As the final day of "Boot Camp" approached, I found myself reflecting on the week as a whole. Though tired, exhausted and stretched to the maximum, many new concepts were internalized and network connections created (and hopefully these will be lasting). Discoveries made that I deem especially essential to my new position include learning about Creative Commons and the Librarian's Index to the Internet. OWL might also be helpful to me as a new librarian in that it contains powerpoints useful for teaching research skills (which will hopefully be taught in collaboration with classroom instructors). I anticipate using the Web of Science as I pursue finishing my coursework.
I must take this opportunity to comment on the value of collective intelligence and the power of collaboration. Although evidence of the educational aspects of social learning has been around for some time, seeing this in action this week has really proven to me that these concepts are indeed powerful. Learning this week occurred not only in the formal classroom but in small group situations. Working together to achieve a common goal brings together the positive attributes of each unique member and creates powerful ideas and products not likely to have been produced by one individual alone.
Finally, a common theme seemed to be wound throughout each lecture, project and discussion-serving patrons. Providing useful resources and information, whether to meet information or aesthetic needs is what our common goal as librarians is, no matter what facet of librarianship one is involved in. Libraries of today, as mentioned by one of today's speakers (JudyDzikowski, OCM Boces), are not "shushing" places. They are active and constantly moving forward in order to meet the needs of the patrons. As a school librarian, I will strive to make this happen in my building. I will see every student in the building and be a role model as I assist students in becoming life-long learners in this information-rich environment!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Reflective Comments-Intro. to the Library and Information Profession-SU Course 511-Day 4
Speakers during today's lecture spoke on a topic very relevant for me-library space. Key takeaways that I picked up on were: make your library a welcoming space, patron service is a key concept, time and money are factors to be considered and the library space is dynamic. Additional comments specifically made by Tina Nabinger from Minoa Elementary that caused me to reflect included the following: take into consideration the culture of the building (a must!), boring and uncomfortable is out and make sure to address faculty needs as well when designing the library space. These are concepts will be crucial to keep in mind as I develop and renovate the library where I will be providing service.
Scott Nicholson lead a discussion that contained important issues relating to being a professional. As librarians we are role models and leaders. We are an ethical profession that others look to. There are a plethora of ethical issues that we as librarians are required to consider. It is positive that we have the Library Bill of Rights and various policies to stand upon when issues arise. Ranganathan's Laws are also available to guide us.
Our second group project and poster presentation work has gone well. We have worked well together and have accomplished individual and collaborative tasks. The collective mind is a wonderful thing! Working together under a time crunch can be successful as long as everyone contributes and is flexible. Even though it is not my style to work under such pressure and time restraints, project work for this class has made me realize that I can work under these conditions when necessary and be successful!
Scott Nicholson lead a discussion that contained important issues relating to being a professional. As librarians we are role models and leaders. We are an ethical profession that others look to. There are a plethora of ethical issues that we as librarians are required to consider. It is positive that we have the Library Bill of Rights and various policies to stand upon when issues arise. Ranganathan's Laws are also available to guide us.
Our second group project and poster presentation work has gone well. We have worked well together and have accomplished individual and collaborative tasks. The collective mind is a wonderful thing! Working together under a time crunch can be successful as long as everyone contributes and is flexible. Even though it is not my style to work under such pressure and time restraints, project work for this class has made me realize that I can work under these conditions when necessary and be successful!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Reflective Comments-Intro. to the Library and Information Profession-SU Course 511-Day 3
The day started with an introduction to library and information systems. It was interesting that even though this seems to be a "behind the scenes" type of activity it is crucial to note that systems in libraries still revolve around service orientation. Systems work involves strong communication and team work. Weak links seem to trickle down and affect each subsystem.
Speakers from this realm of the library facet commented on some key issues. Each one mentioned the importance of meeting the needs of the patrons and helping them succeed. Working in this area also demands management and project skills. In addition, all speakers mentioned learning on the job and how this was continuous (this seemed to be a common thread in speakers comments on previous days as well).
The afternoon session proved to be extremely interesting and thought provoking. Dr. Ken Lavender presented an in depth history of the book by using items in the rare books collection. He showed pieces that were 4,000 years old! David Stokoe enlightened us on topics such as conservation and preservation of resources. This knowledge was new to me and I now have a greater respect for this time consuming and detail-oriented task. Peter Verheyen elaborated on preservation of books and that the primary tasks of this group are to keep things usable and accessible.
Speakers from this realm of the library facet commented on some key issues. Each one mentioned the importance of meeting the needs of the patrons and helping them succeed. Working in this area also demands management and project skills. In addition, all speakers mentioned learning on the job and how this was continuous (this seemed to be a common thread in speakers comments on previous days as well).
The afternoon session proved to be extremely interesting and thought provoking. Dr. Ken Lavender presented an in depth history of the book by using items in the rare books collection. He showed pieces that were 4,000 years old! David Stokoe enlightened us on topics such as conservation and preservation of resources. This knowledge was new to me and I now have a greater respect for this time consuming and detail-oriented task. Peter Verheyen elaborated on preservation of books and that the primary tasks of this group are to keep things usable and accessible.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Reflective Comments-Intro. to the Library and Information Profession-SU Course 511-Day 2
A hot topic of discusion today that generated a multitude of questions was copyright. Mention was also made of Fair Use guidelines. Fair Use has four factors to be considered: character of use, nature of material, amount and importance of the part copied and the effect on the market for permission. Fair Use seems to be highly abused. Out of all this it was generalized that copyright and related issues are messy and are many times grey areas. It must be noted, however, that the librarian is often times the contact person in regards to these issues so one must stay on top of changing issues related to this topic.
Searching, both in general and when using the SU library were also topics generating multitudes of questions. It is very interesting that searching is a very individual activity that may follow multiple pathways-none of which is necessarily better than another. When executing these seacrches various interfaces are used, some of which are more user friendly than others and some more preferred by specific patrons. Searching is definitely a skill that is perfected and built upon.
Speakers today were from academic and special libraries. John Schuster from Morrisville State College has been all over the globe, training librarians and implementing systems. He is what might be called a non-stereotypical librarian. He mentioned that future librarians should "forget the image" and do what you do best. He encourages future librarians to be patron oriented-this, he says will help things to fall into place. He also emphasized that the library building itself needs to burst outside of its walls. Take aways from the second speaker, Jan Fleckenstein from Barclay Law Library (she is the Associate Director and Head of Library Information Systems) were to develop special skills and interests in a particular area and align missions and goals with parent/funding organizations. She also encouraged SU library students to learn how to learn because learning doesn't stop when you leave SU. A final note Ms. Fleckenstein commented on was that no matter what area of librarianship you end up in, be prepared to teach!
Searching, both in general and when using the SU library were also topics generating multitudes of questions. It is very interesting that searching is a very individual activity that may follow multiple pathways-none of which is necessarily better than another. When executing these seacrches various interfaces are used, some of which are more user friendly than others and some more preferred by specific patrons. Searching is definitely a skill that is perfected and built upon.
Speakers today were from academic and special libraries. John Schuster from Morrisville State College has been all over the globe, training librarians and implementing systems. He is what might be called a non-stereotypical librarian. He mentioned that future librarians should "forget the image" and do what you do best. He encourages future librarians to be patron oriented-this, he says will help things to fall into place. He also emphasized that the library building itself needs to burst outside of its walls. Take aways from the second speaker, Jan Fleckenstein from Barclay Law Library (she is the Associate Director and Head of Library Information Systems) were to develop special skills and interests in a particular area and align missions and goals with parent/funding organizations. She also encouraged SU library students to learn how to learn because learning doesn't stop when you leave SU. A final note Ms. Fleckenstein commented on was that no matter what area of librarianship you end up in, be prepared to teach!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Reflective Comments-Intro. to the Library and Information Profession-SU Course 511-Day 1
In this first day of discussion, I discovered the relationship between librarianship, library science and information science. Individuals in each of these areas each use knowledge and skills from the other areas. Ultimately, we all access information needs of patrons and provide services. As librarians, we actually use research discovered by those in the library science realm. The interrelatedness of these three different perspectives may take various forms depending on what is applicable in each particular library situation.
Another topic of interest in today's discussion concerned searching, queries and where the librarian comes in to play during these activities. Librarians are a necessary piece in the puzzle of solving a patron's information needs. Many times a patron does not really know what/can't put in to words what exactly it is that they want to know. A librarian turns a patron's question into query terms that are searchable. A librarian is involved in selecting a tool to search with and manipulating within it using connectors and limits. Finally, a librarian helps evaluate materials and adjusts the search as necessary in order to solve a particular information question.
In addition, large part of today's activities involved listening to speakers involved in the public library sector. Kate McCaffrey from Northern Onondaga Public Libraries gave useful tips for interviewing for public library jobs. Some of these included having questions for the interviewers (you are also interviewing them), show that you take risks and to learn about the decision making process. I especially liked Bev Cholcto-Devlin's (Mid-York Library System) advice about following your passion and pursuing what you really want to do. She mentioned that public libraries stand for Intellectual Freedom and Free Access for ALL (this includes technological access for the less privileged). I feel that these important standards are true not just for public libraries but school libraries as well. Bev also mentioned the importance of knowing your community-also equally important to school libraries.
Another topic of interest in today's discussion concerned searching, queries and where the librarian comes in to play during these activities. Librarians are a necessary piece in the puzzle of solving a patron's information needs. Many times a patron does not really know what/can't put in to words what exactly it is that they want to know. A librarian turns a patron's question into query terms that are searchable. A librarian is involved in selecting a tool to search with and manipulating within it using connectors and limits. Finally, a librarian helps evaluate materials and adjusts the search as necessary in order to solve a particular information question.
In addition, large part of today's activities involved listening to speakers involved in the public library sector. Kate McCaffrey from Northern Onondaga Public Libraries gave useful tips for interviewing for public library jobs. Some of these included having questions for the interviewers (you are also interviewing them), show that you take risks and to learn about the decision making process. I especially liked Bev Cholcto-Devlin's (Mid-York Library System) advice about following your passion and pursuing what you really want to do. She mentioned that public libraries stand for Intellectual Freedom and Free Access for ALL (this includes technological access for the less privileged). I feel that these important standards are true not just for public libraries but school libraries as well. Bev also mentioned the importance of knowing your community-also equally important to school libraries.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Refelctive Comments-Information and Information Environments-SU Course 601
After completing this intensive two day introductory class at Syracuse University, I feel a great need to sleep and relax!! Although, I must comment that engaging discussions, interesting presentations and even comic interjections in lectures made this a memorable experience. Assignments given were challenging and tested even the brightest scholars.
A new and eye opening experience for me was planning an innovative presentation with a group. This project was a realistic adventure in promotion, execution and presentation under constraints including limited time and resources. In working under these conditions, I affirmed that my leadership skills and attention to keeping a group on task were taxed but still intact!
"Take Away" concepts for me included: Organizational structure is dynamic and negativeness can be overcome (in organizational cultures); The process of change is affected by many factors and we must be aware of external influences concerning this and Innovative management involves thinking "outside the box" and surrounding yourself with creative thinkers that might not seem "right" for the organization.
A new and eye opening experience for me was planning an innovative presentation with a group. This project was a realistic adventure in promotion, execution and presentation under constraints including limited time and resources. In working under these conditions, I affirmed that my leadership skills and attention to keeping a group on task were taxed but still intact!
"Take Away" concepts for me included: Organizational structure is dynamic and negativeness can be overcome (in organizational cultures); The process of change is affected by many factors and we must be aware of external influences concerning this and Innovative management involves thinking "outside the box" and surrounding yourself with creative thinkers that might not seem "right" for the organization.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Library 2.0 Article Reflection
In the article, “Towards School Library 2.0: An Introduction to Social Software for Teacher Librarians,” Naslund and others begin by commenting on the social nature of learning. In the YouTube video linked to this article, it is mentioned that students today are twenty-first century learners and that they learn by doing, collaborating and interacting with others. Students of today beg to be engaged and active in their learning process. The author comments that this engagement lies in treating students like the technology natives that they are and by using social software.
Naslund and colleagues describe some of a librarian’s initial responsibilities to students in reference to social networking. One of these is knowing students’ interests and how technology relates to developing these. Another responsibility is to examine software and other tools to discover how and why students are using them. Using Library 2.0 to assist with these tasks to discover and explore possibilities.
The authors go on to describe a broad spectrum of social networking tools that students, instructors and teacher librarians are using and will continue to use. Blogs can be used to journal, chat, debate and reflect. Constructing knowledge in this social environment allows students to build on one another’s ideas in an ongoing, collaborative atmosphere. Teacher librarians use blogs to bounce ideas off colleagues as well for posting information on programs, hours, policies, collections, and for posting news bulletins. Using blogs allows for necessary versatility and continuous updating. Wiki’s are another prominent Library 2.0 tool commonly in use at the current time. These editable websites allow for collective input and tracking ideas. A positive advantage to using Wikis is that many are free to use. An example of a third type of social networking site that is seen as a fast growing and highly usable medium is Facebook or MySpace (as well as others). Users create digital profiles using narratives, pictures etc…and share these with digital friends. Students can make connections and share ideas, as well as for identity formation, practice digital performance, civic engagement and maintain relationships. Teacher librarians use these spaces for networking and exchanging ideas. Although with this last tool, there are parental concerns with students revealing information in this format, this is being addressed by “in house only” assignments where only other students involved share information in a school. Other social media sharing tools were also mentioned by the authors including microblogging, iTunes and podcasting, all of which assist in engaging this “igeneration” of students that require “anything technology.”
Naslund and others conclude by stating that students can develop information skills interactively by using the many Library 2.0 tools that are available. Communicating and sharing constructed knowledge using social networking tools assist students in molding and shaping their own knowledge. Technology is a key component to engage learners of today and assists them in being excited about projects and creating information. Student success depends on social software and digital learning and is found in tools that encourage collaboration, knowledge building and collective intelligence. Social networking tools reflectively teach students, teachers and teacher librarians to analyze, think and create while maintaining a level of engagement necessary to success in a world of socially conscious citizens.
Naslund et. al., J. (2008, July). Towards school library 2.0: An introduction to social software tools for teacher librarians. School Libraries Worldwide, 14(2), 55-67.
Naslund and colleagues describe some of a librarian’s initial responsibilities to students in reference to social networking. One of these is knowing students’ interests and how technology relates to developing these. Another responsibility is to examine software and other tools to discover how and why students are using them. Using Library 2.0 to assist with these tasks to discover and explore possibilities.
The authors go on to describe a broad spectrum of social networking tools that students, instructors and teacher librarians are using and will continue to use. Blogs can be used to journal, chat, debate and reflect. Constructing knowledge in this social environment allows students to build on one another’s ideas in an ongoing, collaborative atmosphere. Teacher librarians use blogs to bounce ideas off colleagues as well for posting information on programs, hours, policies, collections, and for posting news bulletins. Using blogs allows for necessary versatility and continuous updating. Wiki’s are another prominent Library 2.0 tool commonly in use at the current time. These editable websites allow for collective input and tracking ideas. A positive advantage to using Wikis is that many are free to use. An example of a third type of social networking site that is seen as a fast growing and highly usable medium is Facebook or MySpace (as well as others). Users create digital profiles using narratives, pictures etc…and share these with digital friends. Students can make connections and share ideas, as well as for identity formation, practice digital performance, civic engagement and maintain relationships. Teacher librarians use these spaces for networking and exchanging ideas. Although with this last tool, there are parental concerns with students revealing information in this format, this is being addressed by “in house only” assignments where only other students involved share information in a school. Other social media sharing tools were also mentioned by the authors including microblogging, iTunes and podcasting, all of which assist in engaging this “igeneration” of students that require “anything technology.”
Naslund and others conclude by stating that students can develop information skills interactively by using the many Library 2.0 tools that are available. Communicating and sharing constructed knowledge using social networking tools assist students in molding and shaping their own knowledge. Technology is a key component to engage learners of today and assists them in being excited about projects and creating information. Student success depends on social software and digital learning and is found in tools that encourage collaboration, knowledge building and collective intelligence. Social networking tools reflectively teach students, teachers and teacher librarians to analyze, think and create while maintaining a level of engagement necessary to success in a world of socially conscious citizens.
Naslund et. al., J. (2008, July). Towards school library 2.0: An introduction to social software tools for teacher librarians. School Libraries Worldwide, 14(2), 55-67.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)