(Or the things we learnt from Family History Researchers).  It is an on-going and long term project at NZMS is digitising the Stone’s directories and making them searchable.  Several volumes are now available on CD Rom.  We took a few samples along to the Wellington Family History Expo 2011 – I wish we had brought more.  We have worked closely with the CD Roms ourselves and have got wonderful and useful feedback from librarians but this was the first time we had really seen them in use.  It was very affirming watching Family History Researchers get stuck in and make full use of the search functionality.  Plus those magic words “I wouldn’t have found this in the paper version” which means we are on the right track.

2 million newspaper pages on Papers Past is an impressive total but it does leave the question of what about the 18 million or so pages still on microfilm?  NZMS bought our STViewScan microfilm viewer/scanner along to the Wellington Family History Expo and interestingly some attendees thought we were using Papers Past.  It was fun to let people experience the new technology.  The STViewScan is easy to load and browse and when you have found what you want the software gives you lots of options to select, capture and enhance. Bringing a little Papers Past functionality to microfilm collections.

 Thanks to all those involved in organising the Wellington programme of events – everything I attended was interesting, informing and mildly addictive.  The absolute highlight was the Wellington based Family History Expo.  NZMS had a stand there.  In the weeks beforehand we considered how to best showcase our services for the genealogy audience.  We had a good rummage through Andy’s family history artefacts and came up with a collection which presented an interesting story and showcased the range of NZMS equipment and skills.  An old family bible, pages of photo albums, medals and regalia, photos, framed photos and certificates, group photos (with Andy highlighted), birth telegrams (with some digital restoration), birth notices from newspaper microfilm. Thanks to everyone who visited us, asked questions about our services and told us their stories.  We had a fabulous time.

In a world of lots of acronyms one of my favourites is GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) and I love the fact that after 16 years in libraries that my current role at NZMS enables me to engage with the wider GLAM sector.  I was flattered when it was suggested that I write an article for the ARANZ (Archives and Records Association Of New Zealand) newsletter  - topic:  NZMS celebrating 20 years.  Then I had my ‘just a sec’ moment ... 

Presidential Centenary Gala Evening to Celebrate 100 Years of LIANZA – organised by the Te Upoko o Te Ika a Maui (Wellington) region this event lived up to its grand and glamorous name.  The New Zealand Film Archive was a great venue – that wonderful combination of urban café and cultural institution.  Dressing up was encouraged, my nod to this was wearing my Cluedo T shirt accusing Colonel Mustard, in the library, with a dagger .  While costumes were few, they were impressive.  Paddy Plunket was particularly stunning, someone was taking photos so keep an eye out for them.

While enjoying scrummy drinks and nibbles we were treated to a few words from LIANZA president, Barbara Garriock.  Barbara’s speech was both humorous and thought provoking – what stayed in my mind was the importance of library managers engaging with their teams, particularly front line staff with their insight into customer wants, needs and expectations.

Then we had birthday cake – yum – followed by a screening of Aunt Daisy and the Dancing Cossacks.  This was a hilarious collection of NZ cinema and television advertising made between 1930 and 2000.  Lots of memorable clips, naturally (working for a NZ company) the one with  most resonance for me was from the 1930s encouraging NZers to buy kiwi made!

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