Information regarding this event was sent out recently but I've included 
far more information about our excellent speakers in this mail

The May 2008 Allis Staff development conference 
Engaging the Community
20 MAY 2008
Woodlands Conference Centre, Southport Road, Chorley, Preston PR7 1QR

Library and community arts professionals from a range of library and 
support services will speak about their own innovative approach to support 
social cohesion and community development.  Delegates will describe and 
demonstrate how they work to include hard to reach and socially excluded 
individuals, groups and communities in public, prison and academic 
sectors.  The day will be an opportunity for information professionals at 
every level, to exchange ideas on widening participation and to learn from 
the practice of colleagues.

Presenters 

Catherine Carruthers, Assistant Lending Librarian based at the Harris 
Library and NVQ Assessor in ILS and Management on a county basis.  Part of 
Catherine’s role is Traveller support.  For the past twelve months, she and 
a colleague have visited a local Travellers’ site for story reading and art 
activities.  The aim is to encourage library use and to build up 
relationships with the children in order for them to feel comfortable with 
library staff and hopefully encourage regular library use.  Catherine will 
speak about her work with the Travellers community and the creation of the 
ALLIS-funded display “Travellers in space” she and colleagues created for 
the junior section of the library.

Seb Smith, Traveller Education Learning coordinator is presenting an 
awareness session on Travelling community history and culture which will 
provide an insight into the Travellers way of life.  He will discuss how 
Catherine and he have worked together and how their links help the 
community.

Alan Seatwo of the Community Knowledge Transfer Service based within 
Learning Services at Edge Hill University.  The Service aims to build 
capacity within and across public, private and voluntary sectors and 
increase economic and social development opportunities.  The Service 
carries out community and outreach work and facilitates agencies working 
together, sharing information for the benefit of voluntary community 
organisations. Alan will share his approach to promoting information 
literacy and learning opportunities to Chinese community groups in 
Liverpool.  These activities also provided opportunities for information 
professionals to develop further, which both enhances our role and to some 
extent reinforces our vitality. www.edgehill.ac.uk/knowledgetransfer .

Jenn Ashworth, writer and Library Manager, at Garth Prison library near 
Leyland, will describe her unique approach to engaging the Prison 
community. She will talk to us about the special challenges inherent in 
operating a library and information service within a prison and the 
opportunity this gives her to creatively deliver services in literacy, 
information, creative writing, study support and reader development.  
http://jennashworth.blogspot.com .

Prescap (Preston Community Arts Project) is an arts based community 
development company that uses art in a dynamic way to support regeneration, 
social cohesion and community development. They prioritise work with hard 
to reach and socially excluded individuals, groups and communities.  
http://www.prescap.co.uk .


Programme 

9.00 Registration and Coffee/Tea.
9.30 Welcome to the Day.
9.45 Group activity “What does ‘community’ mean to your service?”  
10.00 -12:30	Presentations.
12.30	Lunch.
13.15	Prescap – Hands-on group activity: silk painting.
15.00	Coffee/Tea and viewing of silk paintings.
15.15	Reflection from morning activity.
15.45	Closing and Feedback.

To book your place on the Staff Development Conference, please contact 
Lorna Pimperton on [log in to unmask] . 
Cost per delegate £40 per delegate.
£100 for 3 delegates.

 
BOOKING FORM 
Thank you for reserving a place on the ALLIS 2008 Conference “Engaging your 
Community” to be held at Woodlands Conference Centre, Chorley, on Tuesday 
20th May 2008 – 9.00-16.00.
 
For administration purposes please complete the following and return to:
Lorna Pimperton, Lancaster University Library, Lancaster University, 
Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW by Friday 9th May 2008 (Unfortunately refunds 
cannot be made after 9th May in the event of cancellation).

I wish to confirm my reservation of  ______ place/s at the Conference, at a 
total cost of £_____ .
Cost £40 (includes all refreshments and lunch), or 3 places for £100.

	Name(s) ___________________________________________	
	Tel No ____________________________________________
	E-Mail ____________________________________________
	Institution _________________________________________
	Address ___________________________________________

Please complete:
I enclose a cheque for _____ payable to Lancaster University  
I wish to be invoiced ______Invoice to be addressed to 
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
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I have special dietary requirements or other requirements ________ 
_______________________________________(please indicate)