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What it takes to be a 21st century librarian?

2012-02-02T01:47:00.002+08:00

Is there more to the job than stamping due dates for a librarian? I recalled "Yan Chuin" told me in 1981 that some one did ask her why there is need to go overseas and do a Post-graduate Diploma in Librarianship since the job of a librarian is that simple.

Well, I think it is hard to unlock that kind of thought as all the library users do not see the full range of works done by librarians at various levels.

What they see in their daily visits to the library is just the tip of the iceberg. They harvest the fruits of the labours by librarians and library staff like the way we get rice from supermarket.

When rice is purchased from the shelf, many kids and adults may not know the hard work of the peasants and workers in planting and milling rice.

Many library readers borrow books from the library do not really know how books make its way to the library shelf. When they remove the books from the shelf, they do not need to know how it was returned to the same place in the original order.

Why library always have some books that they like? Most readers are of different professions and at different age and continue to grow in their life journey or career path, how could the library facilitates their diverse and changing needs?

Now we have ebooks and Internet, hence, more and more people think that the world may not need a physical library and the service of librarians.

Emma Cragg and Katie Birkwood write "Beyond books: what it takes to be a 21st century librarian" and the article is published in guardian.co.uk, Monday 31 January 2011 12.33 GMT.

Both of them try to clear the mental doubt and explain in details "From connecting with people to keeping up with the latest technologies, there is a whole lot more to the job than stamping due dates"

Full text of the article is available at

http://careers.guardian.co.uk/job-of-21st-century-librarian

Here are some points I extracted to share with the readers here:

* ... many people's experience of librarians is of the frontline, customer service staff. Have you ever considered how the books get on to the shelves and ready for you to borrow? Behind the scenes there are teams of librarians working to make this happen.

* There are librarians who select the books for purchase... process the orders and ... create the bibliographic records that make it possible for you to find the book in the library catalogue and then on the shelves.

* Books are only one aspect... Librarianship is a people profession; a librarian's job is to connect people with the information they are seeking, whatever format that may take.

* ... library jobs have a central purpose: to help people access and use information, for education, for work, or for pleasure.

* ... customer service and communication skills are important. If anyone ever thought they'd become a librarian because they liked books or reading, they would be sorely disappointed if they did not also like people too.

* Libraries of all kinds are keen to demonstrate their value to as wide an audience as possible, and to open up access to culturally significant resources that they hold.

* In the digital age, when information is increasingly becoming available online, there is a propensity to say that libraries and librarians are redundant. This is not the case. Information available online is often of dubious origin and there is still a wealth of information behind paywalls that can only be accessed by those who have paid.

* ... helped many library users ... using search engines for their research ...

* ... being good communicators with people and active adopters and exploiters of technological developments, librarians need to have detailed specialist subject knowledge to pass on to library users.

* Librarians provide training to show people how to search for information and evaluate what they find.

* These information skills sessions ... include digital literacies ... stay safe online ... social media sites and online collaboration tools.

* There is no standard route into librarianship: librarians have first degrees across the whole spectrum of subjects. To become a professionally qualified librarian you also need a masters qualification in librarianship or information science...

* An introduction to librarianship can be gained through a graduate trainee scheme. These are run by libraries in a variety of sectors... prior to the masters course...

* More information about the wide range of jobs undertaken by librarians can be found through the Library Day in the Life project...

* If you are interested in finding out about how to embark on a career in librarianship, Ned Potter has summarised the ten things you need to know if you want to work in libraries. Many librarians have also written about their route into the profession through the Library Routes Project.

Some Case studies cited in the article are:

Kate Smyth, project officer for children and young people, Oldham library and information service

Kate ... run Warhammer, Lego and Yu-Gi-Oh (toy and game) clubs in Oldham's libraries, and also with younger children as the organiser of sessions for young carers and library sleepovers for Scout groups. ... Kate's focus on the personal relationships central to library work continues with her role as administrator for the library's Twitter, Flickr and Facebook accounts, and she is also responsible for the library content on the Go Oldham website.

Emma Cragg, academic support librarian, University of Warwick

Emma acts as the liaison between the university library and the business school at the University of Warwick. Many of the resources used by business students come in digital form, as online journals, databases, or ebooks... She also provides training to help staff and students make the most of the resources available. Her technological skills and interests extend to the use of social media for education and professional development.

Michael Cook, library manager, NHS Bolton library (based at Bolton central library)

The library serves 1,600 local primary care trust (PCT) staff as well as health students, social care staff and the general public. Michael's daily work involves looking after the physical library space and helping readers with the systematic searches of health and medical literature necessary for research and good treatment practice ... and works on collaborative projects with NHS teams and public libraries to improve access to health and mental health resources for the general public.

Katie Birkwood, Hoyle Project associate, St John's College library, University of Cambridge

Kate is cataloguing the papers of 20th-century scientist Sir Fred Hoyle (1915-2001)... focus of her work is organising and running events for the general public. These events open up te library and display and interpret its treasures for people of all educational levels and backgrounds ... works with schools and other special interest groups to supplement and broaden curricula... means teacher, curator, creative designer and tour guide.

Emma Cragg and Katie Birkwood are academic librarians and participants of the Library Day in the Life project

Please read the full text at

http://careers.guardian.co.uk/job-of-21st-century-librarian

Happy Dragon Year!

2012-01-22T13:36:00.007+08:00

衷心祝福大家好！

Best wishes to you and your family,

May all of you have a

Happy and Healthy Dragon Year!

May a Prosperous Lunar New Year be with you!

Smile with Peace of mind all year through, and

Enjoy this Chinese New Year in all the 384 days!

不论在何方，

晚上笑一笑，睡个美满觉。

早晨笑一笑，全天有情调，

工作之余，笑一笑，满堂欢喜又热闹，

心烦之时，笑一笑，一切烦恼全忘掉！

笑口常开，新年快乐！

何舒敏谨贺
=============
Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

welcome to my other blogs:

smho@e.ntu.edu.sg

dexterine@yahoo.com

*************************************************
INNOvative HANDS-ON
INNOvative minds-on!
*************************************************

January 16: US federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-16T23:17:00.000+08:00

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

-- Martin Luther King Jr.
"At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement."

-- Provided by NobelPrize.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
"This federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader is observed on the third Monday in January. In 2012, the holiday falls on Jan. 16. Related sites: MLK Day.gov | Wikipedia Article on MLK Day."

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Source of above information: http://www.refdesk.com/ dated 16 Jan 2012

绝句《清明》妙趣横生的版本

2012-01-16T16:01:00.002+08:00

晚唐著名诗人杜牧有一首脍炙人口的绝句《清明》，诗云：“清明时节雨纷纷，路上行人欲断魂。借问酒家何处有，牧童遥指杏花村。”杜牧绝对想不到，在他之后，会有许许多多形形色色而妙趣横生的《清明》出现！

有人将《清明》改为三言诗：

“清明节，雨纷纷。路上人，欲断魂。问酒家，何处有？牧童指，杏花村。”

也有人改为四言诗的：

“清明时节，行人断魂。酒家何处？指杏花村。”

清代有位文人，觉得《清明》诗不够精炼，他认为，“雨纷纷”自然在清明时节；“行人”必然在路上；第三句是问句，“借问”就成多余；“牧童”只是被问者，无关大要。因此主张将每句头两个字删除，遂成一首五言绝句：

“时节雨纷纷，行人欲断魂。酒家何处有？遥指杏花村。”

传说，在 1078 年清明这天，大文豪苏轼登云龙山放鹤亭拜见张山人，吟诵了这首诗。恰巧张山人兴致很高，知苏轼才华横溢，便有意一试，要求苏轼将该诗变其形，而不失其意。苏轼欣然答应，便脱口而出：

“清明时节雨，纷纷路上行人，欲断魂。借问酒家何处？有牧童，遥指杏花村。”

仅变几处标点，竟成了一首绝妙小令。

有人改成为《南乡子》：

“清明时节，雨落纷纷。断魂人借问，酒家何处有？牧童遥指，不远杏花村。”也有创新精神。

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《清明》繁体英文版本

Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese pinyin English translation
清明時節雨紛紛清明时节雨纷纷 qīng míng shí jié yǔ fēn fēn
Drizzling rain always falls during Qing Ming days.
路上行人欲斷魂路上行人欲断魂 lù shàng xíng rén yù duàn hún
It's like the mourners' heart tearing sadly on their ways.
借問酒家何處有借问酒家何处有 jiè wèn jiǔ jiā hé chù yǒu
Where can a winehouse be found to diverse one's deep sorrow?
牧童遙指杏花村牧童遥指杏花村 mù tóng yáo zhǐ xìng huā cūn
A little cowherd pointed to the Almond Flower (Xing Hua) Village, a distance away!

Traditional Chinese	Simplified Chinese	pinyin	English translation
清明時節雨紛紛	清明时节雨纷纷	qīng míng shí jié yǔ fēn fēn	Drizzling rain always falls during Qing Ming days.
路上行人欲斷魂	路上行人欲断魂	lù shàng xíng rén yù duàn hún	It's like the mourners' heart tearing sadly on their ways.
借問酒家何處有	借问酒家何处有	jiè wèn jiǔ jiā hé chù yǒu	Where can a winehouse be found to diverse one's deep sorrow?
牧童遙指杏花村	牧童遥指杏花村	mù tóng yáo zhǐ xìng huā cūn	A little cowherd pointed to the Almond Flower (Xing Hua) Village, a distance away!

Source of information:

Tomb-sweeping day 2010, Qingming Festival / Ching Ming Festival

http://cq.people.com.cn/cqqs_bbs/201042/201042204916a190.htm

With translation revised by Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

Opening ceremony of “Stories Behind Singapore Streets” Exhibition

2012-01-11T23:45:00.006+08:00

I received the following invitation some weeks back and attended the opening event today:

If you visit the webpage at http://www.nlb.gov.sg/Corporate.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=Corporate_portal_page_announcements&newsLocation=NL you will get some information on “Stories Behind Singapore Streets” Exhibition 12 January – 29 June 2012, 10.00 am – 9.00 pm Promenades, Levels 7 & 8, National Library Building:

"Street names not only help us navigate our way around Singa...pore; they also yield interesting information about our country’s history, geography, politics, heritage and culture. Much of Singapore’s history is reflected through the names of places and streets that we see every day. Join us as we take you on a journey through Singapore’s changing landscape and discover the stories behind some of the names of Singapore’s streets. Check out Go Library for more related programmes. "

Channel New Asia at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1176102/1/.html has the following details:

"SINGAPORE: An exhibition showcasing the origins of local street names and Singapore's street naming conventions has been launched.

The "Stories Behind Singapore Streets" at the National Library also highlights stories about people, their lives and achievements, and roles they played in making Singapore what it is today.

The National Library says the exhibition aims to create a greater awareness of Singapore's early history, journey through nation building and unique multicultural heritage.

It also traces the history of Singapore through the street naming conventions from the pre-colonial era to modern day Singapore.

More than 100 street names are featured, such as during the 14th and 15th century, pre-Raffles Singapore, the Raffles Town Plan and the post-colonial period after Singapore's independence in 1965.

The different categories of street names, such as descriptive street names, those dedicated to prominent people, streets named after local personalities and street names reflecting the imprint of British colonialism, are featured.

For instance, the Raffles Town Plan, one of the key exhibits, depicts the urban plan of Singapore according to Sir Stamford Raffles' instructions.

The exhibition displays maps, photographs and old street signs from the National Library's donor collections and materials from supporting partners.

Highlights include the National Library's legal documents and maps from the Koh Seow Chuan collection, PictureSG1's photographs of street scenes of early Singapore from the Lee Kip Lin collection, and a video on ten unusual street names such as Kay Poh Road, Rotan Lane and One Tree Hill.

To reach out to more Singaporeans, three roving exhibitions will be held at the Woodlands Regional Library, Marine Parade Public Library and Jurong West Public Library, from June 30 to September 30, 2012.

In addition, the National Library will also organise a talk on street names, learning journeys, a guided tour of the exhibition and the Curator's Walk which covers Toponymics, the study of street and place names in January and February 2012.

National Library Board's CEO Elaine Ng said: "I hope that Singaporeans will enjoy learning about history and heritage through the evolution of our street names. We are also conducting guided tours of the exhibition for students and community groups, and learning journeys to areas such as Chinatown and the Civic District over the next few months."

Admission to the "Stories Behind Singapore Streets" exhibition is free. It is located at the Promenade, Levels 7 and 8 of the National Library Building and will run for six months from January 11 to June 29, 2012, from 10am to 9pm daily, except on public holidays. - CNA/fa"

Source of information:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1176102/1/.html

Personally, I am very much impressed by the way this exhibition is being designed. The contents is well categorised and the use of life-size street name plates let viewers navigate and learn about the stories behind it with ease.

Some of the old streets' photograph was displayed side-by-side with the present one showing the changes of the landscape. The group of new photographs of the street scene were retaken at the same spot by Mr Char Lee. I like his work as it is a great job done with lots of patience! Many viewers were delighted when they are able to match, recall and retrieve their own memory with the help of these visual aids .

I like the multi-tiers layout with three dimensional and built-in structure used through-out the whole exhibition. It helps viewers navigate in and out of their memory lane with touch and feel. We have the sense of walking around the "Streets" in this small "Town-like" landscape!

I think this exhibition definitely created an impact in many viewers' mind!

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Here are some of the photos we took to mark the day:

*Photo with some of the Singapore memory agents and Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs

Standing from left to right:
Ms Mrs Elaine Ng, Ms, Ms S Zahra Aljunied, Ms Belinda Tan, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Mr James Seah, Mr Philip Chew, Mr T C Lai, Mr Lam Chun See and Mr Yeo Hong Eng.
First row from left to right:
Ms Ngian Lek Choh, Dexterine Ho and Mr Peter Chan

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* Photos taken at the exhibition hall

This article is revised on 16 Jan 2012 with the group photo added from Facebook, courtesy of Belinda Tan.

Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

清明*古典詩

2012-01-11T15:56:00.001+08:00

The following is extracted from 清明 - 维基百科 at http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B8%85%E6%98%8E

清明
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清明，農曆二十四節氣之一。每年4月5日前后太阳到达黄经15°时开始；《月令七十二候集解》：“三月节……物至此时，皆以洁齐而清明矣。”故清明節總是在公曆4月4日、4月5日、4月6日三天中的一天。

由於清明節是根據節氣而定的，故清明是少數與西曆大致吻合的中國傳統節日。

清明節的起源，據傳始於古代帝王將相「墓祭」之禮，後來民間亦相倣傚，於此日祭祖掃墓，歷代沿襲而成為華族一種固定的風俗。

在清明之日進行祭祖、掃墓、郊遊的習俗，逐漸演變為華人以掃墓、祭拜等形式紀念祖先的一個傳統節日，在仲春與暮春之交，一般為冬至之後106天，寒食節的後一天。掃墓活動在節前後可延續十天左右。

新加坡華人至今仍按照傳統儀式掃墓，多半為閩南儀式。每逢清明時節，新加坡華人多會舉家出行，親戚朋友相邀同往，坐滿一、兩輛小貨車浩浩蕩蕩去掃墓，大多先祭祀土地神。然後在親人墓前擺上酒食、果品和鮮花，燃起香燭，壓上墓紙，再將紙錢焚化，磕頭行禮，最後當場將酒食、肉、果喫完回家，一般會准備五牲祭拜祖先，當中少不了蛤、螃蟹、雞、鴨等。祭拜完畢便當場剝蛤吃，然後把蛤殼丟在墳前，表示子孫已來掃過墓。
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清明*古典詩

唐.杜牧《清明》

古典詩晚唐著名诗人杜牧有一首脍炙人口的绝句《清明》

诗云：“清明时节雨纷纷，路上行人欲断魂。借问酒家何处有，牧童谣指杏花村。”

此說始於《千家詩》。但《樊川文集》未見，此詩是否真出於杜牧之手，有待商榷

宋.高菊卿《清明》

南北山頭多墓田，清明祭掃各紛然。紙灰飛作白蝴蝶，淚血染成紅杜鵑。
日落狐狸眠塚上，夜歸兒女笑燈前。人生有酒須當醉，一滴何曾到九泉。

賞析:

高菊卿為宋代詩人。在這首詩中，作者開篇即為我們描繪出了一幅愁雲慘淡的清明祭掃場面：荒郊野外，墓塚累累，紙灰飛揚，泣愁陣陣，草木為之含悲，表現出清明節的特定氛圍。

第三聯寫得非常妙，通過“狐狸眠塚上”與“兒女笑燈前”形象的對比，一掃前面的陰霾之氣，墓地荒塚的孤寂和家庭夜晚的熱鬧景象的反差，讓人心里為之一動，感到清明的祭掃是那樣的虛偽。

正因此，作者在結尾寫道“人生有酒須當醉，一滴何曾到九泉”。作者也正是看到了現實世界人情的淡漠，才發出了及時行樂的感嘆。

北宋.黃庭堅《清明》

佳節清明桃李笑，野田荒塚只生愁。雷驚天地龍蛇蟄，雨足郊原草木柔。
人乞祭余驕妾婦，士甘焚死不公侯。賢愚千載知誰是，滿眼蓬蒿共一坵。

賞析:

這是黃庭堅因得罪權貴蔡京而被貶宜州（今廣西宜山）時所作的一首詩。詩的開頭，描繪出春天萬木萌發，春雷動地，桃李爭豔的熱鬧景象，同時也點出清明時節人們祭掃荒壟，愁雲黯淡的場面。

但接著詩人筆鋒一轉，以“人乞祭餘驕妾婦，士甘焚死不公侯”一句，化用《莊子•齊人有一妻一妾》中的典故和介子推甘願燒死也不願為官的典故，在對兩種不同人的人生追求的對比中，表現出作者雖遭遇挫折而志節不改的高尚人格。

詩中表達了作者高尚的人生追求和價值取向，結尾雖然說無論賢愚，最終還是化為荒塚一丘，歸於虛無，但我們細加推敲，就不難發現，作者在詩中並非是傾吐不平，而是在表明自己不願卑躬屈膝，奴顏媚骨地換取相應地位與富貴的高潔情懷。
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Source of information:
清明 - 维基百科 at http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B8%85%E6%98%8E

LAS New Year Bash 2012

2012-01-07T15:47:00.024+08:00

The new LAS Council and the Programmes and Social Committee 2011/2012 organised the New Year Bash 2012 today to celebrate the dawn of the new year!

Many librarians attended the "New Year Bash" following the advised dress code "Anything that says Happy New Year", so it looked very much like a rehearsal for a CNY (Chinese New Year) gathering!

With a low price of $10, a super special rate just for LAS members, all of us enjoyed a feast that we would not forget with the delicious food and fruits prepared by the Halal Kitchen of Rendezvous Hotel.

Besides the new year festivities that accompany the ushering in of 2012, LAS members who attended this event also witnessed something special, i.e., the LAS awards to fellow librarians in recognition of their commitment to and passion for the profession.

And here is the list:

1. Lifetime Contribution Award – Mr Chan Thye Seng
2. Professional Service Award – Ms Ngian Lek Choh (National Library Board)
3. Outstanding Newcomer Award – Mr Aaron Tay Chee Hsien (NUS Libraries)
4. Library School Scholarship - Mr Cheng Eng Aun (NUS Libraries)
5. Special Librarian Passion Award – Ms Charlotte Gill (Li Ka Shing Library)

I took the opportunity to congratulate them on their dedication to the profession and cheered them on with fellow LAS members!

Programme:

Date: Sat 7 Jan 2012

Venue: Rendezvous Hotel, Level 2, Straits Ballroom

Time: 9.30am-1.00pm

09.30 am Registration
10.00 am Opening and the LAS Awards
11.00 pm Brunch/Networking/New Year Activities
12.45 pm End of programme

What left an impression in my mind is Mr Aaron Tay's humorous speech which he delivered after receiving the "Outstanding Newcomer Award".

The "serious-looking" award winner said he gets frustrated quite easily and when that happens, he likes to read the article "An open letter to new librarians" by Roy Tennant " http://blog.libraryjournal.com/tennantdigitallibraries/2011/02/18/an-open-letter-to-new-librarians/

"Deeply committed and visionary people will also tend to be frustrated and impatient. But I’m here to tell you that with dedication and patience you will not only survive, but thrive. Our profession is counting on you to do so. Only the best and the brightest are frustrated. Everyone else is bored, or unengaged, or biding their time for retirement. You are the ones we simply cannot do without."

Hence, remember that the best and most committed librarians get frustrated ... if you're frustrated, you are a good librarian. If you're not frustrated, then you're bored, unengaged or near retirement.

After hearing that and noting it down, my friend Yvonne Yin related it to me and said, "He quoted Roy Tennant, the name you mentioned to me as a must read author for librarians some time back. Looks like Aaron thought the same!" I was surprised that Yvonne remembered what I had said long ago. It was something like a refreshment to my memory.

We were pleased that Aaron, the award winner, was of "like mind" with us! Hence, we got hold of him after the lunch and had a photo taken together. I also invited Gene Tan, the LAS president, who won our hearts with his opening speech this morning to join us to mark the day!

From left to right: Ms Yvonne Yin, Mr Aaron Tay (Winner of Outstanding Newcomer Award), Dexterine Ho and Mr Gene Tan

I was also joyfully surprised to be selected as one of the three "Best new year dress" winners -- the other two were Ms Foo Yan Chuin and Mr Cheng Eng Aun. We were given book vouchers from Kinokuniya Singapore and I think that is the best gift for librarians!

A big "thank you" to Ms Susan Song (See photo below) who selected me for the award and the event organiser: LAS Council the Programmes and Social Committee 2011/2012!

When we were about to leave the ballroom reception area, both Yvonne and I were excited to see Ms Patricia Lim and Ms Ngian Lek Choh on their way out, and we jumped at the chance of having our photos taken with them! That made our day really "great" as we highly value their contributions to the world of librarianship in Singapore! We are so pleased to had the honour of taking a photo with them and capturing the moment and kept it for life!

From left to right: Ms Yvonne Yin Yee Ying, Dexterine Ho Soo Miang, Ms Ngian Lek Choh and Ms Patricia Lim Pui Huen.

Notes:

*Ms Yvonne Yin Yee Ying: Assistant Manager, Cataloguing, at National Institute of Education

*Mr Aaron Tay Chee Hsien: Senior Librarian at National University of Singapore Libraries

*Mr Gene Tan: Director, National Library Office and Programme Director of Singapore Memory Project

*Ms Ngian Lek Choh: Deputy Chief Executive of NLB and Director of National Library

*Ms Patricia Lim Pui Huen: Founding Librarian of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, now an independent scholar, writing on local history.

*Ms Dexterine Ho Soo Miang, LAS WSQ Level 2 course Trainer and Assessor; Lecturer and course planner, INNO HANDS-ON. Ex-Librarian: NIE, NTU and Temasek Poly Library; Ex-Lecturer & Adjunct Lecturer: Temasek and Nanyany Poly, NIE.

Notes:
* Professional Development Scheme (PDS) Points

* Eligible for PDS Points: This activity attracts 46 points under the Industry Knowledge Development (ID) category." Participate in library related talks, forums, discussion sessions and business meetings (e.g. AGM, Council & Committee meetings) organized by LAS or other libraries (provided they are open to LAS members or other librarians) "

Edited and revised on 24 Jan 2012 with advice from Ms Yvonne Yin and photos from LAS facebook album!

Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

Dream, dealth and how we see things

2012-01-04T20:35:00.001+08:00

Anais Nin has the following sayings that I like:

* And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

* Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.

* People living deeply have no fear of death.

* We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/anaisnin131904.html#ixzz1iOkDlZg3

生活智慧8招

2012-01-03T14:51:00.001+08:00

1. 長相不令人討厭，如果長得不好，就讓自己有才氣；如果才氣也沒有，那就總是微笑。

2. 氣質是關鍵。如果時尚學不好，寧願純樸。

3. 與人握手時，可多握一會兒。真誠是寶。

4. 自我批評總能讓人相信，自我表揚則不然。

5. 不要向朋友借錢。

6. 不要「逼」客人看你的家庭相簿。

7. 不要期望所有人都喜歡你，那是不可能的，讓大多數人喜歡就是成功的表現。當然，自己要喜歡自己。

8. 堅持在背後說別人好話，別擔心這好話傳不到當事人耳朵裡。

Source of information: http://www.facebook.com/LivingKing?sk=app_163925176983279

2011: my reflection

2011-12-31T11:41:00.002+08:00

Rely on the ordinary virtues that intelligent, balanced human beings
have relied on for centuries: common sense, thrift, realistic
expectations, patience, and perseverance.

-- John C. Bogle (1929-) American Investor
=====

Looking backward for the last 365 days, my reflection of 2011 from today is:

Learn and practise all the common sense you need. Common sense may look common and simple, yet it is not so simple to those who never thought of acquire them.

Learn and practise basic thrifty habit, like spend within your earning power, or, just buy things you need (not things that you want)! You will never be poor as you know the way to save for raining days! With that mind set, you will be able to travel a long way with very little!

Learn and be realistic in your expectations of others.

Learn and be realistic in your own expectations of yourself!

Do not expect other to return the same kindness you give, as you give it away without expecting a return, that is why it is called "Kindness!"

Do not expect yourself to do all the good things that you wish to do, as you have limitations and choose to be good all the time, may tear yourself into pieces! So be realistic even if you want to be good and kind!

Learn to be patience with others! Learn to be patience with yourself.

Creative things are easy to conceive, yet hard to construct! Beautiful things are pleasing to the eyes, yet the process needs both time and patience!

Big things in life happen with a lot of input and and perseverance, being patience and continue with your hard work is the key to success!

Cheers!

Happy 2012!

Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

相處

2011-12-30T16:02:00.000+08:00

人和人相處, 久了就有些經驗和教訓。

有些人一靠近，就讓你覺得不舒服，而且很容易產生負面情緒，這其實是表示這些人負面能量高过你能承受的。

如果那人常讓你產生負面情緒，爱批評、生氣或情緒低落，這樣的情形一多起來，心裡会有覺悟，如果不能改变，那就不要繼續常靠近。

有些房子，也可以用這樣的方式來理解。

若覺得不舒服，想逃離，沒有平靜安穩的感受，常因芝麻小事大動肝火，相信是某種能量或磁場的引導操縱作用。你如果不能改变，那就不要留在这房子。

能獨立於環境，不受外界環境影響的人並不多。

方法是找到適合安身立命的地方，与合拍的人交往相處，讓自己的生活持有一定的品質与水準。

News from NUS Libraries : Medical Library and Science Library

2011-12-29T16:58:00.000+08:00

Just received an email from LAS on News from NUS Libraries : Medical Library and Science Library:

Medical Library

The new Medical Library at MD6, Centre for Translational Medicine is now open. The library’s collection includes Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy. The library contacts are :

Acting Head : Ms Ong Hong Kiat

Address: Centre for Translational Medicine, NUS Medical Library, Block MD6, 14 Medical Drive, #05-01, Singapore 117599 [map]

Info Desk / Loans : 65162046

Email: http://sg.mc367.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mdlib@nus.edu.sg

Website: http://www.lib.nus.edu.sg/

Science Library

The Science Library has reverted back to its original name. The library contacts are:

Head : Ms Kan Sok Cheng

Address: Block S6, Level 4, 10 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117548 [map]

Info Desk : 6516-2454

Loans : 6516-2509

Email: http://sg.mc367.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sclib@nus.edu.sg

Website: http://www.lib.nus.edu.sg/

Look forward to visiting the library with LAS group if the programme committee could make it happen in 2012!

Registration Open: Support General Reference and Enquiry Work on 10 - 11 Jan 2012

2011-12-29T16:55:00.000+08:00

LAS WSQ Level 2 course have 5 modules. The first run in 2012 is Support General Reference and Enquiry Work and here are the details I received from LAS for those who are interested to register:

=====
LAS is pleased to organize the sixth run of the WSQ/LAS Level 2 training for Support General Reference and Enquiry Work on 10 - 11 Jan 2012.

This 2 day course will be held at NTU@OneNorth (map).

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. Register at: https://wis.ntu.edu.sg/pls/webexe/REGISTER_NTU.REGISTER?EVENT_ID=OA11120914274011

This is one of the 5 competency based programmes at entry level which together form the WSQ Higher Certificate in Library and Information Services.

Important Note:

§ Upon successful registration for the training, you will receive a confirmation message & email.

§ The registration page will also display a message when the class is full. You will not be able to key in personal particulars when this happens.

§ The course fees are listed here.

§ On enrolment, you are deemed to have committed to both the training and proposed assessment dates.

§ Participants or institutions who wish to withdraw from an enrolled course must submit reason(s) in writing to http://sg.mc367.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=las.tnd@gmail.com. Where notice of withdrawal is given before the start of the course, an administrative fee of $25 is payable to facilitate the withdrawal from the course.

§ Please view full Terms & Conditions for LAS WSQ Level 2 courses.

For more information on the module, please refer to the training page.

Registration will close with maximum of 17 registrants.

Organized by:

LAS Training & Development Committee

====

Source of information:

Email from las.honsec@gmail.com dated 13 Dec 2011

Bukit Brown Cemetery vs 心中的坟

2011-12-28T12:27:00.011+08:00

I think for those who follow the Bukit Brown Cemetery's walk this few months may like to read the following poem written in Chinese.

The poet is Ms Lim May Lang, an ex-higher Chinese teacher from National Junior College. Though she did not follow the BBC's walk with the group, her poem captures the spirit of life after death, and reflects the same thought some of us have after the walk.

If we are not able to have Bukit Brown Cemetery kept in physical form, many suggested to use modern technology and create the same in virture reality.

In whatever form it maybe, the most important is what one holds in one's heart!

=====
心中的坟 by Ms Lim May Lang on 2011/12/09 at
http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/yongyala/article?mid=611&next=610&l=d&fid=5

生命如蜡烛，

只要曾经点燃

只要曾经照亮他人，

长短并不重要。

坟未必是立体的

也无需有浓荫或香花相伴。

它就是不见形体，

也能永驻心头。

这一生长长短短

曲曲折折的路

走完了的时候

如果还能脸带微笑

如果不再有所期待

就算没留下什么

也就心满意足了。

要做的事不过是

为自己找个清静的地方歇脚

可以在香烟缭绕的寺庙

可以在大树的脚下

可以在浩瀚无边的海洋。

记得或者忘记

一点也不重要

因为那时候

我的记忆早已尘封

而我的知觉

也已经烟消云散了。

=====
Here is my translated version, embedded with some of my own thought:

Life is like a candle!
As long as the light once illuminated,
Lights the path of others,
Length is not important!

A grave need not be three-dimensional,
Even without shady old trees and prayer flowers,
Even intangible,
It will live in the heart of the beloved, forever!

Life may be long or short,
Journey twists and turns,
When we face the end
If with a gentle smile,
And satisfied with no lingering thought,
We can let go!

When the time comes,

Find a quiet place and have a good rest

Incense smoke in the temple
At the foot of a big tree

Or ocean that frees your soul!

Remembered or forgotten
It’s not important!
Memory is like ash to ash, dust to dust!
Perception and consciousness,
Like clouds, once free
Will have no attachment!

Notes: Translation revised on 9 Jan 2012, and I would like to thank my friend, Susan Chua from Heinemann Southeast Asia, for her advices on grammatical etc... Good writing is always re-writing, and good translation, goes the same way! Thanks! Susan!

Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

你是否知道12月22日是什么节日?

2011-12-22T13:58:00.008+08:00

12月25日是圣诞节，估计没有几个人不知道。

12月22日是什么节日，你知道吗？至少我在收到朋友的祝福信息才知道!

今天是农历的“冬至”。民间有“过冬大如年”的说法。

冬至是农历中一个节气，通常为每年公历的12月22日或23日。

这虽然是简单易记的方法，可我是在收到朋友的祝福信息才知道!

冬至的习俗和过法，对于现在的人来说，是一个遥远的名词。

传统节日冬至除了字面符号的意思，缺少了实在承载的形式。所以现在的人自然倾向于圣诞节。现在看来，冬至的重要性，可没法和圣诞相比。

冬至是北半球全年中白天最短、黑夜最长的一天。

北方地区有冬至宰羊、吃饺子、吃馄饨的习俗，南方地区则有吃汤圆、冬至米团的习惯。

许多人家利用这一年之中最长的一夜用糯米粉做“冬至圆”“添岁”，表示“年”虽还没有过，但实际上大家已加了一岁。

许多年轻人就算知道今天是"冬至"，也不会特意去过。更多是准备过圣诞节。

小时候在大家庭过冬至是件大事，全家大小都动员搓汤圆！耳濡母染搓汤圆过冬至! 年复一年的追随着。

小时候在这一年之中最长的一夜吃“冬至圆”“添岁”是件大事！小时有幸添岁是件大事，会特意强调吃“汤圆”加岁。

冬至这天，老年人老早就开始张罗准备祭祖、包汤圆之类!

超市里的人大多在圣诞用品区挑选商品。（因为不爱吃汤圆或不喜欢甜汤的人，就不特意过这个节日!）

但喜欢吃汤圆的年轻一代会特意挤着买汤圆之类过"冬至"。

冬至这个节日，应该有望继续下去，幸甚！

Source of information: email from friend dated 21 Dec 2011

Readership of this blog

2011-12-21T23:05:00.011+08:00

Since I added FlagCounter in May 201o, blog visitor from US is always leading and on top of other country visitors.

FlagCounter was introduced to me by Prof David Deterding http://brunei-linguistics.blogspot.com/

I was impressed by the large readership his blog attracted and with the example I see on his blog in Brunie, I was inspired to add the same to my blog when I return to Singapore (A big thanks to David!)

After installing the FlagCounter, I was puzzled that US readership is on top and Singapore is always second.

I do hope to see more Singapore visitors browsing my blog, and tonight, I was surprised to note that US reader number is the same as Singapore reader., i.e., 1426 or 29.2%!

The total number of visitors at the moment shown 8245 and the unique visitors are 4882. I think it is interesting to see the changes of readership periodically!

Thank you! Readers, for all your support!

Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

Respecting one another as individuals

2011-12-20T20:31:00.001+08:00

As a society, we have come to a point where people too often treat one another as objects and opportunities, rather than as fellow human beings.

Respecting one another as individuals, or not doing so, seriously impacts the future for all of us.

-- Gail Pursell Elliott

In life, we keep relationship and make friends who respect us.

In any relationship or friendship, no one like to be treated as objects or opportunities.

If you are able to treat others like the way you like to be treated, you will be a good friend to many and have your friendship grow throughout your life time!

If you treat friends like objects and opportunities, and discarded them along your way when they are not your handy tools, you will have friends who makes you feel hurt as you are just tools, objects and opportunities to them.

What you have in your mind mirror outward. Birds of a feather flock together, and you will attract only like-minded.

You exercise your choice of friends and your friends will do the same!

Cheers!

Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

We are what we do now and then!

2011-12-19T11:51:00.008+08:00

The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.

-- Mike Murdock

=====

I remembered my ex-NIE colleague, Ms Ivy Soh said "We are what we eat!" in the coach during our China Educational Tour in the mid 1980's.

I see her wisdom in the words she shared with the tourmates. Hence since then, I am observing this phrase daily!

In general, we are what we do now and then! Everything goes in a cycle and some cycle are within your own control.

If you what to find the cause of what you have now, look at your daily routine now and then, the answer is there!

If you do not want the same outcome, just change your daily routine from now on.

It is just as simple!

Yet, habit takes time to change and if you embark on making the change, you know how difficult or easy to you!

Cheers!

Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

Do it extraordinarily well

2011-12-18T20:16:00.000+08:00

Success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.

-- Jim Rohn

Librarianship is an ordinary job to most of the common folk. Just be able to read and enjoy reading, you will be a librarian.

Nevertheless, most of the librarians who are outstanding among the peers, have walk the ordinary path with extraordinarily commitment!

In fact, in any career, you can be a successful person by doing the ordinary daily routine extraordinary well!

Try your best and be successful, at least, you feel that you are!

Try it everyday, you will be!

Cheers!

Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

Rules of work: simplicity, harmony and opportunity.

2011-12-17T10:57:00.003+08:00

Three Rules of Work:

Out of clutter find simplicity;

from discord find harmony;

in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

- Albert Einstein

Organization and Creativity

2011-12-16T10:42:00.001+08:00

Sometime, I have to hack my way through lots of clutter and disarray, and I know it's time to clean things up.

If the mess gets into my way and prohibits my work flow, that mess is not what I usually claimed: "organized" or "creative" mess.

At this point, I will make organization my own system priority. That can be a major or minor project depending on the needs and time available.

Since I cannot get much done on that day without finding a path to access what I needed, that is the time I have to focus on things that are unwanted "mess" and change it to "organized mess" or "creative mess".

When I get my "organized" or "creative" mess settled on that day, I will be very pleased and contented to navigate through the "organized or creative path" even though other may find the area remains in chaos.

I think it is hard for other to understand the concept of focus with "organized" or "creative" mess around one surrounding/environment, unless whose people are like-minded.

I like to live in the clear environment, yet have high tolerance for seeing and working with "mess" on my desk.

In my life as Librarian and Lecturer, most of the professionals I work with can be classified into two big groups:

One with an organized table/desktop

One with "organized or creative" mess on the table/desktop

To me, working with both groups are equally pleasant, so long as they can get things done and find things they want and need at the critical moment!

If you cannot tolerate mess, you just have to work with one group and not the other. In the long run, you will find something missing in your life and work.

I am glad that I have the open concept on "organization" and "creativity", I look into their mind and soul, and not just what is on their desk top!

Cheers!

Dexterine Ho

2012 LAS WSQ course schedule

2011-12-13T21:07:00.006+08:00

LAS WSQ Level 2 Courses Schedule is shown above, click on the image and enlarge it to a full screen size.

Alternatively, you may view the LAS Training Page on the web: http://www.las.org.sg/wp/training-development/for-support-staff/

Announcement for registration is about one month before the scheduled date, you may visit the Training page and follow the instructions to register for the course.

LAS is the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by WDA and offers the following five WSQ Level 2 Courses:
Support General Reference and Information Enquiry
Support Collection Maintenance
Acquisitions and Serials Work
Provide Loans and Membership Services
Support Bibliographic Control

These courses will be useful for:

*Individuals who have been working as support staff in library and information organisations but have yet to acquire formal library and information qualifications

*Individuals who are seeking qualification to enter library and information organisations as support staff

The above courses are trained by experienced professional Librarians from various library institutions in Singapore who have also completed the WDA approved Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA), which is a pre-requisite for those who wish to develop, train and assess the programmes in the WSQ framework.

Candidates who are assessed as competent will receive a Statement of Attainment issued by WDA and LAS.

For candidates that have successfully completed all 5 programmes will be eligible to receive a WDA Higher Certificate in Library and Information Services (HCLIS).

Source of information:
http://www.las.org.sg/wp/training-development/for-support-staff/

Support General Reference and Enquiry Work: Registration Opens

2011-12-13T19:49:00.005+08:00

This afternoon, I just shared the email verbally with course participants of LAS WSQ Provide Loans and Membership during their afternoon tea break.

Here is the full details I promised them, and hope you, as reader of the blog, get the same inforamtion:

=====
From: LASSEC las.honsec@gmail.com
Subject: REGISTRATION OPENS- LAS WSQ Support General Reference and Enquiry Work (Jan 2012)
To: Date: Tuesday, 13 December, 2011, 12:04 PM

Dear Members

LAS is pleased to organize the sixth run of the WSQ/LAS Level 2 training for Support General Reference and Enquiry Work on 10 - 11 Jan 2012.
This 2 day course will be held at NTU@OneNorth (map).

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. Register at: https://wis.ntu.edu.sg/pls/webexe/REGISTER_NTU.REGISTER?EVENT_ID=OA11120914274011

This is one of the 5 competency based programmes at entry level which together form the WSQ Higher Certificate in Library and Information Services.

Important Note:
§ Upon successful registration for the training, you will receive a confirmation message & email.
§ The registration page will also display a message when the class is full. You will not be able to key in personal particulars when this happens.
§ The course fees are listed here.
§ On enrolment, you are deemed to have committed to both the training and proposed assessment dates.
§ Participants or institutions who wish to withdraw from an enrolled course must submit reason(s) in writing to http://sg.mc367.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=las.tnd@gmail.com. Where notice of withdrawal is given before the start of the course, an administrative fee of $25 is payable to facilitate the withdrawal from the course.
§ Please view full Terms & Conditions for LAS WSQ Level 2 courses.

For more information on the module, please refer to the training page.
Registration will close with maximum of 17 registrants.

Organized by:
LAS Training & Development Committee

=====

Visit to NUS Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library & NUS Business School

2011-12-12T19:33:00.007+08:00

Today I joined the LAS Programmes and Social Committee to visit the Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library and Mochtar Riady Building, a flagship building of the NUS Business School.

About Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library

The Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library (HSSML) is a Special Library within the National University of Singapore Libraries.

It started its operation in 1987 and was named in memory of the late Mr Hon Sui Sen (1916-1983), former Minister for Finance of Singapore (1970-1983).

The Library collects and maintains a rich collection of management, business and finance books, journals, audiovisual materials and digital resources. It serves primarily students and faculty members from School of Business. It completed a face lift renovation last semester, i.e., March 2011.

Highlights of the day:

Date: 12 Dec 2011 (Monday)
Time: 3.00pm to 5.20pm
Meeting point: Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library (HSSML) Information Desk

Program
3.00 – 3.30pm: Registration and Networking Tea
3:30 – 4.30pm: Overview of Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library and Library Tour
4:30 – 5.00pm: Tour of the NUS Business School (Mochtar Riady Building)

Registration
Registration is on a first-come-first served basis and limited to LAS members only.
The group size is limited to 20. I am glad to be one of them and met many friends and counterparts from various libraries.

Location map of NUS HSSML
http://libportal.nus.edu.sg/frontend/ms/hon-sui-sen-memorial-library/about-hon-sui-sen-memorial-library/getting-to-hon-sui-sen-memorial-library

With the briefing from the NUS Librarians and the staff from Business School who guided us for this tour, I gained more insight into the changes Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library has since 1987. As I used to visit the library when my UK classmate was working there in the 90s. This visit refreshed my memory. Nevertheless, the new impression I now have of HSSML is very different from what I hold in my "databank of 1990s".

Some major changes are:

* Increase of reading and learning space: the seating capacity is now up to over 200, additional discussion rooms and student activities areas are created from staff office from basement to level 3. This is to meet the needs of students for project works/group discussion.

* Multiple "power points"are available on all reading tables to meed the computing needs of the students.

* Periodical and book shelves from Level 1 and 2 were removed and housed at the top level.

* Integrating "Info Common" room/area with commercial computer printing/photocopying service.

* Increase total floor space by converting the roof top garden and cooling plants area to "Quiet Rooms" etc.

* Use of "QR codes" for coding 20 tier-one current journals and allow the use of smart mobile phone to do scanning and auto login/searching via NUS Library OPAC LINC (Library INtegrated Catalogue). As the journal "title" is embedded in the QR codes, no typing is necessary and that makes searching easy. Users just take a photo of the QR code and with some finger tapping, they get to browse the OPAC records. If the OPAC records are linked to EBSCOhost, users may also browse the issues and get the articles directly in future.

Notes: one can create QR code at http://www.qrstuff.com/

NUS Business School (Mochtar Riady Building)

The Business School in NUS, built in 2009, is a fairly new building in NUS. It is just at the turn of a corner when we step out of the library. With the help of the staff from the business school who guided us from floor to floor, we have a chance to enter many seminar rooms, staff lounges and enjoy the views of the surrounding building in NUS through the glass wall of this new building.

The open and over 120 degree horizontal view the various lounges provide made many LAS member recalled their impression of the

The view is different, of course, yet the feel is rather similar. I think all the architects within the same decade may have the same approach in creating experience to the users of the building.

Some of the LAS members being "Green" and environmental friendly, do feel that the glass partitions in the building and the glass wall around it, can be rather costly for long term maintenance.

Most of the LAS members like the look and feel. Yet, most of us feel luck that we do not need to think about paying for the utilities.

I think the students in the Business School are the fortunate one as the building have areas that are accessible 24 hours and that will make them feel very much at home any time all year long.

Most of the LAS member was impressed to see the building and its spacial rooms for different uses. Yet having to cool the entire glass building over 12 hours is costly. If there is a energy saving way to bring down the cost, this type of design, which look attractive to the eyes, would become very popular in the future.

I do wish I can be student again to enjoy the excellent facilities and services provided by the Library and School management.

Visiting two sites and tour different floors in the building create opportunity to exercise our legs this afternoon. Our physical body are rather tire at the end of the visit at 5.20pm, yet, we are ontented and feel thankful!

Thanks to the Librarians in Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library and LAS Programmes and Social Committee who takes times to organize this visit. Thanks too for the library staff who prepare a a nice tea reception, with nice home-made mee siam, cookies and cakes etc before we start the tour!

A big "Cheers" to all!

Dexterine Ho Soo Miang

Source of information: email from lassec@las.org.sg, dated 22 Nov 2011.

Eligibility for Professional Development Scheme (PDS) Points:
This activity attracts 46 points under the Industry Knowledge Development (ID) category - "Study visit to other libraries (local and overseas)"

YWCA Christmas Bazaar: A Giving Day for All

2011-12-10T22:28:00.003+08:00

YWCA Christmas Bazaar today at Fort Canning Lodge is from 10am to 6pm.

As one of the vendor, Norliza and I came in at 9am t0 9.30am to set up our "Stall 30" on level 2.

We are among the 40+ non-food stalls in the ballroom on the 2nd level of Fort Canning Lodge (FCL). Food stalls are on the ground level in the courtyard with some on the 2nd level outside the ballroom.

Bazaar coupons was used as the method of payment. Coupons can be purchased at the head office at Outram Road before 10 Dec or at the reception areas of Level 1 and 2 today.

Proceeds from each stall were counted and a cheque will be sent to the respective vendors approximately a week after the Bazaar.

Counting of the coupons were staggering at 3 different time slots, namely at 1pm, 4pm and at 6pm at the end of the Bazaar. Counting was done and verified by YWCA staff and the stall vendor.

As coupons are in denominations of $1, we were advised to have our items sold and priced in dollars as no change in cents is possible.

The Christmas Bazaar today, according to the organizer, is bigger and better than last year. Many games stalls run by YWCA were there to attack pre-schoolers and young children. Singing performances, carolling and photo-taking with Santa and the Star Wars Troopers were some of the highlights that make the day filled with Christmas joys!

I share the joys of the Bazaar, and it is a day of giving and sharing for all of us!

I see this Christmas Bazaar a way to promote and create awareness of the courses on "Innovative Displays for Library and Classroom" at http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/11/innovative-display-ideas-for-school-and.html and share my paper cutting and pop-up card ideas with the kids at the nominal fee of $1 for one A4 paper crafting experience.

For most of the stall owner, if they are thinking of earning from this one day event "YWCA Christmas Bazaar" would make them feel disappointed, on the contrary, if they see it as an event and opportunity to give away their time, skills, goods or clear some of their home storage space, it is a GOOD day! That will make the day memorable!

My surprise for the day was to meet my Nephews' families and have a fee-based Art and Craft session with two grand-nieces and the only grand-nephew.

As the joys of doing paper art and pop-up card were so contagious, their classmates joined in and do the art and craft on the stage. My friend, Fion's daughter's interest is also being aroused and join in the fun after the kids' session were over.

With Norliza who prepared fruit cake for our lunch and my oranges for our in between break, we have a "Full" and enjoyable day.

I like the "Chinese New Year" scarf Norliza gave me as a present, and I hope she will like the pop-up card with heart shapes "in and out" and star all over to shine her day in and out!

When I was home in the evening, I was happy to continue with my grand nieces and grand nephew on their art and craft session.

And guess what? They still ask me why I was there as it hard to believe that I was there to create fun craft for them.

It was a great surprise to them in the afternoon and equally surprising for other siblings who learn about the event at dinner time.

I think today is a "Giving Day" for all as both my Nephews' families spent a total of $100 at the Bazaar. The pre-school teachers have a great way of promoting the Christmas Spirit by selling coupon through influencing Kids in YWCA branches!

Europe's Digital Library, Europeana and The Germam National Library

2011-12-09T19:55:00.003+08:00

This afternoon, I attended the talks by Dr Elisabeth Niggemann, Director General of the German National Library (Deutsche Nationalbibliothek).

This event is jointly organised by Goethe-Institut, the Digital Libraries Group of the Library Association of Singapore and Professional & International Relations, NLB.

With the insight of the speaker, first, I learned more about Europeana, Europe’s digital library, archive and museum and initiatives. In the second half of the talk, I have the opportunity of hearing the approaches the German National Library are adopting against the backdrop of digital revolution as the library celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.

Here are some details of the two talks:

TALK 1:

Date: 9 Dec 2011, Friday
Venue: Possibility Room, Level 5, National Library Building

Programme Outline

3.00pm Registration
3.30pm Professional Talk: EUROPE’S DIGITAL LIBRARY, ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM: EUROPEANA

4.15pm Light Refreshments

Synopsis:

Europeana is the name the portal that integrates the digitized holdings of Europe’s libraries, archives, museums and audiovisual collections. Currently it gives access to 20 million items held by 1.500 content providers.

Apart from being an aggregator, Europeana is also playing an important role as a facilitator and a distributor and it is engaged in many topics like standards, open linked data, public domain, copyright etc.

TALK 2:
4.15pm Registration
4.45pm Professional Talk: THE GERMAN NATIONAL LIBRARY AND THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION

5.30pm End of Programme

Synopsis

The German National Library will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012. The tasks today are not very different from the tasks 100 years ago. What has changed dramatically are the publications and the processes (technical and organizationally) in the workflow. Constant change is necessary to cope with the digital revolution.

Speaker’s Profile

Dr Elisabeth Niggemann is the Director General of the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek (German National Library) in Leipzig and Frankfurt am Main.

In 1987 she started her career as a librarian at the German Central Library for Medicine in Cologne as head of the acquisitions department.

In 1989 she became head of the cataloguing and subject indexing department at the University and State Library at the Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf.

In 1994, she became the director of the Düsseldorf University and State Library. She came into her present position in 1999.

She has been involved in many national and international working groups and committees. Until recently she was Chair of the Board of Directors of CENL (Conference of European National Librarians), and Chair of the Europeana Foundation.

She is a member of the Board of Trustees of OCLC and a member of several Advisory Councils, a Board member of the “Stiftung Buchkunst” and one of the editors of the “Zeitschrift für Bibliothekswesen und Bibliographie”.

Source of information:
Email from las.honsec@gmail.com dated 29 November 2011.

LAS Professional Development Scheme (PDS) Points: 46
(Applicable only to librarians who are participants of PDS)

The Services of the National Library of China

2011-12-07T19:49:00.001+08:00

Today, I attended the following professional talk organized by Professional & International Relations (PIR), NLB.

Topic : The Services of the National Library of China (delivered in Mandarin)
Speaker : Mr Sun Yigang, Assistant Director-General, National Library of China
Date : 7 Dec 2011, Wednesday
Time : 3.30pm – 5.00pm (Please be seated by 3.15pm.)
Venue : Possibility Room, Level 5, National Library Building

Mr Sun Yigang is the Assistant Director-General of the National Library of China (NLC). He leads a delegation of five senior NLC staff for a visit to NLB and I felt very privileged to have a chance to listen to his speech today.

This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to learn about the services offered in NLC, one of the many fast-developing libraries in Asia.

Synopsis of Talk
This presentation mainly introduces the services of the National Library of China, which include the service structure and modes to the general public, libraries and government bodies. The services of the NLC refer to public services, reference services, digital library services, etc.

本报告主要介绍中国国家图书馆的服务。其中包括服务格局与服务模式，面向社会公众、图书馆业界、政府机构和社会组织所开展的各种服务的基本情况。内容涉及公众（特色）服务、参考咨询服务、立法决策服务以及数字图书馆服务等各个方面。

Speaker’s Profile
Mr Sun Yigang was born in March 1961 in Qingdao, Shandong Province. He is a research librarian. He graduated from Department of Optics, Shandong University with bachelor degree in July 1983, and graduated from Computer Science and Engineering Department, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics with master degree in March 1996. He joined People's Liberation Army in July 1983 after he graduated from university, and had successively worked in Institute of Artillery Equipment and Technology, General Staff Department, and Weapon System Integrated Demonstration Research Institute, General Armament Department.

He was transferred to the National Library of China in July 2000, and then had successively acted as director of NLC Information & Network Department, vice-general manager of China Digital Library Corp., Ltd, director of NLC Scientific Research Division, Centennial Events Office, Computer & Network System Department, and General Office. He was appointed NLC Assistant Director-General in November 2010.

孙一钢，1961年3月出生，山东青岛人。研究馆员。1983年7月山东大学光学系本科毕业，1996年3月北京航空航天大学计算机科学与工程系计算机应用专业硕士研究生毕业。1983年大学毕业后，先后在总参炮兵装备技术研究所和总装武器装备综合论证研究所工作，1997年5月任总装武器装备综合论证研究所二室副主任。

2000年7月转至国家图书馆，先后任信息网络部主任、中国数字图书馆有限责任公司副总经理、科研处处长、百年馆庆筹备办公室主任、计算机与网络系统部主任、办公室主任。2010年11月聘任为国家图书馆馆长助理。

Source of information: email from las.honsec@gmail.com dated 24 Nov 2011

LAS Professional Development Scheme (PDS) Points: 46 (Applicable only to librarians who are participants of PDS)

Telling the Library Story

2011-12-07T10:30:00.005+08:00

When I visit the facebook page of LAS (Library Association of Singapore) today , I read with interest "Telling the Library Story - Another way to rebrand the image of Library Professional in ASEAN" with the following details:

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Check out on the resources shares ...
WebJunction - Public Relations
http://www.webjunction.org/

Libraries and story go together like bread and butter. The library is full of stories in all formats and storytelling for all ages, but how well does the library tell its own story? The first step is to understand the intrinsic power of stories and what can be achieved through telling them. The next...
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Many a time, the story of the library is told from the readers' perspective, and it is the only way, non librarian, can relate to library as a user/reader.

To promote and create awareness of library services, it is common for librarians to do the same. After all, librarians are user-friendly and very service-orientated.

To me, the story of Library and Library Professionals from the inner circle, is equally interesting and important!

Telling the story of Library Association of Singapore can start with the focus of LAS at each AGM. To trace the discussion of LAS AGM, we have good official sources that documented the proceedings and annual activities: Minutes of the LAS Annual General Meeting and Annual Reports.

Here are some current years' minutes and annual reports on LAS official web page:
http://www.las.org.sg/wp/about-us/agm-annual-reports/

For examples:

Minutes of the LAS Annual General Meetingheld on 14 May 2011 (Saturday) at 10.00am at Hotel Furama City Centre.
http://www.las.org.sg/LAS%20AGM%202011%20minutes.pdf

MINUTES OF THE LAS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Held on 29 Mar 2008 (Saturday) at 2.00pm at Singapore Polytechnic.
http://www.las.org.sg/2008_AGM%20Minutes.pdf

The oldest records of minutes and annual reports on the web is 2007, the most current one is 2011.

With that, we can trace some LAS and local library development, not just with our poor memory, but with printed source to counter-check and cross-reference!

Dexterine Ho

It takes courage to break the rules!

2011-12-06T11:49:00.003+08:00

In life, breaking rules required courage!

When you have ideas that challenges the conventional way of doing things, critics will come out to discredit you!

They will ridicule and belittle your ideas and make your ideas not creditable.

Yet, if you see what others don't see, you will have self-confidence and inner strength to ignore critics and pursue your vision.

Critics are people who are comfortable with the status quo and afraid of the changes.

Changes that your ideas bring about make them feel threaten.

Hence, expect to be criticized when you break the rules.

Don't take it personally, as they are attacking ideas that make them feel uneasy and not you!

Being the carriage for the ideas, you will feel hurt in person. That is also your own view, as they will attack anyone who bring the ideas to their knowledge, you are just treated as a carriage, not a person!

Dexterine Ho

When Nations Remember 2' Conference

2011-11-28T20:29:00.009+08:00

Photo: courtesy of Singapore Memory Project, Nation Library of Singapore
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I was excited to attend ‘When Nations Remember 2’ Conference" today at at the River Room, level 2, Asian Civilisations’ Museum today.

Being forgetful and have to return home to get my hand phone, I was there late (at 9.40am) and miss the opening countdown of ‘3,2,1’.

I was delighted to catch up with some library counterparts, ex-students of TP and many good friends who volunteer in the project, i.e., Belinda Tan, Daisy Yeo, James Seah, Joyce Shum, Lily Wong, Patricia Lee, Peter Chan, Rosie Wee and Zahra Aljunied.

I miss some part of Gene Tan's Speech, and here is the main points of the speech by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim:

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(Extracted from SPEECH BY DR YAACOB IBRAHIM, MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS AT WHEN NATIONS REMEMBER II, 28 NOVEMBER 2011, 9.40AM AT THE RIVER ROOM, ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM)
http://app.mica.gov.sg/Default.aspx?tabid=36&ctl=Details&mid=539&ItemID=1356

* When Prime Minister Lee announced the Singapore Memory Project (SMP) during his National Day Rally earlier this year, we had only about 30,000 stories and memories. In slightly over three months, this has grown to more than 220,000 contributions. I hope we are on track to become a nation of storytellers. This tremendous increase in contributions is testimony to how this project has touched Singaporeans and all who feel a part of Singapore.

* ... like to applaud the enthusiastic efforts of all our partners – more than 90 academic, research and library institutions, heritage agencies, public agencies, private entities and community organisations; almost 100 volunteers, our Memory Corps, who come from all walks of life; as well as members of the public who contributed directly to the www.iremember.sg website who made this possible. The range and diversity of partnerships reflect wide community participation and ownership.

* ... grateful for the strong support and assistance extended to us by our Memory Corps who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. By selflessly giving your time, playing roles from curator to connector, you have made the wider collection of memories possible.

* Everyone Can Contribute

* ... the SMP team collaborated with RediscoverSG, who are four young Singaporeans passionate about chronicling life in Singapore, to gather stories on the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. The public responded positively to the iremember KTM initiative with their contributions of personal stories and photographs.

* Partners, like the Ministry of Education Heritage Centre and the Academy of School Teachers, also extended their support through the “iremembermySchoolDays” initiative, which gathered many school-day memories.

* Besides contributions from organisations and groups, the SMP team told me that we also have entries from abroad, all the way from the United Kingdom as well as Japan, with stories stretching from the 1930s to present day. For instance, Ms Fiona Hodgkins, who first came to Singapore from England in 1975 as a nine year old, shared her memories on growing up in Singapore during her early years, of learning to eat curry and visiting the Dutch club (as the British Club did not exist then) until her family left when she was 17 years old. There is also the story of Ms Wang Hui Ling, who is now residing in Japan, who shared her memories on the Hello Kitty craze in 2000, something that will be familiar to those of us who are young at heart.

* Sharing our memories with the generations to come

* The SMP is not just about building a database of memories or stories. Each memory helps to add to the collective that enriches our understanding and experience of our past.

* I remember when I was a kid, we were issued with the POSB “Save At School” stamp card with empty boxes for pasting postage stamps, and we would use our savings to buy 5-cent or 10-cent stamps to paste onto the card. When we complete the card with 20 stamps, we will give it to the school which will send it in to the bank, and it adds to our savings account. Till today, I still have a POSB account.

* The SMP aims to do the same – for every Singaporean to start the habit of saving. But, in this case, we are saving our memories and depositing them into a shared memory bank for ourselves, our children, grandchildren, and for others to enjoy, and more importantly, to enrich their lives.

* ... look forward to everyone’s support to achieve the target of collecting 5 million memories by 2015.

* Launch of PictureSG -- an online collection of images, whether artworks or photographs, showcasing the socio-cultural and historical development of Singapore. I think this is a wonderful initiative by NLB, because pictures say a thousand words. With this, the public can now share his image, include a description or even add a tag to it, so that people can understand and appreciate the image. Like the www.iremember.sg website, the SMP will insure this for posterity so that future generations can draw from these memory accounts and continue to be inspired by the stories of Singapore and her past.

* Today’s event shows that we care about everything that affirms our identity in Singapore, that we want to do our part to recollect for posterity what we remember. These efforts will draw us closer together as a nation and leave a legacy for future generations.

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The programmes that make an imprint in my mind are:

Memory Corps Lai Tuck Chong and Low Jiaxin's sharing on their experience in documenting the memories of a group of water heritage pioneers. The "Documenting memories of PUB Ex-Water Treatment Plant in Johor" have a group of Six PUB staff from the former Water Treatment Plants in Johor interviewed, captured in a seven minute video. I like the way "CEO" is being used to name "Chief Entertaining Officer", that shows the PUB staff have light-hearted and life-warming way of making heavy project a joyful process!.

Youth Project: RediscoverSG by A group of NTU students: Derek Foo, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Lee, Lim Song Lip and Jeremy Tan. I was touched by the introduction of the "The Unseen/Unsaid" 10-part mini series. The two mini espisodes Lizzy shown to the audience narrate everyday Singaporeans' life through forgotten trades and places. "Unseen/Unsaid allow viewers a glimpse into the personal struggles of individual Singaporeans whose stories draw a parallel with the surrounding places and landscapes".

As Lizzy put it "The 10-part series is born out of a desire to preserve the fragments of Singapore’s past that is rapidly being replaced by new developments." I like Episode 9 on Satay Boy in Tiong Bahru, and it was not shown at the conference. Being a resident in Tiong Bahru Estate for over 30 years, This video on ‘Ah Pui Kia’ at http://rediscover.sg/2011/08/through-thick-and-thin-episode-9/ "wanders the neighbourhood with his pushcart; a cart that had seen much of the excitement and vigour of the past" is very closed to my heart. Satay boy had grown from a young boy 3o years back to a middle age man now, and he still visit our block everyday to sell satay in the late afternoon.

Uncovering the legacy of a Nation through Memory Documentation by Pauline Loh (http://paulineltl.wordpress.com/) let us have some insight of Robinson Fire in 1972. Her interview with Mr Robert Tan (My friend, Ms Rosalind Tan's brother) on stage makes history told in an interactive mode. I could hear the event being told from someone who were working there. Pauline also documented his father in-law's life journey before he passed away. From the second stage interview with her daughter, we see how younger generation translate and understand "match making" in the real sense. I think Pauline have the best gift for her daughter and it is something many family in Singapore may miss unintentionally.

There are other sharing on Geylang and MOE Heritage Centre etc in the afternoon, and I know I will have more to re-discover Singapore in the coming year!

The WSQ Experience for Library Support Staff

2011-11-15T15:03:00.005+08:00

After doing the assessment on 27 Jun 2011 for LAS WSQ Level 2 M3 Support Bibliographic Control for a group of NIE staff, I was invited to take a group photo with some of the support staff who were on duty that day:

Back row, from Left to right: Sean Lee Wee Leong, Pauline Ang Noi Joo, Tazila Bte SUFA'AT, Karen Tan Siew Kheng, Eunice Lee Yong Cho

Front row, from Left to right: Dexterine Ho Soo Miang, Khairun-Nisa Bte Samsun, Lucy Ng Moey Soon, Soh Seow Leng, Selina Chan Ying Loy, Clarice Thu Jan Phin

Photographer: Mr Wong Shao Mun

========================================

Today, it is encouraging for me to click on the link below and view the comments and feedback from NIE support staff who attended the LAS WSQ Level 2 course:

The WSQ Experience for Library Support Staff http://libris.nie.edu.sg/blog/2011/08/01/wsq-experience-library-support-staff 05 Aug 2011

"Over the years, library paraprofessional staff have expressed the wish for some form of certification programme. To this end, the Library Association of Singapore (LAS) and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) have collaborated to produce the first-ever Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) for library support staff.

This new initiative has received a very good response from the NIE Library support staff - more than 60% have already received at least 3 WDA/LAS Statements of Attainment."

...

"Participants of the programme found the training useful. The course content either acted as a refresher for what they already knew, or provided exposure to other areas of library work they were not familiar with. Participants also enjoyed interacting with library officers from other institutions and sharing their work experiences.

According to our survey, a majority of staff would recommend the five WDA/LAS Level 2 programmes to any current library support staff or those keen to take up library work. Some agreed that getting a certificate would be ideal for people without a diploma, if they had the assurance that the certification would be recognised by the industry."

To read the fulltext of this blog, visit: http://libris.nie.edu.sg/blog/2011/08/01/wsq-experience-library-support-staff

Journey of the Book

2011-11-14T22:26:00.007+08:00

Follow one book in high-speed from arrival at the library through processing and onto the shelf.

Journey of the Book
University of Illinois Libraries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lleGk0usLI8

If I had found this video before my Bib Control training last week, I could had saved a lot of time detailing the process to candidates who had no or little cataloguing experience.

Nevertheless, I think using the analogy of "I am a book" to share the journey of a book, and describe how it is being "accession", "bar coded", "classified", "label with call number" and put on the shelf is an interesting role play that I enjoy acting.

The humour of a talking and walking book which lead the tour of the journey also created a different impact on the audience!

Dexterine Ho

LibraryThing: Future of Cataloging

2011-11-14T21:21:00.003+08:00

I was looking for some references for Bib Control and found the followings:

Future of Cataloging (1/2) by Tim Spalding at LibraryThing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4genpc-DZs4
Part one of his 18-minute screencast on the "future of cataloging" for a panel at the American Library Association's 2008 conference.

Future of Cataloging (2/2) by Tim Spalding at LibraryThing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD2plk4vT3Y
Part two of his 18-minute screencast on the "future of cataloging" for a panel at the American Library Association's 2008 conference.

What is LibraryThing?

"LibraryThing is a cataloging and social networking site for book lovers."

"LibraryThing helps you create a library-quality catalog of books: books you own, books you've read, books you'd like to read, books you've lent out ... whatever grouping you'd like."

"Since everyone catalogs online, they also catalog together. You can contribute tags, ratings and reviews for a book, and Common Knowledge (facts about a book or author, like character names and awards), as well as participate in member forums or join the Early Reviewers program. Everyone gets the benefit of everyone else's work. LibraryThing connects people based on the books they share."

"LibraryThing is a cataloging and social networking site for book lovers."

Vital Statistics

Members 1,438,185
Books cataloged 67,994,471
Tags added 81,646,419
Unique works 6,455,425

Reviews 1,562,100
Works reviewed 532,191
Ratings 10,952,825
User-contributed covers 2,725,722
Author photos 42,548

Groups 7,830
Talk topics 117,252
Talk messages 2,994,270
Talk touchstones 2,036,262

Free books given out
Early Reviewer books given out 94,952
Member Giveaway books given out 94,414
Total free books given out 189,366

Source of above information:
http://www.librarything.com

I think it is a new trend in cataloguing personal library collection, and from the statistics, it is gaining popularity!

"Enter 200 books for free, as many as you like for $10 (year) or $25 (life)." It is easy to start free and affordable even if you want to join "Life" membership!

I run a search on "Singapore" and it returns with "About 1,976 results". The hit list included a lot of travelling guides and some good reference titles and good local imprints.

It is interesting to browse the library owners' profile and get to know people who collect books that you like. The library owner are book lover and willing to catalogue them and share their reading interest!

Dexterine Ho

OCLC record: Ho Soo Miang: part 4

2011-11-10T22:00:00.008+08:00

Source of information:
http://www.worldcat.org/wcidentities/np-ho,%20soo%20miang

General public who has no access to OCLC Cataloguing Account, can do a google search and may also get WorldCat records. If they know how to access WorldCat direct via http://www.worldcat.org/, they can find the records with much ease.

The search at http://www.worldcat.org/ is like OPAC search, viewer can read the full records, yet cannot have access to MARC format.

The search at http://connexion.oclc.org/ that we use in LAS WSQ Level 2 Support Bibliographic Control allow trainees to view MARC records and get links on MARC tags and fields/subfields.

I do a few google searches tonight and noted that under "何舒敏", "Soo-Miang Ho" or "Ho Soo Miang", and "新加坡最早的華文日報 : 叻報 (1881-1932)" I was lead to the above WorldCat summary for all my works in various editions, held by 9 +3 libraries worldwide.

Here are the first records I found with OCLC record number:

新加坡最早的華文日報 : 叻報 (1881-1932) by 何舒敏( Book )

1 edition published in 1979 in Chinese and held by 3 libraries worldwide

OCLC record number: 51791659
http://www.worldcat.org/title/xinjiapo-zui-zai-di-hua-wen-ri-bao-le-bao-1881-1932/oclc/051791659

http://www.worldcat.org/title/xinjiapo-zui-zai-di-hua-wen-ri-bao-le-bao-1881-1932/oclc/051791659

In summary, my works on the history of Lat Pau has a total of 6 records in OCLC WorldCat and they are:

新加坡最早的華文日報 : 叻報 (1881-1932) by 何舒敏( Book )1 edition published in 1979 in Chinese and held by 3 libraries worldwide
OCLC record number: 51791659

http://www.worldcat.org/title/xinjiapo-zui-zai-di-hua-wen-ri-bao-le-bao-1881-1932/oclc/051791659

新加坡最早的華文日報 : 叻報 (1881-1932) by 何舒敏( Book )1 edition published in 1979 in Chinese and held by 0 libraries worldwide

OCLC Number: 31786713

http://www.worldcat.org/title/xinjiapo-zui-zai-di-hua-wen-ri-bao-le-pao-1881-1932/oclc/031786713

Hsin-chia-pʻo tsui tsao ti Hua wen jih pao, Le pao, 1881-1932 = The earliest Chinese newspaper of Singapore, the Lat pau, 1881-1932

published in 1979 in Chinese and held by 1 libraries worldwide

OCLC Number: 663453095

http://www.worldcat.org/title/hsin-chia-po-tsui-tsao-ti-hua-wen-jih-pao-le-pao-1881-1932-the-earliest-chinese-newspaper-of-singapore-the-lat-pau-1881-1932/oclc/663453095

Xin jia bo zui zhao di Hua wen ri bao : Le bao.

Book : Document : Chinese

HathiTrust Digital Library

Additional Physical Format: Print version (OCoLC)68323652

OCLC Number: 551706987

Details:
Master and use copy. Digital master created according to Benchmark for Faithful Digital Reproductions of Monographs and Serials, Version 1. Digital Library Federation, December 2002.
Other Titles: Earliest Chinese newspapers.
Contributing Library: University of Michigan

http://www.worldcat.org/title/xin-jia-bo-zui-zhao-di-hua-wen-ri-bao-le-bao/oclc/551706987&referer=brief_results

新加坡最早的華文日報, 叻報, 1881-1932 /Xinjiapo zui zao de Hua wen ri bao, Le bao, 1881-1932

= The earliest Chinese newspaper of Singapore, the Lat Pau, 1881-1932 / Ho Soo Miang
OCLC Number: 10133172

http://www.worldcat.org/title/xinjiapo-zui-zao-de-hua-wen-ri-bao-le-bao-1881-1932/oclc/010133172

It is an interesting experience for me to explore OCLC WorldCat and OCLC Connexion. With this experience, I am able to understand and appreciate detail cataloguing works done by Cataloguers in various countries.

Cheers for the day! Even though I am rather exhausted now!

Dexterine Ho

OCLC record: Ho Soo Miang: part 3

2011-11-09T21:02:00.017+08:00

While searching for cataloguing example for MARC tag 041 "Language Code" to clear the doubt of one candidate for Module 3 Support Bibliographic Control this evening, I found with joys the following OCLC record number "654390268" of my previous work:

The earliest Chinese newspaper of Singapore, the Lat Pau, 1881-1932
新加坡最早的華文日報: 叻報 (1881-1932)

041 is being used:

041 0_ $a chi $b eng

in this case:

First Indicator
Translation indication
0 - Item not a translation/does not include a translation

Subfield Codes
$a - Language code of text
$b - Language code of summary or abstract

Source of information:
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd041.html

To enlarge the image, just click on it:

In addition, I noted that the item is now available from Google Book.

Even though it is not available for sale, it's contents is available for searching using the search box "From inside the book" or browsing via the following keyword index:

The earliest Chinese newspaper of Singapore, the Lat Pau, 1881-1932

新加坡最早的華文日報: 叻報 (1881-1932)

http://books.google.com/books?id=rO59AAAAIAAJ

Common terms and phrases:
上海中國中華今後分類目文藝欄日報日期主筆以爲出版出現本館因爲成爲收費早期形式來源周年東南亞附錄南洋大學南洋商報南洋第一報南洋新聞紀念革新馬六甲馬華停刊副刊專電現存叻報逝世陳育崧創刊創辦報導報頭報館發展華人社會華文報業華文報紙華文敎新加坡報業新加坡華文新報經濟葉季允實業影响篇幅編輯諸君論說銷售數薛有禮啓事爲了

When I click on "葉季允", the editor of the earliest Chinese newspaper of Singapore, the Lat Pau Press, I get the following texts:

1906 未见,因此笔者认为,在叶季允辞去编务〔 1904 〕之前,何渔古为叻报主笔之一, ... 同注 173 ,叶季允于二十一岁任叻报主笔,以其任期四十一年推算,逝世时实^应为六十 ...

As the OCR (Optical character recognition) are not able to read and transcribed all the Chinese Characters in the text correcting, knowing that it is done and available in "Electronic Resource" is a great discovery for me.

Hence, I think those who are interested in researching earliest Chinese newspaper of Singapore will be able to source for my writing with ease via Google Books (http://books.google.com/books?id=rO59AAAAIAAJ)!

As some trainees like to know if the same e-copy available from NLB, I did a search and found it in BOOKSG and found the entry with a different cover page show at

http://sgebooks.nl.sg/detail/9928cc9b-b855-4c77-aa55-78653ca5b805.aspx

The first 12 pages are available for free preview:

http://sgebooks.nl.sg/opencmscontent.aspx?app=BOOKSG&id=ab3f9738-c676-4522-ae03-039daa055e23

The full-text of this title is available for viewing in digital format at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library:
http://sgebooks.nl.sg/holdingNA.aspx

Singapore and Southeast Asian Collections
Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, Level 11
National Library Singapore
National Library Building
100 Victoria Street
Singapore 188064

Please approach the staff on duty at the Information Counter for assistance to view the item.

Source of information: http://sgebooks.nl.sg/holdingNA.aspx

Cheers for the day!

Dexterine Ho

WDA CET Qualification Award

2011-11-08T19:26:00.008+08:00

I was alerted by one of our training candidate today on:

CET Qualification Award (CQA) from WDA
http://app2.wda.gov.sg/web/contents/Contents.aspx?ContId=1215

What is it?

"The new CET Qualification Award (CQA) aims to encourage workers, who are Singapore Citizens, to attain full qualifications that will equip them with a more comprehensive skills set.

This will be especially beneficial for those who may have missed out on formal qualifications, those seeking a career change or those for which a formal qualification is beneficial to their career progression or job search.

From 1 March 2011, Singaporeans who successfully complete and are awarded a subsidised part-time Diploma at the Polytechnics or a WSQ Diploma/Specialist Diploma for the first time will be eligible for a CET Qualification Award (CQA) of $1,000.

Singaporeans who successfully complete and are awarded a WSQ Certificate/Higher Certificate/Advanced Certificate or a part-time NITEC/Higher NITEC for the first time will also be eligible for a CET Qualification Award (CQA) of $200. "

Source of information:
http://app2.wda.gov.sg/web/contents/Contents.aspx?ContId=1215

For LAS WSQ candidates who completed all the 5 modules under Level 2 training and obtained a WDA Higher Certificate in Library and Information Services (HCLIS) after 1 March 2011, may write to WDA and ask for more details on CET Qualification Award (CQA).

If you get $200, it is something additional for your income. I think this incentive may motivate many support staff to sign up for all modules as their hard work in completing the course do add dollars and cents to their pockets!

Cheers!

Dexterine Ho

M3 Bib Control: Activity 14

2011-11-08T16:02:00.010+08:00

Learning Activity 14: Basic cataloguing tools – MARC fields for Subject Access

Some Hints to answers:
Subject Added Entry
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd650.html

1. Assign Geographic Subdivision to the following topics and write its corresponding topic in as a MARC field:

a. Umbrella industry in Seattle Washington
Subject Heading:
Umbrella industry - - Washington (State) - - Seattle
Marc Format:
650 _0 $a Umbrella industry $z Washington (State) $z Seattle

b. Fire prevention in Singapore schools
Subject Heading:
Schools - - Fires and fire prevention - - Singapore
Marc Format:
650 _0 $a
___________________________________________

c. Film editing in Mumbai
Subject Heading:
Motion pictures - - India - - Mumbai - - Editing
Marc Format:
650 _0 $a
___________________________________________

d. French naval bases in Europe
Subject Heading:
Navy-yards and naval stations, French - - Europe
Marc Format:
650 _0 $a
___________________________________________

e. Malay grammar used in Malaysia
Subject Heading:
Malay language - - Malaysia - - Grammar
Marc Format:
650 _0 $a
___________________________________________

2. If the topics below are titles of materials in hand, list three subject headings from LCSH for each of them. Write your answers in the MARC format for each of them (including the title).

a. The Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew : a biography.

Correct the errors on the answer sheet:

245 14 $a The memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew: $b biography
(100 is wrong, as 100 tag is Author Main Entry)

600 10 $a Lee, Kuan Yew, $d 1923-
600 0 is wrong as "0" 1st indicator use for forename, and Lee, is a Surname.
600 10 is correct as the 2nd indicatior "0" indicate that it is a Library of Congress subject heading

http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd600.html

600 tag Subfield Codes is different:
$a - Personal name
$d - Dates associated with a name

650 _0 $a Prime ministers $z Singapore $v Biography.
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd650.html

651 _0 $a Singapore $x Politics and government.
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd651.html

b. A history of the pyramids.

Code the title and subject headings in MARC format

Pyramids -- Egypt -- History

Pyramids -- Egypt -- Antiquities

Pyramids -- History, ancient

c. Prize winning library buildings in Europe.

Code the title and subject headings in MARC format

Library architecture--Europe

Architecture--Awards--Europe

Libraries--Europe--Designs and plans

Libraries--Europe--Designs and constructions

d. Political situation in North Korea.

Code the title and subject headings in MARC format

Political socialization-- Korea (North)

Political science--Korea (North)--Politics and government

Korea (North)--Politics and government--Twentieth century

Political slogans--Korea (North)

e. Troops movements in Operation Desert Storm. (Author: David Blaine)

Code the title and subject headings in MARC format

Military maneuvers--Persian Gulf War, 1991

United States--History, Military--Twentieth century

United States--Military relations--Iraq

650 - Subject Added Entry

M3 Bib Control: Activity 20

2011-11-07T11:23:00.000+08:00

Refer to LG p.161.

Discuss and pool your answers to the questions based on the website and the FAQ

Goto website http://www.syndetics.com/

Locate its FAQ.

or
http://www.bowker.com/syndetics/classic/faqs.html

Spend 15 mins on activity

http://www.bowker.com/syndetics/classic/faqs.html

M3 Bib Control: Activity 06

2011-11-07T03:55:00.000+08:00

1. Find an authorized subject heading in the LCSH. These terms are in bold typeface. Find out what the meanings of the abbreviations, the phrases “Scope notes” and “May Subd Geog” this authorized heading.

* Hints on scope notes, LG p.43, with explanations and example "Abused children"

* Hints on “May Subd Geog” (May Subdivide Geographically" LG p.42 Figure 2.8, "Sports"

--use NLB easy search to browse the subject "Sports Singapore"

--Is "Singapore Sports" the right order for LCSH? Why

* The abbreviations and the full form of the followings:
SA = ?
RT = ?
BT = ?
NT = ?
UF = ?

2. Why are subject headings important in information work?

* Hints: LG p.40

3. Refer to the Library of Congress Subject Headings. Find five examples of the following:

3a. Filing of words – each heading is treated as words (examples should include abbreviations, acronyms or initials).

*Just rearrange and correct the following filing errors:

Cazcan Indians
C-coefficient
CCPM test
C.F & I. clause
C.O.D. shipments

3b. Filing of numbers – numbers precede alphabetic characters and arranged in increasing numeric value.

*Just rearrange and correct the following filing errors:

5th Avenue
0 (group of artists)
1st Century, A.D.
1 – 5 Bond Street
2U 2030

3c. Filing of dates – according to chronology.

**Just rearrange and correct the following filing errors:

Japanese poetry – to 1185
Japanese poetry – to 704
Japanese poetry – Heinan period, 794 – 1185
Japanese poetry – Heisei period, 1989 –
Japanese poetry – Showa period, 1926 – 1989

4a. Most headings in LCSH are entered as such in normal word order. However, some headings are inverted. Why is this so?

* Hints: To highlight ...
4b. Pre-coordination - Find five examples in LCSH of how conjunctions and prepositions are used in headings.

*Select five of the followings, you may use LG p. 42 for reference:
Contempt of court
Peace movements
Gymnastics for children
Postel service
Personality and intelligence
Pyu language
Peace in art
Pies family
Grain as feed

M3 Bib Control: Activity 05

2011-11-06T15:46:00.000+08:00

MARC Record Sample 1
====================
10 Suggested answers/hints for your choice:
====================
(1 to 5)
*MARC subfield code
*Place of publication
*Date of publication
*Heading: author’s name
*Physical description of item

(6 to 10)
*Statement of responsibility
*Main subject heading
*Title proper
*MARC tag for standard book number
*MARC indicator

MARC Record Sample 2
====================
Here are some pointers for your consideration:
====================

008 = Fixed-length data elements – positionally defined data elements that provide coded information about the record as a whole

020 = ISBN
040 = Cataloguing source
050 = Library of Congress call no.
082 = Dewey Decimal classification no.

100 = Main entry – personal name; 1st indicator = access point; $q = Qualification of name
245 = Title proper MARC 2nd indicator = specify the no. of non-filing characters preceding the first significant word, $c = statement of responsibility
260 = Publication; $a = place; $b = publisher; $c = date (c1994 = copyright 1994)

300 = physical description; ill. = illustrated
500 = General note
505 = Formatted content note
520 = Summary note

650 = Subject added entry – topical term
655 = Index term – genre/form
852 = Call number
856 = Electronic location and access; $u = URL; $z = date of access

M3 Bib Control: Activity 01

2011-11-06T13:14:00.002+08:00

Learning Activity 1: Library catalogues (OPACs)

Group work: 2-3 in a group
◦Use the title on page 181 and192
◦Or any title you like

Search Library catalogues (OPACs)
◦NLB
◦Academic Library
◦Other Library

Compare the records presented on the OPAC
◦Identify common points
◦Point out different contents in the records

Some OPACs to search :

National Library
http://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/

National University of Singapore
http://linc.nus.edu.sg/

Nanyang Technological University
http://opac.ntu.edu.sg/

National Institute of Education
http://opac.nie.edu.sg/

Singapore Management University
http://catalogue.library.smu.edu.sg/

Singapore Polytechnic
http://www.lib.sp.edu.sg/

Ngee Ann Polytechnic
http://libalephprd.np.edu.sg/

Temasek Polytechnic
http://spark.opac.tp.edu.sg/

Republic Polytechnic
http://libopac.rp.edu.sg/

Upcoming 2011 & 2012 LAS WSQ Level 2 Courses

2011-11-06T01:43:00.003+08:00

2011 (Dec) & 2012 (Jan to Dec) LAS WSQ Level 2 Courses is available at

LAS website
www.las.org.sg/wp/training-development/for-support-staff/

If you are interested to have the auto posting on your facebook account, just "LIKE" LAS FaceBook www.facebook.com/las.org.sg

Here is a quick summary of the schedule, and do note that it may subject to change. Please visit LAS websit for the latest schedule to check and confirm the details:

2011 December 13 & 14
Provide Loans and Membership
Agatha Room NLBA

========
2012 Date
========
Jan 10 - 11 (Tue/Wed)
Support General Reference
NLBA

Feb 2 - 3 (Thur/Fri)
Support Collection Maintenance
NLBA

Mar 6 - 7 (Tue/Wed)
Support Acquisition & serials
One-North

Apr 3 - 5 (Tue - Thu)
Support Bibliographic control
One-North

May 9-10 (Wed/Thu)
Provide Loans & membership
NLBA

Jun 5 - 6 (Tue/Wed)
Support General Reference
NLBA

Jul 3 - 4 (Tue/Wed)
Support Collection Maintenance
NLBA

Aug 7 - 8 (Tue/Wed)
Support Acquisition & serials
One-North

Sep 4 - 6 (Tue - Thu)
Support Bibliographic control
One-North

Oct 2 - 3 (Tue/Wed)
Provide Loans & membership
NLBA

Nov 6 - 7 (Tue/Wed)
Support General Reference
NLBA

Dec 4 - 5 (Tue/Wed)
Support Collection Maintenance
NLBA

For more details and any update, visit:
LAS website
www.las.org.sg/wp/training-development/for-support-staff/

Bib Control links: pt 11 (Virtual Union Catalogue)

2011-11-05T20:53:00.001+08:00

Virtual Union Catalogue in Singapore

SILAS (Singapore Integrated Library Automation Services) maintains National Union Catologue which is an information retrieval system to search and display items from member libraries

Virtual Union Catalogue

http://www.vuc.sg/

Virtual Union Catalogue The Virtual Union Catalogue (VUC) provides a single point access to search the collections of participating libraries.

The VUC Project
The VUC Project in Singapore is a collaborative effort among the Institutes of Higher Learning, Academic and Research Institutes and the National Library, Singapore.

The project allows users to do a single search across all catalogues of the participating libraries, online, without having to maintain a centralized catalogue. Real time searches will be conducted in various catalogues using the Z39.50* protocol with the results harvested and pooled.

The catalogue has been tentatively scheduled for launch in May 2009.

The participating libraries in the VUC are:

1. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)
2. Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)
3. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
4. National Institute of Education (NIE)
5. National Library Board (NLB)
6. National University of Singapore (NUS)
7. Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP)
8. Republic Polytechnic (RP)
9. Singapore Management University (SMU)
10. Singapore Polytechnic (SP)
11. Temasek Polytechnic (TP)

*Z39.50 is a client-server protocol for searching and retrieving information from remote computer databases.

The VUC Project Status

The VUC Project Phase 3 started off with workgroup sessions attended by representatives from the participating libraries in Singapore. The first session, held in April 2008, gathered and confirmed the specifications and requirements for the new VUC interface and system. Technical information from individual libraries was subsequently collected so that the new system could be set up to tap into their catalogue.

The staging site was set up in September 2008 with all participating libraries briefed on the systems capabilities.User Acceptance Tests (UATs) were conducted in February and March 2009 and Phase 3 of the VUC will be ready for launch in May 2009.

If you have any queries about the VUC Project, please call 6332 3255 or email: helpdesk@nlb.gov.sg

Source of information:
http://www.vuc.sg/

Bib Control links: pt 10 (NACO Authority control)

2011-11-05T20:09:00.001+08:00

Authority control has two functions:

NACO - The Name Authority COoperative program component of the PCC, Library of Congress

http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/naco/

Through this program participants contribute authority records for names, uniform titles, and series to the LC/NAF. An individual institution may join this program, or a group of libraries with a common interest may form a funnel project to contribute records via a coordinator.

Maintaining consistency in the heading form used to represent an access point

Showing relationships among names, works and subjects

For more details, visit:
http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/naco/

Using Library of Congress Authorities, you can browse and view authority headings for Subject, Name, Title and Name/Title combinations; and download authority records in MARC format for use in a local library system. This service is offered free of charge.

Access to Authority Records

1.What is an Authority Record?

2.Are authority records available free of charge?

3.Are authority records up to date?

4.Are bibliographic records and holdings information available?

5.Is Z39.50 access available for Library of Congress Authorities?

Searching Authority Records

6.Can authority records be searched by LCCN?

7.Can name and subject authorities be searched in a single query?

8.Can authority records be searched by keyword(s)?

9.How can I search for headings with diacritics and special characters?

10.Is it possible to search subject subdivisions and the display of full subject heading hierarchies?

Viewing and Saving Authority Records

11.Is it possible to view and save records with the full MARC 21 character set?

12.In the Headings List, why do some headings display without icons?

13.Why don't all headings have a corresponding authority record, reference, or note?

14.Why are there two entries, non-series title and series title, for many headings listed in the search results of a Title Authority Heading search?

Comments and Reporting Errors

16.How can I report errors in bibliographic or authority records to the Library of Congress?

Bib Control links: pt 9 (OCLC Connexion)

2011-11-05T11:52:00.002+08:00

OCLC Connexion is a service that is available via subscription:

http://connexion.oclc.org/

Connexion training
http://www.oclc.org/support/training/connexion/

Looking for training materials?
Use the Connexion browser tutorials or the Connexion client tutorials to learn how to use Connexion to create and edit bibliographic and authority records that help users find the materials they need faster.
Use Local Holdings Maintenance tutorials to learn how to create and edit your holdings records.
Connexion provides one-stop access to integrated cataloging tools and to WorldCat, the world's largest online union catalog and bibliographic database.
http://www.oclc.org/support/training/connexion/

OCLC connexion copy cataloging tutorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqAU3LBhERE

OCLC Connexion Browser Tutorials
http://www5.oclc.org/downloads/tutorials/connexion/browser/brsearch.html

The series of Using OCLC Connexion browser tutorials covers the various features of OCLC Connexion browser. Start with the Overview and then select the tutorials in order or select the ones you want to view.

System requirements for these tutorials are below. Times listed are approximations. The amount of time needed to complete a tutorial will vary with each individual.

OverviewShows how to logon, details the user interface, and explains how to setup preferences for cataloging and administrative features of the Connexion browser.Web-based. 28 pages. Approximate time to complete: 15 min.

View the tutorial
http://www5.oclc.org/downloads/tutorials/connexion/browser/brsearch.html

Bib Control links: pt 8 (OCLC WorldCat)

2011-11-05T11:36:00.002+08:00

WorldCat From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WorldCat

"WorldCat is a union catalog which itemizes the collections of 71,000 libraries in 112 countries which participate in the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) global cooperative. It is built and maintained collectively by the participating libraries."

For more details, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WorldCat

WorldCat.org
http://www.worldcat.org/The world's most comprehensive catalog of library collections.

"The world's largest library catalog find what you want in a library near you with WorldCat, a global catalog of library collections...

Find items in libraries near you:1.5 billion items available here through a library...

WorldCat connects you to the collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide"

To search the World Cat is free of charge. If you found something you have in mind, you may enter your location and find the libraies which hold the title.

For more information, visit:http://www.worldcat.org/titl

What is WorldCat?
http://www.oclc.org/support/help/worldcatorg/ApplicationHelp.htm

"WorldCat is the world's largest network of library-based content and services. WorldCat is a "master" catalog of library materials. It's a way for you to locate a book, video or other item of interest and discover which libraries near you own the item. Individual member libraries in your community and elsewhere provide the actual services, such as loaning you a book or providing access to online articles...

WorldCat lets you search the collections of libraries in your community and thousands of other libraries around the world.

How did I get here from the Web site I was on?

Can I search WorldCat at my local library?

What will you find in WorldCat?

News about WorldCat ...

For more details, visit:http://www.oclc.org/support/help/worldcatorg/ApplicationHelp.htm

Advanced search [WorldCat.org]www.worldcat.org/advancedsearch

Bib Control links: pt 7 (International and Local Bibliographic Utilities)

2011-11-05T11:34:00.001+08:00

International and Local Bibliographic Utilities

The following are some of the established international and local organizations that offer online, cooperative cataloging suppor and other related products and services:

Online Computer Library Center (OCLC)
http://www.oclc.org/

Auto-graphics Incorporated
http://www4.auto-graphics.com/

The Library Corporation
http://www.tlcdelivers.com/tlc/

Brodart Automation
http://www.brodart.com/

Singapore Integrated Library Automation Services (SILAS)
http://www.silas.org.sg/

SkyRiver
http://theskyriver.com/

Bib Control links: pt 6 (AACR2)

2011-11-05T11:33:00.002+08:00

AACR2 http://www.aacr2.org/index.html
Online Access is based on subscription,

Cooperative Cataloging Rules

http://sites.google.com/site/opencatalogingrules/

Information from this page includes:

* About this Site and How to Use It
* List of Cataloging Rules
* FAQs

etc...

For more details, visit:
http://sites.google.com/site/opencatalogingrules/

AACR2 Chapter 1
http://sites.google.com/site/opencatalogingrules/aacr2-chapter-1
========
Contents
========
1 1.0 General Rules

2 1.1 Title and Statement of Responsibility Area

2.1 1.1B Title proper
2.2 1.1C General material designation
2.3 1.1D Parallel titles
2.4 1.1E Other title information
2.5 1.1F Statements of responsibility

3 1.2 Edition Area

4 1.3 Material (or Type of Publication) Specific Details Area

5 1.4 Publication, Distribution, etc. Area

6 1.5 Physical Description Area

7 1.6 Series Area

8 1.7 Note Area

9 1.8 Standard Number and Terms of Availability Area

10 1.9 Supplementary Items

11 1.10 Items Made up of Several Types of Material

12 1.11 Facsimiles, Photocopies, and Other Reproductions

Subpages (46): and you may view All via http://sites.google.com/site/opencatalogingrules/system/app/pages/subPages?path=/aacr2-chapter-1

For more information on Chapter 1 of AACR2, visit:
http://sites.google.com/site/opencatalogingrules/aacr2-chapter-1

Bib Control links: part 5 (LC Online Catalog)

2011-11-05T11:30:00.001+08:00

Library of Congress Online Catalog

http://catalog.loc.gov/

The Library of Congress Online Catalog has proven so popular among cataloguers who do not have any paid subscription for Marc Records.

After you used the "Basic search" you use "MARC Tags Display"

The MARC Tags display includes the full bibliographic information, including the "fixed field" or fixed-length data elements and locally defined fields, with the field tags and content designation specified by the MARC 21 format, a communication standard that enables exchange of bibliographic, holdings, and other data among electronic systems. The leader is displayed; the directory is not displayed.

All record displays include the call number by which materials must be requested.

Some information displays as a hypertext link (in blue and underlined). Selecting a link launches a search for related records.

Consult the Full Record display for the most complete labeled display of bibliographic information. To focus on subject headings, and any information summarizing and/or classifying the content of the work, consult the Subjects/Content display.

View the Brief Record display for the most basic information about the work.

For more details, access:
Library of Congress Online Catalog

http://catalog.loc.gov/

Bib Control links: pt 4b (Marc 21 format: Code lists for countries)

2011-11-05T11:28:00.002+08:00

MARC Code Lists for Countries
http://www.loc.gov/marc/countries/cou_home.html

"Last updated April 4, 2008 to incorporate 12 additions

•Introduction (PDF)
--General Information
--Structure and Assignment of Codes
--Arrangement of the List
--Changes in the Codes
--MARC 21 Formats and Fields in which Codes are Used
--Code Maintenance

•Name Sequence (HTML)

•Name Sequence (PDF)

•Code Sequence (HTML)

•Code Sequence (PDF)

•Regional Sequence (HTML)

•Regional Sequence (PDF)

•Changes in 2003 printed edition (PDF)

•Changes to online list since 2003 printed edition (HTML)"

For more details, visit:
http://www.loc.gov/marc/countries/cou_home.html

An XML version is available for use in applications at:
http;//www.loc.gov/standards/codelists/countries.xml

Bib Control links: pt 4a (Marc 21 format: General)

2011-11-05T11:27:00.001+08:00

Marc 21 format for bibliographic data
from
Library of Congress >> MARC >> Bibliographic
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/
"This online publication provides access to both the full and concise versions of the MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data. The "full" bibliographic format contains detailed descriptions of every data element, along with examples, input conventions, and history sections. The "concise" bibliographic format contains abridged descriptions of every data element, along with examples. The full and concise versions are identified in the header of each field description.

Changes to the MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data that resulted from Update No. 12 (October 2010) are displayed in red print. The date located in the header of the full version of each field indicates the last month and year of update."

For more details, visit:
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/

Leader
from:

Library of Congress >> MARC >> Bibliographic >> Leader
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bdleader.html

Has no indicators or subfield codes; the data elements are positionally defined.
Character Positions
00-04 - Record length
05 - Record status
a - Increase in encoding level
c - Corrected or revised
d - Deleted
n - New
p - Increase in encoding level from prepublication"

for more details, visit:
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bdleader.html
245 - Title Statement (NR)
from:

Library of Congress >> MARC >> Bibliographic >> 20X-24X >> 245

http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd245.html

"MARC 21 Bibliographic - Full

First Indicator
Title added entry
0 - No added entry
1 - Added entry

Second Indicator Nonfiling characters

0 - No nonfiling characters
1-9 - Number of nonfiling characters

Subfield Codes

$a - Title (NR)
$b - Remainder of title (NR)
$c - Statement of responsibility, etc. (NR)
$f - Inclusive dates (NR)
$g - Bulk dates (NR)
$h - Medium (NR)
$k - Form (R)

$n - Number of part/section of a work (R)
$p - Name of part/section of a work (R)
$s - Version (NR)
$6 - Linkage (NR)
$8 - Field link and sequence number (R)

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Title and statement of responsibility area of the bibliographic description of a work.

Title Statement field consists of the title proper and may also contain the general material designation (medium), remainder of title, other title information, the remainder of the title page transcription, and statement(s) of responsibility. The title proper includes the short title and alternative title, the numerical designation of a part/section and the name of a part/section.

For mixed material, the title statement is defined as the name by which the material is known. The field may contain inclusive dates (subfield $f) and bulk dates (subfield $g) pertaining to a collection. For collections with no formal bibliographic title, subfield $k (Form) is used. Subfield $k may also be used to indicate "form" even if a formal title is given in subfields $a, $b, and $c."

For more details, visit: http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd245.html

246 - Varying Form of Title (R)
from
Library of Congress >> MARC >> Bibliographic >> 20X-24X >> 246http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd246.html

"First Indicator

Note/added entry controller

0 - Note, no added entry
1 - Note, added entry
2 - No note, no added entry
3 - No note, added entry

Second Indicator

Type of title

# - No type specified
0 - Portion of title
1 - Parallel title
2 - Distinctive title
3 - Other title
4 - Cover title
5 - Added title page title
6 - Caption title
7 - Running title
8 - Spine title

Subfield Codes

$a - Title proper/short title (NR)
$b - Remainder of title (NR)
$f - Date or sequential designation (NR)
$g - Miscellaneous information (NR)
$h - Medium (NR)
$i - Display text (NR)
$n - Number of part/section of a work (R)

$p - Name of part/section of a work (R)
$5 - Institution to which field applies (NR)
$6 - Linkage (NR)
$8 - Field link and sequence number (R)

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Varying forms of the title appearing on different parts of an item or a portion of the title proper, or an alternative form of the title when the form differs substantially from the title statement in field 245 and if they contribute to the further identification of the item.

For items including several works but lacking a collective title, field 246 is used only for titles related to the title selected as the title proper, usually the first work named in the chief source of information. Titles related to other works are recorded in field 740 (Added Entry-Uncontrolled Related/Analytical Title) or one of the other 7XX (Added Entry) fields.

When displayed/printed as a note, varying forms of titles are usually preceded by an introductory term or phrase that is generated as a display constant based on the second indicator value."

for more details, visit:
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd246.html

Bib Control links: pt 3 (LCSH: Library of Congress Subject Heading)

2011-11-05T11:26:00.001+08:00

Using Library of Congress Authorities for subject headings at http://authorities.loc.gov/

You can browse and view authority headings for Subject, Name, Title and Name/Title combinations; and download authority records in MARC format for use in a local library system. This service is offered free of charge.

http://authorities.loc.gov/

Search Authorities

Help on Searching Authorities - Frequently Asked Questions

You may switch to the Library of Congress Online Catalog at http://catalog.loc.gov/
to search for and display catalog records for the over 12 million books
and other items in the collections of the Library of Congress.

Bib Control Links: pt 2 (Sears Subject Headings)

2011-11-05T11:25:00.002+08:00

Sears Subject Headings
http://www.slais.ubc.ca/courses/libr517/03-04-wt2/projects/KidsCatWeb/Sears/SearsLayout.html

"General background

The Sears list of Subject Headings for School and Public Libraries was the work of Minnie Earl Sears who consulted the catalogues of smaller libraries in order to respond to requests made by librarians who wanted to have a subject vocabulary that was less complex than LCSH. There are many similarities between the LCSH and the Sears headings: both lists are essentially alphabetically arranged subject lists of precoordinated subject terms that allow the use of subdivisions. Literary warrant guides the creation and usage of headings, and both aim to achieve the greatest level of specificity in subject analysis."

for more details, visit:
http://www.slais.ubc.ca/courses/libr517/03-04-wt2/projects/KidsCatWeb/Sears/SearsLayout.html

Minnie Earl Sears
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnie_Earl_Sears

"Minnie Earl Sears (17 November 1873 – 28 November 1933) formulated the Sears Subject Headings, a simplification of the Library of Congress Subject Headings.

Life and work
Sears was a native of Lafayette, Indiana, and was awarded a B.Sc. from Purdue University at age 18, the youngest graduate in her class. She received an M.Sc in 1893. In 1900 the University of Illinois awarded to her a Bachelor of Library Science degree.

Sears had a long career as a cataloguer and bibliographer at a variety of libraries (Bryn Mawr College, University of Minnesota, New York Public Library), before she joined the publishing company H. W. Wilson Company in 1923 to publish her List of Subject Headings for Small Libraries. The book provides a list of subject headings for small libraries to use in lieu of Library of Congress Subject Headings. Library of Congress headings are often not as useful for small libraries because they are too detailed. Sears’ List of Subject Headings also offers small libraries guidance on how to create their own new subject headings consistently when necessary.

In order to create her subject headings, Sears consulted small and medium sized libraries throughout the country to discern patterns of usage. She then developed her own system, based in part on the Library of Congress Subject Headings, but with a simplified subject vocabulary. In Sears’ system, common terms are much preferred over scientific and technical terms. Her system also allowed individual libraries the authority to create their own subject headings. The Sears model is not meant to serve as a standardized bridge for union catalogs, but rather as a model “for the creation of headings as needed”.

For more details, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnie_Earl_Sears

Bib Control links: pt 1c (DDC: Dewey Decimal Classification)

2011-11-05T10:57:00.002+08:00

Dewey Decimal Classification summaries:

A Brief Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification

Summaries

First Summary
The Ten Main Classes

000 Computer science, information & general works
100 Philosophy & psychology
200 Religion
300 Social sciences
400 Language
500 Science
600 Technology
700 Arts & recreation
800 Literature
900 History & geography

http://www.oclc.org/dewey/resources/summaries/

You may also download the PDF file from this site.

"History and Current Use"

'The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system is a general knowledge organization tool that is continuously revised to keep pace with knowledge. The system was conceived by Melvil Dewey in 1873 and first published in 1876. The DDC is published by OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc. OCLC owns all copyright rights in the Dewey Decimal Classification, and licenses the system for a variety of uses.

The DDC is the most widely used classification system in the world. Libraries in more than 135 countries use the DDC to organize and provide access to their collections, and DDC numbers are featured in the national bibliographies of more than 60 countries. Libraries of every type apply Dewey numbers on a daily basis and share these numbers through a variety of means (including WorldCat, the OCLC Online Union Catalog). Dewey is also used for other purposes, e.g., as a browsing mechanism for resources on the web."

for more details, visit:
http://www.oclc.org/dewey/resources/summaries/

Bib Control links: pt 1b (LCC: Library of Congress Classification)

2011-11-05T10:48:00.005+08:00

Library of Congress Classification Outline

URL at LC gives a summary of main and subclasses

http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/

"The files are also available for downloading in WordPerfect format (noted as WP version) and in Word format (noted as Word version).

A -- GENERAL WORKS - WP version - Word version

B -- PHILOSOPHY. PSYCHOLOGY. RELIGION - WP version - Word version

C -- AUXILIARY SCIENCES OF HISTORY - WP version - Word version

D -- WORLD HISTORY AND HISTORY OF EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, ETC. - WP version - Word version

E -- HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS - WP version - Word version

F -- HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS - WP version - Word version

G -- GEOGRAPHY. ANTHROPOLOGY. RECREATION - WP version - Word version

H -- SOCIAL SCIENCES - WP version - Word version

J -- POLITICAL SCIENCE - WP version - Word version

K -- LAW - WP version - Word version

L -- EDUCATION - WP version - Word version

M -- MUSIC AND BOOKS ON MUSIC - WP version - Word version

N -- FINE ARTS - WP version - Word version

P -- LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - WP version - Word version

Q -- SCIENCE - WP version - Word version

R -- MEDICINE - WP version - Word version

S -- AGRICULTURE - WP version - Word version

T -- TECHNOLOGY - WP version - Word version

U -- MILITARY SCIENCE - WP version - Word version

V -- NAVAL SCIENCE - WP version - Word version

Z -- BIBLIOGRAPHY. LIBRARY SCIENCE. INFORMATION RESOURCES (GENERAL) - WP version - Word version"

For more details, visit:

http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/

You may also use:
http://catalog.loc.gov/

to look at Library of Congress Online Catalog to see how classification is being used.

Bib Control Links: pt 1a (Library classification)

2011-11-05T06:58:00.001+08:00

* Library classification

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"A library classification is a system of coding and organizing library materials (books, serials, audiovisual materials, computer files, maps, manuscripts, realia) according to their subject and allocating a call number to that information resource. Similar to classification systems used in biology, bibliographic classification systems group entities together that are similar, typically arranged in a hierarchical tree structure. A different kind of classification system, called a faceted classification system, is also widely used which allows the assignment of multiple classifications to an object, enabling the classifications to be ordered in multiple ways." ...

for more details, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_classification

* Dewey Decimal Classification
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC, also called the Dewey Decimal System) is a proprietary system of library classification developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876; it has been greatly modified and expanded through 22 major revisions, the most recent in 2003.^[1] This system organizes books on library shelves in a specific and repeatable order that makes it easy to find any book and return it to its proper place. The system is used in 200,000 libraries in at least 135 countries.^"...

for more details, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewey_Decimal_Classification

http://www.oclc.org/dewey/resources/scholar.htm

Library of Congress Classification
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is a system of library classification developed by the Library of Congress. It is used by most research and academic libraries in the U.S. and several other countries. It is not to be confused with the Library of Congress Subject Headings or Library of Congress Control Number. Most public libraries and small academic libraries continue to use the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)."

"The classification was originally developed by Herbert Putnam in 1897, just before he assumed the librarianship of Congress. With advice from Charles Ammi Cutter, it was influenced by Cutter Expansive Classification, and the DDC, and was specially designed for the special purposes of the Library of Congress."

"The new system replaced a fixed location system developed by Thomas Jefferson. By the time of Putnam's departure from his post in 1939, all the classes except K (Law) and parts of B (Philosophy and Religion) were well developed. It has been criticized as lacking a sound theoretical basis; many of the classification decisions were driven by the particular practical needs of that library, rather than epistemological considerations."

"Although it divides subjects into broad categories, it is essentially enumerative in nature. It provides a guide to the books actually in the library, not a classification of the world."

for more details, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress_Classification

* Library of Congress Subject Headings
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress_Subject_Headings

* A portal to my Cataloguing Aids website: Cataloguing advice and links that serve the website of the same name

http://cataids.wordpress.com/?s=245+indicators

InfoHost User Group Meeting 2011

2011-11-04T22:55:00.001+08:00

iGroup/InfoHost host their User Group Meeting today and I was invited to join this event.

InfoHost User Group Meeting 2011

Date: Friday, 4th November 2011
Time: 0830-1400hrs
Venue: Orchard Hotel Singapore, Orchard Ballroom I, Level 3, 442 Orchard Road, Singapore 238879

They have specially invited 3 distinguished speakers for this meeting:

- Dr Scott Nicholson (Associate Professor), School of Information Studies Syracuse University

- Mr John Shipp (University Librarian), the University Of Sydney

- Mr Michael B. Morgan (President & CEO), Morgan & ClayPool Publishers to share with us their expertise and insights.

Dr Scott Nicholson interesting talk is on “Gaming Programs for Academic Libraries”

Mr John Shipp on “Extreme-E” and Mr Michael B. Morgan on “Beyond Ebooks” at the event.

They have also included an exhibition area to showcase the latest products and offerings from represented publishers.

10 Seats was allocated for LAS for this event and I appreciate Ms Susan Pey personal reply and her warm reception at the meeting.

I think my best harvest for the day was getting re-connected with friends and counterparts from various libraries and updating my knowledge and understanding of the Gaming trends in General and their applications in the library! That will add new juice for my training in LAS/WSQ Level 2 courses.

Extreme-E and Beyond Ebooks ignites my desire to look into e-books interactive format and innovative publication in details!

I think Ebooks has its new dynamics that evolve itself from still pdf or audio book. When it become more comfortable and interesting to reader, it will be accepted and I think printed books that we have will become valuable "collectable items" in years to come!

UBS Inaugural Exhibition and Fair

2011-11-02T19:03:00.001+08:00

It was new to me to attend UBS Inaugural Exhibition & Fair today at The Grassroots Club.

The Inaugural Exhibition and Fair is for librarians, academics and professionals in Singapore.

UBS run this exhibition to serves educators, information provider and individuals who is looking for up-to-date resources and quality services.

It is an opportunity for me who is doing LAS WSQ training to preview a wide range of publications and witness how scanner is being used to capture barc0de for acquisition purpose, the new method can be used for some sharing of acquisition experience in the LAS WSQ training in the near future.

Subject areas of this exhibition cover:
Asian Studies
Business
Computer Science
Engineering – Aviation, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electronic, Environment, Maritime, Mechanical
Life Sciences
Lifestyle & Self-Development
Social Sciences – Education, Psychology, Politics, Sociology & Social Welfare

Many prestigious local and overseas publishers participated in the exhibition. Books, magazines, audio-visual materials and electronic resources are offered for selection and recommendations. To me it is a min book trade fare that is exclusive for in-groups like us who are in the library fields

The new experience make me understand it is not easy to sell book if you want to do it in a way that touch your customer's heart and have it in a quality/value added manner.

Date & Time
2 Nov 2011, 11 am – 8 pm
The Grassroots Club, near Nanyang Polytechnic

Organized by:
UBS Library Services Pte Ltd
Block 1008 Toa Payoh North #03-18
Singapore 318996
Mobile: 65-9674 3737
Tel: 65-6353 6682 ext 119
Fax: 65-6353 6683
URL : http://www.ubspress.com/

Bibliographic Record Examples

2011-11-01T21:57:00.001+08:00

Bibliographic Record Examples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eC5QpW9Q-w&feature=related

These are three example bibliographic records created by Jason W Dean, with explanations and more information.

For more information, visit his VisualCV at http://www.visualcv.com/jasonwdean, and his website at http://www.thedeanfiles.com/

Understanding Digital Preservation

2011-10-31T22:11:00.001+08:00

Today, I attended the Seminar On “Understanding Digital Preservation in the Context of Digital Library” organised by ExLibris Singapore:

Date: Monday, 31st Oct 2011
Time: 1400hr – 1700hr
Venue: Library Instructional Commons Block N2 Level B3A-01 Nanyang Technological University50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798

"With the transition from traditional paper to a digital library, many institutions are facing new challenges. One of the emerging challenges is in the field of digital preservation and its role as part of the digital library."

"Ex Libris Rosetta digital preservation solution provides a sustainable digital preservation model which enables institutions to collect, manage, preserve, and provide access to institutional documents, research output in digital formats, digital images, websites, and other digitally born and digitized materials."

Listening to Mr. John M. Meador, Jr, Dean of Libraries on his digital preservation experience in Binghamton University, was most inspiring to me.

He reminded us that "Digital Preservation Project" have to be conceived with the needs of interest groups in mind.

With interests from the academic groups who see the needs to preserve the objects, pictures or photographs etc, funding will follow.

Start with manageable and low hanging fruits first and move on to the higher goal.

It is not a "Zero or All" game. You can do comprehensive digital preservation steps by steps, not all at once!

Agenda:
1330 – 1400 NTU Library Tour (Business Library) & Registration

1400 – 1405 Welcome Speech: Mr. Choy Fatt Cheong, University Librarian, Nanyang Technological University Mr. Ziv BenZvi, Vice President, Ex Libris Asia Pacific

1405 – 1450 Overview of the world of digital preservation: Mr. Nir Sherwinter, Rosetta Business Analysis & Implementation Manager

1450 – 1535 Building a Digital Library for Binghamton University: Mr. John M. Meador, Jr, Dean of Libraries, Binghamton University

1535 – 1605 Tea break

1605 – 1650 Rosetta Overview & Live Demonstration: Mr. Nir Sherwinter, Rosetta Business Analysis & Implementation Manager

1650 – 1700 Q&A

Source of information:
http://www.exlibrisgroup.com/category/SingaporeRosetta

A joyful experience: moving around shelf

2011-10-10T22:41:00.002+08:00

Just received some photos via email from one of the trainee and here I share with you two of the photos we took on the first day of SUPPORT COLLECTION MAINTENANCE (LAS WSQ Level 2 course: Module 4) held on 6 Sept 2011, Tuesday at National Library Academy Agatha Room.

Shelf reading: after lunch walking and standing exercise

All of us enjoy to be a "movable book" for once, and we are in the "right order" after the fun-filling shelf reading exercise!

For more information on the module, please refer to Library Assiciation of Singapore (LAS) Webpage athttp://www.las.org.sg/wp/training-development/for-support-staff/

The course fees are listed at http://www.las.org.sg/2011ScheduleWithCosts.xls

LAS is the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by WDA and offers the following five WSQ Level 2 Courses:

Support General Reference and Information Enquiry

Support Collection Maintenance

Acquisitions and Serials Work

Provide Loans and Membership Services

Support Bibliographic Control

The third run of the WSQ/LAS Level 2 training for Support Bibliographic Control work is on 8 – 10 November 2011. This 3 day course will be held at CR605, NTU@OneNorth.

The registration for November course "Support Bibliographic Control" is fully subscribed today!

If you are attending the course next month, see you at NTU@OneNorth then!

Dexterine Ho

Hertitage trail of Bukit Brown Cemetry

2011-10-09T22:23:00.007+08:00

"But once you're gone, you belong to the world."

----Steve Jobs

I understand this quotation better today when I follow Mr Raymond Goh for a heritage trail of Bukit Brown Cemetery this morning.

With the inscriptions on the tomb stone, many personal information is revealed to the world and personal information is being channelled into public domain. Learning the intricate relationship among tombs in Bukit Brown Cemetery is an "eye and mind-opening" experience!

The trail started at 9am and I left around 12 noon. Many thanks to Raymond Goh, Charles Goh, Rosalind M Tan, Charlotte Chu and many other volunteers for making the event possible!

From the article "S’pore’s oldest grave?" at http://www.preshigh.edu.sg/teachers/laick/Singapore/Historical%20Sites/S'pore's%20oldest%20grave.aspx , I understand that Mr Raymond Goh is a pharmacist by day and use his free time researching tombs and cemeteries. The interest began in 2006 after he felt the importance of "preserving the past". He has since found many graves of

Singapore

's pioneers.

This evening, I learned from the News on TV at 10pm that My friend Ms Rosalind Tan, 陈如琳, was able to re-locate the tombs of her grand parents, Mr and Mrs Tan Yong Thian, with the help of Raymond.

According to Rosalind, her grandfather Mr Tan Yong Thian (also known as Tan Ah Tian) born in 1855, came to Singapore in 1882 at the age of 27 from Chaoyang, in Swatow, China.

From http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2011/11/holistic-strategy-for-bukit-brown.html, I learn that "He started life in Singapore as a building contractor and later invested in various plantations. He was the first Chinese to distil patchouli oil successfully and his company, Chua Seng Heng, became the largest producer of essential oils in the Straits Settlements."

Viewing the [Obituaries] in The Straits Times, 4 March 1926, Page 8, I learned that Mrs. Tan Yong Thian nee Ng Hean Neo, passed away at age 59 on 1st March 1926. http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Issue/straitstimes19260304.aspx

Follow Raymond for the morning trail to explore and re-discover the pioneers in Singapore is a fulfuling experience for me. We have the chance of unveiling some interesting links between famous families in Singapore and understand the tombs' "networking pattern". Listening to the anecdotes and insightful decipher of the tombs and the plaques give us more indepth understanding of the hidden meaning embedded in the inscriptions and sculptures.

I recited and sing the poem "Qing Ming" by Du Mu, Tang Dynasty Poet, at the Tomb of Rosalind's Grand Parents in Teochew as a symbolic tribute to her ancestors. (晚唐著名诗人杜牧有一首脍炙人口的绝句《清明》，诗云：“清明时节雨纷纷，路上行人欲断魂。借问酒家何处有，牧童遥指杏花村。”

My translated version:
Drizzling rain always falls during Qing Ming days.
It's like the mourners' heart tearing sadly on their ways.
Where can a winehouse be found to diverse one's deep sorrow?
A little cowherd pointed to the Almond Flower (Xing Hua) Village, a distance away!

(Chinese words edited and English translation added on 15 Jan 2012 in response to Mr Ang Hock Chuan's posting the video on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150395630547491&mid=57 )
Being Teochew, Rosalind made a general request for a Teochew Tune/Song before we start the trail, and I think it is meaningful for me to do it for the deceased and share the sentiments with friends who make their way there.
==========

For background information, I found the following infopedia article very helpful:

Bukit Brown Municipal Cemetery

By Kartini Saparudin written on 13-Jul-2009
National Library Board Singapore
http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1358_2009-07-13.html

Here are useful pointers and information from the full text of the article (Some headings and dates are highlighted/added for quick reference, it is like reading the full text with some annotations, esp the name of places in Chinese translation):

Bukit Brown Municipal Cemetery

1922:
"The Bukit Brown Municipal Cemetery, located between Lornie Road and Mount Pleasant Road, was officially opened on 1 January 1922."

1973: "Previously a 211-acre plot of land that belonged to the Hokkien Ong clan, the Municipality had acquired a section of it in 1918-1919 to serve the burial needs of the wider Chinese community. It was opened for more than half a century until its closure in 1973."

Early beginnings of Bukit Brown

* George Henry Brown:

"Bukit Brown was named after George Henry Brown, a shipowner, trader and broker who arrived in Singapore in the 1840s. He opened a company named Brown, Knight & Co., at Malacca Street in 1865, and was also listed as a petit juror in the Singapore almanack and directory (1870). "

* Bukit Brown:

"Brown's place of residence was located at Mount Pleasant Road/Drive, a road close to the present Bukit Brown site. Although the hill on which Brown's residence stood was named after him, the road leading to Bukit Brown did not exist until much later."

* Bukit Brown Road

"When an access road to Bukit Brown was constructed, the road was named Bukit Brown Road in 1923. This road has since been expunged."

Seh Ong (Hokkien) Cemetery

1872: Ong clan "self-sufficient village"

"Prior to the opening of the municipal cemetery, the area was owned by three wealthy Hokkien entrepreneurs, Ong Kew Ho, Ong Ewe Hai and Ong Chong Chew, who came from the same village of Bai Qiao in Xiamen, China. In 1872, the trio bought a 211 acre site at Bukit Timah Road, also known as Bukit Brown (next to the Teck Rubber Estate at the fourth milestone), with the intention to set up a self-sufficient village for poorer members of the Ong clan. The land was to serve the community's residential, agricultural and burial needs."

Tai Yuan Shan 太原山, Xing Wang Shan 姓王山 and Kopi Sua (咖啡山Coffee hill)

"However, the land eventually came to be used solely as a burial ground. The reason for this change is unclear. The hill on which the Seh Ong Cemetery stood was also known to the Chinese as Tai Yuan Shan , Xing Wang Shan and Kopi Sua (coffee hill). The latter probably derived its name from the coffee plantations at Mount Pleasant."
Opening of the Bukit Brown Cemetery

1918-1919

"To meet the pressing need for more public Chinese burial grounds, the Municipal government acquired a section of the Seh Ong Cemetery in 1918-1919 to serve the needs of the wider Chinese community."

1922

"The cemetery officially opened on 1 January 1922. Initially, various aspects of the cemetery's management were handled by the Municipal Commissioners."

1923

"However in 1923, they decided that internal arrangements relating to the cemetery should be left to the Chinese Commissioners to make their recommendations to the Board."

A cemetery for the wider Chinese community

25 August 1922 Amendment (Section 245, no. 9)

"Since the Bukit Brown Cemetery was set up to serve the burial needs of the wider Chinese community, rich and poor, all were to be given equal access to burial plots. To this end, an amendment (Section 245, no. 9) was passed at a special meeting of the Commissioners held on 25 August 1922."

January 1923 and April 1923

"The amendment stated that no special favours would be given to any members of the community. Incidences where one person was allocated to two burial plots were no longer permitted. The by-law came into effect on 21 September 1923. Between the date when the amendment was passed and its effective date, two cases of double occupancy took place in January 1923 and April 1923 respectively."

1929

"Bukit Brown was initially unpopular with the Chinese because of its small plot sizes. However, it slowly gained acceptance after improvements were made to the layout. It was reported that by 1929, 40% of all officially registered Chinese burials within the municipality took place there."
Up-keeping problems

"The Commissioners also sought to improve the conditions of the cemetery. In the beginning, two rest houses were allocated for funeral visitors. A regular water supply was provided through the construction of water pipes and wells, and gardeners were hired to maintain the site. Despite this, complaints about the unkempt appearance of the cemetery occasionally appeared in the newspapers."

Other problems at the cemetery

"Aside from municipal issues, murders, robberies and faction fights were also known occurrences."

1927
"One of the earliest murders at the cemetery took place in 1927. A fight between two groups led to the fatal stabbing of two Chinese men."

1933

"On 24 July 1933, The Straits Times reported on a fight which broke out in the middle of a full funeral procession of a famous towkay, attended by 1,000 people at the cemetery. The clash was sparked by two secret societies in conflict. As a result of the skirmish, six people were taken to the hospital."

1980

"In 1980, a robbery took the life of the cemetery's caretaker and part-time gardener. The caretaker was found dead with 15 years of his life savings missing."

* Swapping of burial plots

"In addition to murders, fights and robberies, there was also the peculiar problem of the illegal swapping of burial plots. There was considerable black-marketeering of Chinese burial plots. This is evident in the advertisements of that period. Notices inviting transfers of burial plots at Bukit Brown Cemetery were advertised in the newspapers. Such transactions were against the Municipal's by-laws and were not recognised by the Commissioners."

"Despite the Commissioners' assurance that there was no lack of burial space, such practices continued. It is not clear from the reports what drove the demand for blackmarket burial plots or the illegal swapping of burial plots. It could be due to lack of space as some felt that the sizes of the burial plots were too small or the Chinese preference for burying family members close by, hence the need to swap plots."

Prominent personalities buried at Bukit Brown
"Many well-known and prominent Singaporeans are interred at Bukit Brown Municipal Cemetery. They include Mrs Eu Kong, mother of Eu Tong Sen; Loh Kye Wee, director of Malaya Broadcasting Co.; Tan Lark Sye, philanthropist and rubber magnate; Ong Sam Leong, renowned entrepreneur; Ong Boon Tat, proprietor of New World Park; Mrs Lim Nee Soon, Lim Chong Pang, which Chong Pang village was named after; and Chew Boon Lay of Boon Lay estate. Some of these graves have been around since the establishment of the Seh Ong Cemetery."

"One of the more memorable funeral processions that took place at the cemetery was the singing of Malay pantun-pantun (poems) at the funeral of Koh Hoon Teck, one of the "old guards" of the Peranakan community in Singapore. It had been one of his wishes that Malay poetry be sung at his funeral. As he was a pantun expert and a founding member of the Dondang Sayang Association, his family members, close friends and members of the association arranged for a "pantun party" to be held at the cemetery. This was done in an elaborate Ming fashion as his other wish was to be interred in robes of the Ming period."
Features of tombs

"The tomb of Ong Sam Leong and his wife in Bukit Brown is said to be the largest tomb in Singapore. Built in 1918 before plot sizes were fixed, the area is reported to be as large as 10 small Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. Unlike most tombs that have either a small groove or ditch, its front perimeter is 15m long. Also, while most graves are adorned with decorations from traditional Chinese mythology such as lion statues, the Ong tomb is one of several tombs that have statues of Sikh watchmen which stand guard over the grave instead."

Oldest grave?

1833

"On 21 March 2010, a newspaper report claimed that the oldest grave in Bukit Brown dated to as early as 1833, not 1844 as previously claimed. The headstone belongs to a man called Fang Shan, who died in 1833. Fang Shan's grave is looked after by the Fang Shee Association, a local clan association for those with the surname Fang. The more important part of this discovery was that it was also believed to be the oldest known grave to date."

"According to the National Archives of Singapore, which keeps burial records, the oldest grave here dates back to 2 April 1865. This grave was at the Bukit Timah Road Old Cemetery, also known as the Kampong Java Cemetery. According to the National Environment Agency, it was exhumed together with the other 8,461 graves in the cemetery, and the remains reburied at Choa Chu Kang Christian Cemetery in 1970.In 2006, The Straits Times reported that a tomb dating back to 1842 had been found near the current National University of Singapore law school campus."

Roads in and around Bukit Brown

1923: Bukit Brown Road & Kheam Hock Road

"On 1 June 1923, the Committee of Municipal Commissioners decided to name the first portion of the road from Bukit Timah Road to the golf club Bukit Brown Road. It was also decided that the the road from Bukit Brown Road leading to the cemetery should be called Kheam Hock Road, in memory of Municipal Commissioner Tan Kheam Hock, who had actively lobbied for the establishment of the cemetery. Tan had passed away in April 1922. In 1925, one of the Municipal Commissioners, See Tiong Wah, noted the growing popularity of the road leading to the cemetery and suggested a widening of Kheam Hock Road to 60 feet and the wooden bridge leading to it. This suggestion was, however, rejected."

1965: Graveyard divided into two

"Though the Bukit Brown Cemetery faces the threat of redevelopment in land-scarce Singapore, no formal plans have yet been made known. The Land Transport Authority has, however, announced the construction of a Bukit Brown MRT station at Jalan Mashor, near the cemetery. It will be one of the 13 new MRT stations along the Circle Line between the Thomson Road area and Harbour Front. Although the Circle Line is due for completion in 2010, the Bukit Brown MRT station will remain unfinished until the area becomes more developed. In the meantime, the proposed MRT station will be constructed as a "shell station" - a stop with basic structures such as ventilation shafts for the MRT tunnel, and underground concrete boxes to house the future station."

"The portion of the state land of Bukit Brown was exhumed to make way for the alignment of Lornie Road, off Adam Road, in 1965. Later, the graveyard was also divided into two sections due to the construction of the Pan Island Expressway in the 1970s. The other part of the cemetery is called Mount Pleasant Cemetery."

Exhumation in Bukit Brown Cemetery

1965: 237 tombs

"In 1965, the Public Works Department (PWD) issued a statement that the graves on state land in Bukit Brown Cemetery, about 237 tombs, were to be exhumed to make way for the realignment of Lornie Road, off Adam Road. On 18 January 1965, these tombs were exhumed for interment at the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. A notice by the PWD, published in The Straits Times on 25 March 1965, provided the names of the deceased, the number of the corresponding grave plots, previous addresses and burial dates."

Closure of the cemetery

1973

"The Bukit Brown Cemetery closed for burial in 1973. There were about 100,000 tombs at that time."

Future developments

"Though the Bukit Brown Cemetery faces the threat of redevelopment in land-scarce Singapore, no formal plans have yet been made known. The Land Transport Authority has, however, announced the construction of a Bukit Brown MRT station at Jalan Mashor, near the cemetery. It will be one of the 13 new MRT stations along the Circle Line between the Thomson Road area and Harbour Front. Although the Circle Line is due for completion in 2010, the Bukit Brown MRT station will remain unfinished until the area becomes more developed. In the meantime, the proposed MRT station will be constructed as a "shell station" - a stop with basic structures such as ventilation shafts for the MRT tunnel, and underground concrete boxes to house the future station."

=====

Source of information:Bukit Brown Municipal Cemetery
By Kartini Saparudin written on 13-Jul-2009
National Library Board Singapore
http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1358_2009-07-13.html

You may like to read the original article via the above link and follow the reference and other related links!

Here are two links that I think will be useful for researcher:

The Singapore directory for the Straits Settlements 1877

Report on the committee appointed by His Excellency the Governor ...

Other good reads are:

History for the surname Wang (Ong) in Singapore
http://s14.invisionfree.com/taoism_singapore/ar/t1152.htm

Bukit Brown: At one with Nature and history
Text and pictures by Liz McKenzie
Bird pictures by Raymond Poon
http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/pub/naturewatch/text/a101b.htm

After reading, you will be inspired by looking at our surroundings with a quest to learn something about the history of Singapore.

The culture, beliefs and practices that we thought we are familiar with may have a new layer for you and me to explore further!

With that, we then can be at home with what we call our home country "Singapore".

Dexterine Ho

POSB (Post Office Savings Bank)

2011-10-08T16:21:00.000+08:00

I just browse my old post on POSB and thought it is nice to post something I found on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/POSBank

=====
POSBank (or POSB) (Chinese: 邮政储蓄银行) is a brand of consumer banking services offered by DBS Bank in Singapore, after it was acquired by the latter in November 1998.

Prior to this, it was a major public bank which began life as the Post Office Savings Bank, offering low-cost banking services to Singaporeans.

DBS Bank attempts to continue this tradition by promising to keep costs low for basic savings accounts, and to exempt children, full time students below the age of 21 years and full time National Servicemen from bank charges.

=====

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/POSBank

History

The Post Office Savings Bank, part of the Postal Services Department (prior to independence) was established on 1 January 1877 in the General Post Office Building, in Raffles Place by the British Government.

The bank had a relatively glorious past; by 1951, the bank had its 100,000th depositor, and followed a slow decline after the reaching its peak in 1955.

It was only after independence when the then Minister for Finance, Goh Keng Swee, who rediscovered the potential of the bank to develop the infrastructure of the infant city-state.

In 1972, the Post Office Savings Bank, or commonly referred as the POSB or POSBank by then, was made a statutory board under the Ministry of Communications.

Prior to the consolidation, the Post Office Savings Bank Act of 1971 was passed to govern the structure and operational efficiency of the bank.

In 1974, POSBank was transferred to become part of the Ministry of Finance; Credit POSB Pte Ltd was established in the same year to provide custom-tailored loans relating to HDB housing ownership.

By 1976, POSBank had one million depositors, while deposits crossed the S$1 billion mark. In 1980, it introduced the Passcard, and set-up the Principal Branch.

In 1981, its first Cash-On-Line ATM opened at the Newton Branch.

In 1983, its headquarters were shifted to the new 8-storey complex, the POSBank Centre at Bras Basah Road.

In 1984, the current account facility was introduced, and by 1986, deposits crossed the S$10 billion mark.

The Post Office Savings Bank was renamed as POSBank in March 1990.

It was subsequently fully acquired by DBS Bank on 16 November 1998 for S$1.6 billion; at the same time, ceased to exist as a statutory board under the Ministry of Finance.

POSBank still operates one of the highest number of bank branches in Singapore, especially in the suburban neighbourhoods, and operates the highest number of ATM outlets throughout Singapore.

The integration of both banks allowed customers of either bank to share the facilities; DBS Bank depositors may use the Cash Deposit Machine installed islandwide in POSBank branches, likewise for POSBank depositors.
=====

Source of information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/POSBank

Apple Visionary Steve Jobs Dies At 56

2011-10-06T12:43:00.000+08:00

Steve Jobs, Poet Of Computer World, Dies
http://www.npr.org/2011/10/05/123826622/apple-visionary-steve-jobs-dies-at-56

Life is short, yet he had lived well and contributed more than average people who lives longer than him!

In retrospect, I re-"view" the following video and find his life philosophy even more insightful than the first time I viewed it years back:

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html

*To love what you love to do, even you are rejected.
***He was rejected at birth, and was also rejected by a company he created!
***The only way of doing great work: to do what you love!

*Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself.

*Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.

*And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html

Transcript of Steve Jobs' address:
http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

The same video is on Youtube with a different title:

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

"Drawing from some of the most pivotal points in his life, Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, urged graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life's setbacks -- including death itself -- at the university's 114th Commencement on June 12, 2005"

Here is the news from NPR today:

Apple Visionary Steve Jobs Dies At 56

http://www.npr.org/2011/10/05/123826622/apple-visionary-steve-jobs-dies-at-56

Silicon Valley venture capitalist Roger McNamee says, "the sum of which put him in a place where no one else has ever been before. To me he is of his era what Thomas Edison was to the beginning of the 20th century."

NPR (National Public Radio) "In many ways Jobs was the poet of the computer world. He'd gone to India and become a Buddhist. He took LSD and believed it had opened his mind to new ways of thinking."

Google "Steve Jobs" and read on and you will get to know more about him!

Dexterine Ho

Book Glue

2011-10-04T16:52:00.000+08:00

Book Glue used in WSQ Training for Model 4 Support Collection Maitenance comes in 1 KG packing like the one show in the photo:

http://www.neschen.de/data/pool/d459663654.jpg

The local supplier is:

IGP Services Pte Ltd
31 Kaki Bukit Road 3
#06-24 Techlink
SINGAPORE 417818
Phone: 65-6745 5581
Fax: 65-6745 4068

E-mail: Info.sg@igroupnet.com

If you browse http://www.neschen.de/page/en/page_ID/1834

you will see other library products.

Hope the above information is useful!

Dexterine

How to Turn an Old Book into a Secret Hiding Place

2011-10-02T21:48:00.000+08:00

I think most of my friends who have old books that they do not like to read may like to recycle the book this way!

I just find the ideas useful and creative!

How to Turn an Old Book into a Secret Hiding Place
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe181S-fACE&feature=fvwrel

Step 1: Select a hardcover book at least 1½ inches thick. Open the book and bind the first 10 or 20 pages with a paper clip.

Step 2: Mix the white craft glue with water. Using a foam brush, apply the mixture to the edges of the non-clipped pages, holding them tightly together.

Step 3: Use a spacer to separate the glued pages from the clipped pages and allow 30 minutes to dry. Add the weight to keep the pages flat.

Step 4: Open the book to the first glued page and, using your straight edge, draw a rectangle, leaving a half- inch border around the edges.

Step 5: Cut along the lines using your craft knife or box cutter. Cut the pages until you reach the back cover. This may take a while because you'll need to remove pages in sections.

Source of information: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe181S-fACE&feature=fvwrel

You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at http://www.howcast.com/videos/new or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at http://www.howcast.com/filmmakers/apply.
====

For those who like to attend a workshop and turning an old book into a treasure box may like to visit http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/ for more details!

Dexterine Ho

Pack Your Luggage Like A Pro Quick Tip

2011-10-01T22:37:00.001+08:00

I find the above idea very much like organising books in the close stack. You can classify it first, then box it, layer it and all the units are movable by itself!

Well, it is something useful for me to remember and do likewise when I travel!

Legal Deposit in Singapore

2011-09-30T22:32:00.000+08:00

I just gather the information on Legal deposit for a friend, and thought it maybe useful to other, hence have the following summary with links for anyone who needs a quick reference:

*What is Legal Deposit?

http://deposit.nl.sg/LDNet-web/faces/FAQOnLegalDeposit.jsp

"Legal Deposit is one of the statutory functions of the National Library whereby all works published in Singapore can be collected and preserved to become a part of Singapore's heritage.

The National Library is supported in this role through the provisions of the National Library Board Act (Chapter 197, No. 5 of 1995, Part II Section 10) whereby two copies of every publication published in Singapore, have to be deposited with the National Library within four weeks from the date of publication."

*Sitemap with the following links is extracted from the Legal deposit website http://deposit.nl.sg/LDNet-web/faces/sitemap.jsp

Home

Services for Publishers (Publishers' Login)

About Legal Deposit

About Digital Deposit
About ISBN, ISSN, and ISMN
About CIP
About Donation

Guides/Brochures for users

Highlights

* Beside fulfilling the legal deposit requirement, it is possible for the author to give more copies to NLB and the details for such donation and guidelines are as follows:

http://deposit.nl.sg/LDNet-web/faces/gifts/TAndC.jsp

http://deposit.nl.sg/LDNet-web/faces/lets_deposit.jsp

* Physical Donation: Donor may fill in the form via http://deposit.nl.sg/LDNet-web/faces/gifts/TAndC.jsp

Please note the statement from the webpage:

"Unless otherwise arranged between the donor and NLB, we request that the donor would deliver/post the accepted items to:

Gifts & Exchange
National Library Board
Library Supply Centre
No. 3, Changi South Street 2
Xilin Districentre Building B, Level 2
Singapore 486548

* For more information or clarification, please contact the Library Officer, Gifts and Exchange Section at 6546-7275 or email to gifts_exchanges@nlb.gov.sg

Contact Info: For enquiries on donations of library material:
Tel: 6546-7275
Fax: 6546-7262
E-mail: gifts_exchanges@nlb.gov.sg

Hope the above information is helpful!

Dexterine Ho

Bukit Brown Cemetery DIY Tour on 9 and 16 Oct 2011

2011-09-26T14:35:00.000+08:00

I just view my facebook and noted there is a DIY tour of Bukit Brown Cemetery, a public event created by Victor Yue at http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150324749132347&id=558117346#!/event.php?eid=142006435895789

If you have facebook account, you can access the event page and indicate "I am attending" by clicking the button on the top right hand corner!

For those who do not have facebook account, here is the details, hope it helps to pass the information to friends and visitors of this blog who might be interested and make it in time!

========================

Event:
Remember your ancestors' day cum DIY Tour

Date and time:
9 Oct (Sun) 16 Oct (Sun) 2011, from 8.30 am to 1 pm

Meeting point:
In front of Bukit Brown Cemetery Gates at Lorong Halwa, off Kheam Hock Road

****************
Steps to find out if your ancestor's graves in Bukit Brown Cemetery:
****************

As Bukit Brown was a government cemetery, there is a burial register kept in the form of microfilm
at the National Archives of Singapore at 1 Canning Rise.

The burial records were written in English and kept in burial sequence from the date of burial from 1922 when Bukit Brown was first opened up to the year 1960. The dates follow the Western Calender

1) First find out your ancestor name that you think could be buried in Bukit Brown. As the burial records are in English the names will have to be in English

2) Find out the date of death. Usually the burial date is a few days after the date of death. If you don’t know the exact death date, you would have to comb through the data which is in running sequence.
Remember there are more than 80,000 burials in Bukit Brown, so the closer you can pin down the date of death, the easier it is to find. Even knowing the month of burial will help.
3) Your ancestors’ families may have published the obituary notice in the English newspapers which include the date of burial and burial place. You can check out using the newspapers archives : http://newspapers.nl.sg/

4) Once you have the details of the names and date of death, go down to the National Archives in Canning Rise and ask for the burial register for that particular year.

5) You can find out the burial plot number from the burial register. The last known address of the deceased is also available. Please note that Bukit Brown cemetery is divided into Blocks and Sections.
So you should obtain the Block and Section and the grave no.

With the grave plot no, they can go down to the dates we are going to publicize on “Bukit Brown - Remember your ancestors’ day “ on 9 Oct and 16 Oct from 8.30 am to 1 pm whereby there will be guides there to help them to look for their ancestors

Wear walking shoes and attires. While you look for your ancestors' graves, you can enjoy the beautiful and serene natural greenery and wildlife that few places in Singapore offer now.

Volunteers so far:

9 Oct - Raymond Goh, Charles Goh, Rosalind M Tan
16 Oct - Raymond Goh, Charles Goh, Rosalind M Tan, Charlotte Chu

========================

Source of above information: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150324749132347&id=558117346#!/event.php?eid=142006435895789

Japan's 97-year-old physician educator offers advice for seniors

2011-09-25T11:47:00.000+08:00

I just received the following from an email through a good friend and here is my summary with additional info and links after searching the web for supporting sources:

Author/Physician Shigeaki Hinohara

By JUDIT KAWAGUCHI

Judit Kawaguchi loves to listen. She is a volunteer counselor and a TV reporter on NHK's "Out & About." Learn more at: http://juditfan.blog58.fc2.com/

======
Japan's 97-year-old physician educator offers advice for seniors ~ Japan Times
======
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090129jk.html

At the age of 97 years and 4 months, Shigeaki Hinohara is one of the world's longest-serving physicians and educators.

Hinohara's magic touch is legendary: Since 1941 he has been healing patients at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo and teaching at St. Luke's College of Nursing. ...
top medical facility and nursing school.

Today he serves as chairman of the board of trustees at both organizations. Always willing to try new things, he has published around 150 books since his 75th birthday, including "Living Long, Living Good" that has sold more than 1.2 million copies.

As the founder of the New Elderly Movement, Hinohara encourages others to live a long and happy life, a quest in which no role model is better than the doctor himself.

Energy comes from feeling good, not from eating well or sleeping a lot.

All people who live long — regardless of nationality, race or gender — share one thing in common: None are overweight.

Always plan ahead.

There is no need to ever retire, but if one must, it should be a lot later than 65.

Share what you know.

When a doctor recommends you take a test or have some surgery, ask whether the doctor would suggest that his or her spouse or children go through such a procedure.

To stay healthy, always take the stairs and carry your own stuff.

My inspiration is Robert Browning's poem "Abt Vogler."

Pain is mysterious, and having fun is the best way to forget it.

Don't be crazy about amassing material things.

Hospitals must be designed and prepared for major disasters, and they must accept every patient who appears at their doors.

Science alone can't cure or help people.

Life is filled with incidents.

Find a role model and aim to achieve even more than they could ever do.

It's wonderful to live long.

Read the full text and look at the photo of Author/Physician Shigeaki Honorary at
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090129jk.html

Words to live by
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl-jk-all.html
is the series of over 150 stories written by Judit Kawaguchi.

If you find this story inspiring, you may like to read other stories by the same writer to get more inspiration!

Robert Browning's poem "Abt Vogler" in full text is available from:
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/abt-vogler/

In the Armstrong Browning Library, the central double window in the Entrance Foyer represents Robert Browning's poem "Abt Vogler" (http://www.browninglibrary.org/index.php?id=48319) and I like the Poetry for Lower Section of Window:

On the earth the broken arcs;
in the heaven a perfect round.

I read the poetry and like Shigeaki Hinohara's comment:

"It encourages us to make big art, not small scribbles. It says to try to draw a circle so huge that there is no way we can finish it while we are alive. All we see is an arch; the rest is beyond our vision but it is there in the distance."

If you like to understand more about Robert Browning's poem "Abt Vogler", just google for more info or visit the following links:

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/abt-vogler/

http://www.browninglibrary.org/index.php?id=48319

Hope you enjoy reading this summary!

Cheers

Dexterine Ho

	二十四节气
春季：立春雨水惊蛰春分清明谷雨夏季：立夏小满芒种夏至小暑大暑秋季：立秋处暑白露秋分寒露霜降冬季：立冬小雪大雪冬至小寒大寒