Library people: We all know our patrons use Wikipedia. We use Wikipedia. It’s a pretty awesome tool! But it can be better!! We are passing on some information about strategies you can use to help Wikipedia to be better and more accurate.
Try it for yourself! Set up a Wikipedia event in your library! Use this as a starting point to make our of our frequently-used resources to be stronger!
Continue reading Libraries improving Wikipedia: Are you in??
Does your academic library do some neat orientation work? Have you spent time thinking about how to best address your patrons’ information needs? Is your orientation educational AND fun??
Share it with your professional colleagues!
Continue reading Call for book chapter proposals: Academic Library Orientations
Working in libraries can be surprisingly stressful. Well, not surprising to those of us who are there, working with ever-evolving patron needs, with short budgets and staff, and everything that comes with these pressures. The constant series of people who, when they find out where you work, exclaim “I wish I worked in a library so I could read books all day!” does not help!
I have talked about this topic here, and when I chat with people in person during site visits. This is something I have researched in different types of libraries, talked about at conferences, and published articles looking at it. People are always surprised when I tell them this is such a widespread issue. Inevitably, someone whispers to me that they thought they were the only one.
If you are stressed at work: You Are Not Alone!! (If you are not stressed in your library workplace at least some of the time – you might be alone in that.)
Of course, working in a library is wonderful! We do great things, we have fulfilling work, and we are generally lovely people! Libraries are amazing places, filled with all kinds of fascinating materials and programs, and staffed with interesting and fun people. I truly believe this is true, and would not work anywhere outside the library field!
But that does not mean what we do is not stressful, or that the workplaces we are in are not stressful. Continue reading Strategies for reducing stress in your library
We are passing this on FYI, to help you connect with some library materials. If any member wants to work on the application, but is not sure where to start – we are always here at CMLE Headquarters to help out with ideas, writing, or edits!
From the website announcement:
Creating a better future for all children through libraries is ALSC’s core purpose. ALSC envisions a future where:
• In every library, children come first.
• All libraries acknowledge the importance of children’s service with adequate materials and resources.
• All libraries recognize ALSC as a leader in promoting high quality service to children.
• Libraries recognize and support the value of all staff serving children.
• Resources, collections, services, and staff reflect the communities they serve.
• The library’s physical space reflects the developmental needs of children.
• Children and their families are being served by a variety of non-traditional programs and activities in off-site locations.
In keeping with this envisioned future, the Bookapalooza Program will offer select libraries a collection of materials that will help transform their collection and provide the opportunity for these materials to be used in their community in creative and innovative ways. Continue reading Are you ready for a Bookapalooza Program collection?
Networking is necessary, not just at the start of your career, but throughout it. There are many levels but it can be as easy as being yourself.
When it comes to your job search, whether your first professional position after library school, or any search after that, networking is an important aspect. Visions of large hotel function rooms with eager faces and stacks of business cards come to mind, from networking sessions that I attended years ago when starting my personal training business. This environment isn’t ideal for many people, and can be pretty unproductive when the only thing in common between attendees is that everyone is starting their own small business of some type.
For someone like me, (I lean toward extroversion) networking comes pretty naturally. This is not to say that I don’t have a shy, reticent side of my personality. I have moved to new locations often, mostly because of my husband’s career, which can be a reason to retreat within. Yet it has also helped me strengthen my ability to extend myself in unfamiliar environments, which is much of what networking entails as you move forward in your career path. I’m not suggesting moving around the country unless you have some wanderlust to satisfy. However, you can learn to extend yourself in ways that don’t require going to huge gatherings where people mingle with the sole mission of exchanging business cards with as many people as possible. Continue reading Guest Blogger: Networking For Fun (And a Job!)