We’ve Learned… is designed to keep our readers informed about news concerning personnel in CMLE libraries/media centers. Please keep us informed of any “happenings” regarding staff members in your area so that we can include them in the next write-up! Happenings can include: changes in staffing, awards, honors… you get the idea!
Job Postings
St. Cloud State University is seeking to build a pool of applicants upon which to draw candidates for part-time, temporary, adjunct Librarians and Instructional Technologists. Appointment dates may occur at various times from Spring 2014 through Spring 2016 based on unit needs. Positions that may be available include Reference Librarian, Cataloging Librarian, Collections/E-Resources Librarian, Archives/Digital Projects Librarian, and Instructional Technologist. Position details and application directions are located here.
Announcements
Marlene Peterson Media Specialist, John Clark & Richmond Elementary, ROCORI School District.
CMLE would like to recognize the following individuals for their years of service and dedication to Minnesota libraries;
Bruce Pomerantz, Library Development Specialist, State Library Services will be retiring in February 2014, after 15 years of service.
Dr. Fred E. Hill, Professor Learning Resources Services, St. Cloud State University will be retiring this month, after 36 years of service.
Image by bibigeek. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
In an earlier post, I mentioned a thread of programming at the fall MLA Conference about mindfulness and reflective thinking, as it relates to librarians. This idea keeps coming back to me. From a review of the literature, and from conversations with librarians embracing mindfulness, I believe it has value to our practice. Professional and personal growth can increase if we slow down and take the time to understand mindfulness. A few key things to consider about this concept include:
If we embrace a state of being aware, focused and present in the moment, we can reduce job-related stress and improve the quality of library services.
Multitasking is finally being questioned, and not necessarily valued as it was in the past.
“Monkey-mind syndrome” describes a state of being where thoughts continually flit in and out of our minds. This is often caused by too much multitasking or by continually shifting gears or changing priorities without tools to manage it.
In MLA president Kristen Mastel’s article about mindful librarianship (see end of post), she talks about “beginner’s mind” and the challenges of achieving beginners mind. As you may guess, it is harder to achieve this state when you have been in positions for long periods of time.
Mindfulness can be used anywhere or anytime, making it the ultimate mobile device!
As we embark on the 23 Mobile Things program in mid-January, CMLE staff will inject a mindfulness thread in the program, to help participants manage their focus and enhance their learning outcomes.
Mastel ends her article by saying, “Mindful librarianship—practiced with awareness, intention, and open mind, and a spirit of compassion—could make the difference in the success of our students, our profession, and ourselves. Read the full article: Insights and Practical Tips on Practicing Mindful Librarianship to Manage Stress
Image by Jess_Sanson. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Reference Outreach & Instruction at Minitex is offering a freewebinar this month on graphic novels. Join Ramsey County Library’s Teen Librarians Marcus Lowry and Amy Boese. They will discuss the best superheroes, what’s hot in manga, as well as breakthrough indie voices for 2013. This reader’s advisory for kids, teens, and adults will be held on Friday, December 13th from 1-2:00 PM (CT.)
Registration information can be found online with Minitex’s.
In honor of Thanksgiving, I would like to highlight an Edutopia article titled, Gratitude Can Fuel School Transformation. According to author Elena Aguilar neuroscience suggests that, “Our brains need to feel gratitude in order for us to want to be at work.” She further illustrates how the brain grabs hold of negative comments and interactions. Conversely, the retention of supportive moments and compliments is a muscle that needs to be worked and flexed to stay strong, “to create new links between neurons.”
Aguilar suggests becoming a trailblazer in your schools. She provides several ways to practice both giving and receiving appreciation. In keeping with this idea of appreciation, CMLE would like to go first in a Message of Thanks from the Director.
Image by Celestine Chua. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Image by Via Lilluna-Hunger Games. Retrieved online 11/25/13 at Buzzfeed.
Worried about what to talk about at your next social gathering?
Just for fun, show off your love of literature with one of these conversation starters. Captured just for you, in a post by Buzzfeed (September 2013,) here is a link to 19 Must Have Literary Manicures for the holidays.
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