John Furlong and Katrina Stierholz are discussing how to go into library management and some of their experiences.
Presenters are discussing how they fell into librarianship. Sounds like that happens to many of us. I know I did not plan on being a librarian.
General Tips
-Be prepared when searching for a job. Have a lot of different experiences in order to learn and grow. While you are at your current position, look around and see if there are other things that you can do to gain experience.
-Technology is changing the workforce, keep up to date with what is going on in the workforce.
-Reference and collection development are two of the least needed positions to move ahead in the librarian field. (According to a survey). Reference and collection development have always been the corner stone of the library world. This is changing due to changes with technology.
-Partnerships, PR, and Web Development are now the most crucial areas in the librarian field.
-Be proactive by keeping your resume current. Also keep abreast of what opportunities are available.
Lessons learned from experiences
-Think ahead especially with technology. Try to stay ahead of the curve or at least with the curve.
-Think outside the box when it comes to professional development.
-Think of community work/volunteer that can also increase your skills set
-Do something hard, get out of your comfort zone
-If up doesn't work try sideways, because you may be able to go up from there
-Figure out how to motivate yourself and realize when you are at a career plateau
-Get supervisory experience whenever wherever
-Use challenges at work as developmental opportunities
Perfect timing doesn't exist, work life balance is not perfect, If you want to move ahead, sometimes you have to give up some things with your home life. They are all choices that you have to make.
Book: FYI For Your Improvement
Uses the Lominger Model
Includes competencies that most executives and then most managers present
Also talk about career stallers or stoppers
This is a strength based model so capitalize on your strengths, for your weaknesses, you will never get rid of them, but bring up your weaknesses just enough that they don't get in your way.
Career Stoppers
-Overly ambitious
-Lack of ethics and values
-Failure to build a team
-Insensitive to others
Try not to bring emotions into your work. Keep it professional not personal.
It is my experiences that define me.
My thoughts: This session was not what I was expecting, but it was great! It really made me think not just about moving up in my career, but what I need to do where I am at now to improve my experiences. I actually needed this session since things at work have not been the best. I am seeing now that everything that is going on at work, is a learning experience. I can use the negative and turn it around to make it a positive learning experience. Thanks John and Katrina!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
MLA Conference - Meeting Makeover: From Frankly Frustrated to Positively Productive
Tracy Rochow Byerly from the Missouri Library Network Corporation (MLNC) is discussing how to makeover your meetings to make them more productive.
First think about selecting meeting participants by looking at what you want to accomplish.
First think about why you want to have a meeting. Have a meeting for actions.
-make decisions
-generate ideas
-get status reports
-communicate something
-make plans
Next step is to develop the agenda.
-state desired outcome
-list activities to reach that outcome
-next to each activities include the type of action needed
-next to each topic, include a time estimate for addressing each topic
-be prepared to change the agenda
-think how you label things
Consider your agenda
-priorities must be addressed
-in what order should the topics be covered
-when will the meeting take place
-where will the meeting take place
Opening Meetings
-start on time
-review agenda and clarify if needed
-model the kind of energy and participation needed
-if you want a more successful meeting get things out in advanced
Ground Rules - can even include ground rules on the agenda
-everyone should be participating
-stay focused on the agenda items
-maintain momentum
-reach closure on discussions, even if it is just to table the discussion till the next meeting
-clarify the use of electronic devices upfront
Time Management
-keep moving
--ask participants to help you keep track of time
--if timing is getting out of hand, present it to the group & ask for their input as to a resolution
Closing a meeting
-come to a conclusion
-end on time
-review action items & assignments
My thoughts - there are some great ideas that were presented in this session. Some of these things we are already doing in our meetings, others we aren't. I am hoping to take this back and see if we can make some changes to our meetings to make them more productive.
First think about selecting meeting participants by looking at what you want to accomplish.
First think about why you want to have a meeting. Have a meeting for actions.
-make decisions
-generate ideas
-get status reports
-communicate something
-make plans
Next step is to develop the agenda.
-state desired outcome
-list activities to reach that outcome
-next to each activities include the type of action needed
-next to each topic, include a time estimate for addressing each topic
-be prepared to change the agenda
-think how you label things
Consider your agenda
-priorities must be addressed
-in what order should the topics be covered
-when will the meeting take place
-where will the meeting take place
Opening Meetings
-start on time
-review agenda and clarify if needed
-model the kind of energy and participation needed
-if you want a more successful meeting get things out in advanced
Ground Rules - can even include ground rules on the agenda
-everyone should be participating
-stay focused on the agenda items
-maintain momentum
-reach closure on discussions, even if it is just to table the discussion till the next meeting
-clarify the use of electronic devices upfront
Time Management
-keep moving
--ask participants to help you keep track of time
--if timing is getting out of hand, present it to the group & ask for their input as to a resolution
Closing a meeting
-come to a conclusion
-end on time
-review action items & assignments
My thoughts - there are some great ideas that were presented in this session. Some of these things we are already doing in our meetings, others we aren't. I am hoping to take this back and see if we can make some changes to our meetings to make them more productive.
MLA Conference - The Net-Geners Are Calling. Can You Answer?
Alice B. Ruleman, Access Services Librarian from the James C. Kirkpatrick Library at the University of Central Missouri is discussing net-geners as library users and how mobile technology fits into the library.
2008 Horizon Report
-Mobile broadband name as one of 6 major emerging tehcnologies
-Expected to have a significant impact on education within 3-5 years
-Students expect mobile access
Pew Internet Report
-The smartphone will be the significant source of how users access the internet
Mobile technology is handheld, accesses the internet and also has some other features.
Net-Geners also called Millennials, have always grown up with technology, they have always been connected.
People would rather give up their computer and tv, than to give up their cell phone.
***I say that makes sense, since you can access tv and computer apps on your cell phone anyway.***
1990 - 11 million mobile phones
2005 - 2.2 billion mobile phones
50% of Americans subscribe to services
90% of Asians subscribe to services
Worldcat is available in a mobile format. Can look up a book, see the library that is closest to you that owns the book, give you the phone number for the library, and also give you the directions to the library.
***It really is amazing how many mobile apps are available - almost anything that you can think of. It shows how people really are wanting mobile services.***
AirPAC - Innovative's mobile online catalog for libraries to use for users.
M-Libraries - wiki on mobile libraries http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=M-Libraries
Reaching your mobile patrons
-Texting reference
-Twitter
-Ebooks for mobile
-Mobile library tours
-Texting courtesy/Holds/Overdue notices
My thoughts - this was a good session that really made me realize how our library is lagging behind. However it is not necessarily because we are not aware, it is more because of money, time, and staffing. Even though we may be lacking in those three areas, we do need to discuss how we could incorporate some mobile apps into our services for our students. Good strategic planning discussion.
2008 Horizon Report
-Mobile broadband name as one of 6 major emerging tehcnologies
-Expected to have a significant impact on education within 3-5 years
-Students expect mobile access
Pew Internet Report
-The smartphone will be the significant source of how users access the internet
Mobile technology is handheld, accesses the internet and also has some other features.
Net-Geners also called Millennials, have always grown up with technology, they have always been connected.
People would rather give up their computer and tv, than to give up their cell phone.
***I say that makes sense, since you can access tv and computer apps on your cell phone anyway.***
1990 - 11 million mobile phones
2005 - 2.2 billion mobile phones
50% of Americans subscribe to services
90% of Asians subscribe to services
Worldcat is available in a mobile format. Can look up a book, see the library that is closest to you that owns the book, give you the phone number for the library, and also give you the directions to the library.
***It really is amazing how many mobile apps are available - almost anything that you can think of. It shows how people really are wanting mobile services.***
AirPAC - Innovative's mobile online catalog for libraries to use for users.
M-Libraries - wiki on mobile libraries http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=M-Libraries
Reaching your mobile patrons
-Texting reference
-Ebooks for mobile
-Mobile library tours
-Texting courtesy/Holds/Overdue notices
My thoughts - this was a good session that really made me realize how our library is lagging behind. However it is not necessarily because we are not aware, it is more because of money, time, and staffing. Even though we may be lacking in those three areas, we do need to discuss how we could incorporate some mobile apps into our services for our students. Good strategic planning discussion.
MLA Conference Keynote - Library Advocacy from the Frontline
I am sitting here at the Missouri Library Association Annual conference. The keynote speaker is the first line up. I am hoping to be able to blog throughout this conference to keep everyone up to date on what is going on here at the MLA conference.
Dr. Camila A. Alire, the president of the American Library Association is the keynote speaker and discussing how advocacy must start with the library staff and faculty.
She defines advocacy as "active support of a cause or course of action." Her presidential initiative is involving library staff in library advocacy. "We all must advocate for the value of our libraries and all of us must also be able to articulate our value as library employees."
Types of Advocacy
-Legislative
--Library Administrators
--Trustees
--Friends
--Grassroots
What's not happening is frontline advocacy coming from librarians and library support staff.
So how can librarians and library staff advocate for their library?
1. Articulate the value of your respective libraries and the value to their communities.
2. Intermediaries - Improve the quality of resources and services in the library environment.
Typically frontline librarians and staff are not charged to do library advocacy. Usually they are just responsible for services and outreach. The main thing that should be being done is to talk about how good your library is.
Level 1 Advocacy - Involve people by the virtue of their title and/or responsibilities
Level 2 Advocacy - Involve other librarians and library staff
Build an Advocacy Team
-Determine the extent of frontline staff involvement
--Provide scripts and/or "cheat sheets"
-Articulate that involvement and add to job responsibilites
Remember that staff must do advocacy at their comfort level by matching the message with the venues (grocery store, ballgame, etc.), work with staff for input, and then allow the staff to meet so that they can assess the outcomes of advocacy.
"Anyone who thinks they are too small to be effective has never been in bed with a mosquito."
My thoughts - this was a good session with a lot of good things to think about. We don't really think of librarians and library staff needing to advocate for the library, but it really is part of our job.
Dr. Camila A. Alire, the president of the American Library Association is the keynote speaker and discussing how advocacy must start with the library staff and faculty.
She defines advocacy as "active support of a cause or course of action." Her presidential initiative is involving library staff in library advocacy. "We all must advocate for the value of our libraries and all of us must also be able to articulate our value as library employees."
Types of Advocacy
-Legislative
--Library Administrators
--Trustees
--Friends
--Grassroots
What's not happening is frontline advocacy coming from librarians and library support staff.
So how can librarians and library staff advocate for their library?
1. Articulate the value of your respective libraries and the value to their communities.
2. Intermediaries - Improve the quality of resources and services in the library environment.
Typically frontline librarians and staff are not charged to do library advocacy. Usually they are just responsible for services and outreach. The main thing that should be being done is to talk about how good your library is.
Level 1 Advocacy - Involve people by the virtue of their title and/or responsibilities
Level 2 Advocacy - Involve other librarians and library staff
Build an Advocacy Team
-Determine the extent of frontline staff involvement
--Provide scripts and/or "cheat sheets"
-Articulate that involvement and add to job responsibilites
Remember that staff must do advocacy at their comfort level by matching the message with the venues (grocery store, ballgame, etc.), work with staff for input, and then allow the staff to meet so that they can assess the outcomes of advocacy.
"Anyone who thinks they are too small to be effective has never been in bed with a mosquito."
My thoughts - this was a good session with a lot of good things to think about. We don't really think of librarians and library staff needing to advocate for the library, but it really is part of our job.
Friday, August 7, 2009
It's That Time of Year Again
This week has definitely shown the signs of school starting. Faculty are back and even some students are back. I am in the midst of trying to get caught up on my work before we get into the full swing of things. This year there are going to be a few changes that I hope will help students with getting information and with accessing the library.
The first change is that we have moved a few things around in the library. I have to admit I love rearranging things and this goes for at work, not just at home. We now have a "workroom" where the students can access their prints, make photocopies, punch holes, staple papers, etc. You will no longer have to go back and forth from room to room to get all of this done. I have also created some short tutorials on accessing and searching our databases. I am hoping to have these posted to our website probably at the beginning of September. Which brings me to another change, our website is being redesigned with what I think will help with a good user experience. And last but not least, we have a new evening person working. Kathy McGovern is our new Part Time Patron Services Assistant. For those of you who know Sharron, she resigned due to health issues. Kathy has taken her place and is doing wonderful. Kathy will be working Monday-Thursday 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This fall semester is going to be busy but good. I am looking forward to everyone being back and getting back into the swing of things.
The first change is that we have moved a few things around in the library. I have to admit I love rearranging things and this goes for at work, not just at home. We now have a "workroom" where the students can access their prints, make photocopies, punch holes, staple papers, etc. You will no longer have to go back and forth from room to room to get all of this done. I have also created some short tutorials on accessing and searching our databases. I am hoping to have these posted to our website probably at the beginning of September. Which brings me to another change, our website is being redesigned with what I think will help with a good user experience. And last but not least, we have a new evening person working. Kathy McGovern is our new Part Time Patron Services Assistant. For those of you who know Sharron, she resigned due to health issues. Kathy has taken her place and is doing wonderful. Kathy will be working Monday-Thursday 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This fall semester is going to be busy but good. I am looking forward to everyone being back and getting back into the swing of things.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Using Web 2.0 Tools for Library Instruction
I am currently working on a presentation dealing with the use of web 2.0 tools, how to incorporate them, and how to market them to students. I would love to hear from other librarians and instructors to hear what they are doing in their coursework to implement such things as blogs, tweets, Facebook, podcasts, etc.
My personal experience that I have found is that students use such things for personal use, but when it comes to education, they try to stick with more traditional settings. This is completely opposite of what the literature is saying. So what is going on? I am on a quest to find out if it is just our area that is having this issue or not. Are students just not ready to use social networking tools in their education? Any thoughts that you have out there would be great.
My personal experience that I have found is that students use such things for personal use, but when it comes to education, they try to stick with more traditional settings. This is completely opposite of what the literature is saying. So what is going on? I am on a quest to find out if it is just our area that is having this issue or not. Are students just not ready to use social networking tools in their education? Any thoughts that you have out there would be great.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Mobius Conference - VuFind at Truman Next-generation Open-source Blues
This session is about using an open-source next-generation catalog. Presenter is Stephen Wynn, Head of Technical Services and Systems at Pickler Memorial Library, Truman State University.
Last-generation catalogs are unfriendly, have limited feature and are no longer cool.
Next-generation catalogs have visual organization of results, faceted searching, results from catalog and more, social software, tag clouds. Examples include Encore and Aquabrowser. Presenter is showing an example of Encore and it looks really cool. So much nicer than the regular (old-fashioned) library catalog.
Right Generation Interfaces
-are told that libraries are losing users to Google and Amazon, but are we really in competition with them?
-Cool is nice, but most of the time libraries are not cool.
-Libraries should be interested in useful features such as faceted searching, breadcrumbs and social features
Options for Open Source catalogs:
Blacklight, Fac-bac-opac, LibraryFind, Scriblio, VuFind
VuFind - pulls info out of the last generation catalog such as if a book is available, descriptions and holdings, with next-generation users can then tag or rate the item. This also has a "cite this" option for different style guides. Students love this feature!
Features of VuFind include faceted searching, social software, real-time data from catalog, customizable index, breadcrumbs, statistical information available through SOLR Admin Module, locally created fields may be addded to the index in any way you please, relevancy ranking is completley customizable, and links to book cover images, reviews and other vendor content.
VuFind Social Software - users can set-up an account, add tags, rate items, etc. Does not currently have visual organization (tag clouds)
Fuctions for placing holds and obtaining "My Library" information are not yet written.
This library ran into problems with the installation instructions, they had to write their own.
There is a large learning curve for this product, not just this product but all the others that have to be used to support this (i.e. MySQL, Linux, Apache, etc.)
Result: did not end up implementing because of problems such as placing holds, viewing checked-out items and fines, built-in security measures, and optimizing SOLR.
While it did not work for this library, other libraries out there are using this and other's like it.
Last-generation catalogs are unfriendly, have limited feature and are no longer cool.
Next-generation catalogs have visual organization of results, faceted searching, results from catalog and more, social software, tag clouds. Examples include Encore and Aquabrowser. Presenter is showing an example of Encore and it looks really cool. So much nicer than the regular (old-fashioned) library catalog.
Right Generation Interfaces
-are told that libraries are losing users to Google and Amazon, but are we really in competition with them?
-Cool is nice, but most of the time libraries are not cool.
-Libraries should be interested in useful features such as faceted searching, breadcrumbs and social features
Options for Open Source catalogs:
Blacklight, Fac-bac-opac, LibraryFind, Scriblio, VuFind
VuFind - pulls info out of the last generation catalog such as if a book is available, descriptions and holdings, with next-generation users can then tag or rate the item. This also has a "cite this" option for different style guides. Students love this feature!
Features of VuFind include faceted searching, social software, real-time data from catalog, customizable index, breadcrumbs, statistical information available through SOLR Admin Module, locally created fields may be addded to the index in any way you please, relevancy ranking is completley customizable, and links to book cover images, reviews and other vendor content.
VuFind Social Software - users can set-up an account, add tags, rate items, etc. Does not currently have visual organization (tag clouds)
Fuctions for placing holds and obtaining "My Library" information are not yet written.
This library ran into problems with the installation instructions, they had to write their own.
There is a large learning curve for this product, not just this product but all the others that have to be used to support this (i.e. MySQL, Linux, Apache, etc.)
Result: did not end up implementing because of problems such as placing holds, viewing checked-out items and fines, built-in security measures, and optimizing SOLR.
While it did not work for this library, other libraries out there are using this and other's like it.
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