The Perils of Blogging

It is only fitting that I post my summary of my LIS blogging experience. I chose this venue for a class project so that I would break through another technological barrier. I do not go into many chat rooms, I do not IM, and I needed to get the feeling of the “exposure” that online writing offers. My initial questions were:

• Would I feel as if I were talking to myself? (The idea of this could be both disappointing and dangerous!)
• Would I have anything to say?
• Would I embarrass myself?
• Would I find any like-minded people?
• Would I learn anything?

(Of course, later questions would involve the logistics of picking a blog host and learning the system! I picked Blogger as it appears to be the most reliable. I do have to note however that there was a period of several days where that claim was questionable. In the middle of my blogging project Blogger came out with its “newest version”. I have to admit to being a huge chicken, as I decided to continue working with the old version until my class ended. I will update after that, when a loss of material would be less devastating. My worst moment in blogging came when I had put much thought and genuine heart into my Thanksgiving blog, and somehow lost 50% of the posting when trying to recover a change. Blogger only recovers a small amount of material at a time – typing truly important thoughts in and copying them to another venue would be the way to go. My funniest moment came when I spent all afternoon trying to tweak a picture and fix a layout and despite my working with customer service and help questions had no success. Imagine my embarrassment when I discovered that I had to “refresh” as my computer had cached the original version! )

As I began to compile my profile I realized that I wanted to be as honest as possible about who I really was (after all I was not looking for an online date!) At that point I also wanted to pick a mission for my blog – and decided that I did not necessarily want to educate the world or prove my worthiness, I simply wanted to log some of the odd experiences and conflicting thoughts that a library student may have. So often, we are so immersed in other’s readings and discussions that we cannot see the topic clearly. About three weeks later unanswered questions pop up that we want to toss around. In those thoughts come the real learning. I also wanted to express any self doubts I might have so that I would begin to develop a tighter support system that would help me as I change careers. I quickly became aware of the fact that everything I voiced was public – and can and would be used for or against me. This could be important to someone embarking on a job hunt! (How can those folks on MySpace and other social sites not get this????)

As I started to write the posts I felt a bit self-serving, as if I was doing a one-woman dialog to a room of none. Still, it felt cleansing and invigorating to put my thoughts down. It made me research my own questions further to find some answers, or at least to provide links to those who had something else to say on the subject. I discovered I could lobby for causes that I thought were worthy, such as promoting breast cancer awareness or cleaning the bathrooms in your library. I could share things I thought were just plain interesting or wildly amusing. And, lastly, I could week by week gradually convince myself that I am absolutely headed in the right direction in my career! There are no end of Ta-Da Moments in the library!

I hope that those of you have read the beginnings of my blog postings will have been slightly entertained, slightly educated about a topic you were not aware of, or slightly shook up enough to think twice about something! Thank you for reading, posting, or privately emailing me your thoughts. I do believe that I will continue this unconventional librarian blog -- and psychiatric advice will remain free (at least until I graduate).

The Spirit of Giving

"Tis the season to be jolly. . .fa la la la la!" The sights and sounds of the holidays have permeated the library as we hang our politically correct decorations and put out treats for all. We dress in cheery colors and exchange tales of past holiday memories with staff and friends. Our patrons get involved with our holiday plans and and want to know where we are going and what we are cooking and what we have ordered from Santa. For a few days some pressure is off the librarians as class assignments wind down and people are researching the latest novel or turkey recipe. Quiet music fills the air and paper crafted artwork litters the floor of the library.

But, at some point, each librarian takes a step back and realizes that for many of our patrons the holiday will be lonely. Our visitors watch the signs carefully to see which days the library will close down, and express their sadness that we will not be open. Not for the first time we realize that not only is the library a warming or cooling center, but it also the hub of the social needs of many.

When I first experienced the pangs of guilt that comes from working in an inner city library, I started to quiet down and not really answer when asked about my holiday plans. I realized however, that those asking sincerely wanted to hear about my family and its gatherings. And, by answering them, I was accepting a great gift from my patrons -- a realization of how fortunate I was in life (no matter how troubled I might be) and how loved I truly was. I wanted to return that gift in some fashion, outside of the normal offerings of the library, but knew from a professional standpoint that I was a bit limited and must be cautious.

Today, however, I would encourage all to take the time to look beyond the walls of your library and see what you might personally be able to contribute back to your community. Perhaps it is a bag of warm gloves, a basket of food, an hour of your time, a smile as you leave the building for the night. Do not think of anything you give as charity, think of it as a return gift -- I know that all of you have learned life lessons from those we try and serve daily and would like to say a special holiday thanks.

Don't Lose These Links!!

To Inspire Contributions

The Text of "A Christmas Carol"

http://www.stormfax.com/dickens.htm

Review of the new kid's version of "It's A Wonderful Life"

http://www.amazon.com/Its-Wonderful-Life-Kids-Too/dp/0525477675

For Responsible Giving
http://www.give.org/
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/content.view/cpid/518.htm

Putting Your Best Foot Forward!

No, this is not another posting about those librarian shoes – although we could talk a bit about some of those funky leisure looking outfits some people insist on wearing—I mean really there is casual and then there is SLOPPY!

I am talking about presenting the best image possible of your library – to both patrons and staff. We spend a lot of time talking about marketing the library and targeting the right audience with our notices and programs. We spend hours reading through review journals selecting the proper books, reference tools, and periodicals for patron use. We evaluate and reevaluate database use each month. We check our circulation policies and hold staff meetings about customer service. But, have we taken a good look at our bathrooms lately?

Seriously, especially in times of budget cuts and personnel shortages, some areas of our libraries are being very neglected. Perhaps our tables are not cleaned each evening, our carpet is starting to show stains, and our bathrooms are dingy, not always clean, and showing great signs of wear. Maybe it is not just the patron areas, perhaps (and most often) it is the staff lounge or private washrooms.

If you go to McDonalds and you use their washroom, you have perhaps at times come out and thought (well, first, “Why did I just eat here?”), “They must not care very much about my business if they are not taking care of things like this!” What do our patrons think of us? That we do not respect them enough as individual people to offer them clean and fresh looking facilities? What do out of town visitors think of urban libraries showing dirt and neglect? That we are not an inviting place to visit?

Perhaps the public areas of the library look fine, but your staff areas are sad. We need to remember that it is stressful for librarians to spend many hours on the floor dealing with the public, and we need to offer them a calming clean place to escape to momentarily. If you are trying to get coworkers to be enthusiastic and take ownership of library policies you need to show them that you also are thinking of their needs, no matter how basic.

Some argument may arise that will say the patrons (or staff) do not take care of the library as “place”. I say that the better we make it for them, the more they will learn to respect it. So, when figuring out this year’s budget, make room for a few new coats of paint, some repair, or even some pleasant air fresheners. Perhaps you could even get staff to volunteer for a clean up day by rewarding them with a great staff thank you party!

The bottom line is you really can’t put “lipstick on a pig” and dress it up much. Clean up your house before inviting more people over!

I Don't Feel Much Like A Librarian Today!

Well, first of all, let me be perfectly clear! I am still a lowly library clerk, a top notch office manager, and a good MLS student -- I am not yet a librarian! But I already know that TODAY at least I don't much feel like a librarian. Today I want to wear long flowing skirts, sparkly sweaters, and large swaying earrings. I want to dance around the floor in red shoes. I want to sing "Happy Holiday" to those stepping off the elevator. I want to pass out chocolate bells and striped candy canes and giggle as the fifteenth child come by in pipe cleaner antlers. I want to tour the Internet stations and kick off anyone who is not shopping or emailing Aunt Bertha (ok I guess you can finish that term paper) and send them outside to go caroling or tree trimming.
(I want to smile merrily at the grumblers who cannot wait five minutes for use of that same Internet.) I do not want to say SSSHHHH!

No, I do not just want to goof off because it is Christmas. I want to celebrate with my extended library family. I want to share cheer at the same time I am celebrating the availability of information! I do not want to get bogged down into a stereotype that says to project professionalism I must remain somber, quiet, and unobtrusive. I am afraid!

Will I be able to project my own image and still get a job? Or should I hide my light under the proverbial basket until hired? How does one seek out a job opportunity where the library team believes in enjoying themselves and their work? Does this attitude mean I should limit myself to working with children or young adults?

Do you have any "outside of the image" experiences you can share with me so I can find my way?




Don't Lose These Links!

http://www.librarian-image.net/

http://welldressedlibrarian.blogspot.com/
Read the hilarious posting about hiring work study students.

http://stereotype-librarian.blogspot.com/

http://www.msdewey.com/
The new cyber librarian that helps you search. Type in Librarian Stereotypes for more links and see the newest "image" in search!

What Will Happen To Free Speech?

Is it just me or is there not much attention being paid to the latest Internet censorship trial that just wrapped up this week? Decisions made could greatly affect the tone and offerings of the Internet -- and subsequently change policies or practices at the local library.

Just in case you also need some info: The case is now named ACLU v. Gonzales. It is described as a challenge to the "Child Online Protection Act" (COPA), which would impose "draconian criminal sanctions", with penalties of up to $50,000 per day and up to six months imprisonment, for online material acknowledged as valuable for adults but judged "harmful to minors."

I am not trying to take a side -- although as a librarian I would err on the side of free speech (while the mother in me screams AAAARGH)--the following links seem to have the best information, including timelines of the CIPA and Copa Acts etc.

Don't Lose These Links!!

http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/internet/27144prs20061023.html

http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/internet/onlinefreespeech.html

http://www.ala.org/al_onlineTemplate.cfm?Section=al_online&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=141395

Who's Coming To Thanksgiving Dinner?

‘Tis the season—for giving thanks and celebrating the harvest. Certainly the Information Sciences field is in the throes of a bountiful season. We have produced and begun to cultivate more information than we can possibly use in a lifetime. So now we devise ways of sharing and exchanging. (Anything sounding familiar yet?) If we could only just sit down at a long, laden table and “dish it out”. Of course we still must have our weapons ready for marauders and any other dangers to our space. And, we must store enough to maintain us through the “droughts” and “famines” and to give us a basis for sprouting more “information”. But for right now let’s just concentrate on those we will invite to the harvest celebration. Will it be only those who planted and toiled? Will it be just those who are a part of our settlement? Will we invite newcomers to the area? How about the wanderers and strangers? Our “enemies”?

Was the first Thanksgiving spontaneous or did careful thought go into the planning? What kind of thought and discussion has gone into your library’s plan to share the wealth of resources we have compiled in our community? This is a decision that tests our giving natures, our desire to educate, our sense of fairness and our civic responsibilities. Many questions arise concerning: ownership of information, definition of community, and partnership with other libraries. Some answers seem to be clear cut – some awfully murky.

We all agree that everyone should be able to come into our library and read our books, make use of maps, browse our magazines. Most libraries agree however, that without a library card, users cannot remove things from the library. We have a responsibility to the community to try and keep track of the resources -- so we need to know where you live.

What about the Internet access? What difference does it make who is using the computers -- don't we all like to check our email when out of town? However! In my library there are many computers, but many more computer users. Should the residents wait in line while others are using the facilities?

How about reference questions? Quickie questions are no problem -- but who gets to take advantage of the resources and personnel at the library for lengthier problems?

My first instinct is to be proud of the resources of our public library and want to share them. This is the age of "free information", yet those of us in the field know there is no such thing. We are paying for these services, through our tuitions, our taxes, our building fees. And those who are paying should receive quality service for their money. So, for now, we will have many pages of procedures, forms,"visitor stations" and other confusing bits that try to untangle this age of technology dilemma.

As for me, I hope to get the wishbone this Thanksgiving, so I can wish for a time when everyone is a part of a library district and everyone can be "served"!

Don't Lose These Links!
Butterball Hotline
http://www.butterball.com/en/main_canvas.jsp?includePage=holidayGuide_2006.jsp&t=Butterball%20Holiday%20Guide&s0=holidayGuide&s1=home
Memorable Quotes From A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068359/quotes

Psychiatric Help: Free For Students(Accepted and Dispersed)
I am so thankful for my teachers, coworkers, and fellow students who have challenged me to think about things in a different light. At least 50% of the time -- well, let's just say a woman has a right to change her mind!

Come Into The Library. . .Said the Spider To the Fly

TA - DA MOMENTS In Online Reference
It seems that as reference librarians we are a bit cautious (ok major understatement) about the influx of electronic means we now use to interact with our patrons. Telephone reference, email reference postings, instant messaging! We have read about, rehearsed, endlessly practiced, and fine tuned the all-important reference interview. No closed ended questions, active listening, attention to body language-- all part of reading the cues. Now we are being asked to throw it all out the window and try to satisfy the information needs of many by reading a few randomly typed lines on the computer. Can it be done??? Many of my fellow students would answer "Yes, but not well." Librarians' statements include "It is OK for quick ready reference only", and " We suggest to all that they come into the library for more (detailed) information," "We really need to pull them into the library."

I personally have long felt that while it may not be what we are used to, it is absolutely necessary to reach patrons where they want to be reached. After all, perhaps the information seekers are truly more comfortable with the "pajama reference interview". Less intimidating, much anonymity, able to turn off the flow of information at any time! (Yes, you know sometimes we go too far!) The real question is--can we achieve any type of personalized service results in a digital situation? Because that is what we are worried about, right? (Please tell me it is not just about numbers walking in the door, job security, or desk arrangement.)I have a problem with email--I often am too abrupt in my messages and fear that I come off aggressively. And, I read too much into other people's messages and get my insides in a knot over what I perceive as people's "undercurrent of meaning". So can this digital thing work? I was not sure until. . .

A sad moment came in a professional acquaintenance's life. Oddly I could feel it coming as the tone of her own posts changed and while everything appeared professionally normal, I could tell that a part of what I had come to know as her "electronic personality" was missing. I boldly made an inquiry that led us into several personal conversations, speaking of painful moments we were experiencing simultaneously. When it came time to offer condolences I was unsure of what could be said "digitally". But her response back to me will linger in my mind as a lesson. I repeat it with apologies for not asking permission, butI know she will realize what a few words can teach. She said "And thank you also for your compassion -- to think we were strangers in January and teaching with technology has contributed to a caring relationship."

Well, of course -- it all boils down to how much we care about the patron. Can we put a face on the digital inquiry? Can we not get ruffled by the speed of technology, and slow down enough to really "hear" them? Can we switch from reading body language to picking up digital nuances? I believe we can! I think we can establish the same relationships "online" that we can in the library setting, especially with regular patrons or students in an academic setting. Perhaps it will take a few extra lines of typing -- asking them to update us on their success or inviting them back for more questions. The same reassurances are appropriate (no, they are not bothering us) and the same courtesies need to be offered (they do not know our shift is ending). We also need to not pass judgment on why they are not coming into the physical building. The bottom line is we need to reach out and extend the same hand we would in person, we need to have just as much patience online, and we need to work on expanding our own comfort zones.
This was a TA-DA Moment for me!
The things you can learn when you least expect it!

Please--post in the blog comment section your tips for good service in online reference -- or challenging experiences you may have run across.

DON'T LOSE THESE LINKS
Read: The Librarian is In and Online, Computers in Libraries 2003 @ http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/oct03/west.shtml to see "lessons learned".

PSYCHIATRIC HELP: FREE FOR STUDENTS (Accepted & Dispensed)
My funny moment came when a very challenging patron called me on the phone 5 minutes before closing this week. She has been restricted to 3 questions a day and they usually are questions that have many dead ends (celebrity phone #'s etc.). We do usually ask her to come in because we have a hard time undrstanding her on the phone. I felt my body tensing as I took the call,especially since she had asked for me by name. Her comment: "I thought I would just let you know it is too late for me to call today so I will have to call back tomorrow. I thought you might have missed me." Deep breath Sharon--time to check in at the free advice station for some meditation--or a good laugh!

Top 10 Reasons It's Scary Going To Library School

10.Drop Boxes
9. Group Projects
8. Information Overload
7. Midnight Discussion Posts
6. Print vs. Digital vs. Print vs. Digital
5. The "Invisible" Web
4. Job Candidate Requirements
3. Web 2.0 or "Today's Technology Became Extinct at 3 p.m."
2. Group Projects (yep again!)
1.Librarian-looking Shoes

Seriously, there are several fears I have as I make my way through school. Being judged as an "older" student, keeping up with work and classes, staying on top of technology. The fear of the "unanswerable" reference question looms large. And then there is the fear of jobhunting--hoping that you will find the perfect fit--for both the library and you! But the biggest fear I have is being sure I will always overcome personal traits or blips on my screen that don't jive with the role I am taking on as a representative of the ALA and a supporter of all aspects of intellectual freedom.

Do I have prejudices I need to overcome? Not really! But I am (and always will be) a Mom and I am sometimes an impatient person. Those two things are going to force me to evaluate every day my performance in my professional life.
"Not in loco parentis" is a phrase we are always familiar with -- and most of us agree that we cannot make parenting decisions for children in our library. We open up our stacks and in many cases our Internet so that we are not discriminating by age our sharing of information. We watch parents sign permission slips and drop off their charges -- and we stand on the professional side of being the librarian and not the parent. But how hard this is when the eight year old boy is surfing the online sex sites, or the 12 year old girl is hooking up with "young" men in chat rooms! Am I the only librarian-in-training that wants to shout "WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!" or do others struggle with this?

My second challenge is not prioritizing information requests. I work in a public library where many patrons are lonely, or homeless, or have minor to serious mental disorders. Ironically, some of the most unbalanced people have curiosities and intellects deeper than we can fathom. I work with a couple of professionals that show unflagging patience and utmost professionalism when answering such questions as "I need the personal phone number of the pope", or the inquiry about possible sales of million dollar houses by a man living on the streets. Each patron that walks through the door is shown the exact same professional courtesy and respect by these librarians, no matter how frustrating the circumstances. That is a lot to live up to, and a lot to think about!

Am I the only one losing sleep at night over things like this? Or are others finding the pursuit of an MLS a bit scary?

Don't Lose These Links
They might keep you grounded!

"Children & the Internet: Policies that Work." American Library Association. 2006.
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscpubs/childrentheinternetpoliciesthatwork/ChildrenInternetP

"Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks." American Library Association. 2006.
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/interpretations/accesselectronic.htm

"Office for Literacy and Outreach Services." American Library Association. 2006.
http://www.ala.org/ala/olos/aboutolos/AboutOLOS1.htm

http://freerangelibrarian.com/

Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month In Your Library!

Why?
According to the National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov , “13.2 percent of women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives.” Many of these women (and men) are our patrons. Some are young college girls who think it is too soon to think about their health. Some may be working women who forget to check things out. Some are our seniors. Many are the ones who will fall through the cracks because they do not go to regular doctor visits or have insurance coverage.

October is a good time to:

* Put up a colorful display of relevant, current materials.
* Post website links in computer cubicles.
* Use the anniversary of “health awareness” months to weed and evaluate your sections.
* Remember to look into young adult books, both medical and “support” focused.
* Remind your staff about the importance of their own health! Show your pink ribbons!

Make sure that displays are not just in the health section of your library! Try posting one amidst the romance novels or near the checkout. Include books for all audiences – family members, fact-checkers, those that need reassurance. Include handouts that can be picked up quickly. Check to see that displays depict all age groups and races in the promotional posters or materials.

Make a menu of clickable links and post in each cubicle of the online computers. Print it on bright pink paper to catch their eye. Not wordy—just large bold graphics of website addresses. (This is a great idea to do every month with rotating themes. They are sitting in the cubicles for hours—capture their attention with colorful bulletins that require little reading.)

Bring your community resources to your patrons. Let them know about local support groups, active health organizations, and state and federal programs that provide assistance and free mammograms. For example, Illinois’ Breast and Cancer Cervical Program @ www.cancerscreening.illinois.gov provides information on who is eligible for free screening and treatment. Other links provided will lead you to traveling mammogram programs and more. Invite one of these organizations to visit your library.

Encourage all staff to get on the band wagon!
Use your student enthusiasm to make a difference!!

Don't Lose These Links!
The American Cancer Society @ www.cancer.org
National Breast Cancer Foundation @ www.nationalbreastcancer.org
Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation @ www.komen.org
Y-Me National Breast Cancer Foundation @ www.y-me.org

"Cancer Made Me a Shallower Person: A Memoir in Comics"

http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Made-Me-Shallower-Person/dp/0060789735/sr=1-2/qid=1159888580/ref=pd_bbs_2/104-6761531-3016735?ie=UTF8&s=books

"Cancer Vixen"

http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Vixen-Marisa-Acocella-Marchetto/dp/0307263576/sr=1-1/qid=1159888580/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-6761531-3016735?ie=UTF8&s=books

"When Your Wife Has Breast Cancer: A Story of Love, Courage and Survival"

http://www.amazon.com/When-Your-Wife-Breast-Cancer/dp/1596873132/sr=8-6/qid=1159887994/ref=sr_1_6/104-6761531-3016735?ie=UTF8&s=books

Psychiatric Help: Free For Students(Accepted and Dispersed)
We learn over and over not to assume or comment—but as a reminder:
* Kids looking for health information may not be doing a school project.
* Men may not be looking for information about their wives; it may be themselves who have been diagnosed.
* Women may not be looking for facts;they may be looking for comfort.Find sources that offer both.
* Do not say:“I went through this”;“My mother has cancer”;“You will be fine.”If solace is being sought say"You will be in my thoughts."
* Keep a bookmark or flyer current with posted sites or references. This may be handy for the patron who is temporarily overwhelmed.
* Have patience. This patron may not be pleasant or talkative. Be a comforting place for them to return.

Ta - Da Moments in Library Science

It is hard to live in three worlds at once: in the conventional workplace, in the challenging life of a UW student, in the role of a wife and mom who used to have hobbies, interests, and a distinct nurturing side. This is a blog about survival in library school, and about looking beneath the surfaces of the standard lectures and homework assignments done in the classes. Like all dialogues written by people in their pajamas, this blog is a bit self-serving. I need a place to gather up the words of wisdom, notes, and website links that I know will be my "lifelines" in my new profession (or if I ever hit the game show circuit). I need to put voice to my questions and doubts that arise every day in this new world of privacy laws and intellectual freedom debates. And I need to share my (and share other's) TA-DA MOMENTS, some personal and some professional.

So, here you will find:
TA - DA MOMENTS
DON'T LOSE THESE LINKS
STUFF I LEARNED FROM MY INSTRUCTORS
PSYCHIATRIC HELP: FREE FOR STUDENTS (Accepted & Dispensed)


First, What is a Ta-Da Moment?
Loretta LaRoche http://www.lorettalaroche.com/, a humorist and stress management consultant, seemed to define it as a moment when the person who normally serves and provides for others takes notice of their own value, realizes the impact they are making, or maybe just celebrates the fact that they made it out of bed another day. She directs us to periodically wrap ourselves (figuratively or literally depending on your boldness) in a red velvet cape, place a large gold crown on our heads, and greet our people: "It's ME! Ta - Da!" I have shared this philosophy with the younger people in my life, and jumped for joy when they got it -- when they looked at me and asked, "Is this a Ta-Da moment?" Ta-Das can happen everyday if you let them -- sometimes amidst laughter, sometimes tears. As adult graduate students we need to acknowledge those moments no matter how insignificantly we may have previously judged them.
My Ta-Da Moment today is starting this blog as my reference project. A courageous leap of faith for a private person! What was your Ta- Da Moment this week? Did you take notice of anyone else's?