Library Lovers' LiveJournal

Making a portfolio.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:18:54 GMT

Hello everyone.

I am one of two librarians assigned to a very large elementary school. Due to budgetary reasons, I will probably not be at that school next year. While this is disappointing, I can accept this.

To prepare for my possible upcoming job search, I am making a portfolio of the work that I have done at the school. This will include screen shots of the websites and programs that I have demonstrated to the students, copies of the library homework that I had created, and a few photocopied pages of the book that the students had made under my supervision.

I would like to include a recording of me reading to the students; but am not sure how I can include this. Should I use a tape? Record it on a USB stick? Record it on a website and direct people to a URL? (If posting a reading online is the best option, there will be copyright issues.)

Any advice on how I should record the reading, and anything else I should put in the portfolio, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

ResourceMate in a small public school?

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:49:49 GMT

I'm doing some research to help out my local school district, who had a catastrophic server failure and lost their ILS server and all backups over the winter holidays. They had been running the ancient Follett Circulation Plus package and are looking to start over, entirely from scratch, on something else. They've got a collection of 12-15k (we're not actually sure because the ILS is up in smoke!) at three sites.

We're hesitant to suggest an open-source package because, well, their IT people really aren't. They're looking at Insignia, which we're running at the public library here, but it's a little out of their price range (and, hey, if Insignia's too expensive, there's not a whole lot of other choices out there).

Somewhere they came up with ResourceMate as a possibility, and it looks like it might be perfect for them. Perfect enough to make me wary, because who sells an ILS for under a thousand dollars?

Does anybody have any experience with this package? Is it suitable for a public school setting?

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:43:10 GMT

I'm a children's librarian at a small branch in a large urban public library system. I've had issues for months battling the rest of the staff's negativity toward children and young adults. I've already made significant progress, but I've hit a road block. I *know* there has to be professional literature out there somewhere about ways to be welcoming to children and young adults. I've been scouring ala.org and looking in databases and such, and I'm sure I'll be able to find things if I keep looking -- but do you have any favorite resources on this topic? (I can find plenty of blog posts about "no shushing" and things like that. I want something that looks "official" so that I can show them to these people who have no clue.)

Also, how do you feel about the following "rules" in the library? Does your opinion differ for the children's room compared to the adult room? (I'm definitely not saying that I don't think *any* of these rules should be followed. I just want to see if there's any general consensus about these types of things.)

-NO cell phones in the library.
-NO chewing gum in the library.
-NO food or drink in the library.
-NO hanging out in the library. (You must be reading, using a computer, or using the library's resources in some other way.)
-NO checking out books or using the computers unless you have your library card with you. Even if you have picture ID.
-NO using the computers more than once a day. Even if there's no one waiting.

Input would be much appreciated, especially from children's librarians in public libraries.

Recently weeded?

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:38:09 GMT

Background: bootstrapped, self-taught collection manager in a small rural public. I know a lot of what works, but not a lot about the correct way to do things or how they are done in bigger systems, and sometimes I don't realize we have a problem until it smacks me in the face.

A volunteer who's sorting donations just brought me a book that we don't have and asked if he should add it to the "tentatively keep" pile - and I realized that it was the very same book I'd weeded LAST WEEK. It's not the first time I've looked at a donation and thought, "I'm sure we used to have that, but evidently we don't anymore. Hrm." Which makes me wonder if previously-weeded items do get added back in... and if we should do anything about it. Seems like a lot of staff labor wasted.

Do you keep track of titles recently weeded? For how long? What's the procedure? The first thing that comes to mind is just to run off a "titles to be destroyed" report before hitting the big red button on each weed batch, and then either 1.) physically filing those reports by classification category or 2.) merge them into one giant master spreadsheet by classification and date and then periodically purge entries before $-x date. Also seems like a lot of staff labor wasted on... things we got rid of because we don't want to waste our resources on them anymore.

It's a dilemma!

What is a good way to display your new display books when you've many pending ones ?

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:56:54 GMT

What is a good way to display your new display books when you've many pending ones ?
Currently, the library I'm working can display about 30 books on the new books display shelves.
The problem is the library still have about 100 - 120 books pending from "backlog" which are still not displayed on the new books display shelves.
It can be tough to replace all the 30 books per week since certain times, new book arrivals do not come on certain weeks or the number of books are very minimal.
Additionally, the new display books shelves needs to be fully occupied (must display 30 books) and must never be empty, unless a library patron has borrowed it so we can see that the specific book has been borrowed.
Can someone share with me their experiences in handling such scenarios and/or how your library handles new book displays.
If you have photos of your library displays, please post it here.

Thanks.

Public Library Blogs

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 16:33:23 GMT

Does anyone have any recommendations for blogs about public librarianship? I graduated with my MLS in May and am looking to stay engaged and current in the profession while I search for my first professional job.

Hm, should I go to the library?

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:45:35 GMT

OMG I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!

Should I Go the Fuck to the Library?

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:22:35 GMT

Hello!

I recently became a Reference and Instruction Librarian for a small (very small) academic library. I have under my supervision three work study students. The director allows them to do homework when library projects are low. However, they don't take advantage of that time and instead I find them socializing. They're definitely not getting paid to socialize.

Since I've never had to supervise work study students before I was wondering if anyone had ideas for library projects. Keep in mind that this is a small library.

I thought of shelf reading, but that will literally last them a few days. Any thoughts? Much appreciated if anything comes my way!

What are popular online forums where library professionals around the world can meet and discuss ?

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:06:58 GMT

What are popular online forums where library professionals around the world can meet and discuss ?
Like it's meant for library professionals only.
Allow discussion on the new developments or interior design of a library in a country.
I'd like to know, do you know ?

Just a little funny to brighten up the day

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:58:07 GMT

Seen at the Hillsdale Free Public Library via the WIN! Blog:

http://wins.failblog.org/2011/08/04/epic-win-photos-cant-deny-win/

What people don't know

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:39:13 GMT

This is pretty interesting. Tell me what people don't know about your job. Comments are cool.

I like all the librarians who commented!

But also enjoy learning about other peoples' jobs, like security guard and bass player.

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:30:35 GMT

Hello All! My name is Melissa, and I'm a para-educator for a special ed department in a public high school. I'm part way through my master's degree and teaching certificate, and for one of my classes I'm doing some research on what people think about including multimedia and technology in instruction for students with IEPs, FSPs, and 504 plans. I'd really appreciate any and all participation in my project.

If you are the PARENT or GUARDIAN of a child with an IEP, FSP, or 504 plan, please fill out my short, anonymous survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9GMNBFP

If you are a STUDENT or a FORMER STUDENT with an IEP, FSP, or 504 plan, please fill out my short, anonymous survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9BTKGJF

If you are a certificated TEACHER, please fill out my short, anonymous survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/93NBY3D

Thank you so much for all your help!

Libraries in Black-and-White

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 05:35:36 GMT

Total Icon Count: 25
Teasers:

( Icons Here! )

Job of a Library Executive

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:29:22 GMT

Hi there folks,
I'm new to this community and livejournal and I'm glad there's a library forum over here.
Anyway, I'm wondering if any of you know what's the real job scope of a Library Executive.
I'm keen to apply on this Library Executive and below are the job details.

Key Responsibilities:
> Manage resource acquisitions and cataloguing
> Manage and monitor circulations and usage of library resources
> Administer and process membership related matters
> Maintain and upkeep all library resources such as library catalogues and records
> Produce display and publicity materials for the library

So tell me if this job is similar to a
1) Library Assistant
2) Library Officer
3) Librarian
4) Others ?

Need your help guys. Thanks

UK JOB - library and reprographics assistant

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:41:03 GMT

Hello Everyone!

Apologies for this being poster in a few different communities. I thought livejournal would be a good place to find a fun librarian to work with!

I write http://schoollibrarians.tumblr.com/ and work as a school librarian in a new academy in South London. http://www.evelyngraceacademy.org/ . The building is designed by Zaha Hadid and has been all over the news!
At the moment we are looking to hire a library and reprographics assistant. I work with a lot of great kids and the job is a lot of fun!

If you want more information/the job description, comment with your email and I'll send it over!
You'll get to work with this lady:

and you'll get to make awesome displays like this:

Comment with your email for the job description.

Please help a MLIS student out!

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:58:59 GMT

Hi everyone,

I'm a MLIS student at Drexel University, and I'm taking a Web Design course this summer. For my final project, I need to design a web site for a library-related organization. I'm new to the field, and also new to Philly, so I don't really know many people whom I can ask. (The organization whose website I design doesn't have to be in Philly; we can communicate via email.)

Does anyone know of any libraries OR library-related organizations who are in need of website design? I can't promise it will be an *awesome* website, since I am still learning, but I'll do my best.

Please comment here or send me an email at cmc436 at drexel.edu

Thanks for your help!
Christy

Owls on the loose! Looking for help with a puppet show...

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:49:37 GMT

Hello,

I am in need of a title of a really good puppet show or story that can easily be made into a puppet show that involves owls and no more than 2 people for an owl themed reading event for kids. Does any one have any suggestions? Thanks for the help. :-)

thoughts

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 04:14:40 GMT

So I am currently working full time for a very large library system. I still love being a librarian and I like my current position. That said I DISLIKE my current branch. The area it is in is not one I fully feel safe in, the patrons are difficult and my coworkers are unpleasant. Which leads me to my current situation. I know one of ways of fixing my situation would be to request a transfer to another branch but there is no longer a way to formally request a transfer in my system any more. I would have to approach my boss' boss and politely/politically both make and explain my request and I am uncertain that I would be able to retain my current job duties in a new branch. Since I LIKE what I do at work I really have to weigh how much I DISLIKE my current branch situation.

I filled out a civil service exam for the next county about a year ago. I just received a letter in the mail offering me the chance to interview for a part-time position with the correspondingly part time pay. I am going to go through with the interview but I do have the usual concerns of losing half my income and my benefits if I am offered the job. Have any of you ever left your full-time position for a part-time one? If so, why? What have been people's experiences with trying to cobble together two part time positions in order to cover bills?

I'm probably just stressing over nothing because the part time position will go to some one else but its better to think of these things going in before going in for the interview. The primary reason I would want this position is because I would be in a much smaller library system and I believe it would be better for me professionally to switch to a smaller system. I would be able to do things that I am unable to do in my current system and possibly be forced to learn some things that would benefit me in the long run- like grant writing.

training online?

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:41:03 GMT

The library service I work for is hoping to improve their staff training, especially in regards to online and information resources but also focusing on customer care.
Do any of your library services train staff online? How do you do it? How much time do staff need to complete the training? Do you break it into chunks? (How) Do you reward/motivate staff? Or do you do everything IRL, face-to-face?
Please tell me about any examples, if you can. Thanks for all your help.

Facebook learning curve

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:23:35 GMT

Hello,
Thank you all for the quick response and great advice. I did a little bit of both. I created an account for myself that contains very little data about myself and was able to associate ('is this your business?' link) the library with my account without having to make a 'fake' person and without having to get deeply involved with FaceBook as an individual.

I just really appreciate how lively the discussion was and it was so nice to be able to hear what people with more experience in these matters. What a great community!

new FaceBook URL

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:04:35 GMT

Thank you everyone for the quick replies!

Here is the URL I've copied from when I log-in to FB

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-Barnhart-Bee-County-Library/186837828028581

(was this what would be useful to everyone?)

Social networking for libraries

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:18:33 GMT

Hello,
I am new to LiveJournal, but I first found it while trying to answer some questions about circulating advanced reader copies of novels/ This community was so helpful I joined u that day!

Now I need some help...I'm trying to get a FaceBook page up for my library and I am having some difficulty. I can't create a profile because it is an organization not an individual, so i created a page. But when I have patrons look for our FaceBook page all they get is a bland listing with the address of the library and other businesses in town.

I've been into the privacy settings and made everything as public as possible. Other organization have pages that are beautiful and colorful, but ours seems to be non-existent!

Has anyone been through/heard/encountered this problem?

Thanks!

Undergrad

Fri, 27 May 2011 17:59:02 GMT

I recently made the decision to go back to school and work toward getting my MLS. I have a few ideas of what I want to study as an undergrad, but I'm kind of interested in Clarion's BS in Liberal Studies with a Library Science Concentration. Does anyone know anything about this program? Is it redundant to get a BS in Library Science if I plan on getting my MLS?

I just want to make sure I'm on the right track, especially considering that going back to school is a huge decision and I'm extremely nervous about it.

x-posted to library_grrls

Some of you might be interested in this CPD opportunity

Fri, 27 May 2011 14:13:51 GMT

Free CPD coming up!

23 Things for Professional Development is a free online programme open to information professionals at all stages of their career, in all types of role, and anywhere across the world.

Inspired by the 23 Things programmes for social media, this new programme will consist of a mixture of social media "Things" and "Things" to do with professional development. The programme starts on 20 June and will run until early October 2011.

Each week the CPD23 blog will be updated with details of the next thing to be explored. Catch up weeks and reflection weeks are built into the programme, so it's not a problem if you’re going to be away for a week or two!

Please do spread the word to any friends, colleagues, or groups that might be interested: please pass on this message and link to http://cpd23.blogspot.com. If you’re on Twitter follow @cpd23 and tweet with the hashtag #cpd23.

X-posting to <lj user="library_grrls">

online archives certificate?

Thu, 19 May 2011 19:05:30 GMT

I recently started working as a project manager on a grant digitizing archival objects and notebooks. While I am doing some work with the materials, I am wondering if it is enough experience to move in to archives after this term project is up. I am not processing collections or writing EAD.

Does anyone have experience with the UW Milwaukee online archives certificate? I received my MLIS in 2007, but was focused more on reference services and have primarily worked in reference since 2005. I am a little leery of how online archives training is seen, considering the amount of skills that are hands-on. I don't want to waste my money! I also am at a point in my career where it doesn't make sense to move/leave the profession to go back to school as a traditional student.

Or if you are a hiring manager what are your opinions on the value of these sorts of certificates? I would plan to supplement the learning with internships.

xposted to library_grrls