Thursday, February 3, 2011

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Protected by the People

From IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions):

"This is just a brief message to let you know that the Library is safe. In case you had not seen it, below is a statement by Dr. Serageldin that has been posted on our webiste. It still represents the current situation, except that the President and the PM have made reasonable statements, but they have come late. Let's hope that it is the beginning of a resolution. In addition to the statement, we posted pictures and a video of the youth of Alexandria defending the Library against vandalism and looting www.bibalex.org. Please see it and please bring it to the attention of other people.

Here is the statement:

To our friends around the world:
The Events in Egypt

The world has witnessed an unprecedented popular action in the streets of Egypt. Led by Egypt’s youth, with their justified demands for more freedom, more democracy, lower prices for necessities and more employment opportunities. These youths demanded immediate and far-reaching changes. This was met by violent conflicts with the police, who were routed. The army was called in and was welcomed by the demonstrators, but initially their presence was more symbolic than active. Events deteriorated as lawless bands of thugs, and maybe agents provocateurs, appeared and looting began. The young people organized themselves into groups that directed traffic, protected neighborhoods and guarded public buildings of value such as the Egyptian Museum and the Library of Alexandria. They are collaborating with the army. This makeshift arrangement is in place until full public order returns.

The library is safe thanks to Egypt’s youth, whether they be the staff of the Library or the representatives of the demonstrators, who are joining us in guarding the building from potential vandals and looters. I am there daily within the bounds of the curfew hours. However, the Library will be closed to the public for the next few days until the curfew is lifted and events unfold towards an end to the lawlessness and a move towards the resolution of the political issues that triggered the demonstrations."

Free Educause Next Gen Learning Challenges grants Webinar

Free Educause Next Gen Learning Challenges grants webinar today 11am PST + 2/7 noon PST & archived: http://j.mp/b8aAf5 No RSVP required. See details below, from Educause message:

"On behalf of Next Generation Learning Challenges, I wanted to send you a quick reminder that you’re invited to join NGLC staff for a special webcast dedicated to the second wave of NGLC funding. If you are planning your own submission or just interested in learning more, you can join us today, February 3, at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Topics will include:
• The needs and underlying premises driving Wave II
• The proposal process
• A step-by-step overview of the pre-proposal application
• Key dates for the second wave of funding
• Resources for grant seekers
• Questions from participants
A second webcast will be offered on February 7 at 3:00 p.m. ET for colleagues who cannot join us today. Archives, which include audio and slides, will be available on the NGLC Upcoming Events page after each event concludes.

No pre-registration is required...so please plan to connect and listen in.

We will conduct the session in our Adobe Connect meeting room. You can select to “Enter as Guest” and log in. Audio and slides will be provided online via the webconferencing space. Throughout the presentation, initiative staff will answer your questions related to both the program and the proposal process through the interface’s chat space. Anyone having difficulties receiving the online audio will be able to listen to the session via a toll-free telephone number: 1-877-944-2300 (access code: 99290#).

Prior to the session, please run the Acrobat Connect Connection Test on the computer you plan to use for the session to ensure your configuration is compatible with the web conferencing system.

Whether you participate live or view the archive, we look forward to sharing more about this exciting venture with you soon.

Sincerely,

Ira Fuchs
Executive Director
Next Generation Learning Challenges"