http://www.aotearoapeoplesnetwork.org/

Has any APN library who subscribes to ancestry.com noticed that their monthly statistics are considerably down? We seem to just be recording those “sessions” and “searches” that we show people from our Information Desk,  and not those that people do themselves on the APN computers.

Hi Folks

An idea for a conference workshop I have discussed recently is one with a title like:

“Now we have got them, What do we do With Them?”

 A workshop discussing how to deal with the influx of teens brought into the library by the APN machines. As this is not really my area, I thought I would through it out there onto here to see if anyone else would be interested in attending/hosting such a workshop? Or what format it could take?

I would be happy to put it forward as an abstract etc, but thought maybe someone more involved with the kids might like to look at it?

Cheers

Michael Parry

The impact of the Aotearoa People’s Network has been huge and shows most of all in the door counts for each LibraryPlus facility. There have been an extra 34,170 people through the doors compared to last year. This has not only impacted on the internet use, it has brought customers into the library that we have been trying to reach for several years.

Youth have now found that libraries can be cool places to hang out. They have learnt that they do have to modify their behaviour and attitudes but then they discover that there are interesting magazines and books to read. Staff have noticed that while they may not take out the books they read them and enjoy lounging in the seating areas and chilling out with friends. Other people coming in have seen books that they want to read and have subsequently joined the library and bolstered issues.

Lynne of South Taranaki District

On Monday 15th of December 2008, we celebrated the first birthday of the APN computers being in and live at the Tararua Library System. Cake was supplied to all branches, and distributed to all and Sundry.

It has been an eventful year J. One that has presented challenges both foreseen and unforeseen. As we roll into the next year patronage continues to climb, the problems faced are easing and we are developing how to better utilize this fabulous resource as a community asset.

Happy Birthday to us and the APN. J

I have just had the pleasure of passing through Picton Library and was very impressed with their APN setup. Love the way they have two APN computers in the Young Adult section. The YA corner looks really impressive with bean bags and is tucked away so the teenagers can feel like they have their own ‘possie’.

The APN Computers were busy even though it was still fairly early. Had the chance for a brief chat and it was interesting to compare notes. Lovely library, great staff.

By Cath Sheard
RLIANZA – Customer Services Librarian

On the twelfth day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

Twelve bloggers blogging

Eleven cellphones ringing

Ten rappers rapping

Nine tourists skype-ing

Eight teens Bebo-ing

Seven people waiting

Six well-used webcams

Five HP laptops

Four new Navmans

Three oldies emailing

Two tired librarians

And APN in an STDC library!

I arrived in this morning to find that at least someone else at CHB District Libraries reads this blog as there was now 2 large tables in Waipukurau Branch. (Thus they must have seen my blog entry about wifi people taking over the newspaper desk- that’s my reasoning anyhow). However I see that today that just has meant that we have more people with laptops and quite a few couples using both the APN’s and their laptops and taking up both tables. However it was what was happening over at the tables I was intrigued with as it put me in mind of the Thorn Tree Cafe in Nairobi during the 80’s when we would leave messages for other travellers and friends on the notice board around the tree at the cafe. Often these would be tips on where to go and what to do in Kenya and Tanzania and that is what was happening at the Wifi tables this morning. Lots of travellers comparing notes. It is like bringing the Thorn Tree Cafe into the digital age which I see that Lonely Planet has done with a Thorn Tree Cafe site. The wifiers this morning spilled over onto the APN computers and were all over the world comparing experiences, accommodation, excursions etc. It was a beautiful thing to behold!

We are very excited about APN coming to our library in Fairlie. Personally I can’t wait to skype my son in Slovenia. Currently I don’t talk to him, unless he phones (because of the cost). Emailing means we keep in touch but there’s nothing quite like a two-way conversation. Once a month my son goes to Poland to spend time with his daughter and they ’skype’ me from the foyer of the hotel where they stay for these visits. This three-way communication is wonderful and I am able to keep the relationship with my half Polish granddaughter alive this way. (I only get to see her once a year.) The system is easy with a fast broadband connection which is not available where I live, so I can see myself spending even longer time in the library, after my paid working hours have ended.