Before I started the program I knew that technology played a role in librarianship, but I did not realize how large technology's influence was. Not only do librarians use it to do things like catalog and research; they also teach patrons how to work with different types of technology. I like technology, but I discovered that I prefer interactions with people. Of course, teaching someone how to use an e-reader is an interaction, but connecting with patrons during a program will most likely be one of my favorite aspects of librarianship.
The more I learn about library and information science, the stronger the combination of nervousness and excitement becomes. I believe I will settle into a stabilized version of my current excitement as I continue the program. I've only scratched the surface of library and information science, and my desire to learn more remains. This semester allowed me to put my desire to provide access to information in words instead of an abstract idea that I could not verbalize.
Hopefully my passion translates into action that helps people access information that they need.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Technology Sandbox
When I started to explore how libraries use Twitter, I had no idea how valuable it could be for libraries. My - admittedly limited - experience with Twitter was celebrity accounts and following tags for the events in Ferguson. I discovered that libraries can utilize Twitter to connect with patrons in various ways and advertise their services to the public. People might not even know that the library exists, but finding a Twitter account could clue them in to the resources available to them. Libraries can tweet about upcoming programs, elections, and general tips relating to information. They can also connect with other libraries to see what they offer their patrons, and share ideas with each other.
Another website I think libraries can utilize is Tumblr. Like Twitter, libraries can repost (reblog) posts from other blogs, including those of other libraries and those of general interest to their community. I think libraries be really creative with their content on Tumblr since they can reblog longer posts. It seems like they would have more freedom, and I have seen libraries reblog posts about authors, diversity in books, and other topics that go beyond their specific library.
The targeted audience determines the best social media outlet to use. Libraries have to tailor their outreach to their community, and provide relevant content for their patrons.
The targeted audience determines the best social media outlet to use. Libraries have to tailor their outreach to their community, and provide relevant content for their patrons.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Popcorn & a Movie
The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians through Film brought up several ideas about librarianship that I had not considered before, or only thought about vaguely. As I watched, I came to the conclusion that the library and the librarian are the same. Both foster community, serve the people, and provide access to information. Without a librarian, a library becomes a building that houses books instead of a place that opens doors to various types of information. A librarian's most important role is to break down barriers between people and information, i.e., making materials accessible to all people, particularly individuals belonging to marginalized groups. Through continuing education and dialogues with the people they serve, librarians can perform their duties.
Another part of the film I found interesting was the talk of gender. Librarianship is viewed as a feminine profession, and is not taken seriously. The video discussed the "proper" way that women librarians presented themselves decades ago, and how that is still the pervading stereotype. I think that the stereotype still fits in some ways, though I am a little biased due to a strong appreciation for pencil skirts. Women librarians today need to dress sharply in order to command as much respect as possible from their men colleagues and their patrons. Women have to practice respectability politics in order to succeed professionally.
Overall, the video was interesting. I enjoyed the different clips of films referencing library science, and the different perspectives from real librarians.
Another part of the film I found interesting was the talk of gender. Librarianship is viewed as a feminine profession, and is not taken seriously. The video discussed the "proper" way that women librarians presented themselves decades ago, and how that is still the pervading stereotype. I think that the stereotype still fits in some ways, though I am a little biased due to a strong appreciation for pencil skirts. Women librarians today need to dress sharply in order to command as much respect as possible from their men colleagues and their patrons. Women have to practice respectability politics in order to succeed professionally.
Overall, the video was interesting. I enjoyed the different clips of films referencing library science, and the different perspectives from real librarians.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Professional Associations
Since I decided to become a librarian, I have known that I want to work in youth services, especially young adult. As a future professional, exploring the associations I could join is a good way to learn more about the field. The first association I looked at was the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
YALSA's mission is to "expand and strengthen library services for teens, aged 12-18... [by] build[ing] the capacity of libraries and librarians to engage, serve and empower teens." The association carries out its mission through advocacy, trainings, financial assistance to libraries and librarians, and research. Members have access to live and archived webinars, discounted print materials, discounted registration for online courses and conferences, financial assistance, and publications like YALSA's quarterly journal and their weekly newsletter. Members can also network physically and virtually, receive awards, and join a mentoring program. Cost varies based on the category in which the member falls, but you must also purchase a membership to the American Library Association. As a student, I would pay $60 instead of the regular $127, which is a good discount.
Their publication, Young Adult Library Services, has some interesting articles. I found the Advocacy issue from Fall 2012 and the Future of Libraries and Teens issue from Fall 2013 particularly engaging. I would like to look through a recent book they published called Intellectual Freedom for Teens: A Practical Guide for Young Adult and School Librarians.
After looking through their website and social media profiles, I would like to join this association. Their resources would be a great asset to my professional development, and would connect me with other folks interested in teen librarianship.
I also explored the Public Library Association. Their mission is to "provide a diverse program of communication, publication, advocacy, continuing education, and programming for its members and others interested in the advancement of public library service." Like YALSA, they focus on advocacy and leadership. Membership benefits include discounts for online education, professional development activities, and products in the American Library Association store. Members also receive a free subscription to their print journal and online newsletter, publishing opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and conference program proposals. To join, you must be a member of the American Library Association. Their fees vary based on the type of membership, and student memberships are $30 instead of $70.
I would like to join this association as well, but I think YALSA fits my specific interests more. My passion lies with young adult services more than general public library services.
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/
http://www.ala.org/pla/
YALSA's mission is to "expand and strengthen library services for teens, aged 12-18... [by] build[ing] the capacity of libraries and librarians to engage, serve and empower teens." The association carries out its mission through advocacy, trainings, financial assistance to libraries and librarians, and research. Members have access to live and archived webinars, discounted print materials, discounted registration for online courses and conferences, financial assistance, and publications like YALSA's quarterly journal and their weekly newsletter. Members can also network physically and virtually, receive awards, and join a mentoring program. Cost varies based on the category in which the member falls, but you must also purchase a membership to the American Library Association. As a student, I would pay $60 instead of the regular $127, which is a good discount.
Their publication, Young Adult Library Services, has some interesting articles. I found the Advocacy issue from Fall 2012 and the Future of Libraries and Teens issue from Fall 2013 particularly engaging. I would like to look through a recent book they published called Intellectual Freedom for Teens: A Practical Guide for Young Adult and School Librarians.
After looking through their website and social media profiles, I would like to join this association. Their resources would be a great asset to my professional development, and would connect me with other folks interested in teen librarianship.
I also explored the Public Library Association. Their mission is to "provide a diverse program of communication, publication, advocacy, continuing education, and programming for its members and others interested in the advancement of public library service." Like YALSA, they focus on advocacy and leadership. Membership benefits include discounts for online education, professional development activities, and products in the American Library Association store. Members also receive a free subscription to their print journal and online newsletter, publishing opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and conference program proposals. To join, you must be a member of the American Library Association. Their fees vary based on the type of membership, and student memberships are $30 instead of $70.
I would like to join this association as well, but I think YALSA fits my specific interests more. My passion lies with young adult services more than general public library services.
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/
http://www.ala.org/pla/
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