Saturday, August 8, 2009

Community Historical Recognition Program as 'Digital Storytelling'





Digital Storytelling is unique exchange taking place between active learning and content creation of history. The Community Historical Recognition Program at the University of British Columbia helps match elderly Chinese Canadians unfamiliar with the use of digital resources and the use of computer technology with young students often have little idea of the rich lives and historical experiences of elders in their communities. In conducting interviews and putting together a collage of historical anecdotes, the CHRP hopes to bring together young students, who can tap the enormous potential of digital age technology, with elderly members of the community whose unique memories and stories are in danger of being lost as they pass on.

The CHRP is a three-year program of workshops, community learning forums, and family history research projects that will create new materials and preserve them for posterity. The workshop and projects are all built upon the core concept of putting together young students with older generations of Chinese Canadians and having them work together in an engaged manner that maximizes what each can bring to a collaborative process.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Gayatri Spivak Talk at U of California



I ::heart:: Gayatri Spivak. She is the dame of postcolonial subaltern studies. What an energetic, enigmatic talk. It complements my readings of Spivak's works. She is marvellous. It makes my work as an academic librarian that much more enjoyable.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

BC Mosaic 150 Project Unveiling


Chinese Aboriginal Teaser from Farzine MacRae on Vimeo.

One of my greatest joys as an information professional has been the ability and opportunities to use my skills for the betterment of my community and profession. I was honoured and very fortunate to have been part of the BC Mosaic 150 project, which was a labour of love for over a year.


On the 150th anniversary of the province of BC, the Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC was awarded a grant to take a closer look at these inter-community histories in order to promote understanding of the shared experiences between Chinese Canadians and First Nations peoples. This would be of significance to all British Columbians, whether First Nations/Aborginal/Métis, immigrants, Canadian-born, Chinese, and non-Chinese alike. It is appropriate to provide a more inclusive perspective on these communities, rather than looking at each one in solitary isolation. The reference bibliography provides a comprehensive look into the research that has already been done in this topic.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

MTR In Need

Who says that information managers are restricted to libraries? There are exciting careers to be found in the world of information. In this increasingly globalized world of knowledge exchange and retrieval, jobs such as this is becoming the norm. Take a look at Hong Kong's MTR need for an information professional.


MTR CORPORATION

Get Your Career On The Move

Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference? As a MTR Corporation team member, you can.

In MTR Corporation, we have expanded our business from beyond the construction and operations of a mass transit railway system. We have prided ourselves in growing the communities and enhancing the quality of life of Hong Kong people. Today, MTR Corporation is a diversified company with interests in transportation, property management, many other commercial activities, investment projects and consultancy services worldwide.

We would like to invite applications for the positions of:


(Ref: J09031)


Reporting to the Manager-Knowledge and Information, you will perform the role of a Technical Librarian by maintaining a library of essential records for the Projects Division. You will maintain key aspects of the Intranet Portal including smart interactive organisation charts, on-line reference libraries, etc. using the SharePoint 2007 platform. You will also be a centralised resource to respond to hotline requests and support staff in the use of knowledge management tools through the new Intranet Portal.

You should have a Higher Diploma in Management Studies or equivalent and 3 years' relevant working experience.
Applications
You are invited to apply online at http://www.mtr.com.hk/careers or send in your application stating the position you are applying for and relevant reference number either by email to recruit@mtr.com.hk or by mail to the following address on or before 27 February 2009:

Human Resource Management Department
MTR Corporation
G.P.O. Box 9916
Hong Kong

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Attention Chinese Language Community Librarians

Library 2.0 is about user-centred services. Vancouver Public Library (VPL) gets it. They're hiring a Chinese language community librarian to specially serve its heavily-populated Chinese clientele in the Strathcona and Hastings area. Take a look at this position and tell me if it isn't a unique way of providing information services!

Librarian I – Chinese Language Community Librarian (Part-time)
Vancouver Public Library
Public
Offering exceptional collections and innovative services, the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is the third-largest library system in Canada and consists of 21 branch libraries and a large Central Library.

VPL is seeking dynamic Librarians to actively engage the Chinese community in the Downtown Eastside and Strathcona in provision of services in the branch, and in discussions about and planning for library services. Please note, candidates may apply for one or both of these positions.

Position 1: Chinese Language Community Librarian – Carnegie, 12 hours per week
Reporting to the Branch Head, Carnegie Library, the incumbent participates in programming activities within the East Area, acts as a resource to Carnegie staff in their community engagement activities, works in the Chinese community with those who have not traditionally been served effectively by the library, provides reference and reader’s advisory and referral services, and performs other related duties. The Chinese Community Librarian will be part of a team dedicated to providing inclusive, relevant and high quality public library service to the East Area. The position is 12 hours per week based out of the Carnegie Reading Room.

Position 2: Chinese Language Community Librarian – Strathcona, 8 hours per week
Reporting to the Branch Head, Strathcona Library, the incumbent participates in children’s programming activities within the East Area, acts as a resource to Strathcona library staff in their community engagement activities, provides reference and reader’s advisory and referral services, and performs other related duties. The Strathcona Community Librarian will be part of a team dedicated to providing inclusive, relevant and high quality public library service to the East Area. The position is 8 hours a week based out of the Strathcona branch library.

Qualifications for these positions include an MLS/MLIS degree from an accredited Library School and fluency in English and Cantonese. Mandarin language skills would also be an asset. The successful candidate will have a strong public service orientation and an understanding of the importance of community engagement activities to develop inclusive library service.

Interested applicants may apply for both positions, for only the Carnegie Reading Room hours, or only the Strathcona branch library hours.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Chinese In Africa

Current.com is an online video journalism site which reveals what's going on in our world, items that we usually won't find on any other news site or cable TV channel. It connects to Current TV, a global cable and satellite TV network.

Current.com is what Web 2.0 is all about. Journalism is increasingly moving into video journalism, as is exemplified by such media organizations as Vancouver IAM. Web 2.0 is about globalization. Before podcasting and webcasts, information and news were limited.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

A Banana Conference

New Zealand Chinese Association (Auckland Branch) Inc. will be hosting a conference entitled “Rising Dragon, Soaring Bananas”. This conference is being organized in conjunction with the International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO) and will again be held at the new University of Auckland Business School on 18 – 19 July 2009.

The programme will be an unique combination of  personal experiences presentations by high profile achievers from the local Chinese community with expertise in a very wide range of endeavours and an analytical approach of trends and outcomes from Chinese academics who are mainly members of ISCCO from many parts of the world.   It will be exciting, I'm looking forward to the contribution of knowledge this conference is bringing forth.   Take a look at some of the papers and presentations from past years!