Tag Archives: Relationships

Academic, Check this out:, CMLE, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Visiting CMLE Libraries! College of St. Benedict

clemens-library
Clemens Library

This week I visited the College of St. Benedict’s Clemens Library. Thanks to Director Kathleen Parker for inviting me over and touring me around the library so I could see all their wonderful things, and meet some of the library staff!

sarah-gewirtz-and-info-lit-book
It’s Sarah! And a book!

Everyone take a moment to wave at Sarah Gewirtz, as she shows us the latest book group reading for the library: “What if I Say the Wrong Thing? 26 Habits for Culturally Effective People” by Vernā Myers. I had not seen this book before this visit; but I think it will be added to the CMLE Librarian Professionals reading group in an upcoming month, as everyone works to reach out to community members. Sarah has also facilitated some Information Literacy work across CMLE academic and high school libraries; and we definitely want to repeat that program! We all have more things in common than might be immediately apparent; and Info Literacy is a core need for all libraries in serving their communities. Continue reading Visiting CMLE Libraries! College of St. Benedict →

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Students Talk About Their Digital Lives

Image Cuddling with multiple devices. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image Cuddling with multiple devices. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

Common Sense Media released an interesting information graphic of students’ opinions about their digital lives. Social Media, Social Life: How Teens View Their Digital Lives is based on a survey of a little more than 1,000 U.S. students between the ages of 13 and 17. The survey addresses the following questions;

  • Intervals in which students text and use Facebook or Twitter
  • The preferred medium to communicate with friends and family
  • How communication tools are affecting friendships and family relations
  • How networking make students feel, reflective in their self concept
  • And so on…

Although the sample size is somewhat small,  it suggests that there is a love, hate relationship building between “digital natives” and social media.  Indicating that increased face time with devices does not necessarily equate to enjoyment or better relationships. Click here to download the full report.

Note: Teachers look for ways to engage students using social media in an effort to meet students where they are at, when they are there. However, this report emphasizes the importance of also maintaining face-to-face interactions. At a time when some students are on digital overload, educators can induce reflective time, “unplugged” into a student’s day; being mindful of how and when to incorporate social media in programming and/or curriculum development.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

17 Ways To Be Happier at Work

Image by keterha. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by keterha. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

Regardless of the type of library you work in, librarians are almost always a member of a team. Lets face it, at some point in our careers, we all have had that one person who continually takes credit for other people’s work. That one person, who makes decisions without thinking through the ramifications of that singular action. Or, that one person who disengages, leaving you to jungle even more pieces to the puzzle. Finding ways to build positive relationships are essential.

What most people don’t realize is that the key to success starts (and may even end) with themselves. For example; How a person talk themselves through less than ideal situations, is important. And, that mindset is mirrored in their interactions with colleagues and/or patrons.

How can you bring light to a difficult circumstance, group, work environment, etc?

This week, CMLE is highlighting a post by INC which lists 17 Ways To Be Happier at Work (March 2013.)  Just for fun, try one thing this week to see if it helped change your perspective at work.

Note: As an eternal optimist, who hopes for a long life filled with learning, I am partial to # 17.