tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40992158257085469262024-03-08T19:14:17.606-05:00Define LibrarianUltimately there is no one all encompassing definition that describes our jobs, what we really do, and where we will be. We are a dynamic bunch providing all sorts of services to our client/patron base. What matters is how you define yourself in the profession.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-65852006653501545852009-07-22T19:22:00.003-04:002009-07-22T19:32:47.342-04:00Hello, Reference desk?I came across this <a href="http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/lifestyle/columnists/x737378688/From-the-Library-A-morning-in-the-life-of-a-librarian">article</a> and it made me laugh because it was a reminder of what I would do every morning when opening up the library. I think that understanding what librarians do is often difficult but working the reference desk never changes. You are constantly doing several things at once all the while answering vague questions. I still wonder how we can manage sanity in those circumstances.<br /><br />Article:<br />From the Library: A morning in the life of a librarian<br />By: Beth Goldman<br />The Daily News Transcript (Norwood, MA)Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-65984353703247515902009-07-20T08:50:00.005-04:002009-07-20T11:54:33.188-04:00Sacrifice of TechnologyI read the <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0717/p09s01-coop.html">opinion article</a> from the July 17 edition of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CSMonitor</span> feeling several things. I too have wondered where all this sudden desire to grasp technology and stuff it into our libraries is taking us. And I wonder where are all the librarians in this process going? What is with this race to technology I've been witnessing? Is there some sort of HUGE prize I'm not aware of that the winner will get? What point or purpose does it make to lose sight of our past successes? Libraries have been places of education and that seems to be something many libraries are desperately trying to stop being. Sure, we'll be places where information can be stored and found but let us not go any further. We're too busy looking for the next new technology. Or are we? I know there are many of you with the rote answers here: over worked, underpaid, no budget, no time, etc. I too have heard them from my own managers and directors. Yet something bothersome (lack of silence) and creepy (TV in children's section, kids queuing up to play games) is going on in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">libraryland</span> and I'm afraid it will be too late to correct once it becomes ingrained. Giving in to the trends is dangerous and so is trying to be everything to everyone.<br /><br /><br />Article: Restore the Noble Purpose of Libraries: Focusing so much on their technology actually dumbs them down<br />By: William H. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wisner</span><br />Christian Science Monitor July 17, 2009Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-16587362465094393942009-06-10T09:52:00.003-04:002009-07-20T11:54:08.978-04:00Job searchingFinding a job in the library profession has always been tricky. Now it's difficult. With so many libraries cutting budgets and the economy going in a direction where many are hurting it's tough for everyone. Michael Stephens of Tame the Web has posted useful information for those of us out there <a href="http://tametheweb.com/2009/06/03/library-job-searching-in-a-tough-economy/">looking for jobs</a>. Perhaps his tips can help you or someone you know find a job or at the very least hope for a job. Good luck to you.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-11140717616674887992009-04-13T11:26:00.001-04:002009-07-20T11:37:44.174-04:00Social Networking and how to be saferWith all the social networking options out there to keep us occupied and connected there is something also dangerous about that information being available to strangers. I've begun to think about this quite a bit. I have been using some of these media products and it is slightly disturbing to think that there are malicious people out there looking for ways to steal your identity. It is almost far too easy to have your life stolen by another. I encourage you to read this post, <a href="http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2009/04/social_networki.html">Social Networking Identity Theft Scams</a> on Bruce Schneier's blog. It will make you pause a moment. Think about the information you are posting and always be on guard. Often we are eager to become friendly with people but the lack of personal contact can complicate the ability to build trust in a network friend. We can hide so easily from afar and as we become more willing to share we are also becoming more likely to be targets of identity theft.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-88580180963818350472009-04-06T11:16:00.003-04:002009-07-20T11:25:11.322-04:00Nano-bloggingThis is a fantastic parody of the Twitter trend. Check out this clip on Flutter the New Twitter.<br /><br /><object width="360" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BeLZCy-_m3s&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BeLZCy-_m3s&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="360" height="340"></embed></object>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-35488082506938950872009-03-16T10:35:00.001-04:002009-07-20T11:06:16.537-04:00Twitter loves Sharks?Twitter has been all over the news lately. Has it become so over popularized that it has gone out of trend? As in has it<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-new-startup-dream-jumping-the-shark-2009-3"> jumped the shark</a>? Author Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McKinnon</span> wrote <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-02-27/twitter-jumped-the-shark-this-week/">Twitter Jumped the Shark This Week</a> where he thinks Twitter has become a thing of the past. He makes valid points which encourages me to stop posting so many foolish thoughts.<br /><br />Some may agree Twitter is on its way out and then again it may just have reached its peak of discovery. Prior to all this media attention Twitter was used by very few, most of which were tech lovers and library professionals, and now it's getting crowded. For some this social media has indeed become useless because it has lost its elitism. Come on now, think about it, think some more. We like elitism especially in DC the land of never ending politics. We like using something few have heard about and even fewer use. Once that shiny feeling fades the next new product is sought. I'm not bothered by this sudden surge of users nor the nay-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sayers</span> moving on. Yes it is a distraction yet far less of a distraction than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MySpace</span>, or even the water cooler gossip. Twitter still remains what it was: a way to communicate briefly. I'm still going to use Twitter. It is my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">IM</span> connection and there are several others who have done the same. I find it less bothersome than those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">IM</span> products out there because I am able to chat with folks but not feel like I'm being overwhelmed with the messages. For others it has replaced the chat rooms of the past which to me felt so confined and strange. There are several reasons why this will continue to fascinate people and several reasons to repel people. I am wondering what are your thoughts?<br /><br />If you use Twitter:<br /><br />Do you use it often?<br />What do you like about Twitter?<br />Why do you use it?<br /><br />If you have used Twitter and do not anymore, why? What did you dislike about it?Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-7780912554143581902009-03-02T10:23:00.000-05:002009-07-20T10:31:58.436-04:00Image finder search engineI'm behind the times on this but it's still a very useful tool especially for those in the medical professions. The Yale Image Finder search engine is a great way to locate biomedical images. The Bioinformatics article: <a href="http://bioinformatics.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/24/17/1968?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=image+finder&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=24&issue=17&resourcetype=HWCIT">Yale Image Finder (YIF)</a>: a new search engine for retrieving biomedical images explains the reason for its development. David Rothman gives a <a href="http://davidrothman.net/2009/02/12/yale-image-finder-and-uc-berkeleys-biotext/">great brief review</a> of this that you might find interesting.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-52289105965339401262009-02-20T11:56:00.004-05:002009-07-20T09:29:48.242-04:00Electronic BooksI read this <a href="http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13109804&source=hptextfeature">article</a>* as well as this related <a href="http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13109596">one</a>* and had mixed feelings. Where I understand the incredible fascination with new gadgets I am somehow put off by the almost obsessive desire we have developed for them.<br /><br />*Articles<br /><br />Well Read<br />Feb 12th 2009<br />The Economist<br /><br />An iTunes Moment for Readers?<br />Feb 12th 2009<br />The EconomistYvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-51106663069045261352009-02-12T14:07:00.000-05:002009-02-20T12:13:27.684-05:00Wikis should think about thisI read an article about an interesting development in the world of Wikipedia. There has come a time when it can't be both reputable and open source. I'll be following this as I am wondering how this is going to shape the nature of other wikis out there.<br /><br />Article: <a href="http://arstechnica.com/web/news/2009/02/doomed-why-wikipedia-will-fail.ars">Doomed: Why Wikipedia Will Fail</a><br />Nate Anderson<br />Ars Technica 2/12/09Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-56900988514276176852008-10-31T11:31:00.002-04:002009-02-20T13:03:45.053-05:00Strange things patrons doThis is an example of one of the many strange things I experienced while working as a Service Desk Manager. There are so many more to share but this one was odd. What I like most about this incident was my colleague's sense of humor as she described the situation. Having great people to work with when you encounter strange events does make the day brighter.<br /><br />A stranger barged into the library passed by the service desk and made himself welcome in the closed reserve room. This greatly distressed my desk staff as they were very baffled by this person's brazenness. He began to pace around in the small room while talking on his cell phone. He paused at various times looking at several things books, microscopes, slides until he found the corner where we keep the anatomical models. There, then, that's where he stood and proceeded to feel up the skeletons. We could not determine why this man was there. It was a very unusual way for someone to enter the library. He was asked several times what he was doing and if we could help him with something but he did not respond. He just continued to talk on phone. He departed only after his reception dwindled. Which was not unusual as that room is in the worst place possible to be talking on a cell phone.<br /><br />I wanted to know how did he know the skeletons were back there? The best response for summing up the situation was from a colleague she put it this way "I don't know if he knew that the skeletons were there or if he was just delighted to find them."Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-24971035809858473332008-10-27T09:44:00.001-04:002008-11-03T09:57:59.390-05:00Amazon's KindleHow does Oprah's endorsement of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kindle">Amazon's Kindle</a> affect the way libraries will provide services? Oprah is a very persuasive person and this show (<a href="http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081024_tows_kindle/1">Oprah's Favorite New Gadget</a>) she devoted to promoting the product will certainly influence people. The hefty price is going to cause many people to not go out and buy it now, though it won't be long until the price comes down. Yet this is going to impact libraries. Where do we go from here? Are we thinking of ways to encourage these and other forms of technology to be used by our patrons? It's something to ponder.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-70275688195337237402008-06-20T13:08:00.000-04:002009-02-20T13:13:20.345-05:00Worlds colliding?This is a fascinating read about how technology does affect your lifestyle. <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/print/technology/content/jun2008/tc20080616_244374.htm">Getting Found Out, Web 2.0 Style.</a> I wonder how would Ferris Bueller would be able to do what he does with today's teenage usage of technology.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-72198285753826681502008-05-03T17:26:00.006-04:002009-02-20T12:28:03.518-05:00Audio BooksI have a bit of advice to all libraries looking to offer audio books as a new service. After you settle on the digital media product the next step is to consider its diversity and how your users will understand how to use it. Case in point is my public library. I was so happy to discover that my library was offering digital audio books, it was just in time for me with summer travel on the way. I assumed that a smartphone such as a Blackberry would be one of the compatible devices. That was instantly shattered as I investigated the list of compatible digital devices. Unfortunately for me the library choose to use a digital media product for audio books that does not support Mac products (no real shocker) and supports only a handful of cell phones. I became frustrated when I discovered none of my devices would work.<br /><br />And then........<br /><br />I became very angry. Not because my devices weren't compatible but because of the lack of information on the library's website. There was no note pointing me, the happy excited user, to check the product's website first for device compatibility. I had to figure that out on my own. How is this providing a service to patrons? Thankfully for my sanity I was bright enough to take the link to the product's website and check everything out first. How many patrons are going to do that? My guess is that the average patron will download the book and try in vain to load the book on their device only to become frustrated and angry. How many people are going to be content to sit at their PC to listen to a book? I'm a big lover of libraries and this, among other things with this county system, is getting under my nails irritating.<br /><br />I am fed up with libraries MISSING the point of PROVIDING a good service. This upsets me because I spent a good portion of my career in Access Services and this is something that should have been considered. If you spend time and money promoting a new service and you KNOW that it has limitations then you SHOULD make an effort to communicate that to the patrons. It's a wonder why libraries are confused when citizens get upset about libraries wanting more money to provide services. This is an example why. As a public library you MUST really think hard about what kinds of technological services you will offer. Failing to do so will result in causing your patrons to endure all sorts of negative emotions. Can public libraries continue to do this over and over? Not with all the competition out there. You have to do things that will dazzle your patrons. Do not give citizens another reason why they think libraries are not worth supporting.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-39774466074015543212008-03-27T11:26:00.000-04:002008-06-03T17:21:22.721-04:00BookSwimI came across this service, <a href="http://www.bookswim.com/?SSAID=186740">Bookswim</a>, some time ago. I have several thoughts going on in my brain about it and am curious.<br /><br />How do you think this will impact the way libraries provide services?Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-33669627713095032722008-03-20T12:14:00.000-04:002009-02-20T12:24:01.668-05:00To create a new projectI did something exciting and overwhelming, I volunteered to create a library for my church. Being out of library employment (by choice and necessity) has made me jump at a chance to get my hands back into library work. I may have been far too excited to see the massiveness of the project at hand. So here it goes. I am going to get a library created. Wish me luck. <br /><br />My mind is full of questions, lists and things to do.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-45736476275867104732008-02-15T08:23:00.000-05:002008-06-03T17:21:52.755-04:00Where is Computer Science Education going?There has been much discussion about the academic structure of <a href="http://www.stsc.hill.af.mil/CrossTalk/2008/01/0801DewarSchonberg.html">Computer Science Education</a> programs throughout the country. The concern is that the education is not actually producing computer scientists so much as they are <a href="http://www.mwilliams.info/archive/2008/01/colleges-dont-teach-computer-science-anymore.php">making Java programmers</a>. So why the big fuss? The issue at hand is based on the needs of the future. By creating programmer based professionals there has been a big drop in the architectural and theoretical creators, the people that technology users will need. It is true that as more things become computerized the need for programmers to keep our technology functioning will increase. Except that need can never quash the need for skilled computer scientists to create programs to function as we dream. The dreamers have got to get dreaming and we must have hope that there will be more of them to keep our technology going forward.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-50495577253970243752008-01-17T08:14:00.001-05:002008-01-17T08:20:05.484-05:00No free shipping in FranceI have been following this <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/14/technology/amazon.php">Amazon.com case in France</a>. It is rather fascinating to see how the French government is fining Amazon.com for providing free shipping on books people order. I am curious to see how long Amazon.com can withstand the fines and if they can cause a movement to change the 1981 Lang law.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099215825708546926.post-67655345812681912732008-01-16T11:17:00.000-05:002008-01-18T09:56:20.823-05:00The PointI have worked professionally in libraries for almost ten years. I understand that is not a long period of time yet I have gained some wisdom during my employment over the years. I began this path when the internet was starting to become a part of our every day lives. Email was a new and exciting means of communication. Take a moment and reminisce. Okay enough of that back on topic. I have learned that defining the role of a librarian has become complicated. You can't put your finger on one definition and say "Yep, that's what they all do." No. Not any more. The traditional library setting is hardly what librarians find themselves working in now. Librarians are doing many, many nontraditional library things. And because of that I think that this profession is fantastic. It's fluid and imaginative and exciting.<br /><br />If you were to look up the word librarian in the dictionary you would be surprised by the diversity of the definitions. I was quite baffled by some and disappointed with others.<br /><br />There are several colorful definitions in the <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=librarian">Urban Dictionary</a> many of which are clearly written by people trying to be funny. Given that lack of reason I tend to disregard those sort of definitions. Although one of them is rather good....<span style="font-style: italic;">Information Master. One to be worshiped.</span><br /><br />The Merriam-Webster dictionary online defines <a href="http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/librarian">librarian</a> as <span style="font-style: italic;">a specialist in the care or management of a library</span>. Hmmm. Dreadfully broad and I can understand why.<br /><br />The Free Dictionary has a slightly more descriptive definition of a <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/librarian">librarian</a> as being <span style="font-style: italic;">1. A person who is a specialist in library work. 2. A person who is responsible for a collection of specialized or technical information or materials, such as musical scores or computer documentation.</span> Yet not quite satisfactory.<br /><br />The ALA definition describes the profession of librarians as helping:<span style="font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />people with homework and research questions, decide what items to purchase and to discard, offer programs and training, help people use the internet, build websites, and more. Specialized librarians may run computer systems, work with seniors and non-English speaking populations, become specialists in a specific subject area, or maintain the records for the online catalog. Librarian jobs are often full-time, although most libraries also rely on a core of part-time and "substitute" librarians to help cover all of the hours many libraries are open. The average starting salary for a full-time new librarian was $37,975 in 2003, with the average for all librarians at $43,090 for 2002.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>The U.S. Department of Labor goes into great detail to describe the <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos068.htm">librarian</a> profession. Their site also includes information about salaries for the industries employing the largest number of librarians.<br /><br />Ultimately there is no one all encompassing definition that describes our jobs, what we really do. We are a dynamic bunch providing all sorts of services to our client/patron base. What matters is how <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> define yourself in the profession. Are you an electronic resources guru, an access services master, a creator of all things.....? It is about what you do every day and how you provide a service in this profession. It is something that can be static or indeterminate and that my friends is wonderful. That aspect is a source of my passion for this profession. A reason why I am going to pursue my Master's in Library Science and finally become an official Librarian. I figured that I should have a degree to go along with all this experience.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512673365244461992noreply@blogger.com0