innovation & creativity in legislative libraries & information centres: the case of...
TRANSCRIPT
Innovation & Creativity in Legislative Libraries
& Information Centres: The case of Parliament of Uganda
APLESA Nairobi April 2015
Presented by
Innocent RugambwaDirector, Library Services,
Parliament of Uganda
Outline
• Introduction
• Emerging Innovations & Creativity
• Conclusion
Introduction
• Role of Parliament to make Laws for peace, order, development & good governance.
•Need for objective, factual and timely information underpins the role of the Legislative Library.
Department Goal
·To Provide accurate & timely information & enhance Records Management Services to Members & Staff of Parliament
Library Usage
• Bona fide users: MPs & Staff• Requests submitted directly by
MPs, Committee Chairs or via staff or personal assistants.
• Proactive service via online (individual or group e-mails); or hard copy/printout
Paradox!
Parliamentary Library was established in 1999. Evident tremendous increase in:– volume of stock; & information
services; – size of budget; – Staffing;– Staff retooling & training
Remarkable decrease in usage by MPs??
What next?
• Innovations:Daily Media ReportsMonthly Media DigestWeekend Reflections on Family
IssuesUploading Docs/Info on MPs’ IpadsParliamentary Museum in offing
Daily Media Reports
–Alfresco Document Management System has enabled generation of the Daily Media Report: –News about & on Parliament is
captured from 4 major newspapers; reviewed and the summaries compiled for publishing through Alfesco –Accessed by MPs through their
iPads. Five issues of the Daily Media Reports are published per week.
Daily Media Reports
User Comments:– This is new, this is good…every time I have a
summary of the rumors being mongered about and around us, big TICK. Thanks, information is power. Kenneth Omona
– How I wish you had been kind enough to feed us early, since 1996 (post 1995 dispensation). Nevertheless, thank you very much for this new menu. 'Parliament in the eyes of the media' is, to me, a very important subject matter.Dr.RobertI am so excited with new development of the Daily Media reports please keep it up. Hon. Kiwanda
Daily Media Reports cont’d
User Comments:– Good idea!
Sometimes we actually do not get to read Parliament specific.Amuriat Oboi, MP
– I want to wholeheartedly appreciate the initiative by the library department on the media updates! One is now able to follow the happenings even when out of town! Hon. Ibi
Daily Media Reports cont’d
Reaction to User Comments:
–We thank you for your advice especially during the formative period of the Daily Media Report where we received all sorts of advice ranging from the design, the choice of words used and the style of reporting.
Monthly Media Digest
Following user requests, a monthly media digest has been rolled out
This is a compilation of daily media reports
Has enhanced reference to news on or about parliament
Family Issues: a weekend reflection
–A topical issue on the family is initiated & shared on-line (MPs & Staff) end of week.
–Deepened the understanding & appreciation of issues regarding family & multiplier effect on society
Family Issues: a weekend reflection cont’d
Reactions from Clients:
Good one!... thank you very much. God have mercy on all who have chosen this sacred path. Harriet
Thank you very much for the wise counsel! Sorry I got it quite late. I would have taken time off to contemplate, assess and evaluate my marriage! Now 15 years! The mail was so nourishing! Thanks a great deal once again!Hon. MP
Very educative! I sincerely thank you for these articles,this story can relate to other relations as well. Be blessed. Juliet.
Family Issues: a weekend reflection cont’d
Benefits of new innovations
Touching base with clientsExpanding horizon of legislative
info serviceAttracting participation of
otherwise hard to reach clientsOpen forum for
intellectual/legislative discussionsBridging the gap between library &
MPs
Uploading info on MPs’ Ipads
• Alfresco:The Library is responsible for uploading info:– Bills, Acts, Motions, etc– Daily Order Paper–Ministerial Statements– Committee Reports
Uploading info on MPs’ Ipads cont’d
• Impact:Enhanced access to infoSaved costs (i.e. paper, cartridges,
time, etc.)Drastically reduced need for physical
visit to the library
Parliament Museum in offing
Concept Paper was presented to Board of Management (BOM)
BOM Sub-Committee produced a comprehensive report & submitted to Parliamentary Commission (PC) for approval
PC has approved the proposal & budget
Benchmarking studies to begin next FY
Our Values
• Accuracy• Reliability• Time keeping• Non-partisan• Teamwork• Self drive to accomplish tasks• Confidentiality
The Way Forward
• Establishment of a Parliamentary Museum
• Digitization of the Registry (Records Office)
• On-going digitization of the Library
• Cloud Computing (a private cloud has been created already)
Digitization Project
Currently in use is Zeutschel OS 12000 Scanner
Conclusion
• Understanding user needs is core to effective library service. Parliament, throughout the legislative process, requires comprehensive and reliable library and information services that are timely, objective and non-partisan to make informed decisions.
• Touching base with clients is crucial
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
Q & A