Friendships and the world of social networking

William Deresiewicz posted an interesting overview of the evolution of friendships from ancient times through to today's world of social networking in Faux Friendships
published in this weeks Chronicle of Higher Education. He begins with "We live at a time when friendship has become both all and nothing at all." and then explores how friendships have evolved, their societal value, and how today's social networking world has diminished its value. Good reading -- good discussion topic.

My Journey to Library World

The Library Routes Project is intriguing ... and what a great opportunity to contribute... so here goes!

Once upon a time ... oh wait that's another story! My journey begins a long time ago in another lifetime, when I was finishing my college degree. My best friend was staying at the University of Idaho to complete her masters in library science, while I was going forward to be a teacher and "save the world!" However, there was a niggling that started at that time in my brain -- and it kept saying -- library -- library!

I had always been interested in the library and as a young girl had helped my Great Aunt, off and on, at the public library. But still I was young and eager to get going so I did. I taught home economics in a small town in Idaho for about 4 years -- which was a great experience as I created and implemented a new program for grades 7-12, as well as encountered the joy being a coach for girls basketball and volleyball. It was here I met my first husband, and soon after we were married, moved to central Washington state, where I taught school for another 11 years. And interestingly, all that time, there was still the niggling -- library -- library!

In 1986, I took a year's sabbatical from teaching to start my own business and explore the world of technology which at that time was quite quaint! I was fascinated by creating my own programs and the ability to do desktop publishing! This led to the opening of a small writing and editing service. I did this part-time, while teaching full time for a couple of years, then part-time on each job for a couple of years, and finally took the plunge to be on my own, full time. This was a gratifying experience and for the next 15 years my focus. Still, there was that niggling -- library -- library!

One day during this time I returned to the public library for some research and discovered the disappearance of the card catalog! Yikes! I had been so proud of myself for mastering the search tool. I was greatly saddened -- as well as frustrated by the electronic monstrosity that now seemed very daunting!!

A few years later, as fate would have it, I was single again and found the desire to have a "regular pay check". This time I paid attention to the niggling -- library -- library! A part-time, evening circulation position at the local community college opened -- I applied and was offered the job! What excitement! Finally, I was going to be working in a library. Well, the flood gates opened, I blossomed -- and the journey began in earnest!

After working in that position for a short time, the head circulation position opened -- I jumped in with both feet. I was learning and growing in my knowledge about the inner workings of the library and in seventh heaven! I integrated my customer-focused service adopted in my previous career pathways into the new daily routine. Next the cataloging position was available -- once again I jumped into this one with the same fervor as the other two.

Now in my early 50's, I decided it was time to take the plunge -- librarianship is where I need to spend my remaining productive years. So I researched online ALA accredited degree programs and made my choice! Within two years I had a degree and a library job that is utilizing education and business skills that I have acquired over the years. As Continuing Education Consultant for the Idaho Commission for Libraries, I am responsible for ensuring the Idaho library community has access to a virtual buffet of professional development opportunities to meet their current and future needs.

On one hand there is a small sadness for not taking the step sooner -- however, on the other hand, this is such a great time to be a librarian. The opportunity to be a change agent, rather than the one who has to change -- is truly invigorating.

Transparency & Libraries

An open conversation between Jan Klerk Librarian at City Library of Haarlem Netherlands and Michael from Tame the Web -- talks about the key elements of a transparent library:
1. open communication
2. adapting to change
3. scanning the horizon

And that Library 2.0 comes down to a philosophy of service built on
1. constant change
2. participatory service
3. mindful evaluation

Go to Tame the Web to read more...

Social Technologies & Libraries in 2010

A great blog post by Michael Stephens provides thoughts from both inside and outside the library community as to the future of social media technology. Summarized Michael made the following three predictions from the library community perspective:

1. Social media policies will become more prevalent
Because it is not going away anytime soon, Michael recommends that every library either create and/or refresh its social media policies. His advice includes " work from examples from all realms and take no more than three meetings to hash out the policy and send it on. Things will be changing too fast to meet for weeks or months."

2. Evaluation will come into its own

Take a step back and see what's working and what's not. Drop things that don't and add ones that do. Some key things to consider during the evaluation process: the newness of the tools, the varying degrees of use by library users and staff and the time/resource saving involved.

3. Libraries will become community leaders in teaching social tools

Those libraries that have taken the step to offer Learning 2.0 or integrated social tools into their services are position to take the next step which according to Michael is—educating governing bodies and their community of users.

See Michael's blog post for further insights.

Learning to Change ... Changing to Learn

This is a great 5 minute video that provides a lot of food for thought... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tahTKdEUAPk

So while thinking of librarians as gate-openers ... how does that impact how we learn to change... and change to learn.

Are we willing to be surprised by discovery of new tools and ideas?

How can we incorporate those new tools and ideas into our lives?

Will we be analytical yet open-minded as we adapt to new ways of learning?

How do you learn? Where do you learn? Why do you learn?

Gate-Openers

A great article about the changing role of librarians, From Gatekeepers to Gate-Openers, by Steven Bell, can be found in August/September Issue of American Libraries (p. 50). Steven encourages those working in libraries to see gatekeepers as a limited role: making information accessible. When we could be opening the gates, moving from "creating access to resources to creating meaningful relationships with community members." He goes on to express the importance of delivering as well as designing the meaningful experience. I encourage you to read this article and then go forth and design and appropriately deliver a meaningful service! How will you be a gate-opener?

Lifelong Learning

5 Tips for Lifelong Learning

Posted by mgullett on Sep 7, 2009 on Northwest Central and in Success, August 2009. Excellent suggestions!!!

1) Seek out a mentor – look for someone who exemplifies the lifestyle that you admire and wish to emulate and plan to adapt some of his or her strategies for success.

2) Accept constructive criticism – When someone offers you a suggestion for improvement or reveals holes in your plans, don’t get defensive. Evaluate the input and be grateful for the alternate point of view.

3) Enroll in continuing education – Whether building skills for your industry or your hobby, taking a class can broaden your mind, help prepare you for new endeavors and remind you that you don’t know it all.

4) Join a community -Find a community of people who represent your direction and goals. Join their regular meetings and forums.

5) Ask questions – Even if you’re the boss, don’t be afraid to admit that you still have some things to learn.

Day 2 CE Forum 2009

Today started with 7 minute State Reports -- with a timer and a large clock we made it through almost 30 state reports within a couple of hours! Some basic themes including doing more with less $$$, training for all levels: support, management, and trustees, children services, and teen services.

Dr. John Moorman, Director of Williamsburg Library, spoke to the group about the importance of CE for library staff. Lisa Varga, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, spoke to the group about Wow! That's Cool! ongoing technology tools!

Going out to dinner at Christinia Campbell Tavern soon!

2009 CE FORUM

This evening was the beginning of the 2009 CE Forum for Continuing Education Consultants from state library agencies throughout the United States. Around 30 consultants are meeting this week in Williamsburg, VA to share success stories, as well as talk about library trends in continuing education and discuss challenges.

Monday evening was a great networking session with Cindy Church, CE Consultant for Virginia State Library -- who also is responsible for organizing this week's event. Virginia State Librarian Sandy Treadway, welcomed the participants. It was also an opportunity to network and renew acquaintences as well as welcome the newcomers.

A great ice breaker used fortune cookies and the creativity of the participants to connect the fortune to what they are doing in their state with CE. Click here to see photos

Here are some key points we will be working on this week:

• Communication is more integral today than ever before
• Focus on the positive
• Developing relationships
• Handling people with respect
• CE is a lifelong journey
• Looking forward after agreemennt
• Choosing your attitude

To follow the rest of the week's activity -- check on the CE Wiki

Libraries = Learning Organizations Part 2

On August 13, the Idaho Commission for Libraries held its second online conference in the Libraries = Learning Organization series. It was a great success. Go to the Libraries = Learning Organization link to view the archives and handouts.

Golden nuggets and questions from participants:

• We are great self-directed learners, if we need or want to learn it!
• If I stop learning, I am not as bale to help student or faculty.
• Formal online education with required posts and assignments, keeps me focused.
• Learning cohorts really make a difference -- getting together with others to learn / take a class.
• Going to encourage more widespread learning opportunities for our whole team.
• We have to adapt to the teaching styles of others.
• Being aware of my learning style makes me more aware of other's learning styles.
• Supervisors in learning organizations are more like coaches, mentors, leaders.
• Can someone become a self-directed learner if it's not their natural style?
• I wonder how many library staff have a read/write learning style?
• How does my learning style afftect my feelings about online learning?

Growing Learning Champions

Motivation to learn seems to be a constant theme I hear from supervisors and library directors. It is a tough sell, especially if individuals have had a bad "education" experience during their life's journey. Sandra Smith from Denver Public Library has posted great strategies for growing learning champions! Here are a few:

• Do get out of your cubicle and talk learning and training with anyone and everyone!
• Do involve staff at all levels, inviting them to contribute and participate.
• Do provide support for those who participate in training.
• Do use and promote training as a development opportunity for staff.
• Do publicize what's going on in your world.

And there is more, just check out Growing Learning Champions at Denver Public Library to see how you can grow learning champions at your library!

I would like to add ... don't forget to celebrate yours and others learning accomplishments! Balloons, chocolate, or alohas ... all work well to bring recognition to the importance of learning.

ALA 2009 -- Recommended Presentations

In reviewing the workshops that were presented at the 2009 ALA conference in Chicago, here are my recommendations for content review:

Cataloging Digital Media Back to the Future -- Practical information on descriptive cataloging of digital media: DVD-Video, Blu-Ray Discs, DVD-Audio, DualDisc, DVD-ROM, Playaways, and Streaming Media.

CE & SOLO Librarian

The March 2009 issue of the One-Person Library newsletter provided as its swan song a list of many resources for those of you who find yourself in such a situation! The important thing to remember is you are not alone -- there is a wealth of information available at your fingertips. Here are just a few you might consider reviewing:

Books on Solo Librarianship
Managing the NEW One-Person Library (1992) by Guy St. Clair and Joan WilliamsonThe Essential OPL 1998-2004 by Judith A. Siess

Blogs
Lone Wolf Librarian http://lonewolflibrarian.wordpress.com/
The Solo Librarian http://sololibrarian.blogspot.com/
The Corporate Librarian http://thecorporatelibrarian.com/
OPL Plus http://opls.blogspot.com/

Wikis
http://wiki.sla.org/http://wiki.sla.org/display/Toronto/Solo+Librarians

Websites/Organizations
SOLO Librarian Division, Special Libraries Association http://units.sla.org/division/dsol/

Other
Solo Librarianship: Unique Challenges and Opportunities for New Librariansby Kristina Keogh http://www.liscareer.com/keogh_solo.htm
PART 3: “Influence Pyramid” and the Solo Librarian…03.02.09 http://lonewolflibrarian.wordpress.com/2009/03/02/the-solo-librarian-and-the-influence-pyramid030209/

Fair Use / Copyright Tools

Here are some great e-tools regarding "Fair Use / Copyright" usage. Produced by the American Library Association Office of Information Technology Policy" they are online and available 24-7! So next time you have a burning "fair use" question, run it through the steps and you will have an answer -- one you can print a hard copy of the results -- in no time at all!

Tools include:
Fair Use Evaluator
Exceptions for Instructors in Copyright Law
Public Domain
Section 108 of the CopyrightCode

Summary of Web Tools

WebTools4U2Use -- http://webtools4u2use.wikispaces.com/Webtools4U2Use "The purpose of this website is to provide a place for K-12 school library media specialists to learn a little more about web tools that can be used to improve and enhance school library media programs and services, to see examples of how they can be used, and to share success stories and creative ideas about how to use and integrate them. Hundreds of free and inexpensive web tools are available for school library media specialists to use that can make us more productive, valued, and, perhaps, more competitive."

It is a great compilation....

Map of Today's Learning Terrain

With the last post, I shared the mind map by Marilyn Martin of today's learning world. After thinking about it, I realized that I am pretty close to that"Food Critic" model. When I need to know something, I research and find it. This learning can happen by reading, listening, sharing, and talking. It can happen online or face to face. More and more I rely on RSS feeds to bring information to me which then I store via my Delicious or Diigo account. Retrieving that information is important, so I also use tagging to make sure I never lose it.

Wow has learning changed since I was in school. I do more learning than training, more sharing than teaching. Knowledge management is so critical to my position, to my life.

So think about how you learn. If you want to expand your knowledge of a learnining organization and what that means be sure to take advantage of the WebJunction course "Power of Learning Organizations." Be sure to sign into WebJunction Idaho to take advantage of the free course!

Map of Today's Learning Terrain

How we learn is changing as depicted by this wonderful mind map by Marilyn Martin.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVLcDyb-iKsRCq7RcJdEKtRYLwBsVU94wyUgzILQzeM9TUz7p1LQQs3DPIwAQVuyhZcZCJ_V5iAFT3huzpUSdEfPGbdhhdQI-c9EuT9s6Ci1Vm_G-1NChx6DkxiojoRlFUqcf1-ytEXHY/s1600-h/Todays+Learning+Terrain.jpg

Integrating Technology

The 12 Essentials for Integrating Technology by Richard Byrne is a great list of Web 2.0 tools to explore for teachers and librarians.

Leadership 2.0

First of June -- a new month and a new commitment to post more often. Today with the buzz of Web 2.0 and everything else 2.0 , Michael Hyatt has a great post on Leadership 2.0. I love the way he uses the words embrace, demonstrate, celebrate, employ, practice, and build in terms of leadership! Michael says it best so please follow the link and read: http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/05/leadership-20.html

Disaster Planning and Preservation Workshop

Last summer a Disaster Planning and Preservation workshop for libraries and archives was held at two different sites in Idaho. The Idaho Commission for Libraries is once again collaborating with the Western States Preservation Assistance Service (WESTPAS) to offer this workshop at one site in Idaho. Attached is the workshop flyer which provides the details regarding dates and location.


As a result of this workshop, participants will prepare a disaster plan for their library, as well as gain a wealth of information regarding resources for when a disaster strikes and preservation techniques for various library materials.


Last year’s participants indicated on their post evaluations that they found this session valuable, gaining insight into
1. How to immediately respond to protect people, buildings, and collections.
2. How to implement the disaster plan.
3. How to assess damage to collections
4. How to establish and maintain communication channels during an emergency
5. How to assess a library’s vulnerability for collection loss or damage
6. How to train staff in emergency response procedures and collections.


Please check out the flyer and register today at http://tinyurl.com/bkfc44
It is a two-part training, with workshop sessions on August 5, 2009 and September 18, 2009. Both sessions will be held at the Idaho Commission for Libraries in Boise. While the workshop is free, participants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging.


Questions can be directed to Shirley Biladeau – shirley.biladeau@libraries.idaho.gov or call 208-639-4149.

Disaster Planning and Preservation Workshop

Last summer a Disaster Planning and Preservation workshop for libraries and archives was held at two different sites in Idaho. The Idaho Commission for Libraries is once again collaborating with the Western States Preservation Assistance Service (WESTPAS) to offer this workshop at one site in Idaho. Attached is the workshop flyer which provides the details regarding dates and location.

As a result of this workshop, participants will prepare a disaster plan for their library, as well as gain a wealth of information regarding resources for when a disaster strikes and preservation techniques for various library materials.

Last year’s participants indicated on their post evaluations that they found this session valuable, gaining insight into
1. How to immediately respond to protect people, buildings, and collections.
2. How to implement the disaster plan.
3. How to assess damage to collections
4. How to establish and maintain communication channels during an emergency
5. How to assess a library’s vulnerability for collection loss or damage
6. How to train staff in emergency response procedures and collections.

Please check out the flyer and register today at http://tinyurl.com/bkfc44
It is a two-part training, with workshop sessions on August 5, 2009 and September 18, 2009. Both sessions will be held at the Idaho Commission for Libraries in Boise. While the workshop is free, participants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging.

Questions can be directed to Shirley Biladeau – shirley.biladeau@libraries.idaho.gov or call 208-639-4149.

Libraries as Learning Organizations

The Idaho Commission for Libraries held its first online conference on May 14 - Libraries = Learning Organizations. Thirty-five people from throughout Idaho gathered virtually to begin the discussion about learning organizations and how that might apply to their libraries. It was a robust conversation, creating lots of enthusiasm and excitement. Archives, powerpoints, and bibliography

Then earlier this week, I attended the WebJunction Webinar "Libraries as Learning Organizations". Four panelists talked about how their libraries -- Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Pierce County Library, and Denver Public Library -- have started their journey toward becoming a learning organization and what that means within their organizations. Content and archives

One term that I really liked and will start using is "learning champions." Denver Public Library has some great strategies for "growing learning champions."

I challenge you to discover the learning champions within your organization!

Excuses for not doing CE

The excuses are many -- too busy -- no time -- too old -- no money -- to much to do -- no time -- too old......

Sound familiar? Yes this is reality for many of us -- myself included. However, the reality in today's fast-paced, ever-changing world, is that if you do not keep up with trends and technology in the library world --- you will be left in the dust.

We all work in very unique communities -- some are smaller and enjoy the slower pace of life, while other communities are fast-paced making it a challenge just to keep up with the daily routines. However, in order to keep all of our libraries in the forefront as a "learning" organization, we must be willing to look beyond the openings of our cave dwellings and take a chance on the "new stuff". (see David Hutchen's Shadows of the Neanderthal: Illuminating the Beliefs that Limit Our Organization)

I went to a library conference in eastern Idaho this past week. In talking with another colleague I was fascinated by his enthusiasm for learning! He said he felt like the robot in a 90's movie that kept asking for "more data -- more data -- need more input!" He is thirsty for new knowledge and is continually expanding his learning through a variety of avenues: self-education, workshops, e-learning, conferences, reading, playing and experimenting! Every day is a new exciting opportunity to learn!

I challenge to you to play with new trends and technology ... experiment and explore! You will not be dissappointed. Not every new trend or technology tool will be appropriate for you, however, it will be valuable knowledge that some day you will be able to share with someone else.

Why CE?

Here are the slides from my presentation on continuing education for librarians! I have presented this at 4 region conferences of the Idaho Library Association and will be presenting a mini version for the library staff of the Boise Public Schools on May 1. Continuing Education -- aLifelong Learning

Staff Development Tools

This site came to my attention today -- it has some great tools for Staff Development which can be molded to fit your specific needs check it out!

Yale University Library has a form for an individual to use in writing a learning plan or IDP, as well as a guide for developing the IDP. These can be seen on their staff training and devlopment Web page at http://ogma.library.yale.edu/training/stod/staffdev/learningplan.html

Another useful tool for individual and staff development is the University of North Texas Le@Ds program -- it will provide feedback and help you track your progress electronically -- it's free!

http://www.leadonline.info/StaffDevelopment1.cfm

Libraries = Learning Organizations

Bill Drew's blog post "How to Help a Young Librarians Love of Librarianship" brings a lot of food for thought! My immediate thought is that Libraries are the perfect environment for a learning organization and how important it is for libraries to model that mindset. Note the following musings:

1. Encourage continuing education ... provide funding! From my perspective this is a top priority for library directors and managers! Encouraging staff to take online courses (they abound especially for Idaho librarians through WebJunction Idaho) and attend face to face workshops and seminars is important. Some staff are too shy to take the initiative to ask. So as a Director ... you can take the initiative and encourage!
2. Play with new technologies. Our agency encourages everyone ... yes, everyone in the agency ... to take 15 minutes a week to explore new technologies during work time. This gives individuals the permission to schedule into their work flow time to learn. Once again opening the door ....
3. Work outside of job descriptions ... this can be invaluable, especially when the workplace is experiencing a flu epidemic -- it also provides opportunity for collaborative efforts and diminishes territorial or "this is mine" syndrome. It provides respect for each other's position and individual abilities to perform specific tasks. One never realizes how difficult a task is until you try to do it yourself.
4. Listen ... new librarians have good ideas as well as the veterans! Build respect among staff by valuing everyone's opinion and ideas.
5. Outreach ... go beyond the library as a place ... partner with schools, organizations, and businesses. There are plenty of partners out there and young people are usually pretty good at sizing them up -- libraries do not have to do it all by themselves!
6. Freedom to fail ... it's okay to make mistakes! I have learned the most when I tried and failed. Although I beat myself up for a while ... I was still able to regroup and achieve even greater heights with that knowledge.
7. Credit ... everyone loves to have their ideas and accomplishments acknowledged. That little aloha or thank you will go a long way toward motivating staff. Keep it positive!
8. Open ... to new ways of thinking, new ideas, new processes. Just because it has worked well in the same manner for the last 10 years, doesn't mean there is no room for improvement. Try it ... in small increments rather than the entire system at once if possible. That helps end users become accustomed to the change gradually.

Thanks Bill for the great ideas -- these are great tips not only for encouraging new librarians, but also for motivating the seasoned veterans ... Thanks for making me stop and think...

Staff Development

One issue in Idaho libraries is staff development. At ICFL we get a lot of inquiries about "how to" do staff development. As Libraries = Learning Organizations in today's world, we need to strive to promote individual growth which will encourage innovation and change.

A tool that will serve many library managers well is the University of North Texas Le@D staff development toolbox. This is a great place to start whether you have 1 or 10 employees. I would encourage you to do a self-analysis to see what is recommended and then have each of your employees do the same. What the self-analysis will reveal is recommended competencies for each position and then suggested courses to achieve the identified competencies.

Now the good part is that many of theses classes are available through WebJunction Idaho -- free for Idaho librarians affiliated with WebJunction Idaho.

Check it out today!

Why Moving On?

That was the hardest part of starting this blog -- what to name it! I hope to provide information for anyone looking to "move on" -- move forward -- advance -- develop -- whichever term you might want to use. Particularly for those involved with libraries. I will try to gather resources that might be valuable as you move along in your library career pathway!