Asturias Library Update: 2010 Annual Report
Hi Folks!
Have just received Asturias Academy’s 2010 Annual Report, which contains the following section on the completion of the library space:
Completion of the Third Floor
We have been under construction for what seems like forever. It was 19months. During that time, we built a completely new, third story to the Academy.What that floor means for our students is a brand new library, the first of its kindin the area, and a technical education floor. We were also able to move thevolunteer office up to the third floor, and thus separate the clinic and volunteeroffice. Each now have their own offices and workers there are thrilled with theirnew space!
There were many challenges to the third floor. Not only was funding a hugechallenge, but even when we thought we had it all done, there were still somekinks to work out. For example, we found out that the roof didn’t drain very well.Fortunately, we discovered this before we put all our books into the library! Onceit was waterproofed, we were able to move all the books in. We even had a day oflibrary education for the teachers, during their two week yearly training.
Even though we have the place up and running, there are still some thingswe could use. We have the space for HUNDREDS more books, we’re looking forchairs and tables to make the library a really workable spaces, and we’d love tohave 3 computers for the students to use in the library.The completion of the third floor signals the completion of the Miguel AngelAsturias Academy. As such, we definitely felt a sense of accomplishment as welooked at the complete, furnished rooms, and cannot wait to see students in them.
Read the report in it’s entirety here: 2010 report
Guatemala news from Amnesty International
Amnesty International gives regular, frequent updates on current human rights issues in Guatemala, in addition to many other countries. Since LWB at McGill will be visiting and working in Guatemala again this coming spring, we’d do well to keep informed of the social and political conditions that remain continuously causes for humanitarian concern.
Slides from the Asturias Library Project Presentation Nov. 5th
Did you miss the Nov. 5 meeting but are still curious about coming to Guatemala to share your talents and knowledge as a librarian and information specialist? Do you want to eat homemade tortillas on a finca, lounge on the beach at Lake Atitlán, and help develop a community library in Guatemala?
We’ve uploaded the slides from the meeting, and if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by email!
McGill School of Information Studies & Librarians Without Borders.
Background on the Asturias Library Project, begun in 2009 (presentation by Carolyn Doi):
This year’s trip information (presentation by Robyn Maler):
2011 Guatemala Information Session this Friday, November 5th at 2pm
Hello all,
Just a quick reminder that LWB McGill will be holding its 2011 Guatemala Information Session this Friday, November 5th at 2pm in Room 106 of the SIS Building. We’ll be discussing our upcoming April 2011 trip to the Asturias Academy. LWB Liaison Carolyn Doi will give a presentation on last year’s trip, including the planning process. Then, current president Robyn Maler will talk about the details of this year’s trip. There will also be a Q&A session in which you can ask questions and present ideas about the project.
Also, if you haven’t already done so, please join LWB’s facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=57077397411).
And, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. lwb.mcgill@gmail.com
Giving Thanks
It was Canadian Thanksgiving this Monday, and since a post on our new executive members is long overdue — I thought I’d take this opportunity to introduce them and thank them!
We welcome the following new exec members:
Vice President: Sarah Gauntlett
Events Coodinators: Katarina Daniels and Dana Ingalls
Shadow Treasurer: Shamron Spence
Shadow Communications Officer: Rebecca Burbank
On another note, I just got my copy of Feliciter in the mail this morning, and I can’t wait to read the feature article co-written by LWB McGill Liaison Caro Doi and Erin Walker on p. 221!
-Robyn
Feliciter feature article: “Librarians Without Borders: Central American Connections”
Check your subscriptions! This month’s issue of Feliciter features an article on LWB’s work in Central America, including coverage of our recent trip to Guatemala. Articles are usually available in PDF format a couple months after publication, so if you don’t have a subscription, be sure to check back!
Librarians Without Borders @ McGill 