This is the first NHS library to join SWRLS and reflects our aim to widen the membership to cover all library sectors .

The library serves staff and students at the Weston General Hospital Academy and has a useful blog with further information. Many of you may know Paula Younger, Library Manager, as someone who has run popular Web 2.0 courses and her experience is much welcomed.

Any requests for loans should be directed by email to Wnt-tr.healthcarelibrary@nhs.net

The Science Musum Library and Archives at Wroughton contains original scientific, engineering and technology material from the last 500 years and all of the Science museum's  Archive collections.

Since 1992, the Science Museum Library has operated a computerised Online Library Catalogue jointly with Imperial College Libraries.

They welcome all types of researchers, from private researchers to academics and students; from curators, collectors and dealers to enthusiasts, restorers, family and local historians.

For access and services see: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/about_us/about_the_museum/science_library.aspx

Rob Froud, Chair of SWRLS for 12 years, retired from the Board at the Regional Council meeting on 16th March.

He was presented with a cheque and a bottle of wine from all of his colleagues in SWRLS and wished a long and happy retirement.

Rob, who was awarded the OBE in 2009 for services to public libraries, also retires from his post of Head of Cultural Services with Somerset County Council at the end of March.

Paul Leivers, Head of Cultural Services, Dorset County Council has agreed to act as Chair until the elections at the SWRLS AGM  on 14th October.

SWRLS and OCLC have been invited to lead a discussion session on the WorldCat Local Project at the FIL Interlend 2010 conference.

For more details of the conference and how to book a place see: http://www.swrls.org.uk/events.asp and scroll down to 28th June.

Remember, SWRLS will sponsor one palce for members to this conference. If you wish to apply email director@swrls.org.uk for details

Following the consultation exercise, "Empower, Inform, Enrish", the long awaited review of public libraries has now been published and includes:

• A recommended "Library Offer to the public"
• Ideas for increasing usage
• Governance and delivery models
• Customer service
• Digitisation opportunities
• How to demonstrate relevance

See the full report at http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/6752.aspx

See the SWRLS response to the original consultation paper here: /assets/empower, inform, enrich consultation questions.doc

The records of the libraries of the National Trust have been loaded onto Copac. This is the first time that the National Trust's catalogue has been available to search online.

The Conarls database of non-English language fiction http://combinedregions.com/Inter-Library_Loans/Locating_Non-English_Language_Fiction has recently been updated to include a number of new collections.    Originally compiled to help library staff quickly identify sources of material available for inter-lending within and beyond their own regions, the database describes collections not individual titles held.

The most recent additions to the database are the extensive collections of non-English language fiction material held at The London Library.  Sixteen language collections not previously listed, including Basque, Georgian, Ancient and Modern Greek, Icelandic and Maori, have also been added, bringing the total number of collections in the database to almost 1800 and covering 85 languages from Afrikaans to Yoruba.   Some of the collections listed in the database are not available for interlending (usually because they are rental collections), and some are available only to other libraries in that region, however all have been included to help show the range and diversity of material held in libraries across the country.  Please note that not all libraries belong to the Conarls IRU cost scheme and charge the British Library rate for interlending.

CONARLS are always pleased to add new collections information to the database, please contact Lynn Hodgkins, if you would like yours to be included.

The structure of the programme includes:

§  residential courses

§  an extended placement

§  original research

§  individually-selected training, mentoring and coaching.

New developments to the Fellowships in 2010 include greater focus, with most Fellows able to complete the core of the Programme in a concentrated six-month period, plus an introductory two-week residential course.  Fellows can choose to take a period of six months away from work and receive a bursary while doing their programme, or continue to be attached to their place of work, with their employer being compensated for the sustained periods when they're away.

We welcome applications for general Fellowships from people working across a wide range of creative and cultural activity, and also from those from outside the cultural sector who want to develop as a leader within it.  In addition, we also offer some Fellowships focused on particular specialisms or geographical areas.  These vary from year to year and can be found on our website.

The presentations from the joint SWRLS / JISC RSC SW one day conference are available now here:

http://www.rsc-south-west.ac.uk/index.php?p=11 scroll down to see individual papers.

This new NVQ Level 3 (7371) is launched from January 2010

For full details of this course see this Progress Your Library Career leaflet

For information on other courses available in the SW see the website at: http://www.swrls.org.uk/SWRLS_Activities/Professional_Training_and_Career_Info