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

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!

Position Title

Librarian I – Chinese Language Community Librarian (Part-time)

Library / Organization Name

Vancouver Public Library

Library Type

Public

Job Description 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.

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.

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!

Asian Canadian Publishing 2.0

In Vancouver, there are two publications which have very divergent approaches to not only Asian Canadian issues, but also the use of media and the web. Ricepaper Magazine, established in 1994, as a forum for up and coming Asian writers and artists in Canada, limits its definition of "Asian" to the Pacific Asian Rim ethnic groups Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Focusing mainly on writers of these ethnic origins, Ricepaper depends mainly on the quarterly print publication as its main point of distribution and have a very static website with limited updates.

Contrast that with Schema Magazine. Schema Magazine strives to reflect the most culturally mobile and diverse generation of Canadians, the generation it coins cultural navigators. We showcase their unique sensibilities, interests and their pursuit of ethnic cool. As Schema's focus on the Vancouver Asian Film Festival shows, the focus of "Asian" is broad and widely interpretable. Schema also uses Web 2.0 technologies as its main channel of communication. Not only does it use a content management system for its webpage, it also has a Youtube channel of Schema's interviews.

The two rival Asian Canadian organization offer an insightful examination into the changing landscape of media and publishing. Staff-wise, both are similar - yet, when it comes to coverage and reach of audience, Web 2.0 simply wins out.

Chung Collection on Web 2.0

Chung Collection Opening @ Yahoo! Video

The Chung Collection is finally on the Web. Chung has always held a life-long interest in the history of Chinese Canadians. He accumulated and donated his 25,000 item collection donation to the University of British Columbia. The feature piece is a beautiful large scale model ship, the Empress of Asia, which Dr. Chung spent many years reconstructing.

Opening of the Chung Collection

In 1999, Dr. Wally Chung and family made an exceptional gift to the University of British Columbia Library, with their donation of The Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection. In making a generous gift of this unique and extensive research collection, Dr. Chung gives back to Canada something of what he and his family have gained since his grandfather came from China to settle in Victoria more than 100 years ago.

What this means for local history is an unbelievable collection of not only primary sources for researchers, but visual artifacts that students and the community can enjoy. It opens the way for how history is seen and understood, from the perspective of those who lived history. How will the Chung Collection reach the world? It will be done so virtually. It has currently hire a librarian/archivist who will redesign its current website using hopefully innovative Web 2.0 technologies. Very much following the spirit of Library 2.0, digital outreach in its purest form.