tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957140491776029712.post1500047576995771390..comments2024-03-25T03:33:59.112-07:00Comments on Stop the privatisation of Public Libraries: The SCL and volunteer-led libraries.Alan Wyliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663076592553652836noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957140491776029712.post-14901945408563293252014-06-26T03:42:47.886-07:002014-06-26T03:42:47.886-07:00Thanks for your comment. Many of us where stunned....Thanks for your comment. Many of us where stunned. but if truthful not entirely surprised, by SCL's publicly stated intention to explore setting up a framework to support volunteer libraries. They will claim that it's a pragmatic position but many including myself see it, it it comes to fruition, as a betrayal.<br />In purely practical terms volunteer libraries have their own support network including the CKHL and Jim Brooks from Little Chalfont Community Library. Millions of pounds of government funding has been pumped into supporting and developing such ventures and the SCL really shouldn't be spending money and resources on this.Alan Wyliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15663076592553652836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957140491776029712.post-16377292810181831972014-06-22T13:02:46.780-07:002014-06-22T13:02:46.780-07:00this was on the SCL website, see below, after my ...this was on the SCL website, see below, after my rant -<br />No offence Elaine but this is obviously a set-up where your personal 'happiness' is used to undermine the wages of employees. No coincidence is it that this gets on the website. <br />OK if you live in some middle-class haven of Jane Austen fans but in the real world of drunks and illiterates we have a job to do.<br /><br />"Volunteering was one step in a personal learning journey for Elaine Sultana<br /><br />I started looking for voluntary work in 2009. I considered lots of options, but when I found a role that involved teaching IT, I knew it was right for me. I’d taught with my mother at Pace’s School of Commerce, a family business set up by my Grandfather and Uncle, which even trained nuns preparing to work at the Vatican! I missed teaching typing and so the Digital Champion’s role sounded interesting.<br /><br />That was when I met, Susan Starkie, the Library Officer for learning support. She is very kind and has a great sense of humour, not to mention lots of patience!<br /><br />To begin with I helped her run some basic IT skills courses at the branch libraries (Darwen, Livesey and Mill Hill) showing people how to use a mouse and keyboard, word process, surf the internet and post e-mails. Then, having studied a level 2 course at Bolton Community College, called ‘Learning Support’, which included modules such as ‘Applying for jobs via the Gov UK website’ and ‘Supporting job applicants’, I decided to help run the weekly ‘IT Skills for Jobs’ session, which is held at Blackburn Library each Wednesday. I’ve never regretted it because there are so many different ways in which to give support.<br /><br />I look forward to Wednesdays. Whatever else is scheduled for the week, this slot is jealously guarded. I’m something of a fixture!!<br /><br />And the experience has also inspired me to develop myself. I am preparing to attend a PTLLS (Preparing to Teach Lifelong Skills) course in the autumn and train as a teacher.<br /><br />I recommend volunteering at the library to anyone who enjoys helping people. I’ve grown through this work and feel very fulfilled and confident."chaplinnoreply@blogger.com