For the adults, there is the Internet, magazine lounge and for the students, the quiet study area. There is a very large database of material to select from and all are available for perusal on the OPACs. Daily newspapers are also available for reading.
The Library staff work hard to promote the Library. With several promotions each year, it is consistent challenge to attract new members and please current ones. The patrons come from all walks of life. Being a popular tourist destination, the Library sees a large number of these tourists, who wish to escape the heat, and use the Internet to email friends and family.
The Library provides services such as a Country Borrower service, home deliveries and visits to the aged care home. With seven full-time employees, and three casual employees, clients are guaranteed the quality of service they would normally expect in larger cities.
The Mount Isa City Library is a wonderful place to stop and visit while you are in the city. Next time Mount Isa is on your list of 'must-see
places', don't forget to pop into the Library. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Selena Seng
Mount Isa City Library
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